COVID-19

Beginning on March 23, WMCC moved to a remote operations model, and the campus is closed to the general public. All classes have been moved to an online or remote format.  Services to students continue, but are being provided remotely. WMCC will continue to operate in this manner until it is deemed safe to bring college personnel and students back to campus.

The WMCC family of students, faculty and staff are of utmost importance to us. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we will continue to monitor the status of public health and carefully consider all options at the appropriate time. We will continue to provide quality education to our students, as well as the support they need to be successful during these challenging times.

Status updates on NH Community Colleges’ preparedness related to Covid-19 can be found at this link: https://www.ccsnh.edu/covid-19/

WMCC leadership as well as leaders of the CCSNH, the State of New Hampshire and state and local public health officials are in regular contact to focus on health and safety, communications and course delivery plans.

If you have questions or comments, please email us at [email protected]

To the CCSNH Community,

As the public health situation continues to evolve and NH enters a period of incremental “re-opening,” we’d like to share an update on what this means for CCSNH, and about the planning that is underway for the summer and fall semesters. 

The Governor announced last week that he is implementing a new, modified Stay-at-Home Order that will remain in effect until May 31st. The new order, Stay at Home 2.0, allows some businesses that were previously closed to open under a phased approach. Under Stay at Home 2.0, CCSNH must comply with universal guidance for safe operational practices. The universal guidance is based upon recommendations from the CDC, EEOC and OSHA. For the most part, the guidance is consistent with CCSNH’s temporary employment practices. We will be developing additional protocols as needed to ensure compliance and proper recordkeeping. For now, and at least through May 31, our colleges will continue with our present approach of remote operations with minimal on-site business operations. 

We are hard at work planning for summer and fall semesters. Our immediate priority is to develop a framework to bring students and faculty back into labs in the late spring and summer to complete required hands-on coursework.  We will do this through appropriate social distancing and in consultation with public health authorities. Summer semester itself is likely to be a mixture of online courses with some in-person labs as needed. We are also planning for Fall, with the understanding that the public health situation will doubtless remain fluid up to and beyond the start of the academic year. 

We have a large internal task force that is working on the question of how we will conduct instruction and business operations. The task force will report up to a steering committee, whose responsibility will include establishing system-wide standards and protocols that impact a broad range of stakeholders. Recommendations will come to the presidents and chancellor for final approval.  We’ve broken this work down into five principal consideration areas, and we will develop protocols within each for the variety of questions and considerations that fall under these areas:

1. Safety and well-being of students, employees and visitors
2. Educational delivery and degree completion
3. Financial impact
4. Business and workforce continuity
5. The new higher education paradigm

As we move forward, CCSNH has been asked to coordinate with other higher education sectors and share our work with NH public health authorities. 

Thank you for all your good work during these unusual times. CCSNH has done an exceptional job adapting this semester to new conditions, and we are confident we will continue to adapt and fulfill our mission over the upcoming weeks and months and academic year.    

Please continue to take care of yourself and your loved ones. 

With our best wishes,

Susan Huard and Ross Gittell

Greetings WMCC,

 As we have been discussing for several weeks, Commencement will take a different form this year. Following a survey of faculty, staff, and graduating seniors, the planning committee was given a clear direction: Celebrate the graduates in an online format in May and organize a traditional ceremony in the fall. It is with that feedback we are communicating the plan for the immediate future and setting a date to celebrate in a physical manner (with some obvious assumptions built in regarding the current pandemic).

• We will be acknowledging the achievements of our graduates on May 15th with a pre-recorded video being released at 5pm, the original time of the celebration
• Students and faculty will be asked to submit photos and videos with specific instructions coming in a link from Tribute, the video software company assisting with production
• Diplomas and diploma jackets will be mailed to graduates in the weeks immediately following the end of the semester
• Caps and gowns will be mailed to graduates
• A traditional Commencement celebrating the 2020 graduates has been tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 26th at 3pm on the WMCC campus in Berlin with more details forthcoming. At this time please treat this as a save the date.

I believe I speak for all of us when I say Commencement is one of the most important acts in the life of the college community. The event is an acknowledgment of the various academic achievements and the celebration of the hard work of all members of the community who helped the graduates attain success. It is truly why we do what we do, with a physical representation of our mission on display.

