Blackhawk Technical College Announces Staged Reopening Plan

Blackhawk Technical College has announced a multi-stage plan to fully reopen college operations. The college closed to the public on March 18 and all instruction moved online (Stage 1). The college has a Crisis Incident Command Team and an Emergency Preparedness Committee who have managed the college’s response to the pandemic. They closely monitor recommendations by local, state, and federal and make policy and operational recommendations to the college leadership team.

The college will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure that it is safe to proceed with each stage.  Therefore, all dates are subject to change based on the impact of the pandemic. 

Steps 1 – 4 are outlined below.

Stage 1 (March 18):

• Only essential employees report to campus are permitted on campus.
• All employees on campus must record movement and any interaction with others.
• All employees on campus must practice physical distancing at all times.
• Advanced cleaning and sanitization procedures will continue to be followed.
• Non-essential employees work remotely.
• All instruction moves online – no face-to-face instruction or hands-on labs.
• All events and activities are either canceled or moved to a virtual format.
• Facilities closed to the public until further notice.
• Facilities are unavailable for use by outside groups.

Stage 2 (April 27):

• Students in designated essential programs and a small number of designated essential employees performing essential tasks as identified by supervisors are permitted on campus.
• All employees on campus must record movement and any interaction with others. 
• All employees and students visiting campus must sign an acknowledgment of risk.
• Screening protocols for all employees and students are required; including temperature and symptom checks, practice physical distancing, wear protective eyewear and facemasks, and sanitize workspaces before/after use.
• Advanced cleaning and sanitization procedures will continue to be followed.
• Non-essential employees work remotely.
• Most instruction online other than designated essential programs.
• All events and activities are either canceled or moved to a virtual format.
• Facilities closed to the public until further notice.
• Facilities are unavailable for use by outside groups.

Stage 3 (May 26):

• Students in designated programs and a small number of required employees performing tasks as identified by supervisors are permitted on campus.
• All employees on campus must record movement and any interaction with others. 
• All employees and students visiting campus must sign an acknowledgment of risk.
• Screening protocols for all employees and students are required; including temperature and symptom checks, practice physical distancing, wear protective eyewear and facemasks, and sanitize workspaces before/after use.
• A Records and Registration window will be open to accept payments. Students needing to make payment should call (608) 758-6900 to gain access to the building.
• The Testing Center to schedule appointment-only testing in the Student Success Center on Central Campus.
• Technology equipment on loan for the Spring semester should be returned.
• Curbside service available for Bookstore (June 1).
• Advanced cleaning and sanitization procedures will continue to be followed.
• Most employees work remotely unless designated on-campus.
• Most instruction online other than designated programs.
• All events and activities are either canceled or moved to a virtual format.
• Facilities closed to the public until further notice.
• Facilities are unavailable for use by outside groups.

Stage 4 (anticipated June 8 – subject to change):

• Limited open access to campuses for students who have scheduled classes (face-to-face/hands-on) or employees who are required to be on campus.
• All employees and students visiting campus must sign an acknowledgment of risk.
• Screening protocols for all employees and students are required; including temperature and symptom checks, practice physical distancing, wear protective eyewear and facemasks, and sanitize workspaces before/after use.
• On-campus staff will work staggered schedules to ensure safety and physical distancing in workspaces. For those working remotely, access to a campus facility will need to be scheduled.
• All classes will follow social distancing guidelines and everyone will wear appropriate PPE. The number of individuals in a classroom is based on the size and capacity of the designated room.
• College services will continue to be provided online, but limited services will open on campus.
• Limited Student Support Services and IT Helpdesk (Central Campus) will be available in-person with social distancing protocols. For better service, students are encouraged to call ahead for services. (608) 758-6900 for Student Services and (608) 757-7711 for IT Help Desk.
  • The Testing Center to schedule appointment-only testing in the Student Success Center on Central Campus.
  • Limited shuttle service may resume with a limited number of riders to adhere to social distancing. This will also be based upon contractual obligations for the shuttle service.
  • Limited Bookstore (608) 757-7672 and Starbucks services will be available adhering to social distancing guidelines.
  • Vending machine services resume.
• Technology equipment on loan for the Spring semester should be returned.
• No loitering on campus. Gathering areas such as Student Union, Fitness Center, Student Success Center and Commons will remain closed.
• Advanced cleaning and sanitization procedures will continue to be followed.
• Most employees continue to work remotely unless designated on-campus.
• Events and activities with ten or more people are either canceled or moved to a virtual format.
• Indoor facilities are unavailable for use by outside groups.
• Outdoor parking lots and land are available for use by outside groups following established college policy.

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