Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information

Covid higher education proclamation to expire Oct. 31, 2022  / Message from the President

Dear Green River College community,

Governor Inslee announced last month that the State of Washington will be ending its remaining COVID-19 emergency orders and state of emergency by Oct. 31. Green River College has reviewed the state's guidance and will be making the following changes to the College's current COVID-19 protocols, effective Nov. 1, 2022:

• Vaccinations are strongly encouraged. While no longer required, Green River College strongly encourages all members of our college community--students, staff, and faculty--to get vaccinated and boosted to protect the health and safety of all. GRC will host community pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics on its main Auburn campus on Dec. 6. Details regarding time and location will be shared in future communications. To find additional vaccine providers near you, please visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.
• Students with a previously approved exemption and reasonable accommodation stemming from the Governor's Proclamation will receive communications from Student Affairs prior to Oct. 31, 2022, regarding this change and the interactive reasonable accommodation process.
• Employees with a previously approved exemption and reasonable accommodation stemming from the Governor's Proclamation will receive communications from Human Resources prior to Oct. 31, 2022, regarding this change and the interactive reasonable accommodation process.
• Masking is strongly encouraged. GRC continues to strongly recommend wearing masks indoors. Mask wearing may be requested or required in certain situations or locations (e.g., faculty designated classrooms, labs, offices, and non-instructional spaces). All students, faculty, staff, and community members should continue to bring a mask when visiting a GRC location.
• Faculty and staff may request or require students to wear masks in their classrooms and other workspaces and agree to inform students before the first meeting of their in-person classes or when entering office spaces if they request masks or upon arrival.
• Masks and hand-sanitation stations will continue to be available in all buildings.
• Stay home if you are sick. Students, faculty, and staff should not come to campus or participate in any in-person activities if they or a family member are displaying COVID-like symptoms. Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Contact Tracing will continue. We ask that community members report a positive COVID-19 test result if they have recently been on campus. This helps us to track the number of cases among community members and to respond with information and resources. Once submitted, anonymous notifications will automatically be sent to the individuals identified via their GRC email, sharing isolation instructions from the Centers for Disease Control.
• GRC students who have tested positive after recently being on campus should continue to contact Campus Safety.
• GRC employees can report their positive cases using the Employee Covid-19 Reporting and Contact Tracing Form, which is located on the homepage of GatorNet, as well as on the Faculty & Staff Portal page.

As we prepare for these changes you will see updates made to GRC's COVID-19 Resources & Information page. Upcoming opportunities for vaccination and testing will be communicated on those pages.

In the meantime, thank you for all you've done to ensure an excellent start of our fall term. Our Green River College community has done a wonderful job of keeping one another healthy and safe these past few years. I know that commitment will continue. I wish you all the best for the remainder of the fall academic term.

Stay well,

Suzanne

New Employee Contact Tracing Tool

Hello GRC, and welcome to the fall term! 

It's great to see all the new and familiar faces walking around campus. As we start the fall term with increased in-person classes, support services, and activities, we are introducing a new self-reporting contact tracing tool for employees, which replaces our previous process of contacting Benefits Services. 

Located on the homepage of GatorNet, as well as on the Faculty & Staff Portal page (see screenshots below), this new tool allows GRC employees who have recently been on campus and have since tested positive for COVID-19 to quickly self-report who they have been in close contact with.  

Once submitted, anonymous notifications will automatically be sent to the individuals identified via their GRC email, sharing CDC isolation instructions. 

This new tool will streamline our current process, help ensure a safe working and learning environments for all on campus, and will continue to meet the contact tracing requirements outlined by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

Please note, this new tool is for employees only and will require users to login to GatorNet to access it. Students who have tested positive after recently being on campus should continue to contact Campus Safety.

Thanks and hope you all have a great fall term,

Senior Director Human Resources | Green River College

Summer & Fall Quarters / Message from the President

In accordance with the state's revised guidelines and Reopening Committee's recommendations, GRC will make the following changes for the summer and fall quarters:

• Important note for students: While GRC will continue to offer online support through our virtual assistance Zoom lobbies.
  
  • Green River College will transition to in-person summer operating hours beginning June 27. The general hours of business operations will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with the campus closed on Fridays.
  • Green River College will resume normal fall quarter in person operating hours beginning Sept. 6, following the Labor Day holiday. The general hours of business operations will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students and staff will be able to access in-person services during college business hours.
  • Course offerings will include in-person, hybrid, and online options.
• Masking is strongly encouraged. GRC continues to strongly recommend mask wearing indoors and will require masks in certain situations or locations (e.g., faculty designated classrooms, labs, offices, and non-instructional spaces). All students, faculty, staff, and community members should continue to bring a mask when visiting a GRC location.
  
  • Faculty and staff can require students to wear masks in their classrooms and other workspaces and agree to inform students before the first meeting of their in-person classes or when entering office spaces if they require masks or upon arrival.
  • Areas requiring masks are clearly marked and signage will be available to all faculty and staff to post. Post link: https://greenriveredu.sharepoint.com/sites/GN-Reopening/SitePages/COVID-Signage.aspx
• Proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, will still be required for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. As a fully vaccinated college (defined by Proclamation 12.5 and Green River's Fully Vaccinated Campus Policy, GA-31, which remains in effect), individuals who have received an approved medical or religious exemption must continue to wear a mask while on campus.
  
  • Students and employees will continue to be required to add their Immunization Attestation in ctcLink.
  • Faculty will continue to receive accommodation letters prior to the start of each quarter.
  • Student exemption request on file remains active and does not require the returning student to do it again unless there are changes to the reasons for an exemption.
  • The online-only declaration needs to be completed quarterly prior to the start of the quarter if students are in online-only format.
  • Accommodation letters for exempt students will be sent to faculty and exempt employee accommodations will be sent to supervisors on a quarterly basis.
  • Exempt employees and students are required to follow accommodations outlined in their approvals from HR (Human Resources) and SA (Student Affairs). Enforcement of accommodations are still in place through HR (Human Resources) and the student Code of Conduct process through Judicial Affairs.
  • Deans will work with the Health and Wellness Officer and/or other Student Affairs personnel if there is a need to adjust student accommodations for a particular class or class type.
  • Verifications of vaccination cards will continue throughout the summer and fall quarters.
• Contact tracing and direct communication with potentially exposed employees will continue following L&I guidelines while the weekly campus emails will be retired June 17. A new, online self-reporting system will be piloted during the summer quarter, starting June 27th. Additional information will be shared in a future email.
• Employees should notify their GRC supervisor and Benefits Services if they test positive.
  
  • Students should contact their instructor(s) and Campus Safety.
  • Facilities will continue to be cleaned per current CDC (Centers for Disease Control), State of Washington, and King County Guidelines.
• All buildings have the latest MERV 13 air filters and UV-C lighting to help purify the air throughout Green River buildings.
• The Reopening Committee will be retired June 17th. GRC Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 trends statewide and in our county and act according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.
• The blue covid information banner found on greenriver.edu webpages will be retired June 17th. COVID-19 related webpages, including our current vaccination status dashboard, the Coming to Campus guide, FAQs, etc. will continue to be accessible via direct link or by navigating Campus > COVID Resources in the main menu.
• The on campus covid Testing Center will be closed and will be reinstituted if there is a need to add testing hours. This is in accordance with available home test kits and the closure of other local testing centers.
• Contact Facilities in all primary areas of buildings and classrooms to replenish hand sanitizer stations and masks.

I wish you all a wonderful summer season. Please stay well….Suzanne

GatorAlert: COVID Case Update

Green River College has been notified that ten employees and three students have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know: 

• The first employee was last on campus on May 16, with limited movement on the main Auburn Campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on June 4. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 6.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second employee was last on campus on May 25 with limited movement in the Student Union and Student Affairs & Success Center, and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 26. They received a positive test on May 26 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 6.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third employee was last on campus on May 25 with limited movement on the main Auburn Campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on June 4. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 4.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourth employee attended an off-campus conference on June 3 and had limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on June 3 They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 4.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fifth employee was last on campus on June 5 with limited movement in the Trades Complex and Facilities Building, and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on June 5. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 5.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The sixth employee was last on campus on June 6, with limited movement in the Student Union, Student Affairs & Success Center, and IVC, and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on June 6. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 9.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The seventh employee was last on campus on June 7, with limited movement in the Student Union and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on June 4. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 7.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The eighth employee was last on campus on June 7, with limited movement in the Salish Hall and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on June 6. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 8.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The nineth employee was last on campus on June 7, with limited movement the Student Union and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on June 7. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 7.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The tenth employee was last on campus on June 9, with limited movement in Student Affairs & Success Center and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on June 9. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 9.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The first student was last on campus on May 27, with limited movement in IVA and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 31. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 2.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second student was last on campus on May 31, with limited movement in Salish Hal, and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on June 2. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 4.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third student was last on campus on June 2 with limited movement in the Holman Library and Student Union, and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on June 4. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 7.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.

All students and employees are home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Note: For the purposes of this notification, “contact” refers to the CDC's definition of close contact of being within "6 feet [...] for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more."

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed.  
• Communication with impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine. 
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC (Centers for Disease Control), State of Washington, and King County Guidelines. 
• All facilities are open and operating on normal schedules. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff, and students:  

• Get vaccinated! GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View GRC's Vaccination Requirements or find vaccine providers near you.
• Get tested! Free, voluntary COVID-19 testing for GRC students and employees is available on campus Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The testing site is located at the Fitness Center (FC), located in the southeast corner of campus. Register for free. Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests are available at www.covidtests.gov and sayyeshometest.org.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class. 
  • Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. 
• Maintain physical distancing 
• GRC strongly recommends wearing a face mask when visiting a GRC campus or branch location.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.

GatorAlert: COVID Case Update

Green River College has been notified that five employees and eight students have tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know:

• The first employee was last on campus on May 13, with limited movement on the main Auburn Campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 28. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 29.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second employee was last on campus on May 24 with limited movement in the Student Affairs & Success Center, and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 25. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 27.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third employee was last on campus on May 24 with limited movement on the main Auburn Campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 31. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 31.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourth employee was last on campus on May 12, with limited movement on the main Auburn Campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 29. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 1.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fifth employee was last on campus on June 1 with limited movement in Kent Campus and in RLC, and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 28. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 1.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The first student was last on campus on May 12, with limited movement in IVD and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 18. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 19.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second student was last on campus on May 19, with limited movement in Cedar Hall and the Student Union, and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 24. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 28.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third student was last on campus on May 31 with limited movement in the Science Center and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 30. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 31.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourth student was last on campus on May 31 with limited movement in Salish Hall and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 31. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 1.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fifth student was last on campus on May 31 with limited movement in Cedar Hall and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on June 1. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 2.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The sixth student was last on campus on June 1, with limited movement in the Cedar Hall and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on June 1. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 1.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The seventh student was last on campus on June 2, with limited movement in Auburn Center and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on June 2. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on June 2.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The eighth student was last on campus on June 3 and refused to report their movement on campus.
  • They informed GRC of the positive test on June 3.  
  • The student did not follow all Green River COVID protocols and has been referred to the judicial review process for violating the Student Code of Conduct.

All students and employees are home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Note: For the purposes of this notification, “contact” refers to the CDC's definition of close contact of being within "6 feet [...] for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more."

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed.  
• Communication with impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine. 
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC (Centers for Disease Control), State of Washington, and King County Guidelines. 
• All facilities are open and operating on normal schedules. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff, and students:  

• Get vaccinated! GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View  or find vaccine providers near you.
• Get tested! Free, voluntary COVID-19 testing for GRC students and employees is available on campus Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The testing site is located at the Fitness Center (FC), located in the southeast corner of campus. Register for free. Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests are available at www.covidtests.gov and sayyeshometest.org.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class. 
  • Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. 
• Maintain physical distancing 
• GRC strongly recommends wearing a face mask when visiting a GRC campus or branch location.

For additional information, please visit GRC's , as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.

GatorAlert: COVID Case Update

Green River College has been notified that seven employees and four students have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know: 

• The first employee was last on campus on May 11, with limited movement on the main Auburn Campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 17. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 20.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second employee was last on campus on May 16 with limited movement in the Student Union and Student Affairs & Success Center, and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 18 They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 19.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third employee was last on campus on May 16 with limited movement on the main Auburn Campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 22. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 23.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourth employee was last on campus on May 19, with limited movement on the main Auburn Campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 26. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 27.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fifth employee was last on campus on May 23 with limited movement in the Science Center, and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 23. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 23.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The sixth employee was last on campus on May 24, with limited movement in the Admin Building and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 24. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 25.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The sixth employee was last on campus on May 25, with limited movement in the Trades Complex and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 22. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 26.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The first student was last on campus on May 13, with limited movement in the Science Center and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 16. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 16.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second student was last on campus on May 18, with limited movement in the Salish Hall and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 21. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 23.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third student was last on campus on May 19 with limited movement in Salish Hall and no contact with others.
  • They were asymptomatic but tested positive for COVID-19 on May 22. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourth student was last on campus on May 20, with limited movement in the Trades Complex and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 24. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 25.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.

All students and employees are home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Note: For the purposes of this notification, “contact” refers to the CDC's definition of close contact of being within "6 feet [...] for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more."

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed.  
• Communication with impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine. 
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC (Centers for Disease Control), State of Washington, and King County Guidelines. 
• All facilities are open and operating on normal schedules. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff, and students:  

• Get vaccinated! GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View  or find vaccine providers near you.
• Get tested! Free, voluntary COVID-19 testing for GRC students and employees is available on campus Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The testing site is located at the Fitness Center (FC), located in the southeast corner of campus. Register for free. Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests are available at www.covidtests.gov and sayyeshometest.org.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class. 
  • Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. 
• Maintain physical distancing 
• GRC strongly recommends wearing a face mask when visiting a GRC campus or branch location.

For additional information, please visit GRC's , as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.

GatorAlert: COVID Case Update

Green River College has been notified that eight employees and eight students have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know:

• The first employee was last on campus on May 4, with limited movement on the main Auburn Campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 11. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 14.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second employee was last on campus on May 10 with limited movement on the main Auburn Campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 17 They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 17.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third employee was last on campus on May 12 with limited movement on the main Auburn Campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 17. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 18.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourth employee was last on campus on May 13, with limited movement in the Student Affairs & Success Center and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 16. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 16.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fifth employee was last on campus on May 16 with limited movement in the Zgolinski Center and Fitness Center, and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 16. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 17.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The sixth employee was last on campus on May 16, with limited movement in the Student Union and Student Affairs & Success Center, and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 16. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 18.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The seventh employee was last on campus on May 17, with limited movement in the Science Center and Student Affairs & Success Center, and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 17. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 18.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The eighth employee was last on campus on May 18, with limited movement in the Holman Library and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 18. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 19.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The first student was last on campus on May 2, with limited movement in the Student Union and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 5. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 6.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second student was last on campus on May 9, with limited movement in the Student Union and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 9. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 11.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third student was last on campus on May 12 with limited movement in Salish Hall and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 13 They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 15.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourth student was last on campus on May 13, with limited movement in the Trades Complex and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 13. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 15.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fifth student was last on campus on May 13 with limited movement in the Performing Arts Center and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 15 They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 15.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The sixth student was last on campus on May 13, with limited movement in the Salish Hall and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 15. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 17.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The seventh student was last on campus on May 16 with limited movement in the Tech Center and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 17 They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 17.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The eighth student was last on campus on May 17 with limited movement in the Student Union, Holman Library, and Cedar Hall, and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 14 They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 17.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.

All students and employees are home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Note: For the purposes of this notification, “contact” refers to the CDC's definition of close contact of being within "6 feet [...] for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more."

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed.  
• Communication with impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine. 
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC (Centers for Disease Control), State of Washington, and King County Guidelines. 
• All facilities are open and operating on normal schedules. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff, and students:  

• Get vaccinated! GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View  or find vaccine providers near you.
• Get tested! Free, voluntary COVID-19 testing for GRC students and employees is available on campus Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The testing site is located at the Fitness Center (FC), located in the southeast corner of campus. Register for free. Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests are available at www.covidtests.gov and sayyeshometest.org.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class. 
  • Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. 
• Maintain physical distancing 
• GRC strongly recommends wearing a face mask when visiting a GRC campus or branch location.

For additional information, please visit GRC's , as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.

GatorAlert: COVID Case Update

Green River College has been notified that six employees and ten students have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know: 

• The first employee was last on campus on April 28, with limited movement in Trades Complex and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 1. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 8.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second employee was last on campus on May 3 with limited movement in the Science Center and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 9 They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 11  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third employee was last on campus on May 5 with limited movement in Salish Hall and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 9. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 9.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourth employee was last on campus on May 5, with limited movement in the Admin Building and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 9. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 10.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fifth employee was last on campus on May 9 with limited movement in the Science Center and Fitness Center, and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 9. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 10.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The sixth employee was last on campus on May 9, with limited movement in RLC and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 10. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 13.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The first student was last on campus on April 22, with limited movement in the Science Center and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on April 30. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on April 30.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second student was last on campus on May 2, with limited movement in the Student Union and limited contact with others.
  • They were asymptomatic, tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 2.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third student was last on campus on May 3 with limited movement in the Science Center and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 2 They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 3.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourth student was last on campus on May 3, with limited movement in the Student Union and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 3. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 6.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fifth student was last on campus on May 3, with limited movement on the main Auburn Campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 3. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 3.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The sixth student was last on campus on May 4, with limited movement in Salish Hall and the Student Union and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 9. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 10.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The seventh student was last on campus on May 5 with limited movement in the Student Union and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 7 They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 10.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The eighth student was last on campus on May 7 with limited movement in the Student Union and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 4 They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 5.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The ninth student was last on campus on May 7 with limited movement in the Student Union and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 6 They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 6.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The tenth student was last on campus on May 11, with limited movement in Salish Hall and the Student Union, and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 3. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 3.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.

All students and employees are home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Note: For the purposes of this notification, “contact” refers to the CDC's definition of close contact of being within "6 feet [...] for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more."

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed.  
• Communication with impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine. 
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC (Centers for Disease Control), State of Washington, and King County Guidelines. 
• All facilities are open and operating on normal schedules. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff, and students:  

• Get vaccinated! GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View  or find vaccine providers near you.
• Get tested! Free, voluntary COVID-19 testing for GRC students and employees is available on campus Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The testing site is located at the Fitness Center (FC), located in the southeast corner of campus. Register for free. Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests are available at www.covidtests.gov and sayyeshometest.org.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class. 
  • Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. 
• Maintain physical distancing 
• GRC strongly recommends wearing a face mask when visiting a GRC campus or branch location.

For additional information, please visit GRC's , as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.

GatorAlert: COVID Case Update

Green River College has been notified that four employees and five students have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know: 

• The first employee was last on campus on April 27, with limited movement in Cedar Hall and International Village-D, and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 1. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 3.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second employee was last on campus on April 28 with limited movement in the Trades Complex and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on April 30 They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 2  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third employee was last on campus on April 28, with limited movement in the Student Affairs & Success Center and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 3. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 3.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourth employee was last on campus on May 5, with limited movement in the Holman Library and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 3. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 3.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The first student was last on campus on April 21, with limited movement in Science Building and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on April 24. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on April 25.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second student was last on campus on April 28, with limited movement in Salish Hall and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on April 26. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on April 29.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third student was last on campus on April 29, with limited movement in the Science Center and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 3 They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 3.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourth student was last on campus on May 2, with limited movement in Cedar Hall and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 1. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 2.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fifth student was last on campus on May 3, with limited movement in the Holman Library, Tech Center, and Science Center, and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on May 3. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on May 3.  
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.

All students and employees are home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Note: For the purposes of this notification, “contact” refers to the CDC's definition of close contact of being within "6 feet [...] for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more."

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed.  
• Communication with impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine. 
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC (Centers for Disease Control), State of Washington, and King County Guidelines. 
• All facilities are open and operating on normal schedules. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff, and students:  

• Get vaccinated! GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View  or find vaccine providers near you.
• Get tested! Free, voluntary COVID-19 testing for GRC students and employees is available on campus Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The testing site is located at the Fitness Center (FC), located in the southeast corner of campus. Register for free. Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests are available at www.covidtests.gov and sayyeshometest.org.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class. 
  • Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. 
• Maintain physical distancing 
• GRC strongly recommends wearing a face mask when visiting a GRC campus or branch location.

For additional information, please visit GRC's , as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.