 I thank you all for your ideas, feedback, and comments and appreciate your willingness to adjust to the new format during this time. A special thanks goes to the Events Committee for undertaking this planning during an already busy time for each member.

 Sincerely,

Charles Lloyd, Ed.D.

President
White Mountains Community College
2020 Riverside Drive, Berlin, NH 03570
(603) 342-3004

Hello students!

I hope this email finds you, your family and friends staying healthy and doing well. On Thursday, April 9, I sent you an email announcing our newest benefit to you as part of the Community College System of NH (CCSNH) partnership with BetterHelp – the world’s largest online therapy provider in extending an additional layer of support to our students, providing access to professional counseling. Anytime, Anywhere!

BetterHelp is paid for by CCSNH and WMCC, so there is no cost to you. In order to access this free service, you must use the unique link provided for you on the email invitation sent to you by BetterHelp on Friday, April 10th to create an account.

Please be aware that creating an account directly on the BetterHelp website or using any other links will take you down BetterHelp’s customer route and you may be asked for payment or insurance information. You DO NOT have to provide credit card information or payment to use this benefit. Nor do you need proof of insurance. BetterHelp will be resending you the email invitation with your unique link early this week in case you need it.

As a reminder, with BetterHelp you get matched with a licensed therapist within 24 hours based on the counseling you are looking for and your preferences. You can easily self-schedule a live session as well as interact via live and scheduled video, chat, phone and unscheduled messaging. Moreover, you have the ability of switching the provider with a click of a ACCORDION.

Confidential, convenient counseling is only a step away through our partnership with BetterHelp!

In case you missed them. Below are some FAQ’s about this new benefit!

FAQ’s:

What is BetterHelp?

BetterHelp is the largest online counseling platform worldwide, changing the way people get help with facing life’s challenges by providing convenient, discreet and affordable access to a licensed therapist. BetterHelp makes professional counseling available anytime, anywhere, through a computer, tablet or smartphone.

Who are the counselors?

Counselors on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (PhD / PsyD), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of them have a Masters Degree or a Doctoral Degree in their field. They have been qualified and certified by their state’s professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice. While their experience, expertise, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 2,000 hours of hands-on experience. Click here to learn more about the counselors.

What is the cost?

BetterHelp is paid for by CCSNH and WMCC, so there is no cost to you, and you do not need health insurance to access this benefit.

Will the college know that I am getting counseling?

No. WMCC will not know who is receiving counseling and will not have any access to your counseling or other personal data. You can also select an anonymous username and use your personal email when you sign up.

Additional questions?

Contact Better Help at: [email protected]

Stay safe and take good care,

Martha P. Laflamme, M.Ed.
Vice President of Student and Community Affairs
White Mountains Community College
2020 Riverside Drive
Berlin, New Hampshire 03570
603-342-3005
[email protected]
www.wmcc.edu

Hello,

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic and Governor Sununu’s executive orders, almost all WMCC employees have transitioned to working remotely. On behalf of the Leadership Team, I want to thank you for making the adjustment so smoothly and effectively. Your commitment to our students and the communities we serve is truly amazing and is appreciated by many. 

Knowing these are extraordinary times, System HR is offering the following information to support our employees and help with this transition:

1. All current roles, responsibilities, and work schedules will remain the same. Employees need to be available via email and phone during normally scheduled and/or available hours. Please work with your supervisor to make any necessary modifications to your at-home work schedule and/or if you have any questions regarding the operations of your department.
2. All CCSNH and institutional policies will continue to apply when you are working at an alternate workspace. Please review and continue to follow the CCSNH IT Policy in regards to the protection of college equipment and data (https://www.ccsnh.edu/about-ccsnh/policies/).
3. When working from home, it is helpful to have a designated work space that allows you to work safely and effectively. If you have concerns or challenges with this, please reach out to your supervisor so she/he can assist you.
4. Managers will work individually with each employee to monitor the effectiveness of the remote work arrangement, taking into consideration work requirements and individual circumstances as much as possible. Managers will discuss with employees when a return to campus and office-based work is appropriate.
5. Should you need to access your office during this time, please notify your supervisor, who will make arrangements with PJ Cyr, Campus Safety & Security Supervisor. When on campus, please remember to maintain best practices regarding social distancing and proper sanitization.
6. If you are involved in an accident or injured while you are working at your alternative workspace, please notify your supervisor and complete an incident report form (located on the Employee One Stop site on Canvas) immediately.
7. If you have additional office supply or IT equipment needs, please reach out to Cynthia MacKay at 342-3054 or [email protected] for office supplies, or submit a ticket for IT needs at [email protected].

