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Reopen Communications

May 21: Governor Baker’s COVID Announcement, BHCC Planning, and Vaccine Clinics

Governor Baker’s COVID Announcement and BHCC Planning
On May 19, President Eddinger shared a memo with faculty and staff on Governor Baker’s COVID announcement and its relation to the College reopen plans. View the letter from President Eddinger.
 
Vaccine Clinics in Chelsea and Charlestown
View the mass.gov website to view the many sites to receive vaccines around the Greater Boston area.
 
Walk-up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics in Chelsea
Friday, May 21 
  • Chelsea Senior Center (10 Riley Way) from 3 - 7 p.m.
  • La Colaborativa's Food Pantry (25 6th St.) from 4 - 8 pm. (La Colaborativa team will host a youth clinic with music and a raffle).
Saturday, May 22 
  • Chelsea Senior Center (10 Riley Way) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (We'll have the Copsicle-1 Chelsea PD Ice Cream Truck).
Sunday, May 23
  • Chelsea Senior Center (10 Riley Way) from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Highland Park (30 Willow Street) from 2 - 7 p.m. (People who get vaccinated will receive one item of their preference: empanada, pupusa, or taco, and a soda)

Once you get the first shot, you'll get an appointment for the second dose. Important information - If a parent or guardian is not present, the minor must bring a signed consent form and screening form on the day of their vaccination. 

There are other languages available at https://www.mass.gov/lists/ma-consent-forms-for-people-under-18-years-of-age
 
Hard copies of the forms are also available at Chelsea City Hall during business hours (Monday and Wednesday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Tuesday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Friday 9 - 11 a.m.). 
 
For Chelsea Residents (ages 18+), the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be administered at the clinics listed below. 
Saturday, May 22
  • Fitzpatrick/Prattville Apartments (51 Exeter Street), 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday, May 23
  • Mace Apartments (449 Crescent Ave), 12 – 5 p.m.
Questions? Call 857-210-7677. 
 
BHCC to Hold On-campus Vaccine Clinic
A vaccine clinic will be available to all faculty, staff, and students on the BHCC Charlestown campus on June 2, from 3-7 p.m. There will be an additional clinic on June 23 from 3-7 p.m. to receive a second shot. Stay tuned for the link to sign up.

May 18: Positive COVID-19 Test Results of an Individual on the Charlestown campus

An individual has reported a positive COVID-19 test result to the College and was last on the Charlestown campus on Wednesday, May 13. This person is at home and recovering, following state and College guidelines for isolation.
 
Anyone that had contact with this individual has been contacted and advised to follow the protocol of self-quarantine until cleared. The College is following the guidelines established by Project Reopen in compliance with state mandates. We have contacted the MA Department of Public Health and have activated the contact tracing protocol.
 
As per state requirements, cleaning of exposed area will be completed.
 
Thank you for your attention.

May 13: Positive COVID-19 Test Results of an Individual on the Charlestown campus

An individual has reported a positive COVID-19 test result to the College and was last on the Charlestown campus on Wednesday, May 12. This person is at home and recovering, following state and College guidelines for isolation.

Anyone that had contact with this individual has been contacted and advised to follow the protocol of self-quarantine until cleared. The College is following the guidelines established by Project Reopen in compliance with state mandates. We have contacted the MA Department of Public Health and have activated the contact tracing protocol.

As per state requirements, cleaning of exposed area will be completed.

Thank you for your attention.

April 19: Positive COVID-19 Test Results of an Individual on the Charlestown campus

An individual has reported a positive COVID-19 test result to the College and was last on the Charlestown campus on Thursday, April 15. This person is at home and recovering, following state and College guidelines for isolation.

Anyone that had contact with this individual has been contacted and advised to follow the protocol of self-quarantine until cleared. The College is following the guidelines established by Project Reopen in compliance with state mandates. We have contacted the MA Department of Public Health and have activated the contact tracing protocol.

As per state requirements, cleaning of exposed area will be completed.

Thank you for your attention.