Gator Alert - COVID Case Update

Green River College has been notified that 3 employees and 17 students have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know: 

• The first student was last on campus on 4/21, with limited movement in Salish Hall and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/24. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/26.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second student was last on campus on 4/20, with limited movement in Salish Hall and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/20. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/23.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third student was last on campus on 4/21, with limited movement in Cedar Hall and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/21. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/22.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourth student was last on campus on 4/24, with limited movement in RLC and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/24. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/25.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fifth student was last on campus on 4/22, with limited movement in the Student Union and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/22. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/24.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The sixth student was last on campus on 4/22, with limited movement in the Student Union and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/25. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/25.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The seventh student was last on campus on 4/20, with limited movement in IVA and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/21. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/20.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The eighth student was last on campus on 4/18, with limited movement in the Holman building and P.E. building and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/18. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/18.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The ninth student was last on campus on 4/22, with limited movement in Salish Hall and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/19. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/22.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The tenth student was last on campus on 4/22, with limited movement in the Student Union and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/22. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/22.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The eleventh student was last on campus on 4/25, with limited movement in the Science building and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/26. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/27.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The twelfth student was last on campus on 4/18, with limited movement in Salish Hall and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/18. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/19.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The thirteenth student was last on campus on 4/15, with limited movement in Cedar Hall and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/16. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/17.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourteenth student was last on campus on 4/15, with limited movement in Cedar Hall and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/17. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/18.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fifteenth student was last on campus on 4/19, with limited movement in an Cedar Hall and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/16. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/20.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The sixteenth student was last on campus on 4/18, with limited movement in a campus parking lot and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/18. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/18.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The seventeenth student was last on campus on 4/22, with limited movement in IVA English and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on 4/17. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on 4/22.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed

All students and employees are home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.  

Here's what we've done:  

Contact tracing has been completed.  
Communication with impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine. 
The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC (Centers for Disease Control), State of Washington, and King County Guidelines. 
All facilities are open and operating on normal schedules. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help:  

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff, and students: 

• Get vaccinated! GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View GRC's Vaccination Requirements or find vaccine providers near you.
• Get tested! Free, voluntary COVID-19 testing for GRC students and employees is available on campus Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The testing site is located at the Fitness Center (FC), located in the southeast corner of campus. Register for free. Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests are available at www.covidtests.gov and sayyeshometest.org.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class. 
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. 
• Maintain physical distancing 
• GRC strongly recommends wearing a face mask when visiting a GRC campus or branch location.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.  

Spring quarter update / Message from the president

Dear Green River College community, 

As the winter quarter comes to a close, I know many are looking ahead to the spring term. Before I share important spring updates, I want to thank you—the students, faculty, and staff of Green River College—for your dedication and commitment to education throughout the fall and winter quarters. Your efforts have helped provide a safe working and learning environment and have been critical to our ability to keep COVID cases low, return to in-person instruction, and increase our on-campus student support services and activities. 

Winter Quarter & Spring Break 

On March 10, we announced that Green River College would continue to require masks across all GRC locations through the end of winter quarter. We will maintain this requirement across all GRC locations for the rest of the winter quarter, as well as the break between terms. 

Spring Quarter 

In accordance with the state's revised guidelines and Reopening Committee's recommendations, GRC will make the following changes for the spring quarter: 

• GRC will no longer require masking while on campus, effective April 4. The College continues to encourage mask wearing and will require masks in certain situations or locations (as permitted under the current higher education guidelines). This may include small, enclosed offices, non-rostered or non-instructional spaces (e.g., Counseling, Tutoring, Writing Reading Center, Math Learning Center, Public Speaking Center, Language Center, Library, and other support service locations) where physical distancing may not be reasonable. Faculty may require masking for their individual classes and will notify their students if masks will be required prior to the first day of their in-person class. As such, all students, faculty, staff, and community members should continue to bring a mask when visiting a GRC location. Areas requiring masks will be clearly marked with new signage, and masks will continue to be provided at the entrances of each building. 
• Proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, will still be required for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. As a fully vaccinated college (defined by Proclamation 12.5, which remains in effect), individuals who have received an approved medical or religious exemption must continue to wear a mask while on campus. 
• The health attestation process will be retired. Beginning April 4, students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors will no longer be required to submit a daily health attestation.  
• Free, voluntary COVID-19 testing for GRC students and employees will continue to be available on campus Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The testing site is located at the Fitness Center (FC), located in the southeast corner of campus. (NOTE: The testing site is not in the Recreation and Athletics Center (RAC) in the Student Union). Registration is required before testing is done: Register for free. 

The College's success in avoiding serious Covid outbreaks rests in our high vaccination rates, willingness to wear PPE to avoid transmitting Covid, access to testing, and your cooperation. The College will continue to employ multiple strategies to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and faculty. Thank you for doing your part to ensure the safety of our campus community as we transition back to in-person services and instruction. 

Suzanne 

Gator Alert - COVID Case Update

Green River College has been notified that one student tested positive for COVID-19.  

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:  

• The student was last on campus on Jan. 5 with limited movement in the Student Union, and no contact with others.
  • On March 11, the student informed GRC they had previously tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 31.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed at the time of the positive test

Here's what we've done:  

• Contact tracing has been completed.   
• Communication with impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine. 
• Due to the timeline of events, no additional cleaning is required at this time.
• All facilities are open and operating on normal schedules.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.   

How you can help:  

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff, and students:  

• Get vaccinated! GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View GRC's Vaccination Requirements or find vaccine providers near you. 
• Get tested! Free, voluntary COVID-19 testing for GRC students and employees will be available on campus Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., starting Feb. 7. The testing site will be located at the Fitness Center (FC), located in the southeast corner of campus. Register for free. Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests are available at www.covidtests.gov and sayyeshometest.org. 
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.  
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.  
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.  
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.  
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.  
• Maintain physical distancing  
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask when visiting a GRC campus or branch location. GRC strongly encourages KN95 and N95 masks for the best defense against COVID-19 Omicron 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.   

Reminder: GRC masking requirement to remain in place

As a reminder, GRC's masking requirements will remain in place through the end of winter quarter. Safety guidelines for spring quarter are under review and will be shared in the weeks to come. 

While the statewide mask mandate will lift on March 12, colleges, universities, local governments, businesses, and county health departments will continue to have the ability to make local decisions regarding masking and other safety measures deemed appropriate for their specific set of circumstances. 

Mask-wearing has been critical to our ability to keep COVID cases low, return to in-person instruction, and increase our on-campus student support services and activities. Maintaining our mask requirements and other safety measures for a while longer will help keep our campus community safe until we have further guidance from external agencies we are impacted by and input from the college's Reopening Committee. 

The following safety measures remain in place for all students and employees: 

• Get vaccinated. GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View GRC's vaccination requirements. 
• Wear a mask. All students, faculty, staff, volunteers, contractors, and visitors over the age of 5 must wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The campus strongly encourages KN95 and N95 masks and face-coverings for the best defense against COVID-19 Omicron. This must be worn to enter and while present in all classrooms and common spaces on campus, including any academic, administrative, residential, food service, and recreational buildings. Additionally, students must wear a mask or face covering in any outdoor location on campus (including walking to and from class). 
• Complete your daily health attestation prior to visiting campus. All individuals visiting a GRC campus or entering a GRC facility must submit a health check-in form. By filling out this short health screening, you certify that you are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.  Please complete from home prior to arriving on campus. 

Additionally, free, voluntary COVID-19 testing for GRC students and employees is available on campus Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The testing site is located at the Fitness Center (FC), located in the southeast corner of campus. (NOTE: The testing site is not in the Recreation and Athletics Center (RAC) in the Student Union). Registration is required before testing is done: Register for free. 

More information on safety planning for spring quarter will follow in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please continue to mask-up when visiting any GRC locations. 

Message from the President / Response to updated state mask mandate

Dear Green River College Community, 

We continue to hear good news that the Omicron wave is receding in Washington state. Just yesterday afternoon, Gov. Inslee pushed up the timeline for lifting the statewide mask mandate from March 21 to March 12.  Along with this announcement, the Governor's office and L&I are expected to be providing further information and updates regarding COVID protocols prior to March 12. SBCTC has also updated their FAQ to reflect the latest changes. 

It is important to note that the Governor's messaging thus far has indicated that schools, local governments, businesses, and county health departments will continue to have the ability to make local decisions regarding masking and other safety measures deemed appropriate for their specific set of circumstances. Understandably, you may be concerned about what this means for our college's current COVID safety protocols.   

Given what we know at this time, Green River College's current COVID-19 health protocols will remain in place until we have further guidance from external agencies we are impacted by and input from the college's Reopening Committee.  I recognize that there are diverse opinions about masking and safety protocols we have had in place at the college.  I also recognize the importance of our college to make changes based on as much information possible and input from all constituent groups at the college.  Until we have further information available, and the Reopening Committee can review and seek input from the college, our masking and safety protocols will remain in place.  The Reopening Committee will meet next week to begin these conversations.  Following these conversations, recommendations will be forwarded to the Executive Team. Any decisions made will be shared with the College community through email, Canvas, and on our website. 

The health and safety of all students, faculty and staff continues to be the college's priority. Mask-wearing has been critical to our ability to keep COVID cases low, return to in-person instruction, and increase our on-campus student support services and activities. Maintaining our mask requirements and other safety measures for a while longer will help keep our campus community safe as we continue to monitor COVID-19 trends statewide and in our county.  As a reminder, all students and employees are required to follow the following safety measures: 

• Get vaccinated. GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View GRC's vaccination requirements. 
• Wear a mask. All students, faculty, staff, volunteers, contractors, and visitors over the age of 5 must wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The campus strongly encourages KN95 and N95 masks and face-coverings for the best defense against COVID-19 Omicron. This must be worn to enter and while present in all classrooms and common spaces on campus, including any academic, administrative, residential, food service, and recreational buildings. Additionally, students must wear a mask or face covering in any outdoor location on campus (including walking to and from class). 
• Complete your daily health attestation prior to visiting campus. All individuals visiting a GRC campus or entering a GRC facility must submit a health check-in form. By filling out this short health screening, you certify that you are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.  Please complete from home prior to arriving on campus. 

Additionally, free, voluntary COVID-19 testing for GRC students and employees is available on campus Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The testing site is located at the Fitness Center (FC), located in the southeast corner of campus. (NOTE: The testing site is not in the Recreation and Athletics Center (RAC) in the Student Union). Registration is required before testing is done: Register for free. 

Thank you for your patience as we navigate the changing course of COVID-19. I am deeply grateful for everything you -- our students and employees -- have done to protect yourselves and those around you. 

Stay well,
Suzanne 

Gator Alert - COVID Case Update

Green River College has been notified that three students and one employee have tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:  

• The first student was last on campus on Feb. 16 with limited movement in the Science Center, and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Feb. 19. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb. 21. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second student was last on campus on Feb. 17 with limited movement in Cedar Hall and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Feb. 18. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb. 18. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third student was last on campus on Feb. 17 with limited movement in the Trades Complex and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Feb. 21. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb. 21. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The employee was last on campus on Feb. 22 with limited movement in the Trades Complex and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Feb. 22. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb. 22. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.

All students and employees are home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.   

Here's what we've done:  

• Contact tracing has been completed.   
• Communication with impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.  
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC (Centers for Disease Control), State of Washington, and King County Guidelines.  
• All facilities are open and operating on normal schedules.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.   

How you can help:  

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff, and students:  

• Get vaccinated! GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View GRC's Vaccination Requirements or find vaccine providers near you. 
• Get tested! Free, voluntary COVID-19 testing for GRC students and employees will be available on campus Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., starting Feb. 7. The testing site will be located at the Fitness Center (FC), located in the southeast corner of campus. Register for free. Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests are available at www.covidtests.gov and sayyeshometest.org. 
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.  
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.  
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.  
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.  
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.  
• Maintain physical distancing  
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask when visiting a GRC campus or branch location. GRC strongly encourages KN95 and N95 masks for the best defense against COVID-19 Omicron 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.   

Gator Alert - COVID Case Update

Green River College has been notified that two students have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:  

• The first student was last on campus on Feb. 9 with limited movement in the Trades Complex, and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Feb. 10. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb. 10. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second student was last on campus on Feb. 14 with limited movement in Salish and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Feb. 14. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb. 14. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.

All students are home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.   

Here's what we've done:  

• Contact tracing has been completed.   
• Communication with impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.  
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC (Centers for Disease Control), State of Washington, and King County Guidelines.  
• All facilities are open and operating on normal schedules.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.   

How you can help:  

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff, and students:  

• Get vaccinated! GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View GRC's Vaccination Requirements or find vaccine providers near you. 
• Get tested! Free, voluntary COVID-19 testing for GRC students and employees will be available on campus Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., starting Feb. 7. The testing site will be located at the Fitness Center (FC), located in the southeast corner of campus. Register for free. Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests are available at www.covidtests.gov and sayyeshometest.org. 
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.  
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.  
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.  
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.  
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.  
• Maintain physical distancing  
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask when visiting a GRC campus or branch location. GRC strongly encourages KN95 and N95 masks for the best defense against COVID-19 Omicron 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.   

Gator Alert - COVID Case Update

Green River College has been notified that six students and one employee have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:  

• The first student was last on campus on Feb. 1 with limited movement in the Student Affairs, Cedar Hall, and IVD, and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 31. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb. 1. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second student was last on campus on Feb. 3 with limited movement in the Science Center and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Feb. 3. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb. 7. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third student has not been on GRC's campus but is a CCA resident with limited contact with others.
  • They were asymptomatic but tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 2 and are self-isolating in their apartment. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The fourth student has not been on GRC's campus but is a CCA resident with limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Feb. 4. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb. 7. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The fifth student was last on campus on Feb. 7 with limited movement in Cedar Hall and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Feb. 7. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb. 8. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The sixth student was last on campus on Feb. 7 with limited movement in Cedar Hall and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Feb. 8. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb. 8. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The employee was last on campus on Jan. 24, with limited movement in Salish Hall, and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 26. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 28. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 

All students and employees are home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.   

Here's what we've done:  

• Contact tracing has been completed.   
• Communication with impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.  
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC (Centers for Disease Control), State of Washington, and King County Guidelines.  
• All facilities are open and operating on normal schedules.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.   

How you can help:  

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff, and students:  

• Get vaccinated! GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View GRC's Vaccination Requirements or find vaccine providers near you. 
• Get tested! Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests are available at www.covidtests.gov andsayyeshometest.org. 
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.  
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.  
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.  
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.  
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.  
• Maintain physical distancing  
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask when visiting a GRC campus or branch location. GRC strongly encourages KN95 and N95 masks for the best defense against COVID-19 Omicron 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.   

GRC & Altius to offer free COVID testing starting Feb. 7

Hello GRC Gators, 

At Green River College, the health and safety of all students, faculty and staff remains our top priority.  With your help and participation, we have been implementing a safe and equitable plan for coming back to campus: GRC Phased Reopening Plan for Winter 2022.  

This has and will continue to keep our Gator Community, and the greater community safe by adhering to our guidelines for greatly reducing our risk from Covid-19. We recognize the multiple safety mitigation strategies we have kept in place, Masking, Vaccinations, Social Distancing, Daily Cleaning, and state-of-the-art MERV 13 air filters and UV-C lighting at each campus location to create a safe environment for everyone.     

As we read the news about the Omicron variant outbreaks, high percentage of disease that is spread in non-vaccinated people, recent recommendations to get a booster vaccine, and using better particle filtering masks like N95 or KN95, we know it's time to further our efforts of protection against COVID.   

We have been told from the start of this pandemic frequent testing serves as an early warning system to stop outbreaks from spreading and believe it is time to adopt a testing strategy. Green River College has worked to implement a free Testing Program as another layer of protection against COVID.   

Partnering with Altius Clinical Testing Labs, Green River College will provide FREE, voluntary PCR testing that is Safe, EASY, Quick, Confidential, and On-site.  This opportunity is open to students and employees of Green River College. 

We've chosen this Monday, February 7, as our first day to offer this opportunity to you. Please be patient with our first day of testing as we open the doors free on-site testing will be twice a week on Mondays (9-5pm) and Thursdays (10-7pm) through the end of Spring quarter. The testing site will be located at the Fitness Center (FC), located in the southeast corner of campus. View main Auburn campus map. (NOTE: The testing site is not in the Recreation and Athletics Center (RAC) in the Student Union). Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests are also available at www.covidtests.gov and sayyeshometest.org. 

To register, please visit the Altius portal. This link, along with other relevant resources, is located on GRC's Coming to Campus Guide webpage. 

Stay safe and Go Gators! 

Deb Casey, Ph.D.
Vice President of Student Affairs 

 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM

• Who should be tested?
  • GRC is making COVID testing available to any member of the GRC community who has any of the following: cold-like symptoms; a known history of exposure to a family member or other individual with cold symptoms; any concern about a possible or known COVID exposure for themselves, or via another close contact such as a family member or friend.  Testing will be offered free of charge to all GRC students and employees regardless of health insurance status. 
• Who is providing testing? 
  • COVD testing is being provided by Altius Institute for Biomedical Sciences, a local non-profit biomedical research organization. During the pandemic, Altius has partnered with the Washington State Department of Health, King County, and many local educational institutions to offer high-quality, PCR testing.  
• How can I participate? 
  • GRC will conduct an initial run of the testing program this Monday, February 7th from 9:00am - 5:00pm at the Fitness Center on the Main Campus.  If you plan to take advantage of testing, we ask that you pre-register using the Altius portal. This link, along with other relevant resources, is located on GRC's Coming to Campus Guide webpage.
  • Registration is secure and confidential, only takes about 2 minutes to complete, and will ensure instant access to testing. 
• When will results be available? 
  • Test results are typically available within 12-24 hours via the secure online portal. 

Gator Alert - COVID Case Update

Green River College has been notified that seven students and three employees have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:  

• The first was last on campus on Jan. 4 with limited movement in the Student Union and no contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 31. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb. 1. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second student was last on campus on Jan. 20 with limited movement in Cedar Hall and no contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 26. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 28. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third student was last on campus on Jan. 25 with limited movement in Cedar Hall and limited contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 31. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. Feb 1. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourth student was last on campus on Jan. 28 with limited movement in the Science Center and limited contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 29. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb 2. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fifth student was last on campus on Jan. 29 with limited movement in the PE Building and no contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 29. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 31. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The sixth student was last on campus on Jan. 31 with limited movement in the Trades Complex and limited contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Feb. 1. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb. 2. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The seventh student has not been on GRC's campus but is a CCA resident who has had no contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Feb. 2. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb. 2. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The first employee was last on campus on Jan. 25, with limited movement in RLC and the Holman Library, and limited contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 26. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 29. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The second employee was last on campus on Jan. 26, with limited movement in the the Student Union and no contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 26. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 29. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The third employee was last on campus on Feb. 1, with limited movement in the Zgolinski Center and limited contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Feb. 1. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Feb. 2. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 

All students and employees are home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.   

Here's what we've done:  

• Contact tracing has been completed.   
• Communication with impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.  
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC (Centers for Disease Control), State of Washington, and King County Guidelines.  
• All facilities are open and operating on normal schedules.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.   

How you can help:  

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff, and students:  

• Get vaccinated! GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View GRC's Vaccination Requirements or find vaccine providers near you. 
• Get tested! Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests are available at www.covidtests.gov andsayyeshometest.org. 
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.  
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.  
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.  
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.  
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.  
• Maintain physical distancing  
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask when visiting a GRC campus or branch location. GRC strongly encourages KN95 and N95 masks for the best defense against COVID-19 Omicron 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.   

All scheduled in-person classes, activities, and services resume Feb. 7

Hello Gators!

Starting Monday, Feb. 7, scheduled face-to-face and hybrid face-to-face courses (that did not begin on January 18th) will resume meeting on-campus. Most campus offices/student support services will return to the on-campus schedule of Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. .

Ongoing safety precautions

• Get vaccinated. Green River College requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. .
• Get tested. Free COVID-19 testing for GRC students and employees will be available on campus Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., starting Feb. 7. The testing site will be located at the Fitness Center (FC), located in the southeast corner of campus. . (NOTE: The testing site is not in the Recreation and Athletics Center (RAC) in the Student Union). Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests are also available at www.covidtests.gov and sayyeshometest.org.
• Complete your daily health attestation. All individuals visiting a GRC campus or entering a GRC facility must submit a health check-in form. By filling out this short health screening, you certify that you are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Please complete from home prior to arriving on campus. . Spot checking of student and employee attestations may occur to ensure compliance with Green River College COVID-19 policy.
• Mask up. All students, faculty, staff, volunteers, contractors, and visitors over the age of 5 must wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The campus bly encourages kn95 and n95 masks and face-coverings for the best defense against COVID-19 Omicron. This must be worn to enter and while present in all classrooms and common spaces on campus, including any academic, administrative, residential, food service, and recreational buildings. Additionally, students must wear a mask or face covering in any outdoor location on campus (including walking to and from class).

