Alert, Updates and Information
About Trinidad State
As Trinidad State deals with the COVID-19 pandemic and its ramifications for our students, faculty, and staff, we want you to know that we have prioritized the health and safety of our entire Trinidad State community.
Note that the plan is fluid in nature, and may change as health conditions in our communities dictate.
Regarding, Covid-19 as of 8/19/22, Trinidad State encourages you to:
[ CDC suggested link ]
- Get vaccinated.
- Frequently hand wash and sanitize.
- Stay home if you are sick
For information regarding the Monkeypox Virus, please click on the Prevention and Well Being Section below.
- Students - Symptom Screening Form
- Employees - Symptom Screening Form
In the tabs below you will find the latest Trinidad State information about COVID-19, in addition to more detailed information about prevention tips and background on COVID-19.
3:32pm
Dear Trinidad State Campus Community,
Our college campuses will discontinue our indoor mask mandate on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 as COVID-19 cases throughout our service area and state continue to fall.
As COVID seems to be shifting from a pandemic to an endemic, with fewer cases and especially fewer cases involving serious illness, it made sense for us to re-evaluate our prevention measures. In following the guidance of public health officials, we continue to encourage masks in indoor public spaces for those who are unvaccinated.
I’d like to thank everyone who has followed our mask mandate over these many months. I firmly believe adherence to all COVID protocols contributed to the success we’re seeing in battling the pandemic on both campuses.
This may be an appropriate time to pause and reflect, mourn those who died or greatly suffered. The pandemic has taken such a toll, and it may not be over. This virus is tremendously unpredictable, and our future protocols will respond to whatever new threats we face. But given the trend of case numbers and the hopeful predictions of health experts, the Leadership team supports this change to remove the indoor mask mandate effective March 1.
Wishing good health to all,
Rhonda
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Dear Faculty and Staff,
Happy New Year! I hope the break has been restful and peaceful for you. Between all the unsettling
news of the continuing pandemic, the devastating fires in Boulder County, a shooting
in Denver, and airline traffic/weather disasters all around the nation – it was a
subdued holiday in our family. Nonetheless, I cherished the downtime to spend with
loved ones.
As we return to campus for spring semester 2022, I’d like to share with you our COVID
Protocols we will be using this term. For the most part, it is the same as fall semester.
With the exception being that Residence Hall students are required to present a negative
COVID test before moving into the halls. Our COVID Response Team, which includes Leadership,
Mike Salbato, Freddy Burciaga, Susie Wichert, Ira Williamson, and Danny Rogers, met
yesterday to update the attached Protocol document.
I also want everyone to be aware that we are expecting to have larger COVID positive
cases for both students and staff than we experienced last fall. This is due to the
highly transmissible Omicron variant that is currently circulating in our state. During
the President’s Hotline call today, we were told that the state positivity rate is
26.1%, but other indicators such as availability of hospital beds and adult critical
care ventilators in use are trending in a more promising direction. We will have challenges
this semester, to be sure, and will need to be prepared to pivot as needed to comply
with quarantine and isolation guidelines. The current CDC isolation and quarantine
guidelines were shared today, which we will follow in consultation with our local
health departments: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html
It is becoming increasingly clear that COVID is something we will have to deal with
on a long-term basis, and we must press forward to deliver on our mission of serving
students. Please let me know if you have any questions. Feel free to call me or stop
by my office to chat.
I look forward to seeing everyone soon.
Best wishes,
Rhonda
11:22 AM
Dear Trojan Community:
Greetings and welcome back for your Fall 2021 semester at Trinidad State College. We can’t wait to see you here! I am writing to provide an update on TSC’s planned COVID protocols for fall semester. Here are the highlights:
PLANS FOR FALL 2021
Based on the latest pandemic information and vaccine availability, we plan to offer a comprehensive on-campus experience this fall, including in-person classes, open residence halls, athletics, student clubs, and activities.
MASKS
Starting Wednesday, August 10, 2021, and until further notice, masks will be required in all indoor facilities. This applies to those individuals who are vaccinated, as well as those who are unvaccinated. Exceptions will be for athletes during practice/play, students in their individual dorm rooms or while eating in the dining hall, and those who are working in a private office when not in the presence of others.