 Please communicate directly with your supervisor to confirm that you have received and understand the above and be sure to use that communication to express any questions or concerns regarding your remote work situation. I am also available to assist you in any way that I can.

Depending on the duration of this public health situation, guidelines/policies may be updated if needed to ensure everyone has appropriate guidance, and that colleges and the system office are able to manage remote work appropriately and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.  

Thank you again for your commitment and effort.  And keep up the great work you are doing for our students!
Gretchen

Gretchen Taillon, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Officer
Assistant to the President
White Mountains Community College
2020 Riverside Drive
Berlin, NH 03570
P: 603.342.3003
F: 603.752.6335

CCSNH Temporary Coronavirus Workplace Policies

As CCSNH continues to monitor the local, national, and international incidence of the coronavirus and the illness it causes – COVID -19, the following temporary operational policies are established. CCSNH’s priorities in establishing these temporary workplace policies are to maintain a safe and healthy workplace and sustain academic programs and services and operational continuity.

A. Increased Telework/Remote Work and Alternative Scheduling

1. CCSNH and its institutions may require employees to work on-site or work on-site but in a different location, or to telecommute or work remotely to meet academic and/or business needs. While we are encouraging remote work where appropriate, CCSNH management will ensure that there is adequate on-site coverage and support to meet CCSNH and its colleges’ mission. Each situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the safety of the workplace with respect to maintaining social distance and the business needs of CCSNH and its institutions. Remote work may include performing the employee’s assigned job duties at another CCSNH institution.
2. CCSNH and institutional IT departments are providing the technologies needed for remote work and guidance to employees on how to utilize them.
3. In some circumstances, business needs may result in changes to regular work schedules. Where such change is deemed appropriate, the institution is working with the affected employee in a manner that meets the business need and maintains reasonable work hours in view of the employee’s job function and responsibilities.
4. Employees are expected to review out-of-state business travel plans with their supervisor to determine the business need and the risks associated with transmission of COVID-19 at the time of the anticipated travel.
5. CCSNH employees who need to care for their dependent children under the age of 14 because of the school closures, childcare facility closures, or other similar type of care program closures, shall be provided the opportunity to work an alternate schedule or remotely where appropriate. Where an alternate work schedule or remote work is not feasible due to the nature of the employee’s job functions or due to the necessary supervision to adequately care for the children, CCSNH shall provide the employee with up to a maximum of 50 hours of administrative leave with pay for the care of their dependent children. This paid administrative leave benefit for part-time employees is effective through March 31, 2020. It will be replaced with leave benefit set forth in section C below.

B. Safe and Healthy Workplace

1. Reporting to Work – Generally, healthy employees are expected to report to work, whether onsite or remote, as scheduled to perform their assigned job duties, unless they are caring for someone with COVID-19. If caring for someone with COVID-19, the employee is required to self-quarantine. The CCSNH human resources department will determine an appropriate return to work date based upon the cared-for person’s and the employee’s symptoms which may arise during the quarantine period.
2. CCSNH is allowing the flexible use of accrued leave in recognition of employees’ individual circumstances and personal choices, which may include the care of parents or grandchildren or circumstances where the employee believes they may be especially vulnerable to COVID-19 due to age or medical condition.
3. Ill Employees – Employees who have symptoms of respiratory illness must stay home and not perform on-site work until they are free of fever, and any other symptoms for at least 72 hours, without using a fever-reducing or other symptom altering medication (e.g. Tylenol, cough suppressants). A fever is defined as a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius taken by an oral thermometer. 
4. Employees who are at work on site and exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness will be asked to go home and not return to work until they are free of fever, and any other symptoms for at least 72 hours, without using a fever-reducing or other symptom altering medication (e.g. Tylenol, cough suppressants). In these instances, full-time employees will be required to utilize their accrued sick leave and part-time employees will be provided administrative leave pay for such absences up to a maximum of 25 hours and where missed work time exceeds the 25 hours of paid leave, part-time employees will be allowed to make up such time.  The paid administrative leave benefit for part-time employees is effective through July 2, 2020.  

a. Use of Paid Sick Leave – CCSNH provides ample sick leave that full-time employees may use for personal illness and for the care of dependents.

b. Reporting Sick Time – The reporting and recording of sick time shall be made in accordance with institutional and CCSNH policies.

