COVID-19 Updates

Dear Students,

I write in the hopes that you and your families are managing under these difficult circumstances and to provide a brief update. You are probably wondering what will happen this Fall semester at Great Bay Community College. Rather than wait to see what the Summer brings relative to COVID-19, we are making the decision now to have a large portion of learning be remote this Fall. There will be a small number of courses held on campus where we believe it is both imperative and feasible to do so. More specific information regarding your Fall coursework is forthcoming as you will be receiving an email from the College Registrar in the coming weeks.

While more details are to come, academic and student support services will continue to be provided remotely.  We have already been providing many services to ensure that students have the necessary support. For instance, you can meet with an advisor to register for fall classes using Zoom or phone appointments (contact greatbayadvising@ccsnh.edu). Tutoring is also available remotely, as well as other services provided by the Center for Academic Planning and Support (greatbaycaps@ccsnh.edu). We will have a full list of how to access everything you need forthcoming.

We realize that this may come as a disappointment as we, too, would like to be back on campus. We are diligently planning for when we can fully return. For those who do have on campus courses scheduled for fall, rest assured we are taking the necessary precautions  so we can ensure the safest learning environment possible. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Tina A. Favara, M.Ed.

Vice President of Student Success & Enrollment Management

Great Bay Community College

320 Corporate Drive
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone: 603-427- 7631

Email:  tfavara@ccsnh.edu   

Dear Students – I write in the hopes that you and your families are managing under these difficult circumstances and to provide some important updates.

Registration: Registration for Summer and Fall courses will open this Monday April 6, 2020. Please register early to ensure that you get the schedule that best fits your needs. Please contact your advisor or the Advising and Transfer Center at greatbayadvising@ccsnh.edu or 603-731-5208. The great news about summer is that all courses will be either online or Zoom and tuition for all summer courses will be at the in-state tuition rate!

• Tuition: For courses originally on campus this semester (Spring 2020), we will be retaining the existing tuition rates even as those courses have migrated to a remote learning environment. GBCC is committed to ensuring the course outcomes are met in the online classroom and offer the same academic experience in a distance modality.
• Financial Holds: Students who are continuing to work with the GBCC Business Office due to an outstanding balance for Spring, will still be allowed to register for summer and fall.
• Payment Flexibility:
  • Existing Payment Plans: The business office will work with students experiencing financial difficulties due to a job loss or other impacts from COVID-19, on a case by case basis.
  • New Payment Plans: The cost of the Payment Plan Enrollment Fee of $30 per semester will absorbed by the College for Summer Courses.
•  Financial Aid: Most students are eligible for some form of financial aid and we encourage all students to apply for aid, even if you think you may not be eligible. It is not too late to apply for Financial Aid for the Spring term and students should proactively apply for aid for the 2020-2021 Academic Year.

GBCC understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected students and families’ incomes with reductions and job losses. We will be diligently working with ALL students to determine best options for them during these challenging times. As we make these decisions, we encourage you to share your family’s experience and communicate any special circumstances impacting your ability to contribute to your education to the Financial Aid Office, so that we can ensure that you’re getting the assistance that you need to be successful. If you struggling to meet the basic needs of yourself and your family, please reach out to Allyson Grochmal, Director of Student Life agrochmal@ccsnh.edu as we may be able to help you directly or through community resources and referrals.

Our GBCC community and the world are facing an unprecedented time, and we greatly appreciate your understanding and flexibility as the situation continually changes. We know your plans have been altered and have come with some difficulty and unforeseen challenges.

Tina A. Favara, M.Ed.

Vice President of Student Success & Enrollment Management

Great Bay Community College

Campus Resources:

Admissions – gbadmissions@ccsnh.edu

Academic Advising – greatbayadvising@ccsnh.edu

Financial Aid – GBFINAID@ccsnh.edu

CAPS – greatbaycaps@ccsnh.edu

All other questions – askgreatbay@ccsnh.edu

The Governor announced today that he was implementing a “Stay at Home” advisory to all New Hampshire residents. Great Bay Community College is already in full compliance and will continue its remote operation through the remainder of the semester. Students and faculty will complete their academic work remotely, and staff will continue to work remotely until at least May 4, or until such time as the Governor determines that more normal operations can resume. Meanwhile, even though we are fully operational, the campus will remain closed to the public, and to students and staff.