COURSE OFFERINGS
TSC will offer most class options in-person for Fall 2021, and we’ll also have flexible options for those who prefer to learn online. Please contact your academic advisor to discuss options and to build your personal class schedule.
RESIDENCE HALLS
Our residence halls will be fully open this fall, with both single and double room options available. We anticipate our residence halls to be popular places this year!
COVID VACCINE UPDATE
Trinidad State requires all Residence Hall students and Student Athletes to have the COVID-19 vaccination. Exemptions are available based on statutory requirements. Those students who request exemptions will be required to submit to a weekly COVID-19 testing protocol.
We continue to strongly recommend that all members of the college community receive a COVID-19 vaccine. National, state, and local public health experts have expressed with renewed urgency that vaccination remains the surest way to slow the spread and severity of COVID-19 and its variants.
The college will make every effort to promote the COVID-19 vaccine this fall, make it readily available to our communities, and strive for broad based immunization among our campus populations. In cooperation with Mt. San Rafael Hospital, our first clinic will be on the Trinidad Campus, Thursday, August 12 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm in Scott Gym. We are working to arrange another vaccine clinic on the Valley Campus very soon.
SHOT AT A SCHOLARSHIP:
TSC students who receive the COVID-19 vaccination may enter to win a Colorado Community College scholarship at https://www.cccs.edu/shot-at-a-scholarship/. There are FIVE $1,000 scholarships reserved for Trinidad State students, and two $5,000 scholarships available to all CCCS students.
We eagerly await your arrival on TSC’s Trinidad or Alamosa Campus. For more detailed COVID-19 plans, please visit the COVID-19 Information page on our website. We look forward to providing you a full array of Fall 2021 campus services and to ensuring that each of us is safe and healthy throughout the semester.
Sincerely,
Rhonda M. Epper, Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
11:35 AM
Dear Faculty and Staff:
As there may be some confusion regarding the governor’s new Executive Order regarding facial coverings, I would like to provide some clarification for TSC employees. While we await further guidance from our local health departments, our leadership team has determined we will follow the governor’s updated order, summarized below.
Attached is the Governor’s updated Executive Order on Facial Coverings. Here are the fine points of the EO:
- Any individual, age eleven (11) and older, who is not fully vaccinated, is encouraged to wear a medical or non-medical cloth face covering that covers the nose and mouth when entering or within an indoor space where members of different households are present.
- Any fully vaccinated individual may go without any type of face covering in any setting, subject to the exceptions in this Executive Order. There is nothing about higher education in the exceptions.
The definition of “fully vaccinated" is two weeks after the last dose. This EO is in effect until June 1, 2021. Here is a link to CDPHE’s website that relays the new position on facial coverings.
https://covid19.colorado.gov/mask-guidance
For Trinidad State employees and students, until such time as new guidance is given by local health authorities, those who are fully vaccinated may go without any type of face covering in any campus setting (unless such setting requires it, such as a healthcare facility, etc.). Those who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear a face covering in all campus settings. We will not be requiring proof of vaccination, but will operate on the honor system.
As a reminder, for fall semester, students who are living in the residence halls and/or participating in athletics will be required to show proof of vaccination.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Rhonda
5:02 PM
Good afternoon everyone,
Today it was announced that Vaccine Phase 1.b.4 will begin on March 19 (one week from today!). As a reminder, higher education professionals are included in Phase 1.b.4. Many of our employees have already been able to get vaccinated under other categories, and I am glad that many were also accommodated at the vaccine clinic held this week in Trinidad. There is another clinic scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of next week at the same location (Trinidad Community Center).
We have a call next week with the Alamosa Health Department to schedule a vaccine clinic for the Valley Campus.