5. Close Contact Employees – An employee who is a close contact of a known or suspected COVID-19 case, must self-report and not return to any CCSNH institution for 14 days even if they are symptom free. Close contact is defined as: a) being within approximately 6 feet of a known or suspected COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with a known or suspected COVID-19 case; or b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on).

Currently, all travelers arriving from a country or region with widespread ongoing transmission of COVID-19 (Level 3 Travel Health Notice) must self-report and not return to any of CCSNH institution for 14 days after their arrival.   At home, close contact and/or traveler employees are expected to monitor their health and practice social distancing. To protect the health of others, these employees should not leave their home for any reason (other than seeking health care) for 14 days.

The CCSNH human resources department will determine an appropriate return to work date based upon the employee’s symptoms which may arise during the quarantine period. Faculty should notify the administrator identified by their institution and/or human resources office. Employees mandated to “self-quarantine” shall be placed on administrative leave with pay unless they have been requested to perform their duties via telework/remote work in which case they will remain in active status and expected to maintain their regular work schedule from home.

6. Return to Work – In general, written medical clearance will not be required for the return to work, unless the employee’s illness was diagnosed as a COVID-19 case. Employees diagnosed with COVID-19 will be required to provide medical documentation verifying clearance to return to work.

C. Additional Emergency Leave – Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

The following provisions shall apply effective April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

1. Emergency Paid Sick Leave:

a. Full-time employees who are unable to work (or work remotely) due to a need for leave because (#1) they are subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19; (#2) have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19; and/or (#3) are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and are seeking a medical diagnosis will be provided with up to 10 days of emergency sick leave to be paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay. Full-time employees who are unable to work (or telework) because (#4) they are caring for an individual that is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19, or (#6) they are experiencing any other substantially-similar condition specified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are eligible to receive up to 10 days of emergency sick leave to be paid at two-thirds of the employee’s regular rate of pay.   The total number of days that an employee can receive emergency paid sick leave is 10 days.  A day is defined as 7.5 hours or 8.0 hours as determined by the classification and work schedule of the employee’s position.  Payment amounts are capped at $511 per day for absences due to an employee’s own COVID-19 related health condition (#1-3 above) and $200 per day for absences due to the employee caring for an individual that is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation related to COVID-19, or is experiencing any other substantially-similar condition specified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (#4 and #6 above).

b. Part-time employees who are unable to work (or work remotely) due to a need for leave because they (#1) are subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation related to COVID-19; (#2) have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19; and/or (#3) are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and are seeking a medical diagnosis will be provided with emergency paid sick leave equivalent to the number of hours equal to the average number of hours that the employee works over a typical two-week period). This sick leave shall be paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay.  Part-time employees who are unable to work (or telework) because (#4) they are caring for an individual that is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation related to COVID-19, or (#6) they are experiencing any other substantially-similar condition specified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services  are eligible to receive emergency sick leave equivalent to the number of hours equal to the average number of hours that the employee works over a typical two-week period) to be paid at two-thirds of the employee’s regular rate of pay.   The total number of days that an employee can receive emergency paid sick leave is 10 days.  Payment amounts are capped at $511 per day for an employee’s own COVID-19 health condition (#1-3 above) and $200 per day for absences due to the employee caring for an individual that is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation related to COVID-19, or is experiencing any other substantially-similar condition specified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (#4 and #6 above).

Expanded Family and Medical Leave – Employees who have been employed at CCSNH for at least 30 days and (#5) who are unable to work (or work remotely) because they are caring  for their child (under 18 years of age) because of a school or child care provider closure due the COVID-19 related reasons  are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid sick leave and expanded family medical leave to be paid at two-thirds (2/3) of the employee’s regular rate of pay.  Part-time employees are eligible for expanded family and medical leave for the number of hours that the employee is normally scheduled to work over that period.  Payment amounts are capped at $200 per day and $12,000 total.  Full-time employees may elect to utilize their accrued and unused annual leave and sick leave for personal or dependent care pursuant to collective bargaining agreements and handbooks, as applicable.

