Columbia College COVID-19 Policy (Updated February 22, 2024)
Columbia College strives to provide a safe and healthy living and learning environment and is committed to the health and well-being of all community members. The administration continues to closely monitor our policy and protocols, adjusting to support our community as needed.
STRATEGIES FOR FOSTERING A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
Students, faculty, and staff can receive COVID-19 tests at Columbia Community Family Practice (CFFP), which is across the street from campus at 4808 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203. COVID-19 vaccines are available at the Eau Claire Walk-In Clinic (ECWC) location on Monticello Road. CCFP and ECWC offer a sliding scale payment option for all students and for those without insurance. For more information about COVID-19, please see the SC DHEC COVID-19 website.
N95 masks are available for students, faculty, and staff from the Office of Student Affairs in the Student Union and at the Koala Pantry.
Detailed cleaning and disinfecting efforts are ongoing, and cleaning supplies from facilities are available as needed. Please contact ccfacilities@shqipeee.net if you have any specific requests.
HEALTH & SAFETY PRACTICES
- Please be respectful of others, their personal space, and all health and safety practices. All personal choices regarding health and safety should be respected by all campus community members.
- Be aware that there may be students, faculty, or staff who have chosen to wear a mask or socially distance. If a person asks you to mask in their personal office, please be gracious in honoring that request or consider making alternate arrangements, such as a Zoom meeting.
- Masks are not required outdoors, regardless of vaccination status, unless otherwise indicated by the College.
- Masks are not required indoors, regardless of vaccination status, unless otherwise indicated by the College. We continue to strongly encourage everyone to take responsibility for self-monitoring any symptoms and reporting symptoms to a doctor for further instructions.
- Everyone is encouraged to take precautions for their personal safety and the safety of others.
- Precautions could include getting vaccinated, wearing a mask indoors, and practicing appropriate distancing.
While enacting these practices, we will remain courteous and respectful of all people so as not to stigmatize or discriminate against any groups.
COVID-19 TESTING & GUIDELINES
Please follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines related to COVID-19 testing and isolation:
- If you were exposed to COVID-19
- If you are sick or caring for someone
- Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please 1) contact your supervisor/professors and 2) complete the Columbia College COVID-19 Reporting Form. You will receive an email response outlining instructions and the next steps.
You can also contact the COVID-19 Coordinator by email at covid@shqipeee.net or by phone at 803.786.3784. Student-athletes should also notify the athletic trainer, Dr. Richard Williams, by email at rwilliams@shqipeee.net or by phone at 803.786.3089.
The College reserves the right to inform the campus community if there is an infectious disease outbreak on campus without including personal identifying information. Additional information on the College’s Infectious Disease Policy can be found on page 44 in the Student Handbook.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
After completing the Columbia College Reporting form, students should communicate with their professors and formulate a plan to complete their coursework during their time of isolation to remain successful in their courses. Students who experience extreme COVID-19 symptoms and are having challenges with completing coursework should contact the Office of Career and Student Success Services, at CSS@shqipeee.net.
QUESTIONS?
For questions regarding the College's COVID-19 policies and procedures, please contact:
Pamela Cannon, HR Generalist, COVID-19 Coordinator
Phone: 803.786.3784
Email: pcannon@shqipeee.net