Campus Update August 20, 2021

McLennan Together logo

Sent on behalf of McLennan President, Dr. Johnette McKown
August 20, 2021

Hello Students! 

I am excited to welcome you back for the Fall 2021 term, whether on campus or online.  While we all know this continues to be a challenging time with COVID-19, we at MCC are doing everything we can to make this Fall a great experience for you.  You have made the right choice to begin or to continue your education, and we are committed to providing a safe environment.  Below are some reminders of our expectations:

Health and Safety

The College COVID-19 webpage has a student resources link with helpful information, and this will be updated as protocols change.  Please review.  A few highlights include:

  • You are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering when in buildings on the McLennan Community College campus.
  • You are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to protect yourself and others.
  • To encourage students to be vaccinated, a vaccine clinic is scheduled for August 25 in the Michaelis Academic Center Commons Area from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.   Registered students will receive a $200 incentive to be vaccinated at our clinic.  Students (full or part time) who become vaccinated on or after August 25 will also receive the $200 incentive.  Information on the process to receive the incentive can be found on the vaccine clinic page.  Dual credit students are also eligible for this stipend.
  • If you are coming to the campus, you should conduct a self-assessment to review exposure and symptoms. (Self-Assessment Form)
  • If you have any symptoms or have potential exposure, we ask that you self-report.  A College representative will contact you to assist you with guidance.  (Self-Reporting Form)
  • An online guide is available that provides important information and steps concerning the various scenarios related to COVID-19 exposure and testing. (Exposure & Testing)
  • Cleaning supplies will be available in every classroom for students to wipe down their desks/workspaces.  Enhanced cleaning will take place each night by our custodians to ensure classrooms and common spaces are properly sanitized.
  • Additional hand sanitizer stations have been added all around the campus.
  • Additional outside air is circulating in campus buildings.  This improves health and safety in the buildings.
  • An online safe practices training is available and provides very useful information. (Safe Practices During COVID-19)
  • A COVID-19 testing site is available in Parking Lot M at the Community Services Center on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The health and safety of our campus community is the responsibility of all of us.  We need your help to promote healthy behaviors on and off campus.  Following all of the COVID-19 guidelines will help mitigate the spread of the virus and keep the McLennan Community College campus open.  Unfortunately, the decisions of a few people to ignore health guidelines could have major consequences for us all.  Together we can do this!       

Reminders

  • Instructions for the first week of classes will be sent through your McLennan student email (ending in “students.mclennan.edu”) and online in Brightspace.  Don’t be afraid to contact your professor to ask questions.
  • Food trucks will be on campus in Parking Lot B by the Michaelis Academic Center.  We will also have grab and go items in the Highlander Café in the Learning Technology Center and the Thistle Stop in the Michaelis Academic Center.  Within the coming months, we will have full food service available in the Highlander Café.
  • Free bus passes with Waco Transit’s public bus system are available for all McLennan Community College and University Center students.  These may be used seven days a week whether coming to class or using for your transportation at any time. Bus passes are available in the Business Office, and you can see all the details of this program on the Bus Pass webpage.

Student services are currently being offered both online and on campus.  The campus resource guide can help you with all of the ways McLennan Community College can assist you.  

All of us look forward to seeing you on campus and/or hearing from you online this semester.  You may send general questions about COVID protocols to covid19@mclennan.edu.  Together, we will help you reach your educational goals.  We care about you, and I care about you.  Please, please stay safe and well. 

 

Johnette McKown
President
McLennan Community College