Advising Day is Feb. 1!

From classroom to career, your plan starts here. Join us on Tuesday, Feb. 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for one-on-one advising, program exploration, funding application assistance, and to connect to campus and community-based resources.

Participate in two different ways!

• Log in to your ctcLink account Academic Progress tile. Select "Advisors" to look up your assigned advisor and connect
• OR connect to one of the Virtual Assistance Advising Sessions:
  •  
  •  
  • Master Achiever Center (ELL, TS, GED/HS 21+, iBest)
  •  
  • and Faculty advisors for program advising in:
    • Exploratory (which includes undecided and AA transfer)
    • Business
    • Health
    • STEM
    • Social and Human Services
    • Trades
    • Arts and Humanities

Important links

•  
•  
•  
•  
• How to add vaccination attestation in ctcLink
• In Person and Zoom Lobby Stations for Student Vaccination Attestations and Verifications
• Online-only declaration
•  
•  
•  
• GRC Phased Reopening for Winter 2022
•  
• Find locations with COVID-19 vaccines
• Order free at-home COVID-19 tests
• How to view your schedule
•  
• ctcLink login
•  

Gator Alert - COVID Case Update

Green River College has been notified that six students and one employee have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:  

• The first student has not been on GRC's campus but is a CCA resident who has had no contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 12. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 14. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The second student was last on campus on Jan. 18 with limited movement in the Science Center and no contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 18. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 19. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The third student was last on campus on Jan. 20 with limited movement in the Student Union and no contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 23. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 27. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourth student was last on campus on Jan. 21 with limited movement in the Student Union and no contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 23. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 24. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fifth student was last on campus on Jan. 24 with limited movement in the Student Union and no contact with others.
  
  • They were asymptomatic but tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 26 and are self-isolating.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The sixth student was last on campus on Jan. 25, with limited movement in the Cedar Hall and no contact with others.
  
  • They were asymptomatic but tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 25 and are self-isolating.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The employee was last on campus on Jan. 24, with limited movement in the Student Affairs and no contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 13 and began to self-quarantine. They were tested for COVID-19 on Jan. 16 and received a positive test on Jan. 21. They returned to work on Jan. 24, having completed the CDC recommended quarantine and no longer experiencing COVID-like symptoms.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 

All students are home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Here's what we've done:  

• Contact tracing has been completed.   
• Communication with impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.  
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC (Centers for Disease Control), State of Washington, and King County Guidelines.  
• All facilities are open and operating on normal schedules.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.   

How you can help:  

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff, and students:  

• Get vaccinated! GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View GRC's Vaccination Requirements or find vaccine providers near you. 
• Get tested! Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests are available at www.covidtests.gov andsayyeshometest.org. 
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.  
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.  
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.  
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.  
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.  
• Maintain physical distancing  
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask when visiting a GRC campus or branch location. GRC strongly encourages KN95 and N95 masks for the best defense against COVID-19 Omicron 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.   

Gator Alert - COVID Case Update

Green River College has been notified that one staff member and six students have tested positive for COVID-19.  

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:  

• The staff member was last on campus on Dec 31, 2021, with limited movement in the Student Affairs building, room 156, and had no contact with others. 
• They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan 10. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan 13.  
• All Green River COVID protocols were followed.

• The first student was last on campus on Jan 4, 2022, with limited movement in the Student Union and Bookstore, and had no contact with others. 
• They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan 5. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan 8.  
• All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
   
• The second student was last on campus on Jan 4, 2022, on a campus walking tour through numerous buildings, and had no close contact with others. 
• They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan 8. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan 9.  
• All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
   
• The third student has not been on any of GRC's campuses, therefore has not had close contact with anyone. 
• They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan 2. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan 6.  
• All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 

• The fourth student has not been on any of GRC's campuses, therefore has not had close contact with anyone.  
• They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan 9. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan 9.  
• All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
  

All students and the employee are home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.   

Here's what we've done:  

• Contact tracing has been completed.   
• Communication with impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.  
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC (Centers for Disease Control), State of Washington, and King County Guidelines.  
• All facilities are open and operating on normal schedules.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.   

How you can help:  

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff, and students:  

• Get vaccinated! GRC requires proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. That means all students, employees, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or properly exempted. View GRC's Vaccination Requirements or find vaccine providers near you. 
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.  
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.  
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.  
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.  
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.  
• Maintain physical distancing  
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask when visiting a GRC campus or branch location. GRC strongly encourages KN95 and N95 masks for the best defense against COVID-19 Omicron 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.   

Update for Winter 2022

On Dec. 28, we announced most of Green River's classes and student support services would operate remotely for the first two weeks of the Winter term. Since then, the GRC leadership team and Reopening Committee have continued to monitor the rapid spread of COVID-19 in our community. 

It is with that in mind that we have made the following adjustments to our Winter 2022 plans:  

• Most classes will continue to meet online through Monday, Feb. 7. 
• Student support services will continue to be available remotely through our . In-person services will reopen Monday, Feb. 7, on Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on an appointment basis. 
• Starting Jan. 18, clinical instruction and certain CTE/Trades, & Fine Arts classes may meet on campus. 
• The campus strongly encourages KN95 and N95 masks for the best defense against COVID-19 Omicron. 
• Quarantine and isolation protocols are aligned with the CDC and Department of Health's latest guidance. 

Until Feb. 7, travel to campus should be limited to classes being offered face-to-face. Students should not come to campus unless they are enrolled in approved clinical, CTE, Fine Arts or Trades programs. Students coming to campus are and submit a . Employees needing to visit campus to complete an essential task may do so with permission from their dean or supervisor. Employees are also r and to submit a . 

After Feb. 7, face-to-face and hybrid face-to-face courses will resume on campus. We are a fully vaccinated campus, and students and employees must comply with our vaccination protocols. In addition, as noted above, campus support services will be open at all campus locations. Please see the Reopening Plan for hours of operations for student supports services and campus services. The full Winter reopening plan can be reviewed here: GRC Phased Reopening for Winter 2022. 

We are all eager to return to offering in-person instruction and support services, as we did throughout Fall; however, the latest variant of COVID-19 (Omicron) is spreading more quickly than prior variants. By limiting face-to-face interaction during this period of rapid transmission, we are hopeful that we will limit the spread of COVID-19 and be able to resume classes on campus next month.  

We will continue to monitor the situation and make appropriate adjustments as needed based on the latest and best information provided by Public Health. 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) , as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that three employees and fifteen students have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know: 

• The first employee was last on campus on Dec. 20, with limited movement in the Human Resources Building and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Dec. 20. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed their supervisor of the positive test on Dec. 23. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The second employee was last on campus on Dec. 21, with limited movement on the Enumclaw and Kent campuses, and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Dec. 23. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed their supervisor of the positive test on Dec. 26. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The third employee was last on campus on Tuesday, Dec. 7, with limited movement in the Administrative Building and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Dec. 29. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed their supervisor of the positive test on Dec. 30. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The first student has not been on GRC's campus but is a CCA resident with limited contact with others.
  • They were asymptomatic but tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 29 and are self-isolating in their apartment. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The second student has not been on GRC's campus but is a CCA resident with limited contact with others.
  • They were asymptomatic but tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 29 and are self-isolating in their apartment.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The third student was last on campus on Nov. 30, with limited movement on GRC's main campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Dec. 25. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Dec. 30. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The fourth student was last on campus on Tuesday, Dec. 7, with limited movement on GRC's main campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 3. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 3. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The fifth student was last on campus on Dec. 7 and attended an off-campus athletics practice on Jan. 3, with limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 3. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 4. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The sixth student has not been on GRC's campus but is a CCA resident with limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 1. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan 4. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The seventh student has not been on GRC's campus but is a CCA resident with limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 3. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan 4. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The eighth student was last on campus on Jan. 3 with limited movement in the Holman Library and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 4, were tested for COVID-19, and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 5. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The ninth student was last on campus on Jan. 4 with limited movement in the Holman Library and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms, were tested for COVID-19, and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 4. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The tenth student was last on campus on Jan. 4 with limited movement in Cedar Hall and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms, were tested for COVID-19, and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 4. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The eleventh student was last on campus on Jan. 4 with limited movement in Cedar Hall and the Student Union and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 4, were tested for COVID-19, and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 5. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The twelfth student was last on campus on Nov. 22, with limited movement on GRC's main campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms, were tested for COVID-19, and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 5. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The thirteenth student was last on campus on Dec. 28 with limited movement on GRC's main campus and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Jan. 4, were tested for COVID-19, and informed GRC of the positive test on Jan. 5. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The fourteenth student has not been on GRC's campus but is a CCA resident with limited contact with others.
  • They were asymptomatic but tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 5 and are self-isolating in their apartment. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The fifteenth student has not been on GRC's campus but is a CCA resident with limited contact with others.
  • They were asymptomatic but tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 7 and are self-isolating in their apartment. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 

All students and employees are home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.  

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC, State of Washington, and King County Guidelines. 
• The facilities are open and operating on normal schedule.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Get vaccinated!Green River College strongly encourages all members of our Gator community-students, staff and faculty-to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect the health and safety of all. To find additional vaccine providers near you, please visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering when visiting a GRC campus or branch location.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus)Resources and Information page, as well asPublic Health — Seattle & King Countyand theWashington State Department of Health

Dear Green River College community,

As we monitor the increase in COVID cases and anticipate learning more about the Omicron variant, Green River College is continuing to act consistently with the latest public health guidance. 

We are also mindful of the short time between holiday gatherings and travel/quarantine protocols and the start of winter quarter on January 3, so here are modifications to Winter 2022 that will be updated and reflected in the institutional plan next week: 

• January 3 to 14 most classes will be held online. Clinical instruction and certain CTE/Trades will still meet in person with additional PPE and safety protocols. Deans will be working with instructors to provide guidance to those students whose classes will be in person during the first two weeks of the quarter and continue to offer flexibility to students to account for coronavirus-related disruptions. 
• Most campus offices/student support services will be online/virtual January 3 to 14. Most campus offices/student support services will roll back to the Fall Quarter on campus schedule of Mondays and Thursdays.

The shift to virtual classes from January 3rd-14th will help minimize potential disruptions from the Omicron variant and provide additional time for community members to receive their vaccinations/ booster prior to returning to in-person classes.  

Areas that must be on campus to serve students and do administrative tasks during the first two weeks of the quarter should work with your managers so we know who is here and can provide the best safety measures. 

We are committed to a return to in-person education and services and look forward to that happening on Tuesday January 18 (Note: Monday, January 17 is Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday). As the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to monitor the pandemic and health officials' recommendations, we will continue to reassess winter quarter campus operations. 

An identical message will be shared with students via their GRC emails, as well as on Canvas.

Stay well,

Suzanne

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that an employee has tested positive for COVID-19.  

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know: 

• The employee was last on campus on Tuesday, Dec. 7, with limited movement in the Administrative Building and no contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Saturday, Dec. 11. They were tested for COVID-19 and informed their supervisor of the positive test on Monday, Dec. 13. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 

The employee is at home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC, State of Washington, and King County Guidelines. 
• The facilities are open and operating on normal schedule.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Get vaccinated!Green River College strongly encourages all members of our Gator community-students, staff and faculty-to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect the health and safety of all. To find additional vaccine providers near you, please visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering when visiting a GRC campus or branch location.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus)Resources and Information page, as well asPublic Health — Seattle & King Countyand theWashington State Department of Health

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that an employee has tested positive for COVID-19.  

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know: 

• The employee was last on campus on Sunday, Nov. 28 with limited movement in the Trades Complex and limited contact with others.
  • They were tested for COVID-19, received a positive result, and informed their supervisor of the positive test on Thursday, Dec. 2. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 

The employee is at home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected per current CDC, State of Washington, and King County Guidelines. 
• The facilities are open and operating on normal schedule.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Get vaccinated!Green River College strongly encourages all members of our Gator community-students, staff and faculty-to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect the health and safety of all. To find additional vaccine providers near you, please visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering when visiting a GRC campus or branch location.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus)Resources and Information page, as well asPublic Health — Seattle & King Countyand theWashington State Department of Health

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that two students have tested positive for COVID-19. The cases are not connected.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know: 

• The first student was last on campus on Tuesday, Nov. 16 with limited movement in Salish Hall and limited contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Monday, Nov. 22, were tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their instructor of the positive test on Sunday, Nov. 28. 
  • The student did not follow all Green River COVID protocols and has been referred to the judicial review process for violating the Student Code of Conduct.
• The second student was last on campus on Friday, Nov. 26 with limited movement on the Main Auburn Campus (did not enter any GRC buildings) and limited contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Tuesday, Nov. 31. They were tested for COVID-19, received a positive result, and informed their instructor of the positive test on Wednesday, Dec. 1. 
  • The student followed all Green River COVID protocols. 

The students are now at home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• The facilities are open and operating on normal schedule.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Get vaccinated!Green River College strongly encourages all members of our Gator community-students, staff and faculty-to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect the health and safety of all. To find additional vaccine providers near you, please visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering when visiting a GRC campus or branch location.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus)Resources and Information page, as well asPublic Health — Seattle & King Countyand theWashington State Department of Health

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that two employees and three students have tested positive for COVID-19. The cases are not connected.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know: 

• The first employee is working 100% remotely and has not been on campus since 2020.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Saturday, Nov. 13, were tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their supervisor of the positive test on Sunday, Nov. 14
• The second employee was last on campus on Friday, Nov. 12 with limited movement in the Student Affairs and Success Center and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Sunday, Nov. 14, were tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their supervisor of the positive test on Monday, Nov. 15. 
• The first student was last on campus on Tuesday, Nov. 9 with limited movement in Cedar Hall and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Monday, Nov. 15, were tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their instructor of the positive test on Tuesday, Nov. 16. 
• The second student was last on campus on Monday, Nov. 15 with limited movement in the Student Union and Science Center, and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Friday, Nov. 12. They were tested for COVID-19, received a positive result and informed their instructor of the positive test on Monday, Nov. 15. 
• The third student was last on campus on Tuesday, Nov. 16 with limited movement in the Student Union and Science Center, and limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Tuesday, Nov. 16, were tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their instructor of the positive test on Wednesday, Nov. 16. 
• All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• The facilities are open and operating on normal schedule.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Get vaccinated!Green River College strongly encourages all members of our Gator community-students, staff and faculty-to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect the health and safety of all. To find additional vaccine providers near you, please visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering when visiting a GRC campus or branch location.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus)Resources and Information page, as well asPublic Health — Seattle & King Countyand theWashington State Department of Health

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that four GRC students have tested positive for COVID-19. The cases are not related.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know:

• The first student, was last on campus on Tuesday, Oct. 12with limited movement inSalish Halland limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms, were tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informedtheir instructorof the positive test onFriday, Oct. 15. 
• The second student was last on campus on Wednesday, Oct. 20with limited movementinthe Trades Complexand limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms, were tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed theirinstructorof the positive test onFriday, Oct.22.
• The third student was last on campus on Thursday, Oct.21with limited movement inSalish Halland limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms, were tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed theirinstructorof the positive test onTuesday, Oct.26.
• The fourth student was last on campus on Wednesday, Oct.27with limited movement in theAuburn Centerand limited contact with others.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms, were tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed theirinstructorof the positive testWednesday evening, Oct. 27.
• All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 

The students are now at home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• The facilities are open and operating on normal schedule.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Get vaccinated!Green River College strongly encourages all members of our Gator community-students, staff and faculty-to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect the health and safety of all. To find additional vaccine providers near you, please visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering when visiting a GRC campus or branch location.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus)Resources and Information page, as well asPublic Health — Seattle & King Countyand theWashington State Department of Health

COVID-19 Campus Update: Oct 29, 2021 / message from the president

Dear Green River College Community, 

Following Washington State's Oct. 18 vaccination mandate deadline, we'd like to provide an update on our campus numbers.  

Vaccination rates  

Of the approximately 953 full- and part-time employees currently working at Green River College, all completed vaccination attestation requirements and 93% were fully or partially vaccinated against COVID-19. The remaining 7% received an approved medical or religious exemption.  

As a fully vaccinated college (defined by Proclamation 12.5), GRC requires vaccinations or approved exemption for any on-campus activity, not just instruction. As of Oct. 28, 93% of the 1,328 students enrolled in face-to-face classes fulfilled the Governor's attestation requirement. 83% of face-to-face students are fully vaccinated. An additional 10% received an approved medical or religious exemption. 96 students, or 7%, have not yet responded and had academic holds placed on their account for winter term class enrollment. Student Affairs is actively following up with students who have not yet responded.  

In addition to our face-to-face students, as of October 28, 55% of the 6,465 students enrolled in hybrid and online classes fulfilled the Governor's attestation requirement. 45% of students enrolled in hybrid or online classes were fully vaccinated as of Oct. 28. An additional 10% of hybrid and online students received an approved medical or religious exemption and 45% have not yet responded. Student Affairs is working to contact and verify these students prior to the start of winter term. 

These numbers are dynamic and will be updated based on students' ongoing verification. For the latest data, visit our new COVID-19 dashboard.  

For comparison, 82% of eligible King County residents (12+) are fully vaccinated. 

Student Vaccination Verification Process 

Per Proclamation 20-12.5, in addition to completing the vaccination attestation, students must verify their vaccination status. GRC has held a mix of in-person and Zoom verification sessions for students. For the remaining weeks of the fall term, In-person vaccination verification is available Mondays and Thursdays at the following locations: 

• Student Affairs & Success Center - Welcome Desk: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
• Student Union - Information Desk: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
• Enumclaw Campus: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
• Auburn Center: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Additional Zoom dates and times, as well as a list of previous verification sites, are available here: In Person & Zoom Lobby Stations for Student Vaccination Attestations & Verifications. 

Get Vaccinated 

There is still time! Green River College strongly encourages all members of our Gator community-students, staff and faculty-to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect the health and safety of all. To find additional vaccine providers near you, please visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.  

Looking Forward: Winter Term 2022 

As the fall 2021 term is progressing, we are beginning to turn our attention to the winter 2022 term. Following the Governor's guidance, students who enroll in face-to-face class for winter term must be fully vaccinated or have obtained a medical or religious exemption and will need to provide verification through the new ctcLink attestation portal. More information and instructions will be provided in the days and weeks to come. 

Mask Requirement 

In light of WA state's universal face covering mandate, all students, faculty, staff, volunteers, contractors, and visitors over the age of 5 must wear a face covering inside and outside while visiting any GRC location.  

Returning to a Safe Environment 

We have been hard at work to ensure a safe working and learning environments for all. A few highlights include: 

• Ultraviolet Lighting (UV-C) air sanitizing lighting and High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters have been installed throughout all GRC campus and locations. Learn more about these state-of-the-art innovations by watching the following video: HVAC Upgrades to Purify the Air. 
• Signage has been created and is posted throughout campus reminding individuals how to effectively wear a face covering. You can download and print signage here: Download & Print COVID & Return to GRC Signage. 
• A new COVID-19 related policy has been created: GA-31 Fully Vaccinated Campus Policy. 
• A new remote work policy is in the development process and is expected to be available for public review and comment in early 2022. 
• The College's Reopening Committee continues to meet to address safe working and learning campus operations.  

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health. 

In closing, I wish you all a restful weekend and hope to see you next week for the state of the college address.  This will occur on Thursday, November 4th from 1:00 - 3:00pm.  Please check your email for the invitation and modality options.

Suzanne

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that a CCA resident and a GRC employee have tested positive for COVID-19. The cases are not related.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know:

• The CCA resident, whose physical location and contact was limited, has not recently been on campus and is quarantining in their apartment.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms, were tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed CCA staff of the positive test on Tuesday, Oct. 12.
• The employee was last on campus on Tuesday, Oct. 12 with limited movement within Cedar Hall and Salish Hall, and limited contact with others.
  
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms, were tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their supervisor of the positive test on Thursday, Oct. 14.
• All Green River COVID protocols were followed.

All faculty and staff members are now at home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• The facilities are open and operating on normal schedule.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public. 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus)Resources and Information page, as well asPublic Health — Seattle & King Countyand theWashington State Department of Health

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that a student and two employees has tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know:

• The Nursing employee was last on campus on Wednesday, Sept. 22.
  • They visited the Science Center and the Zgolinski Center
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms, was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their supervisor of the positive test on Friday, Sept. 24.
• The PTA employee was last on campus on Thursday, Sept. 23.
  • They visited the Science Center.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Friday, Sept. 24, was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their supervisor of the positive test on Sunday, Sept. 26.
• The staff member was last on campus on Thursday, Sept. 30
  • They visited the Assessment & Testing Center.
  • They started feeling COVID-like symptoms on Thursday, Sept. 30, went home early and received a COVID-19 test. They informed their supervisor of the positive test on Friday, October 1.
• All Green River COVID protocols were followed.