February 25: Positive COVID-19 Test Results of an Individual on the Chelsea campus

An individual has reported a positive COVID-19 test result to the College and was last on the Chelsea campus on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. This person is at home and recovering, following state and College guidelines for isolation.

Anyone that had contact with this individual has been contacted and advised to follow the protocol of self-quarantine until cleared. The College is following the guidelines established by Project Reopen in compliance with state mandates. We have contacted the MA Department of Public Health and have activated the contact tracing protocol.

As per state requirements, cleaning of the exposed area has been completed.

Thank you for your attention.

December 22: BHCC to Begin ALL Spring Semester Classes Remotely

Dear Students,

We have planned for the spring semester to be primarily remote. Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Boston and throughout the state, any on-campus class component will be delayed until March. The classes that would be on-campus will still begin the week of  January 25 as remote/virtual. 

What does this mean for you?
There is no change for all remote classes, and these will still begin at the scheduled dates/times. 

  • We continue to offer various flexible instructional modes, including synchronous (specific day/time) and asynchronous (learning on your own schedule).
  • There is still time to register for the online three-week winter session and the spring semester. 
    The Winter Online session begins on January 4.
  • All remote Spring 2021 semester classes begin as scheduled during the week of January 25. This includes scheduled on-campus labs and classes which will all start remotely.

If you are scheduled to take a class on-campus such as a science lab, culinary, or health class then the on-campus class component will be delayed until after spring break on March 22, or otherwise noted below. All classes will continue to meet remotely at the start of the semester.

  • Culinary Labs on-campus classes will begin when Mini II classes start, the week of March 28.
  • Allied Health, Nursing Labs, and Medical Laboratory Technician on-campus classes will be delayed with on-campus start dates to be determined. These on-campus classes will be scheduled to enable health program students to prepare for clinical placements.  Details will be shared with students in these classes shortly. 

If you are coming to campus, plan to get your flu shot. Massachusetts State requirements require all college students who attend any classes or activities on campus, even once, to be vaccinated by December 31.

We are here to assist you virtually with your registration, advising, and other help needed. Visit the Virtual Campus or Connect with us via Chat, Email, and Phone. 

Thank you for making BHCC part of your educational journey. We wish you a safe, healthy, and peaceful holiday season.

Pam Eddinger, President
Jim Canniff, Provost and Vice President
John Pitcher, CFO and Vice President

 

December 22: BHCC to Begin ALL Spring Semester Classes Remotely and Change in Campus Operations

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As mentioned in last week’s Provost Update, there are changes to the Spring21 classes and campus operations. This is due to the recent surge in the Commonwealth’s and Boston’s COVID-19 cases; there have been changes in the phases and associated impacts on BHCC and other area higher education institutions. 

The College will continue to serve our students remotely and deliver remote and online instruction. A similar email was sent out to all students simultaneously and is archived in the Reopen Communications webpage.

Teaching and Learning:

  • We continue to offer various flexible instructional modes, including synchronous (specific day/time) and asynchronous (learning on one’s schedule). 
  • Winter Online Session begins on January 4.
  • Spring21 classes start on January 25 in virtual mode only. Any scheduled on-campus instruction will be delayed as noted:
    • SEM Labs scheduled for an on-campus component will be delayed until March 22 after Spring Break.
    • Culinary Labs on campus will begin when Mini II classes start on March 28.
    • Allied Health and Nursing Labs will be delayed and details are being addressed (as much as possible, after Spring Break).
    • The Assessment Center will provide virtual assessments.

Campus Operations:

  • Beginning in January, a limited number of pre-authorized personnel in Facilities, IT, and Campus Police are permitted on the Charlestown and Chelsea campuses to provide systems maintenance and continuity of services. If you have questions about your access to campus, please contact your supervisor. 
  • In March, students will be allowed on campus for scheduled classes as noted with most after the March Spring Break.  No other students will be allowed to enter.
  • There will be no staffing of the Welcome Desk in the B-Lobby.
  • DISH Food Pantry will mail food cards and fulfill food orders by delivery ONLY when possible.

