Due to the recent research that shows the possibility of a major resurgence of COVID-19 this winter, Bellevue College has decided to remain online for the winter quarter. According to an email sent Oct. 1 by the Vice President of Administrative Services Dennis Curran, Bellevue College is focusing on the safety of all students and decided that remote learning for the winter quarter is the best option.
This decision was made in line with BC’s “safe back to school plan,” which outlines the procedures and measures Bellevue College will use to maintain safety while it slowly moves back to school. In a written interview, Curran explained that “we decided to have winter quarter in a remote status based on current trends in COVID rates, as well as guidance from the state. In King County, we are still not in Phase 3 and as we enter the fall and winter, many organizations are predicting that COVID cases will increase.”
Curran also explained that there is a possibility of some classes going back onto campus during winter quarter. At this time, “we have very few courses on campus. We chose to have a number of health science courses on campus because they require hands-on instruction and they are educating students who are in a critical industry (i.e. nursing).”
All persons on the Bellevue College campus are required to wear a mask at all times. The exceptions to this rule are those working alone or those with an approved accommodation; students must contact the Disability Resource Center while employees must contact Human Resources for such an accomodation. The mask mandate helps ensure everyone’s safety in the Bellevue College community in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.
In addition, students and staff who come to the campus must fill out an Online Health Assessment through the Bellevue College Website. The health assessment asks a variety of questions including the date and time each party will be on campus, the locations visited, and many COVID-19-specific questions.