All faculty and staff members are now at home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• The Science Center, Zgolinski Center and Assessment & Testing Center are open and operating on normal schedule.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public. 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus)Resources and Information page, as well asPublic Health — Seattle & King Countyand theWashington State Department of Health

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that a student has tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know:

• The student was last on campus on Tuesday, September 21.
  • The student attended class in Cedar Hall.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The student began to show signs of COVID-like symptoms, was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their instructor of the positive test on Wednesday, September 22.

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• Cedar Hall is operating on normal schedule. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay homeif you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go homeif you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your handswith soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfecthigh-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public. 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus)Resources and Information page, as well asPublic Health — Seattle & King Countyand theWashington State Department of Health

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that an Office of the Registrar employeehas tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know:

• The employee was last on campus on Wednesday, September 1.
  • The employee visited the Office of the Registrar within the Student Affairs and Success Center.
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The employee began to show signs of COVID-like symptoms, was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their supervisor of the positive test on Friday, September 10.
• The employee is now at home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• The Office of the Registrar is operating on their normal schedule. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay homeif you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go homeif you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your handswith soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfecthigh-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public. 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus)Resources and Information page, as well asPublic Health — Seattle & King Countyand theWashington State Department of Health

Dear Green River College Community,  

With Opening Day and the start of the 2021 Fall Term quickly approaching (quick reminder to register for Opening Day / Week activities and trainings), I want to take a moment to remind the campus community of our current guidelines. 

We have had very good success in maintaining a safe campus environment throughout the pandemic, having offered in-person learning in Nursing, OTA, PTA, Natural Resources, Aviation, CAD, Fingerprinting/Criminal Justice, Trades-Automotive, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, Welding, Carpentry, on our main campus and our branch campus locations. With your help, we will continue to maintain that success.   

Masking on Campus 

• All students, faculty, staff, volunteers, contractors, and visitors over the age of 5 must wear a face covering (covering nose and mouth) while visiting any GRC location, unless working alone indoors or in a vehicle with no public face-to-face interaction. 
• This includes individuals in shared spaces, such as cubicles or open workspaces, outdoor areas across all GRC locations. 
• Masks will be available to individuals who do not have one.  
• Mask requirements and instructions are posted throughout campus, and can be downloaded and printed here: COVID & Return to GRC Signage. 
• If individuals refuse to wear a mask and are in non-compliance with the Governor's mandate, please call Campus Safety at 253-288-3350. 

Vaccination Verification & Exemption 

Green River College is a fully vaccinated college as defined by Gov. Inslee's Proclamation for Higher Education. The following vaccination protocols are available on the GRC website here: GRC Vaccination Protocols. Daily health attestation and the vaccination verification and exemption process can be found here: Steps to Visit Campus (this link is available in the blue bar at the top of each page on greenriver.edu). 

Student Protocols 

• All GRC students must be fully vaccinated or have obtained a medical or religious exemption by Monday, October 18, 2021. 
  • Per Proclamation 20-12, vaccinations are required for any on-campus activity, not just instruction. This ranges from stopping by the library to check out a book, dropping off financial aid paperwork, to meeting with an instructor or advisor, as well as many other in-person activities and services we're offering. 
  • Knowing that these services are being used by students who are enrolled in online, hybrid and in-person classes, and that GRC will continue its work to return to offering increased on-campus instruction and services, and that vaccination is the best way to protect the health and safety of our campus community, the decision was made to extend the vaccination requirement to all GRC students. 
• Students can complete their vaccination or exemption attestation here: Student COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation. For assistance retrieving your SID or resetting your PIN, visit MySID. 
• Students who have not verified their vaccination status or requested a medical/religious exemption by October 18 may face academic holds. 
• Students requesting a medical exemption may be contacted by the College to ensure appropriate accommodation under the ADA. 
• This applies to all students enrolled at Green River College, regardless of learning location or modality.  
• Questions can be sent to StudentVaccineQuestions@greenriver.edu. 

Employee Protocols 

• Per Gov. Inslee's proclamation, all state employees, including those in higher education, must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by October 18, 2021. Exemptions will be allowed for those with sincerely-held religious beliefs and documented medical reasons. 
• Faculty and staff can complete their vaccination or exemption attestation here: Employee COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation. 
• Green River encourages employees to submit their attestation before the start of the fall term on Monday, September 20, 2021. Per Proclamation 20-14.1, all employees must meet this condition of employment to continue working after October 18, 2021. 
• Employees who select a medical or religious exemption must contact the Senior Director of HR to obtain the required forms. This process must be completed before October 18, 2021. 

Get Vaccinated 

Vaccinations will be available on GRC's main Auburn campus on September 17 and October 11. Information and registration can be found at  GRC Pop Up Vaccine Clinics. To find additional vaccine providers near you, please visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov. 

On Campus Instruction and Support 

Green River College continues to serve students and community members by offering a full spectrum of classes and support services using in-person, online and hybrid formats. Most student support services are now available, in-person (by appointment) on Mondays and Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Below are several resources that have been shared with students via their GRC email, on canvas, through social media, in our enrollment marketing materials, and more: 

• Fall Term Student Resources: https://www.greenriver.edu/welcome-back/ 
• Fall 2021 In-Person Classes: https://www.greenriver.edu/in-person/ 
• On Campus Student Services: https://www.greenriver.edu/welcome-back/fall-support/ 
• Steps to Visit Campus: https://www.greenriver.edu/returning-to-campus/ 

Facility Updates 

Two upgrades have been made throughout the entire campus: 

• Ultraviolet Lighting (UVC): The UV-C air sanitizing lighting system is scheduled to be fully implemented by this Fall quarter. This system will be installed in all buildings on our main campus and all branch locations. Buildings that have the UV-C lighting system already installed are: 
• Complete: SU,RLC,PA,SR,ZC,SH,AD,SC,FC,IVA,IVC,IVD,CH,WT,FO,KC,AC,EC  
• TT-Complete (Classrooms only. Other HVAC always brings in 100% outside air.) 
• PE-Complete (Classrooms only. Other HVAC always brings in 100% outside air.) 
• TC-In progress (being completed by GRC maintenance team. On schedule to be completed before 9/17) 
• SA- In progress (being completed by McKinstry. On schedule to be completed before 9/17) 
• WB- In progress (being completed by McKinstry. On schedule to be completed before 9/17) 
• PA-In progress (being completed by McKinstry. On schedule to be completed before 9/17) 
• HL- Complete (finishing touches but system is complete) \
  
  
• High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA): We are improving the Filtration system in all buildings both main campus and Branch Campuses. Facilities are or will be changing from Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values filters (MERV) 8 to MERV 13 filters, which have the capability to address the COVID virus. These HEPA filters when combined with the UV-C lighting system can deliver clean sanitized interior air to all spaces in our buildings. 
• The effectiveness of filtration varies depending on the type of filter used. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can capture over 99% of particles like bacteria and viruses. 
• ASHRAE recommends that building operators use a filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13. The MERV scale (with values from 1 to 16) measures the effectiveness of filters 

Updates to GRC Vaccination Protocols

Dear Green River College Community,

The announcement shared with the college community yesterday (seen in its entirety below) has prompted a wide range of reactions. We have received messages of support, as well as those with questions and concerns. I wanted to take a moment and offer some clarification, as well as further context for these decisions.

As a college that has designated itself as a fully vaccinated college under the Governor's higher education proclamation - Proclamation 20-12 - along with the recent proclamations regarding vaccination mandates - Proclamation 20-14.1 - the guidance that was issued yesterday to all students and employees is necessary and in alignment with the higher education proclamation and vaccination mandates. Twenty-nine of the thirty-four colleges in our system have designated themselves as fully vaccinated colleges. All colleges are required to follow the vaccination mandates that have been issued by the Governor.

• The requirements outlined below apply to all students enrolled at Green River College, regardless of learning location or modality. This includes online students, international students, Running Start students, Continuing Education students, full-time and part-time students. All Green River Students.
• This decision was made because vaccination is the best way to protect the health and safety of our campus community and is in alignment for being a vaccinated college under the higher education proclamation and vaccination mandates.
• GRC continues to expand its on-campus in person instruction and support services, which we believe are necessary for student success and completion.
• Per Proclamation 20-12, vaccinations are required for any on-campus activity.
• These services and activities include, but are not limited to, coming to campus for advising appointments, to visit the library or Financial Aid offices, to use our free tutoring and resource centers, to meet with instructors, for club and organizational meetings, as part of in-person instruction, or other necessities during their studies at GRC.
• These services are being utilized by students who are enrolled in in-person, online and in hybrid classes.
• Students must submit their vaccination verification, or request a religious or medical exemption, using the new Student COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation before October 18, 2021.

Our objective has been, and continues to be, to protect the health and safety of every member of our community while providing the highest quality education for our students. We know that not everyone will agree with these decisions. These decisions allow for our community to come back to in-person learning and activities in a way that protects our health and safety, while also providing more face-to-face instruction and student support services, which are vital to students' long-term success.

Stay well,
Suzanne

Yesterday's message:

Updates to GRC Vaccination Protocols

Green River College is making the following adjustments to its student COVID-19 vaccination protocols to align with the Governor's announcement:

Student Protocols

• All GRC students must be fully vaccinated or have obtained a medical or religious exemption by Monday, October 18, 2021.
  • Students are invited to submit their vaccination verification, or request a religious or medical exemption, starting Thursday, September 9, 2021 using the new Student COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation.
  • Green River encourages students to submit their attestation before the start of the fall term on Monday, September 20, 2021. Students who have not verified their vaccination status or requested a medical/religious exemption by October 18 will face academic holds.
  • Students requesting a medical exemption may be contacted by the College to insure appropriate accommodation under the ADA.
• If you were registered for summer term and previously submitted your vaccination status, you will need to resubmit using the new Student COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation.
• As of August 27, 2021, students can no longer request exemptions based on a philosophical objection per Proclamation 20-12. If you previously requested a philosophical exemption you must provide proof of full vaccination, or request a religious or medical exemption by Monday, October 18, 2021.
• Health Occupations and Nursing have different vaccination requirements based on the Governor's Proclamation 20-14.1 for healthcare workers. Please reach out to your specific program if you have additional questions.
• Please remember to wear a mask at all times while you are on campus.

Employee Protocols

• All GRC employees must be fully vaccinated or have obtained a medical or religious exemption by Monday, October 18, 2021.
  • Faculty and staff are invited to submit their vaccination verification, or request a religious or medical exemption, starting Thursday, September 9, 2021 using the new Employee COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation.
  • Green River encourages employees to submit their attestation before the start of the fall term on Monday, September 20, 2021. Per Proclamation 20-14.1, all employees must meet this condition of employment to continue working after October 18, 2021.
  • Employees who select a medical or religious exemption must contact the Senior Director of Human Resources to obtain the required forms. This process must be completed before October 18, 2021.
• Per Proclamation 20-14.1, philosophical exemptions are not permitted for employees.
• This vaccination verification requirement supersedes the previous vaccination declaration process used during summer term.

Get Vaccinated

Green River College strongly encourages all members of our Gator community-students, staff and faculty-to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect the health and safety of all.

Vaccinations will be available on GRC's main Auburn campus on September 17 and October 11. Information can be found at  GRC Pop Up Vaccine Clinics. To find additional vaccine providers near you, please visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.

Please remember to wear a mask at all times while on Campus at Green River.

message from the president / Governor Inslee removes philosophical / personal exemptions from COVID vaccine for students

Dear Green River College community,

As COVID-19 continues to impact public health, Governor Inslee announced the latest steps higher education will take to help protect our communities, which include the removal of personal and philosophical exemptions for students who are not yet vaccinated.

Under Proclamation 20-12, students who participate in any in-person class or activity for Fall Term 2021 are required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Exemptions to this requirement will be available for students who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or because of sincerely held religious beliefs. Students enrolled only in online courses with no on-campus requirements are automatically exempted from this requirement.

The changes come following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's full approval of the Pfizer vaccine and release of Governor Inslee's Proclamation 20-14.1, which requires all GRC employees to be fully vaccinated or have obtained a medical or religious exemption by Monday, October 18, 2021.

Considering these changes, the following message is being shared with students today via their GRC email, as well as through Canvas and greenriver.edu.

We will share additional details and instructions as they become available.

Stay well,
Suzanne

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that Career & Advising Center employee and a Campus Safety employee have tested positive for COVID-19. The two cases are not related.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:

• The Career & Advising Center employee was last on campus on Monday, August 23. The Campus Safety employee was last on campus on Thursday, August 26.
  • The Career & Advising Center employee visited their office in the Career & Advising Center in the Student Affairs and Success Center.
  • The Campus Safety employee only visited the Campus Safety office (SA156) within the Student Affairs and Success Center
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The Career & Advising Center employee began to show signs of COVID-like symptoms on Monday, August 23, was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their supervisor of the positive test on Wednesday, August 25.
• The Campus Safety employee began to show signs of COVID-like symptoms on Thursday, August 26, was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their supervisor of the positive test on Thursday, August 26.

Both student and employee are now at home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• Campus Safety remains fully staffed under normal operations.
• The Career & Advising Center is open and will continue operating on their normal schedule, unless otherwise noted. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay homeif you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go homeif you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your handswith soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfecthigh-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public. 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King Countyand the Washington State Department of Health

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that a GRC Bookstore employee has tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know:

• The employee was last at GRC's main Auburn campus on Tuesday, August 17
  • The employee visited the Student Union to complete an essential task.
  • While all cleaning and communication protocols were followed, the employee did not follow all PPE requirements. The matter is under further review.
• The employee started experiencing COVID-like symptoms and went home early.
• The employee was tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday, August 17 and informed their supervisor of the positive test.

The employee is now at home in self-quarantine and is recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• Employees with direct contact with the individual have been asked to quarantine per CDC guidance. The CDC and local health department define direct contact as being within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more without PPE.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• The Bookstore is open and will continue operating on its normal schedule, unless otherwise noted.

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay homeif you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go homeif you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your handswith soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfecthigh-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public. 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus)Resources and Information page, as well asPublic Health — Seattle & King Countyand theWashington State Department of Health

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that a student in GRC's Automotive program has tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know:

• The student was last on campus on Friday, August 6. 
  • The student visited the Automotive classroom within the Trades & Technology Building. 
  • All Green River COVID protocols were followed. 
• The student started experiencing COVID-like symptoms and was tested on Monday, August 9. They informed their instructor of the positive test on Tuesday, August 10. 

The student is at home in self-quarantine and is recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed.
• Communication to impacted employees and students has been completed.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• The Trades & Technology Building is open and will continue operating on its normal schedule, unless otherwise noted.

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay homeif you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go homeif you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your handswith soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfecthigh-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing
• Cover your nose and mouthwith a facemask or covering if you are not fully vaccinated, or have not verified your vaccination status. Individuals who are vaccinated but would still like to wear a face covering are encouraged to do so.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus)Resources and Information page, as well asPublic Health — Seattle & King Countyand theWashington State Department of Health

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that a student in GRC's Manufacturing program and a Running Start employee have tested positive for COVID-19. The two cases are not related. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited.

Here is what we know:

• The employee was last on campus on Wednesday, July 28. The student was last on campus on Wednesday, Aug. 4.
• The employee visited the Running Start offices in the Student Affairs and Success Center.
• The student visited the Manufacturing classroom within the Trades & Technology Building.
• All Green River COVID protocols were followed.
• The employee began to show signs of COVID-like symptoms on Thursday, July 29, was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their supervisor of the positive test on Friday, July 30.
• The student showed signs of COVID-like symptoms during their health attestation and were asked to go home by Campus Safety and their instructors. The student was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their instructor of the positive test on Wednesday, Aug. 4.

Both student and employee are now at home in self-quarantine and are recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed.
• Communication to impacted employees and students has been completed.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per theGreen River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• The Trades & Technology Building and Running Start offices are open and will continue operating on its normal schedule, unless otherwise noted.

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay homeif you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go homeif you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your handswith soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfecthigh-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing
• Cover your nose and mouthwith a facemask or covering if you are not fully vaccinated, or have not verified your vaccination status. Individuals who are vaccinated but would still like to wear a face covering are encouraged to do so.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus)Resources and Information page, as well asPublic Health — Seattle & King Countyand theWashington State Department of Health

Message from the President / GRC vaccination update

Dear Green River College Community - 

During the last year and half, we've faced many unique challenges as a College, community and nation. Green River responded swiftly and effectively, shifting much of our instruction and work to a virtual environment, allowing us to continue serving our community through the worst of the pandemic. Now, we face new challenges and opportunities as we begin the process of reopening our College.

In June, we announced GRC was planning a phased return to campus for Fall Quarter. This was followed by a new proclamation by Gov. Jay Inslee in early July that provided higher education institutions two paths moving forward: become a vaccinated college or remain a non-vaccinated college. 

After reviewing the requirements extensively, and at the recommendation of the GRC Reopening Committee, Green River College will become a vaccinated college. As a vaccinated college, all students, staff, and faculty must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they are claiming a medical, religious, or philosophical exemption. This decision was made because vaccination is the best way to protect the health and safety of our campus community.

Being a vaccinated college means: 

• All are welcome to Green River College, regardless of their vaccination status.
• Employees and students will need to verify that they have been fully vaccinated unless they are claiming a medical, religious, or philosophical exemption. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second Moderna or Pfizer dose, or two weeks after receiving the single-dose J&J vaccine. 
• Students and employees who have verified that they are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a face covering on campus. Anyone who is visiting campus, not fully vaccinated, or have not verified their vaccination status must wear a face covering at all times while at any GRC location. Individuals who are vaccinated but would still like to wear a face covering are encouraged to do so. 
• We are currently developing a system to verify COVID-19 vaccination or exemptions and will provide more details in the coming weeks. This work will be completed by a cross-campus committee which will include representatives from the Green River United Faculty Coalition, Washington Federation of State Employees, Student Affairs, Instruction, International Programs & Extended Learning, Information Technology, Facilities, and our Branch Location. 
• GRC will continue to offer instructional and student support services in a variety of methods, including face-to-face, hybrid and virtually as we continue to meet the needs of our diverse learning communities. 

Our objective has always been, and continues to be, to protect the health and safety of every member of our community while providing the highest quality education for our students. This decision allows for our community to come back to in-person learning and activities in a way that protects our health and safety, while also providing more face-to-face instruction and student support services, which are vital to students' long-term success. For individuals currently working or taking courses in-person, we will be sharing additional guidance within the next week.

I want to extend my thanks to the GRC Reopening Committee for their due diligence and thorough deliberation in making this recommendation. More information is available on the college's COVID-19 webpage, and more details will be shared in the coming weeks. 

Stay well, 
Suzanne

Message from the President / Governor releases new higher ed guidelines

Dear Green River College Community - 

Late last night, Gov. Inslee released updates to the existing emergency order addressing institutions of higher education, Proclamation 20-12.3. This update clarifies the requirements for fully vaccinated campuses and for campuses that are not fully vaccinated.  

While these changes technically go into effect today (July 1, 2021), it will take time for each college and university to review and implement the new guidelines. Currently, the Executive Team is recommending that Green River becomes a mandatory vaccinated institution. We will be reconvening the GRC Reopening Committee for a special meeting next week to seek their input on how the College addresses the proclamation's details, and the impacts it may have on the summer quarter and our plans for fall quarter. Any such changes will be reflected in the GRC Phased Reopening Plan for Summer & Fall 2021, and shared with the campus community. Please expect a follow up message to the college following the Reopening Committee meeting next week. 

In the interim, we strongly encourage all members of our Gator community-students, staff and faculty-to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect the health and safety of all. A list of vaccination sites and available appointments are found here: https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/.   

While we work through this process, the College will continue to ask you to follow our safety policies on masking, personal distance, staying away when sick, requesting access to visit campus, and attesting each day. We have had very good success in maintaining a safe campus environment throughout the pandemic and with your help, we will continue to maintain that success.  

As always, please refer to our COVID-19 website regarding the coronavirus for the latest GRC-related information, as well as frequently asked questions.    

Thank you for your patience, resilience and dedication to our educational mission.   

Stay well, 
Suzanne  

Message from the President / Reopening Plan

Dear Green River College Community - 

As promised, please find attached a copy of the reopening plans for Green River College as we approach the summer and look to our fall operations. 