We wish you a safe, healthy and peaceful holiday season.

Pam Eddinger, President
James Canniff, Provost/VP Academic and Student Affairs
John Pitcher, CFO/VP Administrative and Finance

 

December 22: BHCC to Begin ALL Spring Semester Classes Remotely

Dear Students,

We have planned for the spring semester to be primarily remote. Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Boston and throughout the state, any on-campus class component will be delayed until March. The classes that would be on-campus will still begin the week of  January 25 as remote/virtual. 

What does this mean for you?
There is no change for all remote classes, and these will still begin at the scheduled dates/times. 

  • We continue to offer , including synchronous (specific day/time) and asynchronous (learning on your own schedule).
  • There is still time to register for the and the . 
    The Winter Online session begins on January 4.
  • All remote Spring 2021 semester classes begin as scheduled during the week of January 25. This includes scheduled on-campus labs and classes which will all start remotely.

If you are scheduled to take a class on-campus such as a science lab, culinary, or health class then the on-campus class component will be delayed until after spring break on March 22, or otherwise noted below. All classes will continue to meet remotely at the start of the semester.

  • Culinary Labs on-campus classes will begin when Mini II classes start, the week of March 28.
  • Allied Health, Nursing Labs, and Medical Laboratory Technician on-campus classes will be delayed with on-campus start dates to be determined. These on-campus classes will be scheduled to enable health program students to prepare for clinical placements.  Details will be shared with students in these classes shortly. 

If you are coming to campus, plan to get your flu shot. Massachusetts State requirements require all college students who attend any classes or activities on campus, even once, to be vaccinated by December 31.

We are here to assist you virtually with your registration, advising, and other help needed. Visit the or . 

Thank you for making BHCC part of your educational journey. We wish you a safe, healthy, and peaceful holiday season.

Pam Eddinger, President
Jim Canniff, Provost and Vice President
John Pitcher, CFO and Vice President

 

December 22: BHCC to Begin ALL Spring Semester Classes Remotely and Change in Campus Operations

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As mentioned in last week’s , there are changes to the Spring21 classes and campus operations. This is due to the recent surge in the Commonwealth’s and Boston’s COVID-19 cases; there have been changes in the phases and associated impacts on BHCC and other area higher education institutions. 

The College will continue to serve our students remotely and deliver remote and online instruction. A similar email was sent out to all students simultaneously and is archived in the webpage.

Teaching and Learning:

  • We continue to offer various , including synchronous (specific day/time) and asynchronous (learning on one’s schedule). 
  • Winter Online Session begins on January 4.
  • Spring21 classes start on January 25 in virtual mode only. Any scheduled on-campus instruction will be delayed as noted:
    • SEM Labs and any Music classes scheduled for an on-campus component will be delayed until March 22 after Spring Break.
    • Culinary Labs on campus will begin when Mini II classes start on March 28.
    • Allied Health and Nursing Labs will be delayed and details are being addressed (as much as possible, after Spring Break).
    • The Assessment Center will provide virtual assessments.

Campus Operations:

  • Beginning in January, a limited number of pre-authorized personnel in Facilities, IT, and Campus Police are permitted on the Charlestown and Chelsea campuses to provide systems maintenance and continuity of services. If you have questions about your access to campus, please contact your supervisor. 
  • In March, students will be allowed on campus for scheduled classes as noted with most after the March Spring Break.  No other students will be allowed to enter.
  • There will be no staffing of the Welcome Desk in the B-Lobby.
  • DISH Food Pantry will mail food cards and fulfill food orders by delivery ONLY when possible.

We wish you a safe, healthy and peaceful holiday season.

Pam Eddinger, President
James Canniff, Provost/VP Academic and Student Affairs
John Pitcher, CFO/VP Administrative and Finance

 

November 30: Positive COVID-19 Test Results of an Individual on the Chelsea campus

An individual has reported a positive COVID-19 test result to the College and was last on the Chelsea campus on Monday, November 23, 2020. This person is at home and recovering, following state and College guidelines for isolation.