Finally, the governor announced today that all Coloradoans will have access to the vaccine by mid-April, which will include students. Here is an article that describes the vaccine information from today’s briefing: https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/12/jared-polis-coronavirus-briefing-vaccines-march-12/
It has been a tough week on the Trinidad campus, but I am pleased and inspired by the work everyone is doing to help support our students in isolation and quarantine. Thank you to faculty who are accommodating students who need to change formats once again. Thank you to Student Services for supporting students through many logistics and communications. Thank you to Admin Services and Facilities for going above and beyond with disinfecting and keeping us safe. And thank you to the Athletic Department for all you are doing to keep students motivated, engaged, and healthy.
Wishing you all a good weekend,
Rhonda
3:48 PM
Dear Faculty and Staff,
Today the Governor held a press conference, where he announced a new prioritization list for vaccine distribution. I was hoping to get an official copy of the chart to share, but it hasn’t been distributed yet and I wanted to get something out to you. Below is a link to an article from the Colorado Sun.
https://coloradosun.com/2021/02/26/colorado-vaccine-plan-changes-essential-workers/
Basically, as I understand, Higher Education workers are now prioritized in Phase 1B.4. The good news is that we are actually mentioned in the plan, and that we are slated to begin receiving vaccinations as early as March 21. People ages 60-64 and those with two or more comorbidities are in Phase 1B.3, which begins March 5.
I will continue to work with our counties to request the vaccine as soon as possible. I made a request to Mt. San Rafael Hospital this week to see if there is any chance we could get in line based on their expected weekly deliveries of vaccine.
I will keep you updated as I know more.
Hope everyone has a nice weekend. Enjoy the weather, and good luck to all our athletes! Go Trojans!!
Rhonda
3:31 PM
Hello everyone,
I just received this update from the Alamosa Health Department indicating that Adams State and TSJC Valley Campus staff may be able to get the vaccine in March. This is certainly welcome news. I will continue reaching out to the Las Animas Health Department, and hope for a similar result.
Please note she asks that you read the message below, and be assured we will communicate through the college administration with any updates.
Again, happy weekend.
Rhonda
- - - - -
From: Emily Brown
Subject: Note on Higher Ed vaccinations
Rhonda & Kevin -
I know you are aware that the state's move next week to the next phase of vaccinations for educators does not currently include Higher Ed. From what we know right now we are still expecting being able to vaccinate your staff around March 1st. Know that you are on our radar and we will keep being in contact, and if anything changes for an earlier opportunity we will be in touch.
Also, here is some info from the State's FAQ on this higher ed question:
At this time, it is critical that we focus on making in-person learning for children as safe as possible. Remote learning in pre-K-12 settings has the potential to hurt the participation of women in the workplace, and can also have negative effects on the mental and physical health of children. Because these risks are not as prominent for students in higher education, we have made pre-K-12 education a priority.
Finally, if you are able, it could be valuable to send some communication to staff with some of this info, both 1) to make sure they know they are still prioritized as educators, and 2) to make sure they know that the plan is still for us to work through the administration at both of your locations to arrange a process to vaccinate. These may help alleviate some concerns they are feeling, as well as help keep our call volume down!
Thanks,
Emily Brown, MPH, CPH
Interim Director
Alamosa County Public Health Department
2:27 PM
Good afternoon and happy Friday!
I wanted to pass along this article regarding our collective request to move college educators back up the priority list for vaccine.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
All my best,
Rhonda
3:14 PM
Dear Faculty and Staff,
Unfortunately I don’t have good news to share. I have attached the latest Vaccine Distribution chart, which outlines the timeframes for various groups in the order of priority determined by Governor Polis and CDPHE. You may recall that an earlier published chart used broader language in 1.B.2 to include “frontline essential workers in education.” We had been told that higher education was included in that group. Last week we learned that the new chart (attached) specifically denotes Pre K-12 educators and does not include higher education educators.
The new chart is especially disappointing because it doesn’t speak to higher education at all, even though it calls out other industries explicitly.
This morning in the CCCS Presidents Council meeting, we were advised that according to the recent chart our staff and faculty will need to be vaccinated according to other existing priority groups, such as those over age 65, underlying health conditions, etc. I would encourage each of you to contact your medical provider if you qualify under any other groupings so that you can be vaccinated as quickly as possible.