• As a reminder, GRC is currently and will continue to be bound by the Governor's proclamation for higher education until it is rescinded.  It is expected that this will occur at some point during the summer.  Subsequent to the rescinding of the Governor's higher education proclamation, it is anticipated that protocols and guidance for higher education will be received from the DoH and is likely to loosen between now and Fall.  Given these anticipated events, this plan is subject to change.
• We have had very good success in maintaining a safe campus environment throughout the pandemic and with your help, we will continue to maintain that success.  
• We will continue to use our cross-campus Reopening Committee and Subcommittees to set our internal operations for the foreseeable future. Those teams are aware of and have embedded the current best practices on COVID-19 safety for individuals and the institution.  
• It is important to understand that some of the things we used to do to clean and disinfect spaces may change based on the growing knowledge and science we have about COVID-19 transmission.
• Please expect that cleaning protocols and safety practices will continue to adjust as we respond to that science and guidance from the Governor and DoH. 
• Please remember, we have engaged and well-informed people on our Reopening Committees who are paying close attention to the best practices for safety and operations. 
• Part of the return to campus process is a careful coordination with IT as we bring buildings back online.  Please remember, the machines that have been sitting on peoples' desks for a year are very likely to need attention. That takes time and people. 
• The College will continue to ask you to follow our safety policies on masking, personal distance, staying away when sick, and attesting each day. These policies and protocols will modify over time.  
• At this point in time, we are planning a masking and distance requirement for all on campus for the fall term to ensure the maximum level of safety and protection for all who are on campus and branch locations.  This is subject to change based on guidance by the Governor or the DoH.   
• It has been indicated - although not official yet - that higher education will be allowed a 3-foot distance requirement for the return in the fall term as is in place for K-12 for the fall.  We are planning for this in our fall reopening operations.
• Please remember, PPE works and has worked for over a year without vaccines, in keeping us safe from the virus. 
• The College encourages all employees and students to get vaccinated as soon as possible. We will continue to find ways to encourage vaccination.  
  • The college will be participating in the Governor Inslee's “Shot of a Lifetime” vaccination incentive programs, which will provide nearly $1 million to the public four-year universities and two-year community and technical colleges to run their own drawing for free tuition and expenses for vaccinated students. More details to come as we receive them from the Governor (as announced last week in his press conference).   
  • To further amplify encouraging vaccinations among our students, Green River has joined President Biden's COVID-19 College Vaccination Challenge program to assist in getting college students (and employees) vaccinated prior to fall term.   
  • You will see more information about both incentive programs as the summer progresses.  Both of these programs are predominantly directed to our students.     
• All employees will be able to return to work in person in our next academic year of 21-22. 
  • Some will begin to come back late August and fall term.  
  • Please remember, for those of us who are returning to in person work, we are joining several hundred staff and faculty who have continued in person work at our college throughout the pandemic.  They have worked on campus, in person, throughout the pandemic at our college safely.  
  • Anyone who believes returning to in person work is not possible should discuss this with their supervisor and Human Resources.
• We will be engaging a representative group on campus to develop the college's Remote Work Policy.  This policy will be developed independent of the COVID context and will be guided by principles focused on service to students and effective college operations.  It will be drafted and sent through the policy approval process in the fall term when all employee groups are back to work and the policy review and approval process can be implemented inclusively and effectively.    

I want to thank all of you for your perseverance throughout this academic year as we continue to respond and navigate the pandemic.  Special thanks goes to all members of our Reopening Committee and sub-committees for providing the operational guidance that has kept us safe and supported our mission fulfillment to students and communities.  I know we are all looking forward to a future time when COVID no longer impacts our lives and work. 

Suzanne

Attachments: GRC Phased Reopening Plan for Summer & Fall 2021

Governor Announces New Mask Guidelines 

Dear Green River College Community, 

Yesterday, Governor Inslee announced that Washington would adopt the new mask guidelines announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Under these new guidelines, individuals who are two weeks past their second shot of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, or two weeks past their single Johnson and Johnson vaccine may stop wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing in most indoor and outdoor settings, regardless of group size.  

While we welcome this news as a sign that vaccination efforts are working, there are still some exceptions where masks are being mandated, including all health care settings, on public transportation, and at schools. The governor was not clear whether higher education is included in this definition of schools. We are waiting for guidance from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to learn how this impacts mask requirements for colleges and universities.   

Until we know more, GRC will not be changing our mask requirements; you must wear a mask and maintain a safe physical distance of at least 6 feet while on campus.  

We also strongly encourage all members of our Gator community - students, staff and faculty - to get vaccinated. Vaccines are now available to everyone 16 and older in Washington, with children ages 12 to 15 eligible for the two-dose Pfizer vaccine. A list of vaccination sites and available appointments can be found here: https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/. 

Please continue to watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you've been around someone who is sick. If you show any signs of illness or COVID-like symptoms, please stay home and notify your GRC supervisor or instructor.  

Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and your dedication to the work of the college. For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.   

Stay well,
Suzanne  

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that five members of the GRC baseball team have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of this person. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited.  

Here is what we know: 

• Baseball is playing a reduced schedule under the Northwest Athletic Conference Return to Play Plan for 2020-21. 
• Players and coaches are tested weekly.  
• Team activities are conducted off campus at Hogan Park at Russell Road in Kent. 
• The last team activities took place on Sunday, April 11. 
• Players and coaches followed PPE, physical distancing, cleaning, and communication protocols. 
• Players and coaches were asymptomatic at the time they met. 
• Players and coaches were tested Monday, April 12 and Tuesday, April 13.  
• Five players received positive results while the remaining players and coaches tested negative. 
• All baseball activities have been suspended until at least Tuesday, April 27. 

The players are now at their homes in self-quarantine and are recovering.  The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• Employees with direct contact with the individual have been asked to quarantine per CDC guidance. The CDC and local health department define direct contact as being within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more without PPE.
• The Bookstore is currently closed. The Student Affairs and Success Center building is open and will continue operating on its normal schedule, unless otherwise noted. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students: 

• Maintain Vigilance: The virus is still very active in our local communities. Follow all CDC guidance and safety protocols, including wearing PPE, social distancing, and hand washing.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. 
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class. 
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. 
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others. 
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public. 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.  

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test

Green River College has been notified that a GRC bookstore employee has tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of this person. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:

• The employee was last at GRC's main Auburn campus on Tuesday, March 23.
  • The employee visited the Student Union and Student Affairs and Success Center to complete an essential task.
  • The employee began to show signs of COVID-like symptoms, went home and made an appointment with their healthcare provider.
  • All PPE, physical distancing, cleaning, and communication protocols were followed.
• The employee started experiencing COVID-like symptoms on Tuesday, March 23, and went home early.
• The employee was tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday, March 23 and informed their supervisor of the positive test.

The employee is now at home in self-quarantine and is recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• Employees with direct contact with the individual have been asked to quarantine per CDC guidance. The CDC and local health department define direct contact as being within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more without PPE.
• The Bookstore is currently closed. The Student Affairs and Success Center building is open and will continue operating on its normal schedule, unless otherwise noted. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students: 

• Maintain Vigilance: The virus is still very active in our local communities. Follow all CDC guidance and safety protocols, including wearing PPE, social distancing, and hand washing.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. 
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class. 
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. 
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others. 
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public. 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.  

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test

Green River College has been notified that a GRC bookstore employee has tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of this person. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:

• The employee was last at GRC's main Auburn campus on Tuesday, March 23.
  • The employee visited the Student Union and Student Affairs and Success Center to complete an essential task.
  • The employee began to show signs of COVID-like symptoms, went home and made an appointment with their healthcare provider.
  • All PPE, physical distancing, cleaning, and communication protocols were followed.
• The employee started experiencing COVID-like symptoms on Tuesday, March 23, and went home early.
• The employee was tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday, March 23 and informed their supervisor of the positive test.

The employee is now at home in self-quarantine and is recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• Employees with direct contact with the individual have been asked to quarantine per CDC guidance. The CDC and local health department define direct contact as being within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more without PPE.
• The Bookstore is currently closed. The Student Affairs and Success Center building is open and will continue operating on its normal schedule, unless otherwise noted. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students: 

• Maintain Vigilance: The virus is still very active in our local communities. Follow all CDC guidance and safety protocols, including wearing PPE, social distancing, and hand washing.
• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. 
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class. 
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. 
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others. 
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public. 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.  

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test

Green River College has been notified that a student in GRC's manufacturing program has tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of this person. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:

• The student was last at GRC's main Auburn campus on Monday, March 15.
• The student visited the manufacturing classroom as part of an approved CTE/CE program.
• The student was asymptomatic at the time they were on campus.
• All PPE, physical distancing, cleaning, and communication protocols were followed.
• The student started experiencing COVID-like symptoms on Tuesday, March 16.

The student was tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday, March 16 and informed their instructor of the positive test.

The student is now at home in self-quarantine and is recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed.  
• Communication to impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine. 
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan. 
• The Science Center is open and will continue operating on its normal schedule, unless otherwise noted.
•   

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students: 

• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. 
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class. 
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. 
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others. 
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public. 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.  

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test

Green River College has been notified that a student in GRC's aviation program has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of this person. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited.  

Here is what we know: 

• The student was last at GRC's Auburn Center on Monday, March 1. 
• The student visited the Auburn Center as part of an approved CTE/CE program. 
• The student was asymptomatic at the time they were on campus. 
• All PPE, physical distancing, cleaning, and communication protocols were followed. 
• The student was in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, March 6. 
• The student started experiencing COVID-like symptoms on Tuesday, March 9.  
• The student was tested for COVID-19 on Friday, March 12 and informed their instructor of the positive test. 

The student is now at home in self-quarantine and is recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed.  
• Communication to impacted employees and students has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine. 
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan. 
• The Science Center is open and will continue operating on its normal schedule, unless otherwise noted.
•   

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students: 

• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. 
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class. 
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. 
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others. 
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public. 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.  

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test

Green River College has been notified that a student in GRC's physical therapy assistant program has tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of this person. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:

• The student was last on GRC's main Auburn campus on Thursday, March 4.
• The student visited the Science Center as part of an approved CTE/CE program.
• The student was asymptomatic at the time they were on campus.
• All PPE, physical distancing, cleaning, and communication protocols were followed.
• The student started experiencing COVID-like symptoms on Tuesday, March 2. The student stayed home from class and scheduled a COVID test.
• The student was tested for COVID-19 on Wednesday, March 3 and received a negative result.
• The student was tested for COVID-19 a second time on Tuesday, March 9 and informed their instructor of the positive test.

The student is now at home in self-quarantine and is recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done:

• Contact tracing has been completed.
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• Employees with primary contact with the individual have been asked to quarantine per CDC guidance. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• The Facilities Operations building is open and will continue operating on its normal schedule, unless otherwise noted. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health. 

How you can help:

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health. 

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that a GRC student has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of this person. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited.  

Here is what we know: 

• The student was last on GRC's main Auburn campus on Wednesday, Jan. 13. 
  • The student visited the Carpentry classroom as part of an approved CTE/CE program. 
  • The student was asymptomatic at the time they were on campus. 
  • All PPE, physical distancing, cleaning, and communication protocols were followed. 
• The student started experiencing COVID-like symptoms and was tested for COVID-19 on Monday, Jan. 18. 
• The student received a positive result and informed their instructor of the positive test on Wednesday, Jan. 20.  

The student is now at home in self-quarantine and is recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed.  
• No instructors or additional students were in direct contact with the student while on campus.  If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine. 
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan. 
• The Carpentry workshop is open and will continue operating on its normal schedule, unless otherwise noted.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students: 

• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. 
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class. 
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. 
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others. 
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public. 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.  

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test 

Green River College has been notified that a GRC student has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of this person. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited.  

Here is what we know: 

• The student was last on GRC's main Auburn campus on Friday, Jan. 15.
• The student visited the Carpentry workshop as part of an approved CTE/CE program. 
• The student was asymptomatic at the time they were on campus. 
• All PPE, physical distancing, cleaning, and communication protocols were followed. 
• The student started experiencing COVID-like symptoms after leaving campus on Friday, Jan. 15.
• The student was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their instructor of the positive test on Tuesday, Jan. 19. 

The student is now at home in self-quarantine and is recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. 

Here's what we've done: 

• Contact tracing has been completed.  
• No instructors or additional students were in direct contact with the student while on campus.  If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine. 
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan. 
• The Carpentry workshop is open and will continue operating on its normal schedule, unless otherwise noted.  

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health.  

How you can help: 

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students: 

• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms. 
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class. 
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill. 
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. 
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others. 
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public. 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.  

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test

Green River College has been notified that a GRC employee has tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of this person. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:

• The employee was last on GRC's main Auburn campus on Monday, January 4.
  • The employee visited the Student Union building to complete an essential task.
  • The employee began to show signs of COVID-like symptoms, went home and made an appointment with their healthcare provider.
  • All PPE, physical distancing, cleaning, and communication protocols were followed.
• The employee was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their supervisor of the positive test on Monday, January 11.

The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done:

• Contact tracing has been completed.
• Communication to impacted employees has been completed.
• Employees with primary contact with the individual have been asked to quarantine per CDC guidance. If you have not been contacted there is no need to quarantine.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• The Facilities Operations building is open and will continue operating on its normal schedule, unless otherwise noted. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health. 

How you can help:

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health. 

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test

Green River College has been notified that two students in GRC's Welding program have tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of these individuals. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:

• The first student was last on GRC's main Auburn campus on Friday, Dec. 4. The second student was last on GRC's main Auburn campus on Tuesday, Dec. 8.
• Both students visited the Welding classroom within the Trades & Technology Building as part of an approved CTE/CE program.
• Both students showed signs of COVID-like symptoms during their health attestation and were asked to go home by Campus Safety and their instructors.
• All PPE, physical distancing, cleaning, and communication protocols were followed.
• The first student was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their instructor of the positive test on Tuesday, Dec. 8.
• The second student was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their instructor of the positive test on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

Both students are now at home in self-quarantine and is recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done:

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees and students has been completed.
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• The Trades & Technology Building is closed to the public during the break between quarters. Faculty and staff needing to access the building to complete an essential task can do so after requesting, and receiving, permission to visit campus from their dean or supervisor, and attesting to their health.

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health. 

How you can help:

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health. 

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test

Green River College has been notified that a GRC employee has tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of this person. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:

• The employee was last on GRC's main Auburn campus on Tuesday, Dec. 1
• The employee visited the Facilities Operations Building to complete an essential task
• The employee was asymptomatic at the time they were on campus.
• All PPE, physical distancing, cleaning, and communication protocols were followed.
• The employee started experiencing COVID-like symptoms on the night of Tuesday, Dec. 1 and made an appointment with their healthcare provider
• The employee was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their supervisor of the positive test on Monday, Dec. 7

The employee is now at home in self-quarantine and is recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done:

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees and students has been completed.
• Two employees have been asked to quarantine per CDC guidance. 
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• The Facilities Operations building is open and will continue operating on its normal schedule, unless otherwise noted. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health. 

How you can help:

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health. 

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test

Green River College has been notified that a student in GRC's practical nursing program has tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of this person. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:

• The student was last on GRC's main Auburn campus on Thursday, Nov. 19
  • The student visited the Science Center as part of an approved CTE/CE program.
  • The student was asymptomatic at the time they were on campus.
  • All PPE, physical distancing, cleaning, and communication protocols were followed.
• The student started experiencing COVID-like symptoms on Saturday, Nov. 21
• The student was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their instructor of the positive test on Monday, Nov. 23.

The student is now at home in self-quarantine and is recovering. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done:

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees and students has been completed.
• Employees and students have been asked to quarantine per CDC guidance. 
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• The Science Center is open and will continue operating on its normal schedule, unless otherwise noted. 

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health. 

How you can help:

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health. 

Spring Term 2021 announcement / message from the president

As the fall term is coming to a close, planning ahead for the next calendar year is on many people's minds.  As you know, we have already made the decision to continue our remote operations during the winter term.    

Given the current data and infection rates of COVID 19 and the winter months ahead, we have decided that Green River College will continue the current instructional and work-from-home modalities during the 2021 spring quarter. This means the majority of courses will be delivered remotely and most employees will continue working remotely, with exceptions made for areas approved by Washington State's Campus Reopening Guide. This decision is not made lightly; however, maintaining remote learning and work where possible helps protect the health of our campus and community.  

Having made this decision, we will still continue to look for new opportunities to expand our in-person course offerings and student support services, based on the guidance and guidelines provided by Gov. Inslee and healthcare officials. Should the pandemic ease and we can do so safely, instructors may request to return to in-person instruction; however, they will not be required to do so.  

As has been the case since moving to remote operations, our student support services will continue to be offered remotely unless the Campus Reopening Guide changes and allows for more face-to-face support services. Students needing assistance can connect with many campus departments and services remotely, or visit our COVID-19 Student FAQ page for more information. 

Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and your dedication to the work of the college.  Please stay well…..Suzanne  

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test

Green River College has been notified that a student in GRC's Natural Resources has tested positive for COVID-19.

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of this person. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:

• The student was on GRC's main Auburn campus last week on: Tuesday, Nov. 10; Thursday, Nov. 12; and Friday, Nov. 13.
  • The student visited the Cedar Hall Building as part of an approved CTE/CE program.
  • The student was asymptomatic at the time they were on campus.
  • All PPE, physical distancing, cleaning, and communication protocols were followed.
• The student was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their instructor of the positive test on Sunday, November 15th.

The student is now at home in self-quarantine and is recovering and the affected instructors and other students are self-quarantining as a precaution. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done:

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees and students has been completed.
• Employees and students have been asked to quarantine per CDC guidance. 
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• Cedar Hall is open and will continue operating on their normal schedule, unless otherwise noted.

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health. 

How you can help:

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health. 

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test

Green River College has been notified that a student in GRC's nursing assistant program has tested positive for COVID-19.  

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance, the College will not release the name of this person. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:

• The student was last on GRC's main Auburn campus on Wednesday, Nov. 4 and Thursday, Nov. 5
• The student visited the Science Center and West Building as part of an approved CTE/CE program.
• The student was asymptomatic at the time they were on campus.
• All PPE, physical distancing, cleaning, and communication protocols were followed.
• The student started experiencing COVID-like symptoms on Sunday, Nov. 8
• The student was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their instructor of the positive test on Monday, Nov. 9.

The student is now at home in self-quarantine and is recovering and the affected instructor is self-quarantining as a precaution. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done:

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees and students has been completed.
• Employees and students have been asked to quarantine per CDC guidance. 
• The impacted facilities have been cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• The Science Center and West Building are open and will continue operating on their normal schedule, unless otherwise noted.

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health. 

How you can help:

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like symptoms.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.

Winter Term 2021 announcement / message from the president

Dear Green River College Community,  

With the fall quarter now officially underway, I know many are looking ahead and contemplating the plan for winter term.  After reviewing all current epidemiological data, predictions of the spread of COVID during the colder fall and winter months, and keeping the health and safety of all employees and students a priority, it is clear that our current operations at the college will need to continue through our upcoming winter 2021 term.  This decision is in alignment with the recommendation I received from the College's Reopening Committee which has considered the same information to formulate their recommendation.  This decision is not made lightly.  We are all longing to be back on campus and to get back to life the way it was before COVID emerged, but we cannot do that safely yet.   

Please discuss with your supervisor or appointing authority any concerns or adjustments you may need moving forward as we continue remote operations through the winter term.  As always, please refer to our COVID-19 website regarding the coronavirus for the latest GRC-related information, as well as frequently asked questions.  

Thank you for your patience, resilience, and empathy as we navigate these challenging times together.  For those interested in the communication that will be sent to students please read on.   

Please stay well….Suzanne  

Here is Information being shared with students regarding the decision for Winter 2021 term: 

Dear Green River College Students,  

With the fall quarter now officially underway, I know many are looking ahead and contemplating the plan for winter term.  After reviewing all current epidemiological data, predictions of the spread of COVID during the colder fall and winter months, and keeping the health and safety of all employees and students a priority, it is clear that our current operations at the college will need to continue through our upcoming winter 2021 term. This decision is not made lightly. We are all longing to be back on campus and to get back to life the way it was before COVID emerged, but we cannot do that safely yet.     

Winter Quarter 2021: What does this mean for you?

Winter Quarter—which begins Jan. 4, 2021—courses will be delivered in the same ways that were available to you this fall term.  The majority will be delivered virtually, with exceptions made for programs approved by Washington State's Campus Reopening Guide. 

Similar to Fall and Summer, classes at GRC will be offered in several ways: 

• Completely Virtual: Class will meet online at the time listed in the class schedule. For example, if your class begins at 9 a.m. in the class schedule, then it will begin at 9 a.m. on Zoom. You will be attending the class at the same time as your classmates, just as you would on campus. 
• Virtual Hybrid: Part of the class will be held online without a set time to attend. The other part will occur at the time listed in a virtual format (e.g. Zoom). 
• Online: The entire class will be held online without a set time to attend. The class will still have assignment deadlines and due dates. 