Anyone that had contact with this individual has been contacted and advised to follow the protocol of self-quarantine until cleared. The College is following the guidelines established by Project Reopen in compliance with state mandates. We have contacted the MA Department of Public Health and have activated the contact tracing protocol.

As per state requirements, cleaning of the exposed area has been completed.

Thank you for your attention.

 

November 9: Positive COVID-19 Test Results of an Individual on the Charlestown campus

Today, an individual has reported a positive COVID-19 test result to the College and was last on the Charlestown campus on Monday, November 2, 2020. The individual was not in a classroom or in a common area at the College.  This person is at home and recovering, following state and College guidelines for isolation.

The College is following the guidelines established by Project Reopen in compliance with state mandates. We have contacted the MA Department of Public Health and have activated the contact tracing protocol.

As per state requirements, cleaning of the exposed area has been completed.

Thank you for your attention.

September 17: COVID-19 Testing on BHCC Campus beginning September 22

Dear BHCC Faculty,

Beginning September 22, 2020, BHCC will be conducting a COVID-19 testing program to sample students, staff, and faculty who are on campus this fall.  The testing program will help to monitor the campus for the presence of the COVID-19 virus.  The students that are on campus this semester also received this email.

  • Testing is free, and for people who are not symptomatic.
  • Participants will be selected at random from students, faculty and staff who are working and attending class on campus this fall.  
  • If you are selected, you will receive an email, and you can choose to decline if you wish.
  • Testing will be done on campus once per week by the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC). 
  • EBNHC will be on the Charlestown campus on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. to conduct the testing. At least two dates at the Chelsea campus will be scheduled. 
  • Results are sent directly to testing participants via the EBNHC online notification system if the result is negative, and by phone, if positive.
  • Those who choose to participate will need to consent to share results with the BHCC Dean of Student Affairs (for students) or Human Resources (for faculty/staff). The results of your test will remain confidential.
  • Students, faculty and staff who are fully remote in fall are not eligible to participate in this program.

If you test positive for COVID-19, BHCC will assist you in identifying community resources.  If you are a student, we will also work with you to create a plan to meet your academic requirements.   

Any students, faculty and staff may also choose to obtain a test on their own from one of the state’s free testing sites listed here at https://www.mass.gov/doc/ma-covid-19-testing-sites/download.  

If you obtain a test at a free testing site or through your physician, we ask that you share your results with the College, by contacting the office listed below.  

Any questions on the testing plan can be directed to reopen@bhcc.edu. 

Thank you,

The BHCC Reopen Team

September 14: Positive COVID-19 Test Results of an Individual on the Charlestown campus

Today, an individual has reported a positive COVID-19 test result to the College and was last on the Charlestown campus on Thursday, September 10, 2020. The individual is at home and recovering, following state and College guidelines for isolation.

Anyone that had contact with this individual has been contacted and following the protocol of self-quarantine until cleared. The College is following the guidelines established by Project Reopen in compliance with state mandates. We have contacted the MA Department of Public Health and have activated the contact tracing protocol.

As per state requirements, cleaning of the exposed area will be completed by this evening.

Thank you for your attention.

September 7: Positive COVID-19 Test Results of Staff Member

A staff member has reported a positive COVID-19 test result to the College. The staff member was on the Chelsea campus on Friday, September 4, 2020 and had brief interaction with a few people on the Charlestown campus who are following the protocol of self-quarantine until cleared. The staff member is at home and recovering, following state and College guidelines for isolation. 

The College is following the guidelines established by Project Reopen in compliance with state mandates. We have contacted the MA Department of Public Health and have activated the contact tracing protocol. As per state requirements, cleaning of exposed area will be completed before Tuesday morning.

Thank you for your attention.

September 4: Reopen Update

Hello BHCC Faculty:

We welcome you back to the BHCC campus for the Fall 2020 semester. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College is open on a very limited basis. We ask that if you are teaching a class on campus, you go directly to your class, and then leave the building when your class is over.  