Dear WMCC Student,

It’s true that we have been sending you numerous emails, but it’s important that we do everything possible to update and assist you during these uncertain and difficult times. This email provides you with many important updates and student resources that are available to assist you successfully navigate your online or remote learning environment.

Please note:  Due to the upheaval caused by COVID-19, the withdrawal date has been extended as explained below:

All CCSNH colleges will postpone the withdrawal date of a “W” until April 10th. This should allow for students to have sufficient time in their new learning environment and make a decision as to whether or not the online format will work for them, rather than being forced to decide by next week to drop without penalty to GPA. After April 10th, students who choose to withdraw can do so with a WP or WF. For questions, please reach out directly to the Registrar, Laura Provost at [email protected]

Please review the information below that provides many important WMCC contacts.  All of our faculty and staff are prepared to assist you.

We have also included many student support resources on your Canvas homepage. Please visit Canvas and check out the services you are able to utilize.

Our college library is also available to meet your needs remotely.  Library staff is available from 7:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m. via chat, text, email, & phone! The library has closed, due to the stay-at-home order issued by Governor Sununu.

The Feeding Hope Food Pantry is waiving income eligibility and anyone can come to the pantry for food Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 1 pm.  Also, the NH Food Pantry will be at the Notre Dame arena Saturday at noon.  They are setting up a drive through for free food.  Please visit www.211nh.org to learn about many community resources that are available for you and your family.

Important Reminders:  Please message your instructors in Canvas if you are having any difficulties or questions about your classes.

Please call WMCC at 603-752-1113 if you have any questions or concerns or experiencing any difficulties that are impacting your educational success.

Feel free to reach out to me directly if I can be of assistance: [email protected]

Best regards,

Martha P. Laflamme, M.Ed.
Vice President of Student and Community Affairs
White Mountains Community College
2020 Riverside Drive
Berlin, New Hampshire 03570
603-342-3005
[email protected]
www.wmcc.edu

Student Success and Support Services & Student Resources

Academic Advising and Success Services – We can help you plan which classes to take and when to take them and can assist you if you are struggling with the content in any of those classes

Call…
Sylvie Pratte in Berlin at 603-342-3060
Rae-Allyn Paddleford in Littleton at 603-342-3099
Denice Jones in North Conway at 603-342-3011

Email…
[email protected]

Additional Support Services – If you are in the right classes and understand the material but other factors are keeping you from being as successful as possible, we can help

Accessibility Services – to develop effective learning strategies

Call…
Helene Anzalone at 603-342-3059

Email…
[email protected]

Counseling Services – to prevent or manage emotional responses such as stress or anxiety

Call…
 Jeff Swayze at 603-342-3058

Email…
[email protected]

IT Support – for IT questions and technical support

Call…
Tammy Vashaw at 603-342-3049

Email…
[email protected]

Student Resources

Other Student Resources – If you are looking for answers to specific questions, we have many additional resources to help meet your needs

Library – to find credible resources for research and for MLA and APA formatting questions

Call…
Melissa Laplante at 603-342-3086

Email…
[email protected]

Financial Aid – for information or assistance with financial aid

Call…
Angela Labonte at 603-342-3041

Email…
[email protected]

Bursars Office – for questions concerning billing

Call…
Jessica Hill at 603-342-3053

Email…
[email protected]

Admissions – To change majors or for information or questions about transferring to another institution

Call…
Amanda Gaeb at 603-342-3006

Email…
[email protected]

*Please visit www.wmcc.edu to learn more about all our student resources

*Please check out your Canvas home page which provides numerous student resources.

WMCC Students,

We all understand the stress around Covid-19 and the impact it is having on you personally.

It is important that you know our college counselor, Jeff Swayze, is available to talk with you if you are having personal struggles, or academic issues.

Please reach out to Jeff via email or phone for tele-counseling and/or support. [email protected]  or at 603-348-4138.

Please reach out with any questions, concerns or support with managing anxiety and stress, and any other counseling needs. 

Jeff is available to respond between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or you may schedule a specific time to talk with him.