Class Registration and Student Advising for Winter Term: 

Join us on Nov. 10 for Advising Day to connect with faculty advisors, get one-on-one advising, explore programs, connect with campus resources, & more! View details at greenriver.edu/advisingday. 

Registration for winter quarter opens on the following days: 

• November 16 - Currently enrolled & returning Veteran & Workforce student registration begins 
• November 17 - Currently enrolled & returning student registration begins 
• November 23 - New Veteran & Workforce student registration begins 
• November 30 - New student registration begin 

Virtual Student Support 

Wherever you are learning, I encourage you to stay connected to the Green River community. Get help virtually through the student resources and services available online, via video chats, phone calls, and email. Students looking to connect to a specific department or office should visit out Virtual Assistance page. 

In Closing 

As disruptive as continuing to study from home may be, contracting COVID-19 or having the campus have to shut down because of an outbreak would be even more so. Thank you for doing your part to protect the Gator family, and our surrounding community. 

As always, please refer to our COVID-19 website regarding the coronavirus for the latest GRC-related information, as well as frequently asked questions.  

Thank you for your patience, resilience and dedication to your education and future as we navigate these challenging times together. 

Stay well,
Suzanne 

GatorAlert: Notice to Campus of Positive COVID-19 Test

Green River College has been notified that a student at the Auburn Center has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance and HIPAA requirements, the College will not release the name of this person. We have, however, worked with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited. 

Here is what we know:

• The student was last on campus on Wednesday, July 22.
• The student visited the Auburn Center as part of an approved CTE/CE program.
• The student was asymptomatic at the time they visited the Auburn Center.
• All PPE, physical distancing, cleaning, and communication protocols were followed.
• The student started experiencing COVID-like symptoms on Thursday, July 23.
• The student was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result. They informed their instructor of the positive test on Saturday, July 25.

The student is now at home in self-quarantine and is recovering and the affected instructor is self-quarantining as a precaution. The College is actively following guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Here's what we've done:

• Contact tracing has been completed. 
• Communication to impacted employees and students has been completed.
• An employee and a student have been asked to quarantine per CDC guidance. 
• The impacted facilities at Auburn Center are in the process of being cleaned and disinfected, per the Green River College Covid-19 Facilities Custodial Plan.
• All facilities at the Auburn Center will open and operate on their normal schedule on Tuesday, July 28, unless otherwise noted.

The College continues to monitor the situation closely and is acting according to the latest and best information provided by Public Health. 

How you can help:

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.

Summer & Fall quarter instruction / message from the president 

Dear Green River College Community,

With the spring quarter coming to a close, and the summer quarter starting June 29, I wanted to share some important information regarding class offerings for the summer and fall quarters.

Summer & Fall Quarter Instruction

Registration is currently open for both summer and fall quarters.

Currently, King County remains in Modified Phase 1 of Washington's Safe Start plan. Summer quarter courses will be offered online with no face-to-face, in-person instruction, with the exception of specific Phase 1 approved CTE/CE programs.

For fall quarter 2020, the majority of classes will be offered virtually, with exceptions made for programs listed in Phase 2 of the Governors re-opening plan.

Should King County—and Green River College—move to Phase 3, additional in-person offerings could be considered based on the guidance and guidelines provided by Gov. Inslee and healthcare officials. The Executive team will work with instructional deans, division chairs, and programs on the possible options if approved to open.

Student Support Services

We will continue offering student support services remotely unless the Governor's phased-in plan changes and allows for more face-to-face support services. Students needing assistance can connect with many campus departments and services remotely, or visit our COVID-19 Student FAQ page for more information.

Happy summer! Stay well.....Suzanne

Follow up communication regarding May 20 employee COVID positive test 

Dear Green River College Community -  

On May 20, 2020 Green River College received confirmation that a current employee tested positive for COVID -19. 

We realize this news is concerning and we want to reassure you that we are working closely with the employee and local health care professionals.  We will stay in contact with this employee throughout the recovery process to ensure that they get the care they need before they return to work. 

• Human Resources has notified all the employees who were considered to be close contacts. 
  • Everyone who was confirmed to have been in close contact with the employee has been directed to self-quarantine at home until the suggested 14-day quarantine period ends.
  • If you have not received notice from the Human Resources Department you were not identified as a close contact. If you have not been in close contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19, you are considered to be at low risk for infection.

• Salish Hall has reopened for essential tasks.
  • Faculty and staff needing to access Salish Hall to complete essential tasks may do so.
  • While on campus, continue to follow the CDC guidelines and requirements whenever on campus to perform essential tasks. 

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health. 

Thank you for your patience, concern and empathy throughout this time. 

Suzanne M. Johnson, Ph.D.
President, Green River College
12401 SE 320th St. Auburn, WA 98092-3622
253-288-3340 (office)
sjohnson@greenriver.edu

GatorAlert: GRC receives confirmation of an employee's positive COVID-19 test result

GRC was notified this morning (May 20, 2020) that an employee has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee was last on campus on Friday, May 15.

While we are maintaining the confidentiality of this employee as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we are working with them to identify any individuals they may have come in contact with, or locations they may have visited.

Any individual impacted will be contacted by Human Resources. Spaces entered by the team member will be cleaned and disinfected.

The College will update this alert by noon on Thursday, May 21.

As a reminder, the following steps will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students:

• Stay home if you show any signs of illness, or have a family member displaying COVID-like
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Go home if you become ill at work or while you are in class.
• Please notify your GRC supervisor or faculty member immediately if feeling ill.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• Maintain a physical distancing of 6'+ from others.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or covering while in public.

For additional information, please visit GRC's Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Resources and Information page, as well as Public Health — Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health.

COVID Update / CTE programs / Information for All Employees

Dear Green River College Community, 

As we progress through the spring quarter, which ends a month from tomorrow, I wanted to share some updates in response to rising questions that are emerging across the campus among staff and faculty. 

While Washington has been successful in slowing the spread of Covid-19, Gov. Inslee has made it clear that we need to continue our restrictive efforts for the safety and well-being of those throughout our community. As an example, the stay home-stay healthy order is still in place until May 31 unless extended beyond that. 

At Green River College, much will remain unchanged in our working conditions and campus activity moving into the summer months. Our summer courses will be offered online, with some CTE exceptions, and we will continue to offer virtual assistance to our students. All GRC employees should continue to work remotely, with only essential tasks being permitted on campus. 

Phased Reopening and CTE Programs

As I mentioned in my May 4 email, a select number of CTE programs have been permitted to resume some degree of in-person instruction. At Green River College, these programs include Automotive, Welding, Carpentry, Nursing, Phlebotomy, OTA, PTA, and Flagger recertifications. To support these programs, a limited number of faculty, staff, and students will be allowed on campus in specific instructional spaces starting June 1. Communication regarding these specific spaces will be shared with the college in the next week. All other buildings and offices will remain closed. 

Accessing Campus for Essential Tasks

Through the duration of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, all GRC locations will remain closed to the public. We each have a personal responsibility to adhere to the Governor's directive for the safety of you and everyone else. If you have to accomplish a critical task on campus that cannot be done remotely, please notify your appointing authority, or designee, and limit your trips as much as possible.

Please note that starting on May 18, 2020, King County residents are directed to wear face coverings in public settings. This step—in addition to our continued physical distancing, regular handwashing, and frequent cleaning—will help reduce risks to our faculty, staff and students.

Next Steps

There are a number of safety protocols, PPE requirements, and guidelines that must be in place prior to any resumption of on-campus CTE instruction. A subcommittee of the EOC has been formed to coordinate the phased reopening across all Green River College locations. 

Starting next week, we will begin sharing out our reopening plan for these CTE programs, which will follow the Higher Education & Critical Infrastructure Workforce Training Restart COVID-19 Requirements. Communications will be forthcoming. In the interim, please continue to follow the CDC guidelines and requirements whenever on campus to perform essential tasks. 

In Closing

Thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the details and logistics of reopening specific instructional areas safely and responsibly. I am grateful to all of our students for their perseverance and resilience during this trying time, and thankful for our amazing faculty and staff who are passionate about making education accessible to all and fulfilling our college's mission.

As always, please refer to our website regarding the coronavirus for the latest GRC-related information, as well as frequently asked questions. 

Thank you for your patience, resilience and empathy as we navigate these challenging times together. 

Stay well,
Suzanne

Important updates regarding COVID-19 and some specific CTE programs

Dear Green River College Community -

As I indicated this past Friday at the afternoon with the president and exec team session, we anticipated that there would be additional information forthcoming to community and technical colleges regarding some of our CTE programs moving forward with face to face instruction after May 5th.

Over the weekend, colleges were informed that a select number of CTE programs will be permitted to resume some degree of face to face instruction prior to the stay-home order expiration on May 31st as they fit under essential workforce education.

Please note the following: There are a number of safety protocols, PPE, and guidelines that must be in place prior to any resumption of on-campus CTE instruction. We are reviewing the guidelines today that we received over the weekend. Dr. Ezeonu is already communicating and coordinating with instruction as the information and guidelines are being clarified. There are state-wide calls throughout today that she, I, and others will be on.

What does this mean for Green River College? I know staff and faculty have questions. Our students will, too, when this news starts to spread. We need time to review the allowances and requirements for this select list of CTE programs, discuss with the EOC the implementation of safety protocols in these instructional programs, and provide time for Instruction and many other areas of the college to coordinate and plan effectively prior to bringing this limited number of faculty and students back to campus.

It goes without saying that we will lead with the health and safety of all on campus as we move forward. Please watch for further communications.

Happy Monday!

Suzanne

Updates for summer 2020 and fall 2020 terms / Message from the president

Dear Green River College Community,

With the spring quarter underway, I wanted to share some important information regarding class registration and class offerings for the summer and fall quarters.

Class Registration

Registration for summer and fall open on the following days*:

• May 12 - Currently enrolled & returning student registration begins
• May 26 - New student registration begins

*Except for priority registration due to legislative requirements

Summer Quarter Offerings

Courses will be offered online during the summer quarter. No face-to-face, in-person instruction will be delivered, with the possible exception for our allied health and career and technical programs. This is dependent on the guidance we receive from Gov. Jay Inslee regarding the duration of the current Stay Home, Stay Healthy directive.
As you view the class schedule (which will be available online early next week), you'll see classes are designated in one of three ways: virtual, hybrid/virtual, or online. The following definitions explain the how each type of course will be delivered:

• Virtual: Class will meet online at the time listed in the class schedule. For example, if your class begins at 9 a.m. in the class schedule, then it will begin at 9 a.m. on Zoom. You will be attending the class at the same time as your classmates, just as you would on campus. 
• Virtual Hybrid: Part of the class will be held online without a set time to attend. The other part will occur at the time listed in a virtual format (e.g.  Zoom). Your instructor will let you know prior to the start of summer quarter via your GRC email and Canvas dashboard.
• Online: The entire class will be held online without a set time to attend. The class will still have assignment deadlines and due dates.

Fall Quarter Offerings

While we are hoping to return to our regular schedule of instruction for the fall quarter, we are also planning for all possible outcomes. Classes for fall quarter are designated in these five ways:

Modalities with a face-to-face component

• Face-to-Face: Class times are listed in the schedule. Classes will meet in a face-to-face format on campus. Based on the state's response to COVID-19, these courses may shift to virtual, online, or hybrid/virtual using Zoom. Your instructor will let you know prior to the start of fall quarter via your GRC email and Canvas dashboard.
• Hybrid: Part of the class will occur in a face-to-face format on campus at the time listed in the class schedule. The other part will be held online without a set time to attend. *If on-campus instruction is not yet allowed by fall quarter, then the face-to-face part of the course will switch to online or virtual using Zoom or other virtual format. Your instructor will let you know prior to the start of fall quarter via your GRC email and Canvas dashboard.

Modalities with NO face to face component

• Completely Virtual: Class will meet online at the time listed in the class schedule. For example, if your class begins at 9 a.m. in the class schedule, then it will begin at 9 a.m. on Zoom. You will be attending the class at the same time as your classmates, just as you would on campus. 
• Virtual Hybrid: Part of the class will be held online without a set time to attend. The other part will occur at the time listed in a virtual format (e.g.  Zoom). Your instructor will let you know prior to the start of fall quarter via your GRC email and Canvas dashboard.
• Online: The entire class will be held online without a set time to attend. The class will still have assignment deadlines and due dates.

Note: If, due to the state's response to COVID 19, the teaching modality listed in the class schedule changes before the start of fall quarter, students will be notified by their instructor as soon as possible.

Virtual Student Support Services

Summer

All physical GRC locations remain closed in support of Stay Home, Stay Healthy. During the summer quarter, we will continue offering student resources and services online. Students looking to connect to a specific department or office should visit out Virtual Assistance page.

Fall

Plans for fall will be dependent on what in-person activities and courses are permitted, however, all methods of communication such as face-to-face and virtual will be considered to ensure our students have access to the academic and support services.

 
Updates to COVID-19 Resource Page

The College's COVID-19 Resource & Information page was recently updated to reflect the prolonged nature of the current crisis. Changes include breaking out the COVID FAQ into student, employee and general audiences, and as well as shifting the official GRC updates to the primary landing page. Prevention tips and resources from King County Public Health, the Washington State Department of Health, and the Center of Dieses Control and Prevention can now be found on our Prevention and Resources page.

In Closing

I want to again express my deep gratitude for all of you for your dedication to this college and to the communities we serve. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or part of our support staff, it is because of your flexibility and perseverance that our spring quarter has been a success so far. 

As always, please refer to our website regarding the coronavirus for the latest GRC-related information, as well as frequently asked questions. 

Thank you for your patience, resilience and empathy as we navigate these challenging times together. 

Stay well,
Suzanne 

Suzanne M. Johnson, Ph.D.
President, Green River College
12401 SE 320th St. Auburn, WA 98092-3622
253-288-3340 (office)
sjohnson@greenriver.edu

Update on the 2020 Commencement Ceremony

Dear Green River College Students,

The Coronavirus pandemic has impacted our daily lives in many ways. But it does not change the exceptional achievements of the Class of 2020.

Every year we gather together to celebrate the successes and achievements of Green River College graduates. This year's celebration will look different than in years past: Due to the ongoing pandemic, we will celebrate the 2020 commencement ceremony virtually. We are working hard to evaluate options and are doing everything we can to ensure graduates, faculty, and staff can all meaningfully participate in the virtual ceremony.

Visit www.greenriver.edu/commencement for details as they are made available.

We are determined to celebrate the Class of 2020. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance deserve recognition!

As we navigate these challenging times together, we encourage you to keep working hard, remain hopeful, and show compassion for those in need.

Stay home, stay healthy, and we look forward to celebrating your success in the very near future!

Stay Home, Stay Healthy order extended through May 4

This evening, Governor Inslee extended the Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation until 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 4. While Washington has been successful in slowing the spread of Covid-19, it is clear that we need to continue these efforts for the safety and well-being of those throughout our community.

In his order, the Governor has deemed education an essential business. We will continue serving our students and community members remotely to fulfill our important educational and service mission.

Our spring quarter 2020 classes will begin on Monday, April 6. Classes and support services will resume with online delivery while all GRC locations, offices, and buildings will remain closed to the public through May 4, unless otherwise directed.

What does this mean for you?

We each have a personal responsibility to adhere to the Governor's directive for the safety of you and everyone else. Faculty and staff may access their offices or workstations to utilize on campus technologies to complete key tasks, support student services, or prepare lectures and coursework, though we ask that you limit your trips as much as possible.

In short:

• Stay home. Limit any unnecessary travel.
• If you have to accomplish a critical task on campus:
• Limit your time on campus.
• Maintain at least 6 feet distance from others.
• Work alone in your office..
• Return home once your task is accomplished.
• To continue supporting our classified employees, effective March 23, 2020 Green River College has implemented the following assignment pay.  This will remain in place through May 4, 2020:
• All classified staff who are teleworking will be paid one and one half times their base (regular rate of pay) plus 5% King Co. premium pay.
• All classified staff who are identified as essential personnel and who are required by their supervisor to physically report to any Green River campus, will be paid 2 times (double) their base (regular rate of pay) plus 5% King Co. premium pay for all hours worked on site.

We know there will be other impacts to Student Affairs and Instruction that we will need to plan for. We will continue to work together to make these adjustments to meet the needs of our students throughout this crisis.

Technology Support for All Employees:

The Information Technology Help Desk is open Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to assist with your technical questions. If you need help, be sure to reach out at either 253-833-9111 ext. 2222 or the ITHelpdesk@greenriver.edu.

Please work through your Dean, your Director, and the IT team to setup and check out laptops. While we understand the need is great, many of these laptops may be set up for student use, or they may require updates to function. Please work through the correct channels to ensure that your technology solution will work and provide you with the tools you'll need for telework.

As always, please refer to our website regarding the coronavirus for the latest GRC-related information, as well as frequently asked questions.

Thank you for your patience, resilience and empathy as we navigate these challenging times together.

Stay well,
Suzanne

Important Updates: Spring Quarter and the Questions You Have

The following message includes important information about the College's current operations, as well as how we will move forward during these most challenging times.

Stay Home, Stay Healthy:  What do you do?

As you know, on Monday evening, Governor Inslee issued a statewide “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order to slow the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the first day of spring quarter 2020 classes will begin remotely on April 6. All Green River College locations, offices, and buildings will reopen to the public on April 9, unless otherwise directed.

In his order, the governor identifies “Workers supporting public and private… colleges, and universities for purposes of distance learning” as essential industries. This includes GRC faculty and staff. For the duration of the order, we will continue serving students and community members remotely with limited services available on campus related to core functions. Faculty and staff may access their offices or workstations to utilize on campus technologies to complete key tasks, support student services, or prepare lectures and coursework.

What does this mean for you?

We each have a personal responsibility to adhere to the Governor's directive for the safety of you and everyone else. In short:

• Stay home
• If you have to accomplish a critical task on campus:
• Limit your time there
• Maintain at least 6 feet distance from others
• Work alone in your office
• Return home once your task is accomplished

For Staff:

We are committed to finding opportunities for all of our staff to remain productive and avoid any loss in pay. It is expected that any classified employee who is not identified as essential personnel and who is not required to physically work at any Green River campus will be teleworking.

For those employees whose work does not lend itself easily to teleworking, the college will offer opportunities to participate in training, process and procedure review and improvements, and other professional development assignments.

To further support our classified employees, effective March 23, 2020 Green River College has implemented the following assignment pay.  This will remain in place through April 26, 2020:

• All classified staff who are teleworking will be paid one and one half times their base (regular rate of pay) plus 5% King Co. premium pay.
• All classified staff who are identified as essential personnel and who are required by their supervisor to physically report to any Green River campus, will be paid 2 times (double) their base (regular rate of pay) plus 5% King Co. premium pay for all hours worked on site. 

We are working on additional messaging to employees regarding leave options and TLRs. That information will come in a separate email.

For Faculty:

Administration and United Faculty Coalition have finalized a Memorandum of Understanding that contains agreements relating to emergent needs and changes to working conditions for the 2020 spring quarter. This MOU has been shared with instruction, please speak with your Dean or Division Chair for more information.

Training and Support for All Employees:

eLearning, Human Resources, Information Technology and Student Affairs are partnering to provide training to faculty and staff throughout the week of March 30 - April 3. Topics will range from Zoom Basics and How to Work from Home to Moving a Course Online. A full list of trainings is available here: Spring Training Week 2020 page.

In addition, the spring quarter in-service day has moved to April 3.

Technology Support for All Employees:

The Information Technology Help Desk is open Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to assist with your technical questions. If you need help, be sure to reach out at either 253-833-9111 ext. 2222 or ithelpdesk@greenriver.edu.

Please work through your Dean, your Director, and the IT team to setup and check out laptops. While we understand the need is great, many of these laptops may be set up for student use, or they may require updates to function. Please work through the correct channels to ensure that your technology solution will work and provide you with the tools you'll need for telework.

For common questions regarding technology, please refer to the attached email from Camella Morgan.

Spring Quarter: April 6, 2020 - June 16, 2020

The first day of spring quarter 2020 classes will begin remotely on April 6. Please note this is a one-week delay of the current spring schedule. Classes will continue with online delivery until at least April 27, unless otherwise directed. This is in line with Governor Inslee's directive provided to colleges and universities.

Please click on the updated timeline for the spring quarter here:  Dates & Deadlines page.