Please also be aware that each of the Higher Education governing board CEOs in the state signed a letter to Governor Polis (attached) advocating to raise the priority of our employees. Since we have seen the chart change several times, it’s possible that it will happen again.
In the meantime, I want you all to know that I am continuing to advocate for all of you, as I believe our work is critical to the education, economic health, and mental health of our students and our communities. We have reached out to Public Health departments in both Alamosa and Las Animas Counties and provided a break-down of employee numbers we would like to have vaccinated as soon as possible. If I hear of any change in plans or possibility for earlier vaccination, I will let you know.
Thank you for all you are doing to keep our doors open and everyone safe.
Rhonda
Updated November 16, 2020 - 10:40pm
Dear TSJC Community,
Today I was notified by the local public health director for Alamosa County that the county will be moving to Level Orange on the State COVID-19 Dial, and that more counties within the San Luis Valley may make the same transition soon.
In the interest of student and employee health, the Trinidad State leadership team has made a decision to transition most classes on the Valley Campus to remote learning through the end of the semester. A few programs, including health care and law enforcement, will continue in-person classes while following the strict guidelines of Level Orange outlined in the Dial link above. The continuing programs are already in compliance with these guidelines, which require mask-wearing at all times and a reduced classroom capacity of 25%.
Details include the following:
- Most Valley Campus classes will move to remote instruction beginning Tuesday, November 17 through the end of the semester. (Adult Ed and Biology will make this transition on Wednesday, November 18.)
- Certain health care and law enforcement programs will continue in-person instruction until further notice.
- Most employees will transition to remote work. A few essential employees will need to work from their offices to facilitate remote learning. Buildings will be closed to the public as they were last spring during the lockdown. Please contact your supervisor if you need to access your work materials or use your office space.
- Students, please check with your instructors to confirm the format in which your classes will be continued.
- Please note this plan is subject to change pending direction from the health department.
With gratitude and respect,
Rhonda M. Epper, Ph.D.
President
Trinidad State College
Updated November 2, 2020 - 5:48pm
Dear TSJC Community,
As you have seen via recent COVID-19 updates, the Trinidad Campus has been affected by several positive cases over the past few days. Initially the cases involved only one cohort or “family unit” within athletics. Today two students from different cohorts tested positive. Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of student and employee health, the leadership team has made a decision to transition the Trinidad campus to remote learning through the Thanksgiving holiday.
We do not make this decision lightly. We recognize the importance and value of an in-person college experience, and have worked diligently over these past months to provide such a learning environment. The Valley campus will continue as previously scheduled, transitioning most classes to remote learning after Thanksgiving (unless future conditions dictate otherwise).
Details include the following:
- Trinidad campus classes will move to remote instruction immediately until after Thanksgiving.
- On Nov 30, CTE classes will resume in-person instruction with the goal of finishing hands-on classes before the December holiday break. (A few classes may resume prior to this date pending approval from County Health.)
- Academic classes (non-CTE) will be remote through the end of the semester.
- Residence hall students may check-out of the halls for the duration of the semester. Students who need to stay in the halls may continue to do so. We will continue supporting all students, including those in quarantine and isolation.
- Most employees will transition to remote work. A few essential employees will need to work from their offices to facilitate remote learning. Buildings will be closed to the public as they were last spring during the lockdown. Please contact your supervisor if you need to access your work materials or use your office space.
- Students, please contact your instructors to receive instructions for continuing your classes remotely over the next few weeks.
- Please note this plan is subject to change pending direction from the health department.
I think we all can agree that this has been a most unusual, challenging and unsettling time for all of us. Multiple disconcerting circumstances have added to the stress, anxiety, and worriedness many of us feel. Coronavirus factors such as wearing masks, social distancing, working/learning remotely, and other life disruptions may have resulted in feelings of overwhelmingness, isolation, and weariness. Some of you have experienced loss or illness of loved ones. Some have experienced economic hardship. I am sure you can cite other worrisome instances that have had a profound effect on you and your family.