Cathryn Addy, Ph.D.
Interim President
Great Bay Community College

To Great Bay Students:

Please remember that ALL classes until the end of the semester will be delivered remotely/online. In addition, services that you are used to finding on campus will ALSO be remote/online because we at Great Bay believe that this will be the best alternative we have as we work with you on successfully completing this spring semester and preparing for what might lie ahead. Specifically:

• You should be in constant contact with your instructor(s) to make sure that you are connected to the class(es) you are taking. You should also be in touch with your academic advisor just to make sure you are getting all of the information you need.
• Please do not come to campus. The college is fully operational, but the campus itself remains open only to a very few employees.
• Anything you would have accessed on campus you will be able to access online. Check the web site for email addresses of the office or person you wish to contact.
• Registration for fall semester has been postponed until April 6.
• The bookstore’s physical location is going to be closed while the campus is unavailable. If you need to purchase books you may do so online. The bookstore has extended free shipping to all students.
• The gym and fitness center are also not available, and the Green Bean has suspended operations.
• No decisions have been made yet about Commencement ceremonies that are currently scheduled for May 16. We will inform you as soon as we have a definite plan.

Thank you so much for taking the time you need to understand the current circumstances in which we find ourselves. This is not easy for any of us! We are genuinely concerned first for your health and safety but also for your academic progress and will do our best to help you achieve your goals. It seems that circumstances change on a daily basis, but we will keep you informed with the latest and most accurate information that we have. Thank you for being a Great Bay student!

Cathryn Addy, Ph.D.
Interim President
Great Bay Community College

To allow students to adjust to any changes they may be experiencing as a result of COVID-19, Registration for Summer and Fall courses will now open on Monday April 6, 2020. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Advising and Transfer Center at greatbayadvising@ccsnh.edu.

Thank you,

Deanna Deanna Friedman, MS
Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
Great Bay Community College
dfriedman@ccsnh.edu

To all students:

As we continue to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, a decision has been made to convert all instruction to an on line/remote format for the remainder of the spring semester. While most classes will be offered via Canvas, individual instructors may have additional methods they wish to use. Therefore, it is imperative that you read all emails, RAVE messages, and posts on the web site from the College but especially from your instructors so that you know what is expected of you.

Not only will all courses be offered remotely, College services will also be offered remotely. Advising and registration for next fall will be able to be done on line, for example. The IT help desk will be available remotely as well. There will be no need to come to campus as access is closed to the public and very limited for everyone but essential personnel.

We are not certain at this time how long we will need to remain in this “remote” mode and all of us prefer to interact in person. However, the safety and health of the Great Bay community is more important right now, which is why we must get used to this new way of interacting with each other. Thank you for your attention and your support in this unusual situation we are in right now. Let’s do our best to be patient with each other and remain committed to a less stressful future!

Cathryn Addy, Ph.D.,
Interim President

COVID-19 Update

The health and safety of each and every Great Bay community member is our highest priority. Great Bay continues to monitor this rapidly evolving situation and we would like to communicate some important information regarding campus operations during Spring Break. 

The staff and faculty at Great Bay will utilize Spring Break, March 16 -20, to prepare for Remote Teaching and Learning and the possibility for remote operations. While staff and faculty will report to work as normally scheduled, students should refrain from coming to campus during Spring Break. Access to the Portsmouth Campus will be limited to the main entrance. 

As Great Bay prepares for a possible scenarios involving COVID-19 in our communities and on our campus, it is essential that everyone stays informed. We will continue to provide GBCC COVID-19 information online, via email, GBCC Alerts and other forms of communication as it develops and changes.

On behalf of the college administration, faculty, and staff, thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation. Your wellness is paramount, and we continue work together to keep our campus safe. We hope that you all enjoy your break and take care to remain safe and healthy.

Best,
Tina

Tina A. Favara, M.Ed.
Vice President of Student Success & Enrollment Management
Great Bay Community College
320 Corporate Drive
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone: 603-427- 7631
Email:  tfavara@ccsnh.edu 

As the New Hampshire community colleges prepare for possible scenarios involving COVID-19 in our communities and on our campuses, it is essential that everyone stays informed. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we will continue to provide information as it develops and changes. Please check back regularly for updates.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

We are still learning about how the COVID-19 affects people. Symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Symptoms of people with confirmed COVID-19 infections have primarily included:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath

What precautions can I take to protect myself from COVID-19

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid shaking hands as a greeting.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Where can I get reliable information and updates about COVID-19?

