Campus Update July 28, 2021
Sent on behalf of McLennan President, Dr. Johnette McKown
Dear Employees & Students,
As we approach the Fall 2021 semester, I suspect you are joining me with excitement as well as some trepidation since there are many unknowns about Coronavirus — especially the impact of the new Delta strain as well as others that might follow. With that said, the Emergency Operations team, led by Frank Patterson, Director of Emergency/Risk Management, will continue to monitor the current situation and will adjust as quickly as we can to CDC, federal, state, and local health requirements. We will continue to offer online courses and resources as well as offering more face-to-face classes and will provide periodic updates. https://www.mclennan.edu/crisis-management/coronavirus-updates/index.html
At this point, our plan is to return to normal operations this fall without social distancing in the classrooms or offices. Recent guidance by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) currently recommends the use of masks indoors, but Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA 36 does not give our College the authority to require face coverings or vaccinations. Therefore, we cannot require masks or vaccines on campus but can strongly encourage wearing a mask indoors when in the presence of others. Plexiglass partitions will remain in place in many offices.
Most importantly, the primary and best defense we have against COVID-19 are the vaccines. We are holding a vaccine clinic on campus on August 25 for students and employees followed by a clinic for the second shot. If you have not yet been vaccinated, this is the time to take an important step in protecting you, your family, and your community’s health. I strongly urge you to take advantage of this opportunity. More information on the vaccine clinic will be sent out closer to August 25.
It is important for employees and students to report any symptoms of COVID-19. The self-reporting portal can be found at https://mclennan.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9FiKfG5D85livQN. Self-reporting is critical for the College to ensure we limit exposure on campus.
Finally, I personally encourage you to join me in wearing a mask when you are around others and to be vaccinated if you have not. As soon as I had the opportunity, I was inoculated earlier this year—not only to protect myself but also to protect others. McLennan Together we are strongest. Let’s be safe together. The Leadership Team and I will work with Frank Patterson and Lisa Elliott as the Emergency Operations team to be vigilant to do our part in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for students, employees, and visitors to our campus.
Johnette E. McKown
President
McLennan Community College
Waco, TX 76708
jmckown@mclennan.edu