Jeff can offer great support on how to navigate stress and anxiety during this period of adjustment, as well as continued care and support with the issues you have already been seeing him for. 

I urge you to connect with Jeff if he can be of assistance to you.

Best regards.

Martha P. Laflamme, M.Ed.
Vice President of Student and Community Affairs
White Mountains Community College
2020 Riverside Drive

Berlin, New Hampshire 03570
603-342-3005
[email protected]
www.wmcc.edu

For Students:

The WMCC is available to help students, faculty, and staff during this challenging time. The library’s physical space will serve as a computer lab to students only open Monday-Friday, 9am-2pm. All precautions will be taken, including the regular sanitizing of surfaces and social distancing as well as the elimination of the coffee bar. Computer use is limited to online learning during this time.

We are asking for all currently checked-out print materials to remain in your possession until further notice. Due dates have been postponed.  Curbside delivery of library print materials may be offered upon individual request.

Library support will be available remotely via phone, library chat, and email to students, faculty, and staff Monday -Thursday, 7:30am-7pm, & Friday 8am-4pm. Support includes help with access to library resources, research help, MLA/APA Citation, and electronic inter-library loan (ILL). While ILL article requests are still accepted, the fill rate has slowed down due to closures of many lending libraries. Please be patient with us!

Contact [email protected], 603-342-3087 or visit the Library Resources available in your Canvas Classrooms for the live chat feature. Follow us on Facebook at WMCC Fortier Library or Instagram at wmcc library.

For Faculty:

The WMCC is available to help students, faculty, and staff during this challenging time. Library support will be available remotely via phone, library chat, and email to students, faculty, and staff,  Monday -Thursday, 7:30am-7pm, & Friday 8am-4pm. Support includes help with access to library resources, research help, MLA/APA Citation, and electronic inter-library loan (ILL). While ILL article requests are still accepted, the fill rate has slowed down due to closures of many lending libraries.  Please be patient with us!

We are asking for all currently checked-out print materials to remain in your possession until further notice. Due dates for have been postponed. Curbside delivery of library print materials may be offered upon individual request. 

I am happy to help faculty with Canvas and help to find engaging resources to supplement their online coursework, including incorporating library resources into their classes. I am happy to create tailored library instruction videos for your classes and/or create information literacy assignments.  I’m also prepared to answer any copyright questions you may have during this time. Reach out at  [email protected].

Contact [email protected], 603-342-3087 or visit the Library Resources available in your Canvas Classrooms for the live chat feature. Follow us on Facebook at WMCC Fortier Library or Instagram at wmcclibrary.

Melissa Laplante
Director of Learning Resources
Fortier Library
Title IX Coordinator
White Mountains Community College

To the CCSNH Community,

What we are currently experiencing is unprecedented for our state and nation and for many around the world. These are very challenging times. It is important that we help and care for others, including the
people we work for – our students – and the people we work with. It is also extremely important that we take care of our families and the people we love. And not least, we need to take care of ourselves and understand that we will have sad and troubling moments in the weeks and months to come.  

In times like this, how we respond as individuals and together can make a profound difference. The many ways that all of you have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic is shining a light at a time of darkness and helping our students and the communities we serve. It is greatly appreciated and will make a difference. 

Our personal and work lives have changed in many significant ways in a very short period of time. Faculty have had to move their teaching online, quickly reconfiguring their courses and ways of connecting with students; staff have had to make significant changes in almost every area possible; administrators have had to make difficult decisions in a timely manner and mobilize individuals and resources to implement changes due to the pandemic.  

I have seen or heard many amazing stories about individuals throughout our system  – students, faculty and staff – rising to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, and doing so very thoughtfully and with collegiality and respect. There is a lot that all of you have done and can be very proud of. Because of the nature of the health challenge, responsive actions not just by individuals but by communities have been required at many levels. At all our colleges and at the system office, and in coordination with federal, state, and local agencies responsible for public health guidance, we have taken many meaningful steps to contribute to the safety and current and future well-being of students, faculty and staff and the communities we serve.

Next week, we will welcome students “back” to our colleges, and there are sure to be some interesting and challenging moments. I know we can meet these challenges positively, with patience and perhaps even humor as we adapt together and with our students. These are the times we most need to come together and support each other.

