Still a Rustler

 May Updates will be posted here.

Classes for First Summer Session to be Delivered by Remote Instruction

[April 17, 2020] Vice President Kathy Wells announced that courses for the first summer session scheduled for May 26, 2020 - June 26, 2020, will be delivered by remote instruction due to the COVID-19 situation. Any classes that span both sessions will continue remote instruction through the second summer session, even if in-person activities are allowed before the end of the summer session. If this does occur, faculty will build in optional in-person activities as appropriate. 

If there are any questions regarding registration for courses, please contact Rustler Central at 855-2115 or visit our Admissions page.

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Fremont County Public Health Update for Business   

[April 14, 2020] Dr. Brian Gee, Fremont County Public Health Officer, issued the attached on April 13, 2020, with recommendations to adopt all CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These guidelines are outlined in the linked document above and are recommended and supported by Central Wyoming College to protect the citizens of Fremont County. In addition, Dr. Gee has provided information for the attached Public Mask Use (newly recommended by the Center for Disease Control.)

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Wyoming Department of Health Recommendation

[April 6, 2020] The Wyoming Department of Health has supported a recommendation from the CDC to wear cloth face coverings if you need to go out in the community in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19. This is not a replacement for social distancing. CWC is supporting this recommendation of the Governor of Wyoming. CWC employees who are working on the CWC campus and are unable to maintain social distancing are recommended to wear cloth face coverings as recommended by the Wyoming Department of Health. Please click on the link for additional recommendations.

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Virtual Campus Dates Extended - Exception Requestion Withdrawn

[April 3, 2020] In consideration of Governor Gordon’s press conference held at 3 pm on April 3, 2020, in which he urged Wyoming residents to stay at home, maintain social distancing, limit trips to the grocery store, to not gather in groups larger than ten people, and practice recommended hygiene in order to slow the spread of the COVID19 disease and lessen the burden on our healthcare system, Central Wyoming College has made the following decisions with regard to its operations:

Employees: CWC employees will remain working remotely, in accordance with the Governor’s order until at least April 30, 2020, operating CWC’s virtual campus functions. The few essential campus services that require employees to come to campus will follow all COVID19 health recommendations and will adhere to protocols listed in the employee Internal Operations Form.

Students: All students who are attending courses virtually will continue to do so through the completion of the spring semester. In consultation with the Fremont County Public Health Officer, CWC has withdrawn the exception request for a limited number of students to receive instruction on campus. Students have been contacted by Vice President Cory Daly with this information and will be contacted by their instructors with further options.

Public Access to Campuses:  All College Campuses will remain Closed to PUBLIC EVENTS (Main Campus-Riverton and Equine Center, Lander Center and ASI, Jackson Center, and Dubois Center) through Sunday, May 10, 2020.  Examples of public events canceled include Rotary lunch, commencement, nurse’s pinning, Jackson commencement, public access to the library and all other college facilities, etc.

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Central Wyoming College Exception Request

[April 2, 2020] As is noted in the post from March 27, 2020, below, for those few students who have courses that cannot be completed remotely, CWC submitted an exception request to Public Health Officials dated March 29, 2020, outlining the Emergency Response Team procedures thus far and a plan to provide on-campus instruction for limited in-person coursework delivery related to specific areas of study. This request was reviewed by the State of Wyoming Health Officer, and approval was granted by the Fremont County Public Health Officer on April 2, 2020.

All required on-site activities will be structured so that social distancing protocols will be followed at all times (please see Central Wyoming College Exception Request details), and students will be scheduled to complete course assignments in a staggered fashion.

CWC has outlined multiple interventions (please see Central Wyoming College Exception Request details) including but not limited to the cleanliness of facilities, social distancing protocols, and training of faculty and students in COVID19 health and hygiene protocols. The Vice President of Academics will be monitoring strict adherence to these procedures.

Most importantly, no student will be forced to choose this option to complete their course of study. At CWC, every student is an individual, and each student’s specific circumstances will be considered on an individual basis. We are providing this opportunity as an additional option for courses that require specific software or equipment students may not have access to in order to complete the requirements of a course. If this is not the option the student chooses, they should contact their instructor or the VP of Student Affairs, Cory Daly at 307.855.2186 to discuss additional alternatives.

Governor Gordon Extends School and Business Closures Through April 17

[March 27, 2020] Governor Gordon made an announcement this afternoon that extended school and business closures in the state of Wyoming through April 17. In accordance with this decision, Central Wyoming College facilities in all locations will remain closed and operating virtually until that time. Employees will continue to work remotely and faculty who have successfully transitioned courses online will proceed as planned, beginning their remote instruction March 30. 

There are exceptions and individual student situations that will be considered on an individual basis, and we are working to attend to those situations immediately. The administration is making an effort to refrain from making a "one size fits all" decision for our students. We will take time to ensure that we are utilizing every innovation possible to deliver effective instruction to those students in unique situations. Please see the post above dated April 2. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through these adjustments in the schedule.