I’m mindful that we are making this transition in our college on the eve of an important election in our country, which may be yet another stress factor. I want to reassure you that regardless of the outcome of tomorrow’s election, TSJC will continue to be a supportive college that welcomes and values all people, strives to provide an equity-minded environment, and will be a place where diverse perspectives are heard through respectful discussion. The ability to discuss and/or debate varied and opposing viewpoints in a respectful manner is one of the hallmarks of higher education.
TSJC provides avenues for employees and students who may need assistance processing the challenges and stressors in their life. Students in need of assistance should contact Ashlie Cogburn to make a virtual or phone appointment. Employees may reach out to Human Resources (Yvette Atencio, Yvette.Atencio@trinidadstate.edu) or contact the Colorado State Employees Assistance Program (CSEAP) at https://cseap.colorado.gov/ for assistance.
Even with all that’s going on in your life, please remember to vote. You have the right to exercise this action.
Thank you, again, for your flexibility, dedication and commitment as we continue to navigate these uncertain times together. You are a valued part of our Trinidad State family.
Be safe and be well,
Rhonda M. Epper, Ph.D.
President
Trinidad State College
Updated August 7, 2020 - 4:40pm
Dear Faculty and Staff:
This week we continued welcoming students back to campus while following our protocol for testing all residence hall students. One student tested positive this week. The student was given the option to isolate in our designated quarantine/isolation space or return to their address of record. The student chose to return to their address of record. There was one additional case yesterday that was a suspected false positive. That student tested again this morning and the result was negative. The student’s sample is being sent to the state lab. The student will isolate at their address of record pending the result from the state lab.
As a reminder, student athletes always arrive in early August, a few weeks before the first day of class. This allows teams to bond and begin training and conditioning. This year, both athletes and other students who have reserved living space in the residence halls are arriving early to complete a pre-semester testing and quarantine process. As each student arrives in Trinidad, he or she reports to Mt. San Rafael Hospital for a Covid-19 test before checking in to the residence halls. A positive test means the student either returns home to isolate, or if unable to return home, will be supported in isolation in Trinidad. This step is taken to minimize the risk of other students and staff being exposed. Under the protocol agreed upon with the Las Animas/Huerfano County Health Department, once all athletic team members have cleared testing and are found to be Covid-19 negative, they will treat each other as a family unit. This means they will be interacting in a cohort in the residence halls, dining hall, and during practices and scrimmages. As an additional reminder, the fall sports competition season (except Cross Country) has been moved to spring by the NJCAA.
A total of 100 students have arrived through our check-in process so far. With the student who tested positive last week, this brings us to a total of 2 positives and 1 pending. This is consistent with what we are seeing in other colleges that are testing larger student groups. We are grateful to have partnership and support from Mt. San Rafael Hospital and the Las Animas/Huerfano Health Department to help us bring our out-of-area students back in the safest way possible.
While it may be unsettling news to hear of these cases, the positive test for Covid-19 before a student moves into the residence hall means the system is working. I encourage everyone to review our complete re-opening framework. I want to assure everyone that we are following our plan consistently and will continue to do so as we go through the semester. We are taking careful precautions to protect our students, faculty, staff, and community. We very well may have additional positive cases as we go through the semester. If we do, we will follow protocols as set forth in our plan and work with County Health to resolve them. We will continue to do our best to balance the safety needs of students and staff with our mission of educating our students.
Thank you for all you are doing to serve our students, college, and community.
Rhonda M. Epper
Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
Dear Faculty and Staff,
I hope you have had a good week. It is exciting to welcome students back!
As you know, Trinidad State worked closely with local health departments to develop re-opening plans. For the Trinidad Campus this includes testing all residence hall students for COVID-19. Our process has been to bring small cohorts of students back each day. Students go to the hospital and take their test before arriving on campus. Students do not check into the residence halls until they have received a negative test result.
On Wednesday this week, one of our students tested positive for COVID-19 prior to arrival on campus. The student did not interact on campus or with college personnel. The student was directed to his address of record in accordance with the TSJC Pre-Semester Plan approved by the local health department. In addition, two students who interacted with the positive student were directed to their address of record to self-quarantine.