Important information to be aware of:

Before you come to Campus for the First Time

Before September 8, 2020, you must complete this short training video that reviews required safety protocols in order to attend class.

https://bunkerhillcc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_72SNj4HKsfSc1w1

Travel Order

Based on State regulations, you may need to quarantine or produce a negative test if you have traveled out of state recently.

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?BunkerHillCC&layout_id=21 

Required Daily Check-In

If you need to make a short visit to campus, permission is needed from your supervisor or Dean along with watching a required training video (one time only). You will receive the check-in link from your supervisor to complete the check-in form up to two hours before your visit to campus.

Check your symptoms.

If you are sick, stay at home. Please report any COVID-19 symptoms or COVID-19 test results.

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?BunkerHillCC&layout_id=19

Face Covering

Bring your own face covering. Face coverings are required at all times while on campus.

Other important information for your return:

  • We have done a deep cleaning throughout the campus and will continue to follow best practices. Please follow COVID-19 recommendations for handwashing and social distancing while on campus.
  • The College has supplies for hand sanitizing and disinfecting your classroom. Please wash/sanitize your hands multiple times throughout the day, and wipe down high touch areas at the start and end of each class. Do not bring or use your own supplies for this, only use supplies issued by the College.
  • Please follow signage for navigating the hallways and stairways, and indicating the maximum number of people allowed in elevators.
  • Please abide by the signage in restrooms for occupancy and social distancing.
  • The dining areas and café are all closed, and there is no food service. Most of the vending machines are empty, and there is no access to water fountains and bottle filling stations. If you need coffee, water, or snack while on campus, be sure to bring it with you.
  • If you are teaching multiple sections, you will need to bring your lunch. Break rooms and lounge areas are closed. You will not be able to store your lunch in the refrigerator or heat it in a microwave. You can eat your lunch in your office, or sit outside or go off campus to have a meal.

Thank you for helping to keep our campus safe! 

Jim

September 2: Reopen Update

Hello BHCC Faculty and Staff,

We have simplified the approval process to come to campus. We are aware that some of you who have tried to request approval for a campus visit have had difficulties with the Qualtrics pre-authorization form and approval process. We apologize for these problems and have been trying to fix them.

At this point, however, with a week remaining before the semester starts, we will no longer require people to use this Qualtrics pre-authorization process.  If you want to make a one-time visit to campus, please send an email to your supervisor with that request, stating the date and time of your visit.  Do not send or forward these requests to Campus Police.

For supervisors who are deans or executive directors, you have been issued the check-in link. (Please send an email to reopen@bhcc.edu if you need this link again.)  If you approve a request for a campus visit, please send the check-in link to faculty/staff making the request.  For other supervisors, please forward any approvals to your dean or executive director for them to issue the check-in link.  Visitors will need to use that link on the day of their visit, to generate a “flash pass” to show at the front desk.  (The check-in link has not had the technical difficulties that have been occurring with the pre-authorization form.) 

If your request for a visit has already been approved and you have received the check-in link, you may use that on the date of your approved visit. 

The original email regarding the process is below. Step I has been revised to reflect the REVISED process.  Please note that Steps II and III still apply.

  1. Process to come to campus for faculty and staff
  2. Required training before coming to campus and guidelines while on campus
  3. New Travel Restrictions by the Governor and what that means for BHCC

We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconveniences.  Any questions, please direct them to the reopen team at reopen@bhcc.edu.

Best,

The Reopen Team

August 13: Reopen Update: Process to Come to Campus and New Travel Restrictions

Dear Colleagues,

We hope you have been safe and well this summer.  You will be receiving a series of emails on our preparations for starting limited on-campus classes and services in the fall.  These will also be posted on the Reopen section of our website.

We will be as clear and specific as we can, but please know that we are guided by state and municipal guidelines that are responding to a changing environment. There may be adjustments and changes, and sometimes these may be unexpected and in a short timeframe. We appreciate your patience and flexibility.