Unfortunately, there is still a lot of uncertainty. No one can know for sure if this public health crisis will end in a month or two or more. As we monitor the situation, we will continue to make decisions with the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff and communities we serve foremost. 

My deepest thanks to all of you. Thank you for your timely efforts and incredible commitment, resilience and fortitude at an extremely challenging time. Please be safe and take care of yourself and your families.

Best,

Ross Gittell
Chancellor
Community College System of NH

Dear WMCC faculty,

First and foremost, I wanted to extend my deepest appreciation for all that you have done so quickly to adapt to our new learning environment. As President Lloyd has addressed earlier today, beginning March 23rd, all learning will be delivered in a remote fashion. This includes establishing remote learning opportunities for all technical labs and other experiences that were originally granted broader access to the WMCC location except in extremely limited situations. This will be in effect through Friday, April 3rd, though please continue to prepare and plan as if this could be extended through the remainder of the semester. I understand that there are extremely limited technical situations that may require adaptability and access to the college building and I will be working on those with department chairs on a case by case basis.

I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by educators who have responded so quickly and who already have experience in online instruction, zoom experiences, and hybrid learning. We are one step ahead of the game and have a number of resources already set in place to make this burden a bit less worrisome. I encourage you, as your first step in remote learning, to become familiar with Canvas and the remote opportunities you plan to implement. The more you are at ease come Monday, the more the students will feel prepared and ready to resume learning. Try to take the next few weeks in chunks, rather than trying to get everything up and ready to go by Monday. Review your course outcomes and assessment methods to determine what may need to be modified or changed for alternative assessment. Work with your peers across the CCSNH system and other institutions across New England who are facing the same challenges that we are facing today.

If you have not yet reviewed the Canvas page, “WMCC VPAA COVID-19 Communication Hub”, please take some time to check out the resources available to you to begin implementing remote learning next week. This page will be updated continually. I will be posting my scheduled virtual office hours on this page and the links for these zoom office hours will be posted on this site. If you have contributions to the site I am happy to make them available.

We are considering the following and will be reviewing these options later this afternoon with the College Leadership Team. I will be sure to update you as we continue to make these types of decisions:

• Extending the withdrawal date at least one week
• Rescheduling registration week so students and faculty can acclimate to the new environment
                next week
• Mid-term warning letters will be sent out March 30th NOT March 23rd

Martha Laflamme, VPSA, will be sending out an update to all students today. We will also be sending Rave alerts to students to check their emails. While they are being made aware by Student Affairs of the change in learning, you will need to reach out to your students to discuss the plans for your individual classes. Please be sure to communicate with all of your students prior to Monday about how they should plan to participate with learning next week.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns and of course any ideas, suggestions, or insights to share with our greater community. It is because of all of you that our students will continue to engage, learn, and be prepared for their next step.

Kristen Miller, MSEd.
Vice President of Academic Affairs
White Mountains Community College
[email protected]
603-342-3002

To the WMCC Community,

As we continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 emergency, it has become clear we need to fully implement precautions and measures to assure the health and safety of our community. With that continued commitment, coupled with our continued dedication to the mission of accessible high-quality education, we are advancing our plans for coursework upon returning from spring break.

Effective Monday, March 23rd, classes will be delivered in a remote fashion. This includes establishing remote learning options for technical labs and other experiences that were originally granted broader access to a WMCC location except in extremely limited situations. This will be in effect through Friday, April 3rd, though preparing and planning as if this could be extended to the remainder of the semester is prudent at this time. This is the next step in assuring the health and safety of our faculty, staff and students and is what we should be planning to implement for Monday. More specific information for faculty will be provided by Kristen Miller, VPAA, in a separate email to faculty.

For those staff who have yet to transition to remote work, effective Monday, March 23rd, please plan to be working remotely unless you have been identified by your manager to serve in a different role. Again, please work directly with your managers about your specific role given the case by case nature of this situation. The campus locations will be limited in hours and extremely limited to access by employees and those few students without computer access. Martha Laflamme, VPSA, will be communicating with students to make sure they are aware of updates while there is also a survey currently being administered to those students who need assistance with technology and internet access.

It is at this time I wish to thank everyone for their continued flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to step up and do whatever it takes to assure the success of our students in what is being coined “the new normal”.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions and I am sure there will be more communication coming soon.