In Closing:

I'm including a video message to all of you, from me. https://youtu.be/G9MqsSqT4Q8

Message to Staff and Faculty Green River College President Suzanne Johnson speaks to the GRC staff and faculty about the current state of the College. youtu.be

If you're interested in viewing my video to students, you can see it here: https://youtu.be/vgo2rrxfBFg

Message to Students Green River College President Suzanne Johnson speaks to students about the current state of the College. youtu.be

Stay well,
Suzanne

Update on GRC campus operations following Stay Home, Stay Healthy announcement

Dear Green River College Community, 

This evening, Governor Inslee issued a ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy' order to slow the growing coronavirus outbreak. As a result, all Green River College locations, offices, and buildings will remain closed to the public through April 9, unless otherwise directed. 

In his order, the governor identifies “Workers supporting public and private… colleges, and universities for purposes of distance learning” as essential industries. As such, we will continue serving students and community members remotely with limited services available on campus related to core functions. It is understood it will be necessary for some staff to conduct their work on campus. (Please see the communication sent Friday, March 20th to the college for more details at greenriver.edu/coronavirus.) 

The spring term will begin on April 6. Classes and support services will resume with online delivery. Following the completion of the governor's ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy' declaration, all GRC locations will reopen to the public, adhering to strict social distancing protocols provided by public health officials.  For more details, please go to greenriver.edu/coronavirus.  

As always, please refer to our website regarding the coronavirus for the latest GRC-related information, as well as frequently asked questions.  

Thank you for your patience, resilience and empathy as we navigate these challenging times together.

Stay well,
Suzanne

Green River College operations March 23rd through April 5th

Dear Green River College Community -

Our winter term is coming to a close.  We made it!  This is day 21 of our coronavirus response - week 3 has ended. The past three weeks have brought countless actions and efforts to successfully complete our winter term and to stand up our spring term as quickly and as effectively as we can. There have been countless acts of kindness, brilliance, innovation, collaboration, persistence and faith.  It is clear that we will get through this, however imperfect in our efforts.

Following Governor Inslee's recent announcement to stay home unless it is necessary to go out, all GRC locations will be closed to the public for the next two weeks, until the start of the spring term on April 6. Limited services will be available on campus related to core functions. It is understood that it will be necessary for some staff to conduct their work on campus. During this time, buildings will to be cleaned following the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

All GRC employees should continue to work remotely when possible. Please continue to work with your supervisor to account for your work assignments, hours and your work location. Access to offices and workstations will be available to faculty and staff as needed.

Students can access many services offered through Zoom virtual lobbies. Limited in-person meetings will be scheduled, Student Affairs and International Programs will adhere to social distancing and group size protocols to ensure the safety of students and employees. To connect to a staff member in a particular department, please visit our Virtual Assistance site.

On April 6, all GRC locations will reopen to the public, following social distancing protocols. Classes will resume with online delivery until at least April 27, unless otherwise directed.

2020 Green River College Rankings

There is great work underway here at Green River.  I have never been prouder of a college I have had the privilege of being part of than I am now.  Adversity can bring some of the finest work a group of people can do.  In light of the circumstances we find ourselves in at the moment, I thought it might be nice to share some good news.  It is a reminder of the excellence that Green River provides every day and illustrates our mission to its fullest.  None of this could be achieved without the efforts of every staff and faculty member at this college. I hope you enjoy!

• Ranked #1 as the Most Affordable Schools in Washington for Bachelor's Degree
  Criteria: average cost of attendance, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation rate
  Source: https://affordableschools.net/affordable-bachelors-degree-colleges-washington/
• Ranked #1 out of 15 Best Affordable Entrepreneurship Degree Programs (Bachelor's) 2019
  Criteria: average cost of attendance, student-to-faculty ratio as an indicator of quality
  Source: https://affordableschools.net/15-affordable-bachelors-degrees-entrepreneurship/ 
• Ranked #2 out of 60 for most popular for General Physical Sciences
  Criteria: graduation rate by major
  Source: https://www.collegefactual.com/
• Ranked #10 out of 20 Best Drone Training Colleges
  Criteria: academic reputation, hands-on drone training in piloting/engineering, variety of courses, and accreditation. This ranking was considered from the student's point of view.
  Source: https://successfulstudent.org/15-best-drone-training-colleges/
• Ranked #12 out of 284 for most popular for Information Technology
  Criteria: Graduation rates by major
  Source: https://www.collegefactual.com/
• Ranked #31 out of 1,157 for most popular for Liberal Art/Science & Humanities
  Criteria: Graduation rates by major
  Source: https://www.collegefactual.com/

In closing, throughout the past three weeks there has been a never-ending series of changing conditions and challenges as we have come to accept what our “new normal” will be while the COVID-19 pandemic persists.  I want to again express my deep gratitude for all of you for your dedication to this college and to the communities we serve.  Winter term has concluded.  There is much to celebrate about that and at some point, the whole college will look back on this and see all the good that occurred in the midst of profound fear and challenge.

Thank you all for approaching these difficulties with kindness and understanding as we work together to minimize the impact to our community. We would not be able to succeed without your hard work and dedication.

As a reminder, please follow the guidelines that have been provided by health officials to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Stay home when sick.
• Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are at higher risk for coronavirus.
• Even if you are not ill, avoid visiting hospitals, long term care facilities or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you do need to visit one of these facilities limit your time there and keep 6 feet away from patients.
• Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
• Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including washing your hands with soap and water frequently, coughing into a tissue or your elbow, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (like doorknobs and light switches). Regular household cleaners are effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you've just washed your hands.
• Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.
• Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Check and subscribe to Public Health's website (www.kingcounty.gov/COVID) or blog (www.publichealthinsider.com).

I leave you with a poem that was shared with me last week. There is much to reflect on in these words. I wish you all a quiet and healthy weekend…..Suzanne

Lockdown

Yes, there is fear. 
Yes, there is isolation.
Yes, there is panic buying.
Yes, there is sickness. 
Yes, there is even death.
But,
They say in Wuhan, after so
many years of noise
You can hear the birds again. 
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes,
But blue and grey and clear.

They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone may hear the sound of family
around them.

They say that a hotel in the west of Ireland
is offering free meals and delivery to
the housebound.

Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading flyers with her
number through the neighborhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on. 

Today, Churches, Synagogues,
Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick
the weary.

All over the world people are
slowing down and reflecting 
All over the world people are looking
at their neighbors in a new way 
All over the world people are waking
up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have. 
To what really matters. 
To love.
So, we pray and we remember that
Yes, there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes, there is isolation.
But there does not have to be
loneliness.
Yes, there is panic buying.But there
does not have to be meanness.
Yes, there is sickness.
But there does not have to be
disease of the soul
Yes, there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of
love.

Wake to the choices you make as to
how to live now. 
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic 
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by
Love. 
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing.

Fr. Richard Hendrick, OFM. 3/13/2020

IMPORTANT: COVID-19 update

Dear Green River College Community -

On March 17, 2020 Green River College received confirmation that a current employee tested positive for COVID-19.

We realize this news is concerning and we want to reassure you that we are working closely with the employee and local health care professionals. We will stay in contact with this employee throughout the recovery process to ensure that they get the care they need before they return to work.

Human Resources has notified all the employees who were considered to be close contacts. Everyone who was confirmed to have been in close contact with the employee has been directed to self-quarantine at home until the suggested 14-day quarantine period ends. If you have not received notice from the Human Resources Department you were not identified as a close contact. If you have not been in close contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19, you are considered to be at low risk for infection.

We will continue to follow CDC and King County Public Health guidelines and take every precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Thank you for your patience, concern and empathy throughout this time.

Suzanne

GRC's main Auburn campus closed until Monday (3/23), operations and services continue remotely.

GatorAlert: GRC's main Auburn campus closed until Monday (3/23), operations and services continue remotely.

Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of all Green River College community members, a decision was made to suspend operations on GRC's main Auburn campus today, March 17, at 1 p.m. for the remainder of the business day. The main Auburn campus will remain closed through the weekend and will reopen on Monday, March 23.

During this time, main Auburn campus operations and services will continue, remotely, while all impacted buildings are cleaned. Winter term finals will continue online. GRC's branch locations will remain open regular business hours.

This week's Board of Trustees meeting will relocate from our main Auburn campus to our Kent Campus. Individuals wishing to attend the meeting remotely can do so. Details and instructions will be shared in the next 24 hours.

In Review

Below is a summary of the actions taken today:

• Green River College was notified that an employee tested positive for COVID-19
• The GRC Emergency Operations Center was activated
• Gator Alert 1 was sent to faculty, staff and students notifying campus and announcing the closure of Cedar Hall, Science Center, and Facilities buildings for cleaning
• Gator Alert 2 was sent closing GRC's main campus for the remainder of March 17 out of an abundance of caution
• Gator Alert 3 was sent to faculty and staff indicating HR procedures and clarifying suspended operations information

GatorAlert 3: Main campus closure, additional details

GatorAlert: GRC's main Auburn campus to close at 1 p.m., 3/17

Out of an abundance of caution, Green River College's main Auburn campus will close at 1 p.m. on March 17 for the remainder of the day. Branch locations will remain open. More information to come.

GatorAlert: GRC receives confirmation of an employee's positive COVID-19 test result; Cedar Hall, Science Center, and Facilities buildings are closed for cleaning

GRC has received notification that an employee has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee was on campus in the following buildings: Cedar Hall, Science Center, and Facilities.

We are immediately closing these buildings. All faculty, staff and students should vacate the buildings immediately for a deep cleaning. We are maintaining the confidentiality of this employee as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Following the guidance from the King County COVID Response team, the rest of campus remains open.

• If an employee has been diagnosed with COVID-19, the employee should immediately enter home isolation and remain under home isolation precautions for 7 days or until 72 hours after fever is gone and symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.
• If another employee has had close contact with the sick employee and has common symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, cough, or shortness of breath, that employee should begin home isolation immediately, and should remain under home isolation precautions for 7 days or until 72 hours after fever is gone and symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.
• If an employee has had close contact with the sick employee with COVID-19 but does not have symptoms, that employee should begin home self-quarantine immediately, and remain under home quarantine for 14 days following last contact with the ill person. That employee should also monitor their health for fever, cough, or shortness of breath for 14 days following last contact with the ill person.
• If an employee is sick with fever or respiratory symptoms but has had no known exposures to someone with COVID-19, that employee should stay home and away from others until 72 hours after the fever is gone and symptoms get better. They should talk with their doctor about whether testing is needed based on their symptoms. Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick.
• If an employee is at work when they learn they have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, that employee should also return home immediately and begin home isolation.

More information will be shared in the hours to come.

Important update: Changes to Gator Grill, RAC and Spring Quarter

Dear Green River College Community -

The following message includes important information about how we will move forward as a college as a result of your extraordinary collaborative work during these most challenging times. Here are the highlights from the longer update below, but please set aside time to read the message in full:

• No members of the GRC community have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
• We will continue to adhere to Governor Inslee's directives so proper social distancing requirements are met to ensure the safety of students and employees.
• Winter quarter will be completed as planned on March 20; finals should be completed online.
• Financial Aid is reviewing options to release aid before the start of spring quarter.
• Spring term will begin April 6. This is a one-week delay of the current spring schedule. Classes will resume with online delivery.
• The Recreation and Athletic Center (RAC) will be closed effective today, March 16, until further notice.
• The Gator Grill will remain open for pickup and carry out until further notice.

During this time, Green River College will remain open to serve all those who rely on our services through phone or remote technology. Limited in-person meetings can be scheduled and will adhere to distancing and group size protocols to ensure the safety of all. We will share an updated list of these services, and how to access specific services, once finalized in the next several days.

Important for you to know: The Governor has allowed for colleges and universities to remain open. We are required to ensure that social distancing protocols are followed and educational activities are moved online, with very limited exceptions.

As a reminder, you can access King County Public Health Department's most up-to-date social distancing protocols here: New limits on large gatherings, other emergency strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19.

What can you do to help?

To help us maintain the safety of all we ask that you attend to the following:

• To everyone in our GRC community: Please follow the CDC's hygiene guidance to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If you are feeling sick, please stay home.
• Students: It is very important that you contact your instructor via your GRC email or Canvas to verify how your class work will be completed for winter term. Although campus is open, faculty and staff are eliminating face-to-face to meetings. They will be available to you either through phone or through remote technology.
• Employees: It is important that we continue to provide critical services to our students and community, regardless of whether you are working remotely or you are on campus adhering to social distancing criteria. Continue to work with your supervisor to account for your work assignments, hours and your work location.
• To our community: Green River College is open. Offices that are currently open are limited to maintaining essential functions of the college and to assist students in completing their winter term or registering for spring term. Please call or check online for specific hours of availability of staff before you come to campus. Staff will be available to you either through phone or through remote technology. Details to come.  Limited in-person meetings can be scheduled and will adhere to distancing and group size protocols to ensure the safety of all. 

Spring term will begin April 6, 2020

Green River College will begin the spring term on April 6. Please note this is a one-week delay of the current spring schedule. Classes will resume with online delivery until at least April 27, unless otherwise directed. This is in line with Governor Inslee's directive provided to colleges and universities. Students will be updated by their instructors.

Students: Spring quarter registration is open. You can browse classes, register for classes, make a payment, view the financial aid portal and access your Ed Plan remotely. For other online tools, be sure to visit you My Green River dashboard. Please call or check online for specific hours of availability of staff before you come to campus. Staff will be available to you either through phone or through remote technology. Limited in-person meetings can be scheduled and will adhere to distancing and group size protocols to ensure the safety of all. 

Thank you, again, for your continued patience, empathy and understanding as we work through these challenging weeks.

Stay well,
Suzanne

Important update to winter and spring quarters

Dear Green River College Community - 

This afternoon, Governor Inslee issued an emergency proclamation aimed at increasing social distancing efforts and limiting face-to-face instruction to reduce and prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Effective Monday, March 16 at midnight, all college and universities in Washington must transition instruction to alternative formats through Monday, April 27. 

Finishing the Winter Quarter

Thanks to the hard work and flexibility of all at Green River College, we successfully made this transition on March 10.  As a result, we will complete the winter term - including finals - as planned by March 20. 

In-person classes and finals should move online or to alternative formats, such as Zoom, Canvas and Panopto, wherever possible. If necessary for the completion of the program, the Governor's proclamation allows for the continuation of limited in-person learning for classes and finals that cannot be offered online, such as labs and clinicals, as well as career and technical programs. In these cases, we will continue to follow social distancing protocols and limit the number of students in a room at any given time. 

Starting the Spring Quarter

Green River College will begin the spring term on April 6. Please note this is a one-week delay of the current spring schedule. Classes will resume with online or alternative formats until at least April 27, unless otherwise directed. This is in line with Governor Inslee's directive provided to college and universities today. Students will be updated by their instructors. 

All Green River College locations will continue to remain open to serve all those who rely on our services, including our student services, library, computer labs, business offices, student housing, food services, and the Mel Lindbloom Student Union. Adherence to social distancing protocols will be followed in all locations. 

In Closing

I want to take a moment to thank Governor Inslee for his leadership and coordination to protect the health and safety of everyone in Washington. I also want to thank the Green River College community. These unprecedented times bring many unique challenges, which we can only address together. Thank you to our students and faculty for adjusting how you conduct your classes. Thank you to our staff for your continued dedication in providing critical services to our students. 

More information will be shared as it becomes available. Students and employees should continue to check their GRC email and Canvas for more information. As always, please refer to our website regarding the coronavirus for the latest GRC-related information, as well as frequently asked questions. 

Thank you for your patience, resilience and empathy as we move through this time. 

Stay well,
Suzanne

A very personal note from the GRC president

Dear Green River College Community - 

Another day is coming to a close with further developments in our community regarding COVID-19. The Governor has directed the closure of all K-12 schools in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. He has not given specific directives to higher education. We await any clarification that may be forthcoming. Until, and if that occurs, we will work to successfully complete the winter term for our students. We are almost there! 

Over the past 13 days - yes, it has only been that many days since the Governor released his ‘state of emergency' proclamation - our lives have been turned upside down. My family and friends from across the country have reached out to ask me how I am doing, how my family is doing, and how Green River is doing. Here is what I have said to them and what I want to share with all of you today. 

The coronavirus is its own medical challenge with very clear steps for what we can do to keep ourselves as healthy as possible. There are things we can do to help prevent or reduce the spread of the virus. There are things we can do to protect our loved ones. (see our website link for helpful tips).  I am grateful there are concrete actions we can take to help us feel like we have some control over what is happening to our lives and the world around us.

What I am more concerned about is the emotional and psychological effect this is having on every single human being in our community. How do you help others with fear and anxiety - that students, employees, and community members have - about something that is invisible, that many worry could harm them or their loved ones? All the statistics and information you have available to you about the virus that could help provide perspective, pales in comparison to the feelings of fear and worry you have. 

Our sense of control and perceptions of safety have been taken from us almost, literally, overnight. It is exhausting. It is distressing. You may feel scared. I know many of you are very scared. And, here is something that's really important for you to hear and know. It is okay to feel this way. Many feel just like you do. You are not alone in your distressful feelings and worried thoughts. 

So, what can you do in these stressful times?  We've posted new resources on our website today to assist you.  Please read them. Please share them. These are resources for everyone in our Green River College community. These resources might be very helpful to share with your friends and family, too, to help them through this time. If you need to speak with someone about your fears, please consider reaching out to the National Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK. If you experience or witness any discrimination, bias or harassment, please report it to GRC Campus Safety at 253-288-3350. King County Public Health has also created a site dedicated to anti-stigma resources. 

In addition to these resources, as hard as this may be to get our heads around today, these most challenging days will pass and things are going to get better. No matter how hard today is feeling to you, it will get better. We will resume our normal lives again.  In the meantime, keeping and finding things that help you continue normal aspects of your lives - the lives we had before coronavirus became the entire focus of our lives 13 days ago - will help you get through this time. Green River College can be one of those parts of your life to help keep you grounded. 

To all who work at Green River College, as an educational institution, we may be the only element that provides any sense of continuity or normalcy in our students' lives during these weeks of challenge and disruption. In fact, continuing to do our work - whether on campus or remotely - may be the one thing that is providing us with that sense of grounding and normalcy. I am forever grateful to all of you. We will look back on these days very soon and recognize that these most extraordinary challenging days brought out some of the finest work we have ever done as a college and community and illustrates what it means to be Green River College. 

To our students, do not let this temporary disruption in life slow or prevent you from continuing to make progress on your educational goals and dreams. Green River College is here. Although your courses may be provided in various formats, your education can and must continue.  I assure you that your instructors are planning for all possibilities and are getting ready to provide you with the courses you need. 

We are planning to complete our winter term, including finals week. Please continue with what we have planned to bring the quarter to a successful conclusion. If something changes, we will let you know.

I know you all have questions about spring term.  The College is ready to move forward and has options prepared. We await further clarification and guidance we may receive from the Governor's office.

In the meantime, please stay well.

Suzanne

Suzanne M. Johnson, Ph.D.
President, Green River College
12401 SE 320th St. Auburn, WA 98092-3622
253-288-3340 (office)
sjohnson@greenriver.edu

Important update: GRC responds to Gov. Inslee March 11 announcement

Dear Green River College Community -

It's been a very busy day in the ongoing COVID-19 developments. This morning, Governor Inslee announced a new emergency proclamation for King, Snohomish and Pierce counties to restrict gatherings for more than 250 people. These new guidelines can be viewed on the King County Public Health website. 

We understand that this is a challenging time for everyone in the greater Green River community. Please follow all guidelines that have been provided to help protect you and prevent the spread of COVID-19.  This is a stressful time for everyone and the more self-care and healthy practices we engage in the better it is for everyone. As a reminder, you can find these guidelines here: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health recommendations to protect our community. 

Please know we take the Governor's directives and concern very seriously and continue to adhere to all guidelines provided by health officials.  It is also important to remember that at this time, no members of the GRC community have been diagnosed with COVID-19.  

In the coming days we will continue to engage in all of our options including dramatically increasing remote work, continued social distancing and developing strategies for the start of the spring quarter. You can help us prepare by regularly checking your GRC email for key information from the College and completing the personal technology survey, which will be distributed tomorrow (3/12).  There will be a survey for employees and a survey for students to complete. 

Thank you all for your flexibility, understanding and hard work during this time. For all those employees who continue to serve the college on campus and at our branch locations and to those who are serving remotely, our community, students and I thank you.  To our students, thank you for persisting in your studies as our faculty have worked tirelessly to find ways to assist in your course completion for the winter term.  And to our faculty, thank you for your responsiveness in rapidly changing course delivery to assist the most students to academic completion as possible. Finish strong!  

As we work to complete our winter term, which concludes on March 20^th, we are already looking toward the options for our spring term.  Please stay tuned for updates in the days to come.  As always, please refer to our website regarding the coronavirus for the latest GRC-related information, as well as frequently asked questions. 