I was asked about Clery Notification to the campus community for positive cases of COVID-19. The campus community will receive a Clery notice in the event of a COVID outbreak. The State of Colorado has identified an outbreak as two or more positive cases that are identified as related. In the event of an outbreak, TSJC will send an email notification and post the information on the COVID-19 page of the college website.
If you have questions about the reopening framework or would like to review our protocols, please explore this page.
Please continue to be vigilant in keeping our campus community safe by wearing your mask, social distancing, and following all college protocols.
Rhonda M. Epper
Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
Dear Trinidad State community:
Please review our 2020 Fall Re-opening Framework, which has been reviewed and approved by both county health departments (Alamosa and Las Animas/Huerfano). I want to once again thank the College Safety Committee for your work in putting our plan together with input from departments across the college. I would also like to thank the Leadership Team and Mike Salbato for your help in refining the plan and incorporating feedback from our health departments and national/state level organizations.
It is important for everyone to understand that this plan is fluid in nature, and will be adjusted as the health conditions in our state and local areas dictate.
We are excited to move forward with our fall semester, and will be counting on EVERYONE (students, staff, faculty) to do their part to ensure we can operate safely.
Go Trojans!
Rhonda M. Epper
Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
Dear Trinidad State community:
New guidance addressing online class restrictions for international students studying in the United States for the Fall 2020 semester was released on July 6, 2020 by the Department of Homeland Security. In response to this announcement, TSJC wants to reassure our international students and our community that TSJC has options for our international students. We value the strengths, perspectives, and global experiences they bring to our college community and we will continue to support them. TSJC is planning to offer in person instructional options for Fall 2020 and will not be operating entirely online. TSJC’s fall schedule offers courses that will allow international students to continue their studies while remaining in compliance with visa requirements and guidance issued for the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) by the Department of Homeland Security.
TSJC will work with international students to find schedules that meet their needs. Current TSJC international students who still need to register for Fall 2020 courses should schedule an appointment with Miguel Chaparro, International Student Advisor, for guidance and assistance.
Published articles reacting to this announcement:
Inside Higher Education:
Department of Homeland Security Rule Bans International Students from Online-Only Instruction
National Public Radio (NPR) ICE:
Foreign Students Must Leave The U.S. If Their Colleges Go Online-Only This Fall
Washington Post:
International students must take classes in person to stay in the country legally this fall, ICE announces
Rhonda M. Epper
Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
Dear Faculty and Staff:
I just wanted to send a brief communication because I am getting a lot of questions about summer and fall reopening. I want to let you know that our College Safety Committee is meeting today to begin developing plans for reopening the college. As a reminder, most summer classes are being held remotely, with some CTE classes resuming July 6. Our fall start date remains August 17.
The Safety Committee will be developing our plans/policies based on guidance (specific to higher education institutions) from the CDC, CDPHE, and CDHE. They are reviewing plans from other colleges and universities around the state. We will be following best practices for social distancing, wearing masks, sanitization/cleaning, and health screening.
Regarding employee return-to-campus, the Safety Committee will be making plans in concert with each VP for transitioning back to campus during late June and July, as the state and local health orders allow. All employees should discuss with your supervisor and/or Yvette Atencio (HR Director) any specific concerns you have about returning to campus.
We will likely be making some changes to the fall calendar, but any change will NOT affect the start date. The Leadership Council has been soliciting feedback from faculty and staff over the last couple of weeks in regard to possible calendar changes. In addition, we are eagerly awaiting decisions to be made by the NJCAA, as that has important implications for our student athletes and coaching staff. My understanding is that their board is meeting on June 19 with announcements coming shortly thereafter.
Please be patient, as we are working to consider the many ramifications of these decisions, incorporate guidance from many sources, and find a solution that is right for TSJC. I expect to have more information to share with you before the end of June.
My continued thanks for all you are doing to keep our college running smoothly.
Rhonda M. Epper
Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
Dear Faculty and Staff,
I hope everyone is doing well on this beautiful Friday heading into the Memorial Day weekend. I want to share a few updates with you regarding the FY 20-21 budget.