Charles Lloyd, Ed.D.
President
White Mountains Community College
2020 Riverside Drive, Berlin, NH 03570
(603) 342-3004

Dear Students,

Although you are on spring break, you most likely are not escaping news surrounding the Coronavirus. We are all finding it difficult to keep up with the latest updates. I am reaching out to you today to assure you that White Mountains Community College has your safety and well-being as our highest priority. We are also committed to act in ways that support the public health concerns of our communities and the state. With this in mind, here are some updates you need to be made aware of:

Our Facilities: Our buildings have been closed to the public, but currently remain open to students, faculty and staff.  The library is currently open as well for student use.

Academic Programs: Planning is well underway to move as much of our coursework as possible to online learning, and we will be positioned to make this shift after spring break, beginning on Monday, March 23. This means face-to-face classes will not be meeting on the campuses. There will be some isolated labs still occurring in alternative formats while exercising extreme caution and practicing social distancing. If your academic program is one of those involved, you can expect to hear from your instructor(s) directly. Please do not come to the main campus in Berlin, or either of our academic centers, in Littleton and North Conway, unless you are participating in a lab and your instructor has reached out to you with the specific plan that has been put in place.  We anticipate this change to be in effect at least until April 3, with an evaluation and updates being provided at that point.

Technology: In a separate email, we will be reaching out to all students with a survey, to determine if you have the required technology to participate in online learning. We will want to know if you have internet access where you live, and if you have a device (computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) that you can use for your coursework going forward.  If you do not have the technology, we will work with you on an individual basis to put something in place. Please be watching for the survey.  NOTE: if you do have the necessary technology, you do not need to complete the survey.

Personnel: At this point in time, offices at all locations are operating. I would encourage you to contact the individual you are hoping to meet with prior to travelling to one of our locations to ensure that they are in the office.  Because public schools are closed across the state, some staff members are working remotely so that they can be home with their children. You can call specific offices, or contact our Welcome Center at 603-342-3050 for assistance. You can also email staff directly.  To find emails and direct phone lines to college personnel, please visit the WMCC directory on our website: https://www.wmcc.edu/directory/ We will continue to provide student services (counseling, tutoring, accessibility services) as you are accustomed to.  Should there be a need to take those services online, we will let you know.

What I have outlined above is where things stand at the moment. As you know, everything is changing quickly and we may need to put more drastic measures into place. In this rapidly changing situation, we will do our best to keep the lines of communication open so you are informed of developments and expectations.

Any major announcements will be sent via our RAVE alert system.  You may also check our college website at https://www.wmcc.edu for updates.

I know these are challenging times, but the WMCC administration, faculty and staff are committed to you and to providing educational services.

Please take care of yourselves and your family members as we work through these less than ideal times.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me directly. My email and direct phone number are listed below.

Best regards,

Martha P. Laflamme, M.Ed.
Vice President of Student and Community Affairs
White Mountains Community College
2020 Riverside Drive
Berlin, New Hampshire 03570
603-342-3005
[email protected]
www.wmcc.edu

Concord, NH – In response to the public health situation in New Hampshire, the Community College System announces the following:

Academic Programs:  Planning has been underway to move as much instructional activity as possible to online learning, and the community colleges will be positioned to make this shift when classes resume March 23.  While this represents a general approach to CCSNH continuing to carry out its educational mission, specific details about courses and programs will be communicated by each local community college to students, employees and partners. 

Operations:  CCSNH will focus on maximizing social distance, which includes minimizing close contact and congregation in the workplace.  CCSNH will adopt workplace practices that will promote and support remote work in a manner consistent with business needs. At the college level, managers will work with their teams to create work plans and make sure that any alternative work arrangements are supported with appropriate technology, communications, and reporting protocols.

Updates will be posted to the CCSNH website at https://www.ccsnh.edu/covid-19/ 

NH’s community colleges include Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth and Rochester, Lakes Region Community College in Laconia, Manchester Community College, Nashua Community College, NHTI-Concord’s Community College, River Valley Community College in Claremont, Keene and Lebanon, and White Mountains Community College in Berlin, North Conway and Littleton.

Shannon Reid
Executive Director of Government Affairs and Communications
Community College System of NH