Thank you for your patience, resilience and empathy as we move through this time. 

Stay well,
Suzanne

Important Update: Winter quarter classes resume tomorrow, all GRC locations remain open

Dear Green River College Community -

As a reminder, winter quarter classes will resume tomorrow, March 10. 

During this time period, we are not closing the college. All Green River College locations remain OPEN with all offices and services (including our library, computer labs, business offices, student services, and the Mel Lindbloom Student Union) in order to provide students, faculty and staff access to key resources and services.

• Students: Class formats may vary from course to course as you complete your winter term. Please check your email and Canvas for details about your individual course(s) from your instructors, or contact your instructor for further information.
• Faculty and staff: All GRC locations remain open. Unless otherwise discussed with your supervisor, please report for your standard shift. If you fall into a high risk group and/or you would like to pursue working remotely from home, please contact your supervisor. Supervisors will work with their appointing authority to develop these plans.

Please refer to our website regarding the coronavirus to find recommendations for the prevention and spread of the virus, as well as our Frequently Asked Question page.

Thank you all for your resilience, perseverance and empathy as we make our way through this challenge.

Suzanne

Suzanne M. Johnson, Ph.D.
President, Green River College
12401 SE 320th St. Auburn, WA 98092-3622
253-288-3340 (office)
sjohnson@greenriver.edu

Important update for the remainder of winter quarter

Dear Green River College Community -

The last week has been challenging and stressful on many levels as the novel coronavirus COVID-19 continues to impact our region. I want to thank you all for approaching these difficulties with kindness and understanding as we work together to minimize the impact to College operations. We are stronger together than apart. Our focus remains keeping our community healthy as we fulfill our important educational and service mission.

At this time, no members of the GRC community have been diagnosed with COVID-19. However, based on the latest recommendations by King County Department of Public Health, Green River College is taking additional precautionary actions to ensure the successful conclusion of the winter quarter for students and employees at all GRC locations.

Beginning Tuesday, March 10, the remainder of winter quarter classes will be completed in a manner that reduces face-to-face meetings. To accomplish this transition as successfully as possible:

• We are canceling all day and evening classes across all GRC locations on Monday, March 9
• Monday will be used for faculty and staff members to adapt their course work for alternative formats and communication with students.

All Green River College offices will remain open during this time to provide key services to our community.

For Students

• Instruction will continue for the remainder of the quarter and every effort will be made for you to finish winter quarter classes. Your instructors will contact you regarding plans for your classes. Please contact your instructor with any course related questions, or concerns about having access to appropriate technology.
• Please regularly check your GRC email, as well as Canvas.
• Campus will remain open. Offices and services, such as the Holman Library, Tech Center and Student Union will remain open to provide students access to computer labs and resources.
• Veteran students benefits will not be impacted by shifting to online modality during this time. 

For Faculty & Staff

• Instructors are asked to conduct classes and/or exams with as minimal face-to-face contact as possible, until the quarter concludes on March 20. You will receive a follow-up message from Vice President of Instruction Rolita Ezeonu.
• We are in the process of adjusting operations in order to reduce and minimize potential exposure to COVID-19. This includes identifying essential employees as well as essential tasks, and working with employees to develop processes and procedures that support working from home while maintaining college operations, continuing support for students and minimizing exposure to COVID-19.
• If you fall into a high risk group (over 60, with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, have a weakened immune system or are pregnant) and/or you would like to pursue working remotely from home, please contact your supervisor. Supervisors will work with their appointing authority to develop these plans.
• At this time, the college is exploring the following options for employees:
• Allowing employees to work remotely with supervisor coordination when possible
• Providing access and training to remote desktop access
• Providing access and training to Zoom (online remote meeting software)

The novel coronavirus is not the first challenge this region, or Green River College, has faced. It will not be the last. Today it's our turn to take on the challenge of keeping our community safe by listening to public health experts, remaining calm and doing all we can to protect the most vulnerable in our midst.

As always, the health and safety of all students, faculty and staff remain our top priority. The GRC Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor the ongoing situation and will send updates as needed. Following the best hygiene practices and adhering to our values are our best strategies for keeping everyone safe and healthy. We are fortunate to be in a region that has outstanding medical services and public health infrastructure, and that is already taking steps to increase access to health care in the face of this outbreak.

Please refer to our website regarding the coronavirus to find recommendations for the prevention and spread of the virus, as well as our Frequently Asked Question page.

Thank you all for your resilience, perseverance and empathy as we make our way through this challenge.

Suzanne

Suzanne M. Johnson, Ph.D.
President, Green River College
12401 SE 320th St. Auburn, WA 98092-3622
253-288-3340 (office)
sjohnson@greenriver.edu

upcoming All Campus meeting scheduled for tomorrow - 3/6 & Town Hall scheduled for next Wednesday - March 3/11

Dear Green River College Community -

As you will note from my communication last night, there are new recommendations from the King County Health Department regarding precautionary steps we can take as individuals in helping reduce the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.  One recommendation is:  “If you can feasibly avoid bringing large groups of people together, consider postponing events and gatherings”.  With this in mind, I wanted to let you know that tomorrow's All Campus meeting is being cancelled.  There were three topics that were going to be discussed:  Accreditation, Guided Pathways, and Coronavirus.  Regarding coronavirus, as we have been, any new updates will be shared with the college community through emails and our coronavirus webpage which you can find here:  https://www.greenriver.edu/campus/campus-safety/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/

In terms of Accreditation and Guided Pathways, here are some updates for you:

Accreditation:  Our 7-year accreditation report has been completed and is about to be sent to NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities).  I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all members of the accreditation steering committee.  They are:

• Joseph Becker, Web and Digital Communications Specialist
• Catherine Cantrell, Instructional Dean
• Alan Carter, Information Technology Faculty
• Dani Crivello-Chang, Dean of Campus Life
• Kelsey Denton, Communication Studies Faculty
• Anne Dolan, Adult Basic Education and Transitional Studies Faculty
• Jennifer Dysart, Dean of Library, E-Learning and Media Services
• Fia Eliasson-Creek, Director of Institutional Effectiveness
• Dr. Rolita Flores Ezeonu,Committee Chair, Vice President of Instruction, and ALO
• Kirsten Higgins, English Faculty
• Fatimah Juma, Student and ODEI Peer Navigator
• Nancy Kremer, Director of International Student Services and College Council Chair
• David Larsen, Dean of Enrollment and Completion
• Julie Moore, English Faculty
• Camella Morgan, Executive Director of Information Technology
• Mike Nielsen, Director for Corporate and Continuing Education
• Korland Simmons, Executive Assistant to the Senior Director of Human Resources
• Janee Sommerfeld, Interim Senior Director of Financial Services and Director of Budget
• Rosie (Eomji) Son, Student and ASGRC Vice President
• Jenny Wheeler, Registrar and Director of the Office of the Registrar

I also want to thank all staff and faculty who have been involved in the completion of our institution's accreditation report. 

In addition, Dr. Ezeonu shared with you this week the names of our NWCCU accreditation visiting team who will be on our Year 7 Mission Fulfillment and Sustainability Visit on April 29^th, 30^th, and May 1^st.

They are: 

• Dr. Tana Hasart, (Chair for the visit) President Emertius, Pierce College
• Dr. Kendra Cawley, Dean of Academic Affairs, Portland Community College
• Dr. Jeff Fox, President, College of Southern Idaho
• Ms. Sandy Porter, Instructor, Treasure Valley Community College
• Ms. Gail Schull, Director of Admissions, College of Southern Idaho
• Ms. Megan Dugan, Dean-AVID, Learning Success Center, Library, Mt. Hood Community College
• Ms. JoAnn Zahn, Vice President of Finance and Administration, Clatsop Community College
• Dr. Ron Larsen, Senior Vice President, NWCCU 

Stay tuned for more updates on our upcoming Accreditation visit in the near future! 

Guided Pathways:  We are approaching, as other colleges are, the deadline for submission of our draft work plan for guided pathways to the SBCTC. I want to thank the members of the Guided Pathways Leadership Team: Leslie Kessler, David Norberg, Allison Warner, David Larsen, Rolita Ezeonu, Deb Casey and Fia Eliasson-Creek for all their work, thus far, and to all faculty and staff who are engaging in these early conversations and initial planning discussions.  If you have not had a chance to check out the fantastic intranet resource for guided pathways you can find it here:   https://greenriveredu.sharepoint.com/sites/GN-Pathways/SitePages/Guided-Pathways-GatorNet-Site-Launched.aspx.  Please check it out and stay tuned for further communications from our Guided Pathways Leadership Team! 

Lastly, next week's planned town hall, scheduled for March 11^th from 12:00 - 1:30pm will be postponed until spring term.  Fia and I will work on restructuring the content we had planned for next week so that it can fit into the town hall dates that are already scheduled for spring semester.  It is my hope that by the time these spring dates approach we will be in an improved set of circumstances that will allow for large group gatherings.  In the event that we are not, Fia and I will devise other ways to deliver these town hall discussion through remote technology and interaction.  Please stay tuned as the weeks move forward. 

As always, if you have any questions please let me know. 

Be well…..Suzanne 

Suzanne M. Johnson, Ph.D.
President, Green River College
12401 SE 320th St. Auburn, WA 98092-3622
253-288-3340 (office)
sjohnson@greenriver.edu

IMPORTANT: updates on coronavirus

Dear Green River College Community -

Late this afternoon, we received new guidance from state and local health officials aimed at reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Currently, King County Department of Public Health is not recommending closing colleges or schools at this time. If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19, Public Health will work with the college or school to determine the best measures including potential closure of the school.  

King County Public Health is recommending, but not requiring, the following steps:

• People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. People at higher risk include:
• People 60 and older
• People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
• People who have weakened immune systems
• People who are pregnant
• Workplaces should enact measures that allow people who can work from home to do so. Taking these measures can help reduce the number of workers who come into contact with COVID-19 and help minimize absenteeism due to illness
• If you can feasibly avoid bringing large groups of people together, consider postponing events and gatherings.
• All people should not go out when they are sick.
• Avoid visiting hospitals, long term care facilities, or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you need to go, limit your time there and keep six feet away from patients.

At this time, no members of the GRC community have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and all GRC locations continue to maintain normal operations. However, given these new recommendations, if you fall into a high risk group and/or you would like to pursue working remotely from home, please contact your supervisor for next steps. Supervisors will work with their appointing authority to develop these plans.

As always, the health and safety of all students, faculty and staff remain our top priority. We are monitoring the ongoing situation and will send updates as needed.  As a reminder, please refer to our website regarding the coronavirus to find recommendations for the prevention and spread of the virus, as well as the attached FAQ document.

Suzanne

Suzanne M. Johnson, Ph.D.
President, Green River College
12401 SE 320th St. Auburn, WA 98092-3622
253-288-3340 (office)
sjohnson@greenriver.edu

We have received our hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes

Dear Green River College Community -

Our order of disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer gel has been successfully delivered to campus and our Facilities team has been working diligently to distribute them across the main GRC campus, as well as to our branch locations. Supplies will be located on each floor of academic buildings, in each computer lab, at the front desk in SU, at the reception desk in SA, at the front desk in the library, at the first floor desk in Kent, Auburn Center and at the front desk at Enumclaw. If you, or your area, need additional supplies, please contact Facilities at ext. 3333. 

Following Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Custodial Services will continue to  clean frequently touched surfaces daily using anti-viral disinfectant. At this time, no additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended. These high “Touch Surfaces” include:

• Key Boards in public areas, such as computer labs
• Door knobs and handles
• Bathroom fixtures
• Light switches
• Counter tops and counters
• Door frames
• ADA buttons

As always, we are monitoring information and updates as they occur with the coronavirus and will send updates as needed.  As a reminder, please refer to our website regarding the coronavirus to find recommendations for the prevention and spread of the virus.

Suzanne

Suzanne M. Johnson, Ph.D.
President, Green River College
12401 SE 320th St. Auburn, WA 98092-3622
253-288-3340 (office)
sjohnson@greenriver.edu

Follow up to the coronavirus communication last night

Dear Green River College Community -

As a follow up to my communication to you last night, I would like to provide the following information regarding cleaning protocols on our campus and branch locations.  In an effort to maintain a healthy and safe campus experience, Facilities' Custodial Services uses an anti-viral disinfectant to clean frequently touched surfaces including public workstations, countertops, handrails and doorknobs once per day. According to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended at this time.  Having said this, in an abundance of caution and redundancy in cleaning, disposable disinfectant wipes will be provided to clean individual employee workstations, phones and keyboards. Disinfectant wipes will be available throughout campus including each floor of academic buildings, at the front desk in SU, at the reception desk in SA, at the front desk in the library, at the first floor desk in Kent, Auburn and at the front desk at Enumclaw. Hand sanitizer stations will also be setup in public locations throughout campus. As I indicated to you last night, we are expecting delivery of these supplies sometime today.  As soon as we receive these supplies we will let you know when they will be available. 

A special note regarding our CCA residences:  While Campus Corner Apartments provides general cleaning of the apartment common spaces on a monthly basis, student residents are expected to clean their private bedrooms, kitchen spaces and bathrooms. Students living in CCA can check out cleaning supplies from the front office located in the Townsend Center at no cost.

As always, we are monitoring information and updates as they occur with the coronavirus and will send updates as needed.  As a reminder, please refer to our website regarding the coronavirus to find recommendations for the prevention and spread of the virus.

Suzanne 

Suzanne M. Johnson, Ph.D.
President, Green River College
12401 SE 320th St. Auburn, WA 98092-3622
253-288-3340 (office)
sjohnson@greenriver.edu

Update on GRC's preparations related to the novel coronavirus

Dear Green River College Community,

I'm writing today to provide updates regarding the novel coronavirus. The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our priority. Currently, no members of the Green River College community have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Similarly, there is no sustained person-to person transmission at this time. In preparation for potential changes to this status, state, county and local agencies are taking steps to prepare our communities should events change. In an abundance of caution, we are preparing as we would for any other potentially disruptive situation, such as a natural disaster.

College Preparations

The GRC Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is monitoring the situation closely and has created a webpage that includes recommendations from the Washington State Department of Health and other important resources. We are also currently reviewing and updating our emergency procedures as necessary to ensure the health and safety of our community, and our International Programs team is providing information and support to international students. Additionally, the College ordered large quantities of hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes for our campus and branch locations and are scheduled to arrive at the College tomorrow, March 2^nd.  We will send additional information on distribution once these products have arrived.

As you may have heard, over the weekend public health officials announced that the first death in the United States attributed to the novel coronavirus has occurred in King County. At the time of writing this, there are six confirmed cases of COVID-19 in King County. While these individuals are not a part of the Green River College community, our hearts are with those who have been impacted by this outbreak.

During this time, Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee has declared a state of emergency, directing agencies to use all resources needed to respond to the outbreak. The proclamation allows state agencies and departments to utilize state resources and funding to do everything reasonably possible to assist affected communities responding to and recovering from COVID-19 cases.

What you can do?

Stay Informed

King County Public Health publishes a page with regular updates relevant specifically to our region. You can sign up to receive free email alerts that will inform you when new information is posted to the site.

The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. 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 #.

Sign up for Green River Safety Alerts and keep informed of campus emergencies, safety issues and inclement weather emergency closures. If we have suspended operations, you will be notified through our FlashAlert and emergency alerts systems that send out calls, emails and text messages. Now is a great time to make sure your number is registered and/or up-to-date to receive emergency communications and notification settings are correct. Subscriptions require renewal each year.

Practice Good Hygiene

Prevention measures for the coronavirus are similar to those used against the common cold and flu, both of which are currently circulating in high numbers across the country. These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses.

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home from school or work if sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Don't share food and drinks.
• Clean and disinfect shared surfaces and objects that are touched frequently.

Also, please be aware that hackers are using the coronavirus to leverage phishing schemes that trick people into clicking on malicious links and sharing their personal security information. As always, be cautious when clicking on links in emails from unknown sources.

Responding to Misinformation, Bias or Stigma

In times of fear and uncertainty there is often misinformation shared as a result of bias and, at times, discrimination. COVID-19 is a global concern that can make anyone sick, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Green River College is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all who study, work or visit at any of our locations.

If you experience or witness any bias or harassment, please report it to GRC Campus Safety at 253-288-3350. Any Green River student in need of more personal support during this time is encouraged to contact GRC Counseling Services at 253-833-9111, ext. 2460. King County Public Health has also created a site dedicated to anti-stigma resources.

Additional Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources

• The CDC includes the latest information on the virus, how it's spread, and prevention measures.
• To learn more about U.S. cases, view the CDC's map.
• CDC travel advisories are at Level 3: Avoid Nonessential Travel for China, South Korea, and Italy. U.S. Department of State travel advisories are at Level 4: Do Not Travel for China and Level 3: Reconsider Travel for Italy and South Korea. Monitor the CDC and State Department for the latest travel advisories.
• The CDC also has helpful information on prevention tips and what to do if people may have contracted the virus or been exposed to the virus.
• Washington State Department of Health fact sheets in 11 different languages.
• The University of Washington is also maintaining a website with resources as well as updates specific to their campuses

As this event continues to evolve, we will share information and updates on our website and social media pages. You can find additional resources about how you can prepare as an individual, family or business on the Public Health - Seattle & King County website.

Thank you for your attention to this email…Suzanne

fall term 2022 return reminders / message from the president

Dear Green River College Community,

With Opening Day and the start of the 2022 Fall Term quickly approaching (quick reminder to register for Opening Day!), I want to take a moment to welcome the campus community and share a few reminders for the new quarter.

• Green River College will resume normal in person operating hours today, Sept. 6:
  
  • The general hours of business operations will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students and staff will be able to access in-person services during college business hours.
  • Student support services will include in-person, hybrid, and online options. To connect with a specific department or office for virtual services, please visit the GRC Virtual Assistance (which can be found in the Quick Links menu on greenriver.edu, as well as in the site navigation under “Students >> Get Started”).
  • Course offerings will include in-person, hybrid, and online options. To view current classes and format, view our online Class Search.
  • The faculty and staff parking program will resume Sept. 19, to purchase a parking permit please visit GRC Campus Safety's Employee Parking page.
• Masking is recommended. GRC continues to strongly recommend mask wearing indoors and will require masks in certain situations or locations (e.g., faculty designated classrooms, labs, offices, and non-instructional spaces). All students, faculty, staff, and community members should continue to bring a mask when visiting a GRC location.
  
  • Faculty and staff can require students to wear masks in their classrooms and other workspaces and agree to inform students before the first meeting of their in-person classes or when entering office spaces if they require masks or upon arrival.
  • Areas requiring masks are clearly marked and signage will be available to all faculty and staff to post. Post link: https://greenriveredu.sharepoint.com/sites/GN-Reopening/SitePages/COVID-Signage.aspx
• Proof of vaccination, or approved exemption, is still required for all on campus classes, activities, work, or services. As a fully vaccinated college (defined by Proclamation 20-12.5 and Green River's Fully Vaccinated Campus Policy, GA-31, which remains in effect), individuals who have received an approved medical or religious exemption must continue to wear a mask while on campus.
  
  • Students and employees will continue to be required to add their Immunization Attestation in ctclink.
  • Faculty will continue to receive accommodation letters prior to the start of each quarter.
  • Student exemption request on file remains active and does not require the returning student to do it again unless there are changes to the reasons for an exemption.
  • The online-only declaration needs to be completed quarterly prior to the start of the quarter if students are in online-only format.
  • Accommodation letters for exempt students will be sent to faculty and exempt employee accommodations will be sent to supervisors on a quarterly basis.
  • Exempt employees and students are required to follow accommodations outlined in their approvals from HR (Human Resources) and SA (Student Affairs). Enforcement of accommodations are still in place through HR (Human Resources) and the student Code of Conduct process through Judicial Affairs.
  • Deans of instruction will work with the Health and Wellness Officer and/or other Student Affairs personnel if there is a need to adjust student accommodations for a particular class or class type.
  • Verifications of vaccination cards will continue throughout the fall quarters.
• Contact tracing and direct communication with potentially exposed employees will continue following L&I guidelines
  
  • Employees should notify their GRC supervisor and Benefits Services if they test positive.
  • Students should contact their instructor(s) and Campus Safety.
• Covid-related updates and information can be found online at greenriver.edu/coronavirus, or in the site navigation under “Campus >> Covid Resources”).
• Facilities will continue to be cleaned per current CDC (Centers for Disease Control), State of Washington, and King County Guidelines.
• All buildings have the latest MERV 13 air filters and UV-C lighting to help purify the air throughout Green River buildings.
• Contact Facilities in all primary areas of buildings and classrooms to replenish hand sanitizer stations and masks.

Thank you all. Looking forward to seeing you at Opening Day on Sept. 13!

Stay well,

Suzanne