Coronavirus (COVID-19) College Update – March 25

Update March 25, 2020

Governor, Gary R. Herbert, announced on March 23, 2020, that “…all of Utah’s technical colleges will temporarily cease instruction and coursework beginning Monday, March 30^th through Friday, May 1^st.” We respect the Governor’s decision and share the collective desire to limit the spread of the COVID-19 disease. The health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff are always top priority.

Therefore, effective Monday, March 30, 2020 through Friday, May 1, 2020; Bridgerland Technical College will temporarily suspend on-campus instruction and will be closed to the public.

Students – effective Monday, March 30:

• Spring Break remains March 30 – April 3; campuses are closed and employees are not available through Canvas, email, or phone.

• Current students will remain enrolled in programs and registered in courses with two options during the closure period:
  
  • Continue learning using distance delivered courses – the 150% Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standard will apply and financial disbursements will continue. 
    
  • Request a leave of absence through Student Services (435-753-6780) or the online student portal my.btech.edu. Students will not be charged for this LOA and will not be expected to attend or progress during this time; however, this option will delay disbursement of Pell funds. Students opting for a LOA can continue utilizing distance delivered content while academic and attendance standards are halted which will improve current SAP percentages. LOA options may not be available for some programs.

• High school students continue working in your online courses. Faculty will work with high schools to ensure you receive earned course credit.
• If you are on schedule to graduate or gain related employment prior to May 1, 2020, please contact your instructor.
• Scholarships and financial aid will remain in place.
• New student enrollment will be suspended until Monday, May 4, 2020.
• For Student Services questions, please email studentservices@btech.edu or use the chat feature from the web page www.btech.edu. Phone calls can be received (435-753-6780) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Monday – Friday
• To learn more about our programs, contact a Student Success Advisor at (435)-750-3245 or email advising@btech.edu.

Employees: Our important work continues. Take the opportunity to do the things that often get pushed to “another day.” This temporary suspension is that “other day” you’ve been waiting for.

• Spring Break – all campuses are closed March 30 – April 3
• Supervisors will develop work plans with their employees including scheduled distance interactions (i.e., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.). Productivity documentation will be provided and explained by your supervisor.
• Instructional plans should include creating didactic/theory portions of courses in Canvas.    
• If equipment is needed for working at home, coordinate with your supervisor.
• Extra hours are NOT authorized during this period.

Facilities:

• All campuses are closed to the public
• Assessment and Learning Center (testing) is closed
• Proctored testing is closed
• College Bookstore is closed; however orders can be emailed to books@btech.edu
• Cosmetology and Esthetic services are closed
• Campus Café and catering are closed
• IT Help Desk is closed
• Meat Services retail purchasing is closed
• Tours are canceled

The “Bridge Family” is home to the most generous people on earth. I am inspired by the many acts of kindness I am witnessing every day. Our compassionate nature can ease many secondary pressures we are experiencing like loneliness and depression. Remember to reach out virtually and connect with people. If you need something, please let someone know. Not only is it okay to ask, but by doing so you are providing an opportunity for someone else to serve. Together we will overcome this and we will emerge even stronger than we are today.

“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t” – Rikki Rogers, author

Sincerely,

K. Chad Campbell, President

Bridgerland Technical College