Here are the most recent updates you need to be aware of:

I.     Process to come to campus for faculty and staff

II.    Required training before coming to campus and guidelines while on campus

III.   New Travel Restrictions by the Governor and what that means for BHCC

Please see the details of each below.

I. Process to come to campus for faculty and staff

Obtaining permission to come to campus.

Effective immediately,  faculty and staff may request to come to campus on a specific date and time in August or the first week of September.  These should be brief visits for the purpose of setting up your office or workspace and reclaiming belongings from a locker or desk.  You may also conduct a trial run on a commuting mode or route.  Since we need to maintain a population density of 25% or less on campus at all times, these visits need to be scheduled and approved by your supervisor even if it’s only for a few minutes.  

Steps to come to campus

1. Complete the One Time/Single Pre-Authorization for BHCC Campus Visit form at least two days prior to your requested visit. 

2. Your supervisor will receive this request and if approved, you will be sent a link to complete the check-in form on the day of the visit. Do not share your check-in link with anyone. 

It is important for the College to have a record of everyone who is on campus for contact tracing purposes.  You will be individually approved for campus entry and again, please do not share your check-in link with anyone.  Supervisors are asked to ensure that staff who have work stations near each other do not come in on the same day.  Supervisors may need to coordinate with other supervisor colleagues to ensure that cross-functional workspaces comply with social distancing guidelines in scheduling. 

II. Required training before coming to campus and guidelines while on campus

Before your visit to campus

State reopen guidelines require anyone coming to campus to receive training “regarding the importance of social distancing, face covering, hand-washing, symptom monitoring, testing, isolation, and quarantine.”  Training videos and materials on all these issues are posted on the Coronavirus page on the Faculty and Staff Intranet and also accessible via this link: https://bunkerhillcc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_72SNj4HKsfSc1w1.  You need to take this training via the link so that you are in compliance.

When on campus

  • You will need to check-in and show your flash-pass upon entry. (You would have received this after you completed the one-time check-in link)
  • Face coverings are required as well as maintaining a six-foot distance. (Make sure you certify that you watched the training videos. A record is maintained by Human Resources)
  • Follow the signs to navigate your way through campus safely.

DO NOT come to campus if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness. 

  • See the symptom checklist for COVID-19
  • If you have symptoms, you must notify the College by completing the symptom self-report form (another form is used for students to self-report or for you to report for a student)

III. New Travel Restrictions by the Governor and what that means for BHCC

Under the recent Governor Baker’s order, all travelers entering Massachusetts from abroad or out-of-state, including returning residents, are required to:

  • Complete the Massachusetts Travel Form prior to arrival.
  • Quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to your arrival in Massachusetts. If COVID-19 test results have not been received prior to arrival, visitors and residents must quarantine until they receive a negative test result.  Failure to comply may result in a $500 fine per day.

There are a number of New England states that are exempt from this order. if you are returning from one of these, you are currently exempt from this order.  Please check this list if you are traveling, it is subject to change. If you are impacted by the travel order, you must notify the College and send a notification to reopen@bhcc.edu.  College staff will follow up with you regarding the measures you will need to follow.

Please check the BHCC reopen web pages for the latest information and updates.  Look for more updates from the Reopen team by email and in the weekly BHCC Updates.  Please send any questions to reopen@bhcc.edu.

We greatly appreciate everyone’s efforts to observe safety guidelines and keep our campus safe.

Sincerely,

Pam Eddinger,  President

James Canniff, Provost/VP Academics and Student Services

John Pitcher, CFO/VP Administrative Services

The Project Reopen Team

August 12: Positive COVID-19 Test Results of Staff Member

A staff member on the Charlestown campus has reported a positive COVID-19 test result to the College. The staff member was last on campus on Thursday, August 6, 2020, and is at home and recovering, following state and College guidelines for isolation. 

The College is following the guidelines established by Project Reopen in compliance with state mandates. We have contacted the MA Department of Public Health and have activated the contact tracing protocol. As per state requirements, the employee’s work area has been deep cleaned and disinfected. Additional deep cleaning is being performed on campus over the weekend.

Thank you for your attention.