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Academic Course Information - Distance Delivery Beginning March 30

[March 19, 2020] Governor Gordon issued a statewide mandate to close many businesses and organizations across the state through April 3 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. CWC will resume classes as planned on March 30, 2020, but to comply with this order all classes will be online the week of March 30-April 3. Students should watch their CWC email for instructions from faculty. 

If students do not have a computer or internet access, they should contact their instructors and let them know. Phone numbers are listed in our online directory or on the course syllabus. Instructors will work with students on plans to be successful. Students' grades will not suffer if they are not able to participate online March 30-April 6. If nothing changes between now and then, CWC plans to open on a very limited basis for computer use by appointment on April 6. Details will be provided once this plan is confirmed. 

Each student's success coach will help them navigate the upcoming weeks. Keep in close contact with them. If you do not know who your success coach is, contact Cory Daly at cdaly@cwc.edu.

Students: Aside from computer access and learning in a very different mode, this crisis is challenging many of us in unexpected ways. We have licensed counselors available to talk through stress in confidence and help you with tools to approach each new hurdle with greater perspective and strength. Call 855-2011 or 855-2175. VP Cory Daly.

• College and Career Readiness / High School Equivalency:  Does not follow CWC’s spring break calendar. Students will be directly contacted by program staff as needed.
• Concurrent / Dual Enrolled High School Students:  Students enrolled in concurrent college courses at their local high school will follow the schedule as determined by their school.  Students that are enrolled on-campus or online will follow the college schedule.  
• University of Wyoming students taking courses on our CWC campus should check with Amy Schmidt, UW recruitment and enrollment specialist, and follow university directives.

Commencement Ceremonies

A Graduation Committee is currently working with students, staff, and faculty to plan alternative celebrations for the 2020 CWC graduating class. Though we are unable to provide our traditional ceremonies, we hope to create a warm and festive celebration that is memorable but most importantly safe for our graduates and their families.

More information to follow....

For questions about graduating please contact Connie Nyberg at cnyberg@cwc.edu.

Previous Communication

Canceled Commencement Letter to Students from VP Cory Daly - March 19, 2020

CWC Graduation Ceremonies Not Taking Place Press Release - March 19, 2020

This is a constantly evolving situation. We are following guidance from the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) and working closely with the Fremont County Public Health Officer as well as following guidelines from the State of Wyoming Public Health Department.

The CDC is maintaining a list of frequently asked questions and answers.

Additional COVID-19 informational resources 

• Information about COVID-19 available through state and local health departments
• General fact sheets to help students, staff, faculty, and their families understand COVID-19 and the steps they can take to protect themselves:
  • What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • Stop the spread of germs – help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19
  • Share facts about COVID-19 to help prevent stigma
• CDC information for students, staff, and faculty who have recently traveled back to the United States from areas where CDC has identified community spread of coronavirus:
  • A list of countries where community spread of COVID-19 is occurring can be found on the CDC webpage: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel

For students, staff, or faculty who plan to travel, or have recently traveled, to areas with community spread of COVID-19, refer to CDC’s FAQ for travelers and COVID-19 travel website. For specific guidance on foreign exchange and study abroad programs, see CDC’s guidance on student foreign travel for IHE.

CWC Employees: Please Read the Required Families First Coronavirus Act Poster- April 1, 2020

The college will follow the current Centers for Disease Control and Wyoming Department of Health guidelines in protecting you and the college community and limiting further exposure. 

What to do if I’ve been exposed to someone with Covid-19 symptoms?

If you, or someone in the house, have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19 symptoms you and the people you live with should separate yourself from the general community for 14 days by staying home. That means everyone in the house. Separating from the community is called QUARANTINE. 

If anyone is exposed to any known person with COVID-19 and have been on campus please contact CWC:

• All students should contact CWC’s vice president of student affairs, Cory Daly at cdaly@cwc.edu or 307-855-2186. 
• All employees should notify their supervisor and human resources, Scott Miller at smiller@cwc.edu or 307-855-2112.  
• Community members, please contact the director of marketing, Lori Ridgway at lori@cwc.edu or 307-855-2103. 

Your Health

Your health and well-being are very important to us - and will continue to be the determining factor in all decisions as we proceed through this situation. Students and employees who are experiencing a fever, cough or shortness of breath are directed to call their healthcare provider. Visit the Fremont County Public Health website for additional guidance as well as the contact information for a public health nurse.

The fear of Coronavirus has resulted in incidents of bias and harassment against Chinese nationals, Chinese Americans, and people of Asian heritage here, and worldwide. Many members of our community, including our international students, faculty, and staff, may be dealing with stigma. Please uphold our commitment to antiracism. The Centers for Disease Control provides information on stigma related to this outbreak.

These are difficult decisions, and ones we do not take lightly. This is a time when we need to work together to ensure the health and safety of our entire CWC community and our broader communities. With your help we can do that wisely, thoughtfully, and compassionately.

Preventative Measures

In order to prevent the spread of illness in our community, visit the CDC webpage How to Protect Yourself & Others from Coronavirus 2019.

• All CWC Athletic activities are cancelled for the rest of the semester.
• The CWC Booster Club Rustler 500 reverse raffle scheduled for March 30 has been postponed.  Details to follow. Thank you for your support