Today, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced increased efforts to help counteract the rising case count of COVID-19 in our state. Last week was New Mexico’s worst seven-day period for coronavirus disease since the pandemic began, according to the Governor’s Office.
I want to emphasize that, while Governor Lujan Grisham did not roll out sweeping new restrictions, SFCC will continue to strictly and diligently follow state health directives in order to keep our campus and community as safe as possible. Many details on the coronavirus response are available on SFCC’s COVID-19 webpages, as well as the New Mexico Department of Health website. However, I’d like to share some new developments as we continue to navigate the remainder of an unprecedented fall semester.
– The state has limited gatherings to groups of five people or less. All SFCC business, both inside the classroom and throughout campus, must adhere to current mass gathering public health orders. Please talk with your instructors and deans to learn if there are additional safe practices for on-campus classes.
– The William C. Witter Fitness Education Center, SFCC Library and Higher Education Center will halt the public use of their facilities until further notice.
– Individuals who do not partake in essential on-campus duties must conduct their college business remotely. If you are working on campus and have any questions on this topic, please work with your supervisor to clarify the on-campus nature of your duties. If you are a student, please consult with your instructor.
– The majority of SFCC classes are taking place online. However, employees and students who are on campus must wear a mask at all times and follow COVID-19 best practices.
– Individuals who travel from higher-risk states must go into mandatory self-quarantine for a period of no less than 14 days. These individuals are no longer exempt from self-quarantine even if they test negative.
– I encourage all instructors and employees to plan how they will complete the semester should colleges across the state be required to transition to a fully online format.
– All employees, students and visitors should familiarize themselves with college on-campus protocols available on the SFCC COVID-19 site and within the Campus Reopening Plan.
As you know, this is an ongoing and developing situation and I will provide updates as appropriate.
I acknowledge that these are confusing, at times frustrating, and anxiety-inducing circumstances. I am proud, however, of SFCC’s response during this pandemic and grateful that we can navigate this global challenge together, as a community and colleagues.
Sincerely,
Becky Rowley, Ph.D.
SFCC President
