Alert Level: Heightened Alert If there are an increasing number of cases in Washington state and/or health officials have concerns about the virus spreading in our area or a minimum of one person tested positive who has been on campus within the last 30 days.

Update: August 10, 8 a.m.

Dear Trojan Nation,

As we enjoy some beautiful sunshine, Winter quarter seems a long time away.

But we know that students and employees want to make plans for the future. EvCC is looking ahead to January 2021 (anyone else excited to say goodbye to 2020?) to schedule Winter quarter classes.

For Winter quarter, EvCC will continue to offer three types of classes. Most classes will be online.

Livestream: Part of the online content is delivered via live-streaming with an instructor at specific times. No on-campus classes or labs.

Part of the online content is delivered via live-streaming with an instructor at specific times. No on-campus classes or labs. Online: All online with no on-campus classes or labs. You are not required to login at specific times unless requested by your instructor. You do need to meet assignment deadlines.

All online with no on-campus classes or labs. You are not required to login at specific times unless requested by your instructor. You do need to meet assignment deadlines. Hybrid: Online lectures and in-person labs using social distancing. EvCC was the first college in our state to offer in-person nursing labs. I’m proud of our faculty and staff who are following rigorous safety protocols for our hybrid classes in health sciences, advanced manufacturing, aviation, cosmetology, and IT. Students’ online learning complements the hands-on experience they are receiving in person.

I had hoped that we would be able to return to regular in-person classes in Winter 2021, but with the high rate of COVID-19 infection in Snohomish County and the likelihood that the virus transmission will increase in the Winter, this is the safest and best choice for students, faculty, and staff. Plus, fewer trips to campus in snowy and icy weather is better for everyone.

We will have a preview of Winter quarter classes available in early September at EverettCC.edu/Classes. The final Winter schedule will be posted at the same webpage at the end of October.

If you have not registered for Fall yet, now is the time! Classes are filling up fast. Register now at EverettCC.edu/MyEvCC.

Wherever you are learning, I encourage you to stay connected to the Trojan Nation. You are not on your own. We are here for you via video chats, text messaging, phone calls, and email. Fuzzy slippers are optional.

Even though Fall quarter has not started yet, I encourage you to start thinking about what comes next. A better future is coming, and your education is an important part of that!

Sincerely,

Dr. Daria J. Willis

President

Update: July 15, 4 p.m.

Dear Trojan Nation, We are relieved that the Trump administration has rescinded a unfair rule that would have required international students to transfer or leave the country if their classes were offered entirely online because of the coronavirus pandemic. The rule was arbitrary, risked public health and threatened the futures of hundreds of EvCC international students. I appreciate that Washington state was part of the legal challenge that led to the implementation of the change being stopped. We stand for equality and access for all of our students regardless of where they were born. The presence of international students from over 30 countries around the world at EvCC provides our local students with real educational and career benefits through their academic and social interactions. Our local students are able to obtain real-life experiences without having to leave the United States. International students introduce diverse perspectives into classroom discussions, break stereotypes and make our college more vibrant. Local students have the opportunity to gain better-informed opinions and a deeper understanding of international issues and foreign affairs. In addition to improving inter-cultural experiences, students get to celebrate new holidays, experience different cuisines, and increase travel opportunities by visiting friends in their home countries. Students also learn different interpersonal and communication styles, which makes them better listeners and critical thinkers. Overall, welcoming international students improves our global society, builds better informed leaders, improves understanding, and creates more peace and fewer wars. Sincerely,

Dr. Daria J. Willis

President

Update: July 8, 8:30 a.m.

Dear Trojan Nation,

Everett Community College welcomed its first international student in the late 1940s. Today, more than 250 international students from over 30 countries study at EvCC. Providing opportunities for students from other countries and cultures to learn alongside local students is an important part of our college’s commitment to cultural pluralism and global readiness. The experience also prepares our students to work in an increasingly global economy. That is why I was dismayed to hear the announcement yesterday from Immigration and Customs Enforcement that international students whose colleges move to online only this fall must leave the United States or transfer schools. Our international students are part of the Trojan Nation. And Trojans stick together. We will find a way to make sure all international students have a schedule that complies with ICE and the U.S. Department of Education rules. EvCC and the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges are working to learn more about how ICE plans to implement these upcoming changes. At this time, it is unclear how these rules will be put into practice and how they will affect EvCC international students. When we learn more, we will contact international students directly. Fall quarter With all of the changes in Washington state, students and employees have asked me when EvCC is reopening its campus. As much as I would love to have a traditional Fall quarter, for the health and safety of all of our students and employees, EvCC will stick with the plan to offer three types of classes this Fall. Most classes will be online. The college will also continue to serve students remotely. Fall quarter classes: Livestream: A portion of the online content is delivered via live-streaming. Students will attend remotely during scheduled live-streaming sessions as indicated in the class schedule. No on-campus classes or labs.

A portion of the online content is delivered via live-streaming. Students will attend remotely during scheduled live-streaming sessions as indicated in the class schedule. No on-campus classes or labs. Online: All online with no on-campus classes or labs. You are not required to login at specific times unless requested by your instructor. You do need to meet assignment deadlines. Login to Canvas on the first day of your class.

All online with no on-campus classes or labs. You are not required to login at specific times unless requested by your instructor. You do need to meet assignment deadlines. Login to Canvas on the first day of your class. Hybrid: Online lectures and in-person labs using social distancing for approved programs. This is not what I want for Fall quarter, but new cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in Snohomish County (200 cases between July 3-6 alone), according to the Snohomish Health District. We are all at risk. A growing number of cases are being identified among a younger age group (age 20-40), compared to earlier in the outbreak, when most identified cases were among older adults. Even younger students may become seriously ill or spread the illness to those who are more vulnerable to complications. Please wear your mask, wash your hands, and continue taking good care of yourself. Sincerely,

Dr. Daria J. Willis

President

COVID-19 Archived Updates

Where can I find more information?

The Washington State Department of Health has set up a call center to answer questions about the novel coronavirus. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington state, how the virus is spread and what to do if you have symptoms, please call 1-800-525-0127 and press #.

Health Alert Level Reference

Alert Level: Prevention and Preparation There are no known cases.

Alert Level: Heightened Alert If there are an increasing number of cases in Washington state and/or health officials have concerns about the virus spreading in our area or a minimum of one person tested positive who has been on campus within the last 30 days.

Alert Level: Direct Impact Possible exposure to employees or students or minimum of one person tested positive who has been on campus within the last 21 days.