GBCC encourages you to stay up-to-date on developments by seeking information through credible sources such as:

• NH Department of Health and Human Services https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm 
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

How are New Hampshire’s community colleges monitoring COVID-19?

The New Hampshire Community College System (CCSNH), and the leadership of each of the seven community colleges, are closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak using resources, guidance, and updates provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the NH Department of Health and Human Services, and other credible sources.

Is GBCC aware of any students, faculty or staff who have been diagnosed with COVID-19?

As of March 12, 2020, GBCC is not aware of any community college students, faculty or staff who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

How is GBCC reducing the risk of exposure?

• GBCC is increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfection of public spaces, instructional equipment, and classrooms, and labs, has issued guidance on travel over spring breaks. (See information about travel below.)
• GBCC has placed alcohol-based hand sanitizers throughout campus for your convenience.
• The Senior Leadership Team at GBCC is preparing for possible scenarios involving COVID-19 on our campuses and are working to reduce risk of exposure by encouraging those who may be sick with colds, the flu, and other respiratory illnesses to remain at home.

How is GBCC planning for a possible disruption in instruction and college activities?

GBCC is working on a broad range of strategies to address any substantial interruptions in our academic programs and college activities that might result from the spread of COVID-19. This includes faculty updating each Canvas course to provide for the possibility of remote instruction should that become necessary.  As specific plans and strategies become necessary, they will be communicated to students, faculty, and staff.

What if I become sick or suspect I am infected with the COVID-19 virus?

• Call ahead before visiting your doctor: If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have symptoms or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
• Stay home except to get medical care
• As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
• Wear a facemask when you are around other people.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Clean your hands often.
• Avoid sharing dishes, cups, eating utensils, towels, and bedding. After using these items, wash them thoroughly with soap and water.
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces daily.
• Monitor your symptoms: Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing).

What should I do if I am diagnosed with COVID-19?

• Stay Home.
• Notify both Tina Favara, Vice President of Student Success & Enrollment Management tfavara@ccsnh.edu AND Lisa McCurley, Vice President of Academic Affairs lmccurley@ccsnh.edu via email.

What if someone in my home is diagnosed with COVID-19?

• If someone in your home has been diagnosed with COVID-19, immediately check with a medical professional for guidance.
• Self-quarantine for 14 days.
• Notify their faculty of their inability to return to class via email and discuss potential accommodations, as appropriate, for students to continue their studies during the 14-day period.
• Notify both Tina Favara, Vice President of Student Success & Enrollment Management tfavara@ccsnh.edu AND Lisa McCurley, Vice President of Academic Affairs lmccurley@ccsnh.edu via email.

What if someone in my home has been asked to self-monitor for symptoms?

If someone in your home has been asked by the NH Department of Health & Human Services or a health care provider to self-monitor for symptoms, you should also self-monitor. Self-monitoring means people should:

• Monitor themselves for fever by taking their temperatures twice a day and remain alert for cough or difficulty breathing.
• If they feel feverish or develop measured fever, cough, or difficulty breathing during the self-monitoring period, they should:
  •  self-isolate,
  • limit contact with others,
  • seek advice by telephone from a healthcare provider to determine whether medical evaluation is needed.

If the person in your home becomes symptomatic, please:

• check with a medical professional for guidance
• Self-quarantine for 14 days.
• Notify both Tina Favara, Vice President of Student Success & Enrollment Management tfavara@ccsnh.edu AND Lisa McCurley, Vice President of Academic Affairs lmccurley@ccsnh.edu via email.

What about travel?

• We are requesting that students who have traveled to countries identified by the CDC as under a “Level 3 Warning” self-report and not return to campus for 14 days, even if symptom free.
• Effective immediately through the remainder of spring semester (May 15, 2020), students with planned trips to Level 3 countries should notify the College via email before leaving for their trip at: tfavara@ccsnh.edu and lmccurley@ccsnh.edu
• Students returning from a Level 3 country should notify their faculty of their inability to return to class via email and discuss potential accommodations, as appropriate, for students to continue their studies during the 14-day period.
• Travelers from countries with a Level 2 travel advisory are to be advised to monitor their health and limit interactions at large gatherings with others for 14 days after returning to the United States.
• Up to date travel notices with lists of countries identified by level from the CDC can be found online at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices .

Do campus events need to be canceled?

• If you are sick, stay home from events.
• GBCC has suspended hosting any outside events involving the public until April 13, 2020. At that time we will reassess the situation and provide further guidance.