Important Information for Health Sciences Students

We are excited to welcome many of our Health Sciences students back to complete hands-on and lab-based courses on campus. With that said, the College is taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of our students and employees. The College will remain closed to the public for the duration of Governor Evers’ Safer-at-Home order. Because of this, we have very specific instructions and expectations for your return to class.

Safety Guidelines for Coming on Campus for Labs/Hands-On Courses

Entering the Building

• All College doors are locked because the College is closed to the public. Therefore, it is important that you arrive 20-30 minutes before class/lab. Late students will not be permitted.
• Students should check their temperatures at home before departing for the campus, and are required to wear a facemask and protective eyewear at all times while on campus. Please do not leave home if you are feeling ill, are symptomatic (cough, trouble breathing, etc.), or have a fever.
• A student ID is required for entry to the college.
• All students will be screened before entering the building through their designated program entrance. Please follow physical distancing when waiting to be screened.
• Students will be screened one at a time before entering the building.
• Additional PPE may be required by the program once the student arrives at lab or clinical session (bouffant cap, goggles, disposable lab coat, medical mask, gloves)

During Lab/Class

• Once all students are ready, the instructor will lead students to their designated area.
• Students must sanitize their work stations before use with the provided supplies.
• Students may use the restrooms nearest the classroom/lab but may not travel to any other area of the building.
• We will make every effort to maintain physical distancing when in the classroom/lab environment. For activities that don’t allow for physical distance, everyone will wear appropriate PPE such as masks, gloves, and gowns.
• At any time, if a student displays concerning health symptoms, they will be asked to leave campus and seek medical advice. A Return to Campus Policy has been developed to address possible exposures and confirmed COVID-19 cases.

After Lab/Class

• When the class/lab is complete, equipment must be sanitized and disinfected.
• After class/lab, the instructor will escort students along the same pathway back to their designated entrance/exit. Students will remove PPE and put any used gowns, gloves, or disposable masks in the designated bin for contaminated PPE. If students bring their own masks, they should take them home for cleaning.
• Please note: no food service is available.

Additional Information about the Screening Process

The instructor will meet students at their designated entrance for screening. A temperature check and health screening questions must be completed before students are allowing into the building.

Physical distancing must be maintained at all times.

Students who do not pass the health screening will be denied entrance. College staff will follow-up with the student regarding alternate options.

Free Thermometers, Safety Glasses, and Facemasks for Blackhawk Students

We encourage all students to self-monitor for any symptoms of COVID-19 and encourage you to let us know if you have tested positive or you have come in contact with someone who has tested positive. If you have a fever of 100.4 or higher and/or any flu-like symptoms, please stay home.

To help you monitor your temperature, we have purchased oral digital thermometers for students who need them. These will be available for pick-up on Central Campus from 10 a.m. – noon and 4 – 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, and from 10 a.m. – noon and 3 – 5 p.m. on Friday, April 24. No need to get out of your car, simply drive up and follow the signage in the circle drive on Central Campus. A member of BTC security will give you a thermometer (one per student), a facemask, and safety glasses.

While we know this approach is significantly different from what you are accustomed to, our top priority is keeping you safe while you stay on track for program completion. If at any time you feel that enhanced safety guidelines have not been followed, please report that information directly to Campus Safety and Security at CampusSafety@blackhawk.edu.

We look forward to having you back in class.

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