■ Education
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“ Ramapo College adapted its flexible work arrangement practices and instituted an alternating on-site work week schedule for our non-faculty employees and permitted faculty to adjust their delivery modes as appropriate for specific course learning objectives . The schedule ensures that students are able to choose how they wish to receive most services including advisement and tutoring , by visiting the college campus or by working virtually with an employee who is offsite . In addition , faculty and staff were provided with a range of virtual professional development offerings focused on mastering new instructional technologies and incorporating best practices in remote teaching and learning , remote management and supervision , and mental health support .”
- Susan Gaulden
“ Through remotely delivered workshops , teaching circles , and faculty development events , the college ’ s Faculty Resource Center and Instructional Design Center became hubs that supported Ramapo ' s virtual teaching and learning experiences . Full- and part-time faculty participation in these offerings increased dramatically , as compared with pre‐COVID times . These learning and support opportunities greatly impacted the student experience , as faculty members became better equipped to offer dynamic synchronous academic experiences and well-constructed asynchronous learning exercises .”
- Susan Gaulden “ In addition to flexible work arrangements and the establishment of professional learning communities , a plan of action was set forth that included an analysis of all campus areas to de-densify academic and administrative spaces as well as residence halls . General safeguards were established and communicated for all on-site and off-site campus members and vendors . These safeguards included social distancing , requiring face coverings , promoting enhanced hand hygiene , proper disinfection of shared objects and spaces , and more . Procedures and policies were developed specifically adhering to the guidance set forth by the CDC , NJDOH , OSHA and OSHE with immediate implementation of EPA List-N approved disinfectants . Training programs were established for all students and staff with supplemental and ongoing training for custodial operations on updated methodology and application for cleaning and disinfection .”
- Gina Mayer Costa
Q . What was done to ensure your facilities were safe ? A . Ramapo College was able to quickly implement a multitude of measures when the pandemic arrived , due to the strong working relationship between our Environmental Health and Safety and Facilities Departments . Because student satisfaction and safety are a priority , the college was agile enough to make several transitions and adaptations in a timely fashion .
“ As a result of the pandemic , Ramapo College reduced its student resident population and temporarily closed some of its fully vacated residence halls . The residence halls that remained open were converted to single occupancy , and
no visitors were permitted . All common hightouch surfaces were cleaned and disinfected consistently and thoroughly several times every day . Hand sanitizer stations were installed at each hall and disinfecting wipes were provided in the laundry rooms and hall offices . All common areas were closed . Residential apartments were repurposed to serve as self-isolation and quarantine spaces for COVID‐19 positive and close contact resident students and staff .”
- Gina Mayer Costa
“ Disinfection of all areas was drastically and methodically increased across campus employing the use of dedicated internal labor resources in conjunction with external vendors . Disinfecting wipe dispensers and hand sanitizer stations were installed and are readily available across our 300-acre campus for personal use with continuously supplied EPA approved products . Instructions and safety data sheets are included at each station to explain proper use . Disinfectant products were only purchased after a safety review to assure they didn ’ t present any hazard to the user . Informational and directional signage was also installed . Roadrunner ( Ramapo ’ s mascot ) footprint floor decals were designed internally and placed across campus to encourage social distancing . Signage also included important contact numbers , how to use supplied materials , protocols for use of products , safety data sheets , social distancing , and proper hand hygiene and face coverings .”
- Gina Mayer Costa “ Classes were staggered to permit disinfecting and cleaning between each class . This also increased air changes between occupancy . All desks and tables were marked to clearly indicate seating configurations . Electrostatic sprayers were purchased utilizing EPA registered disinfectants that required minimal PPE for employees . Building Services ( custodial operations ) received specialized and recurring training on how to use new equipment and properly clean and disinfect for COVID‐19 . Further , a safety assessment was conducted for each area of campus . Operations were reviewed with a focus on staffing and occupancy needs and any physical changes required to the layout including furniture arrangement and plexiglass installation .”
- Lauren Tibbets
“ Ramapo is active and attentive , and continues to strategically invest resources to improve existing infrastructure . Concentrated attention has been given to HVAC systems , preventative maintenance programs and development of programs and resources with the health and safety of all campus members serving as the steadfast focus of improvements . For example , all HVAC systems received additional preventive maintenance and upgrades following CDC and ASHRAE standards to include additional preventive maintenance , improved ventilation achieved by increased MERV rated filters , increased intake of outdoor air , and increased fan speed to achieve more air changes per hour . Ramapo ’ s ongoing systematic approach to improvements has aided our ability to provide an atmosphere focused on educational excellence and safety throughout the pandemic .”
- Lauren Tibbets “ The modifications and needed disinfection of Ramapo College ’ s 300-acre public campus Continued On Page 13
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