COVID-19 Coronavirus

If you are a Columbus State employee, and you need to come to campus for any reason, these protocols apply. 

There is a need for vendors to be on campus, and we’re working closely with our vendors to make sure their employees are following our protocols whenever possible. In some cases, the nature of the vendor’s work makes it unsafe for facial coverings to be worn, and exemptions may apply.

More students than ever will need additional resources and support to be successful. Our Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) partners with faculty and staff in navigating student behaviors beyond the typical matters of classroom management, so that you can focus on providing world-class education. Team members include representatives from Student Conduct, Counseling Services, Disability Services, Victim Advocacy, Equity and Compliance, the Police Department, and Human Resources. If you have general concerns about behavior that indicates a need for resources and support, please complete an informational report online or contact us for a consultation as soon as possible. Learn more on Cornerstone through our “Engaging the Behavioral Intervention Team” training video.

Even with our best efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, our community will experience illness. If a student informs you that they've tested positive, first ask how they're doing, show concern for their well-being, and make sure they have the support they need to continue their coursework.

As soon as possible, complete the Student Request for Health Support form which will route to the Behavioral Intervention Team for followup and next steps.

Our Office of Professional Development has created a training opportunity on presentation science for teachers, professors and other trainers. The training was created by Dr. Will Thalheimer, a respected researcher in the field of organizational training and development and a popular research-to-practice author and speaker. He is offering his course, Presentation Science, free to educators during the COVID-19 pandemic so educators can learn strategies to improve online instruction. Through the lens of “presentations,” Dr. Thalheimer covers essential evidence-informed strategies that help make learning stick and transfer to practice.

To participate, first sign up for the course at WorkLearning.com, and then join in discussion with fellow College employees by logging in to the College’s Teams environment. Search for and join the team “Presentation Science Course.”

The College remains open and operational, but for Autumn Semester 2020, most buildings are locked, with limited exceptions of those hosting in-person instruction. Check with your supervisor if you have questions about how to receive permission to report to College property. 

It is appropriate to ask how they are feeling and encourage them to head home immediately if they are showing signs of being sick. However, we should not stigmatize people who are sick or assume anyone who coughs or sneezes has COVID-19.

At this time the College is redirecting efforts to concentrate on our restrooms and common touch points in our high-traffic areas. In addition, disinfectant wipes will be distributed throughout buildings so that employees may assist in keeping their immediate spaces clean and disinfected. Furthermore, Facilities is actively working to ensure the supplies within the restrooms, such as paper towels, are being restocked. However, should you become aware of a dispenser being empty, please contact Facilities immediately at 614-287-5444.

Yes, during a pandemic situation, an employer is permitted to send employees home if they are exhibiting symptoms.

Your supervisor has received guidance from Human Recourses on the best way to accommodate and manage employees who telework (work from home) on a temporary basis. During the COVID-19 event, employees should work with their supervisors to determine next steps. Your supervisor has the most recent information to work appropriately with Human Resources.

Your supervisor has received guidance from Human Resources on how best to accommodate and manage teleworking. Staff who are well are expected to work as usual, just from home.

Employees should work with their supervisors to determine operational needs and if they can be met remotely, if job duties permit it. Also check with your supervisor about resources you need.

Hourly employees may work from home if it's approved by their supervisor. However, employees will need to appropriately document their hours worked and are not permitted to work overtime without prior approval from their supervisor. Managers are encouraged to work with their HR partners to address specific questions.

Social distancing is a way to reduce exposure, slow the spread, and minimize transmission of contagious diseases. Use video and teleconferencing tools like Microsoft Teams instead of holding in-person meetings when possible. Try to maintain at least a 6-foot distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Avoid shaking hands and close physical contact with anyone displaying symptoms.

Our IT experts will help you learn about tools for collaboration, file storage, remote calling, chat, and other work-related tasks. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the IT Support Center at extension 5050 or email helpdesk@cscc.edu.

The College recognizes the anxiety and emotional strain that these circumstances may place on all of us. Remember that Columbus State’s employee health plans offer comprehensive coverage for both physical and mental health care. If an employee would like to speak with a counselor or a mental health professional, contact Matrix, Columbus State’s Employee Assistance Program: 614-475-9500; www.matrixpsych.com. The College also supports and encourages self-care during these stressful times. Remember that sleep and exercise promote immune system capacity.

Well-Being Resources

Business travel has been temporarily suspended.

If you have pending travel and have not already done so, please cancel hotel and flight reservations, and/or conference registration. If you used a personal credit card and the airline or conference refuses to issue a refund or credit, please complete a Travel Expense form to request a reimbursement. Note that if you receive a credit or refund for an airline ticket or conference fees prepaid by the College, the credit or refund must be utilized for future college travel and cannot be used for personal travel.

If the Travel Office coordinated your flight or hotel reservation and/or conference registration, the Travel Office is available to assist you with the cancellation/refund process. Please contact the Travel Office at travel@cscc.edu for assistance. If you have questions, please contact Darrin Albaugh or Tracy Thornton in the Travel office.