As I mentioned in our Open Exchange meeting earlier this week, we are facing some significant budgetary challenges for FY 20-21. A few points I’d like everyone to be aware of include:
- We are working right now on our budget for 2020-2021 which starts on July 1. The State Board will act on the College’s budget at their meeting on June 18.
- The COVID-19 pandemic makes budgeting very difficult. Typically, the budget changes incrementally. That is not the case with budgeting for the upcoming fiscal year.
- Our budget planning involves projections about Federal CARES Act Funds, available State General Funds, and most importantly enrollment projections and the resulting tuition revenues. We are also planning, with your help, to curtail expenses as much as possible. It is critically important for each of us to evaluate each and every expenditure.
- On Tuesday, the Governor announced that he awarded $450 million in Federal CARES Act funds to higher education. This funding must be expended in this calendar year for federally allowable uses.
- On Wednesday, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) announced a 58% ($490 million) General Fund reduction for Higher Education for FY 21. Of this amount, $450m is considered a one-time reduction and $40 million an ongoing reduction. The JBC, which develops the State Budget on behalf of the General Assembly, is having to address a shortfall of over $3 billion.
- Between funding from the State General Fund and the Federal CARES Act, we are hopeful the net impact will be a cut not exceeding 5 percent. This does not include tuition revenue, however.
- The more important piece of the budget is student enrollment and tuition revenue. We must be focused on encouraging our current students to continue to completion, as well as making the case to prospective students that Trinidad State is the smart strategic choice.
- Also, we must keep in mind the tremendous financial pressure Coloradans are facing with unprecedented unemployment numbers, and many businesses on the brink of closure. Financial strain is everywhere.
Wishing you a safe and healthy Memorial Day weekend.
Rhonda M. Epper, Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
Dear Students and Trojan Community:
I want to give you an update regarding plans for our Spring 2020 celebration of graduating students. As you may recall, we surveyed all graduating students in late March when it became clear that because of COVID-19 restrictions, we would not be able to hold our traditional face-to-face graduation ceremonies on May 8. Below are the results of that survey:
- 147 responses were received.
- Majority of students wanted an in-person graduation.
- Next highest vote was virtual.
- Majority wanted students to have the option to walk at the next possible opportunity.
The Graduation Committee has discussed a number of options as we have continued monitoring state and local restrictions around public gatherings. We had hoped to hold a late summer in-person ceremony, but as we hear the governor’s phased approach to re-opening the state, it does not sound like large public gatherings will be possible by August. In the interest of celebrating your hard-earned accomplishment sooner rather than later, we have come up with the following plans.
- A Graduation Gift Box – In early June, graduates will receive a special gift box from TSJC containing your cap and gown, diploma cover, the printed program listing all graduates, your cords and sash, special wishes from faculty and staff, a message from the TSJC president, other special surprises from SGA and the TSC Educational Foundation, and an invitation to walk in the spring 2021 commencement.
- Sharing Your Photos - We would like you to share photos of yourself in your cap and gown, as well as pictures of how you are celebrating with your family and friends. In your gift box, you will find instructions on how to share your photos with us.
- Social Media Celebration - TSJC will create a montage of student graduation photos, as well as faculty and administration video well wishes.
- All graduates are invited to participate in-person at the Spring 2021 graduation ceremonies in Trinidad or Alamosa. We will recognize our 2020 graduates separately, as you have earned your right to be recognized on stage in a traditional graduation ceremony. We hope you will be able to join us!
Our goal is to mail your Graduation Gift Boxes by Friday, June 5, with the social media celebration coming soon thereafter – as soon as you begin sharing your celebration photos!
Please let me know if you have any questions. We are so proud of what you have accomplished this year, and look forward to celebrating your success!
Rhonda M. Epper, Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
Hello fellow Trojans,
As we enter a new month and a new set of state orders, I wanted to check in with you and let you know how these orders will affect Trinidad State. I am also pleased to present some positive new information for students regarding the release of CARES Act funding, the Student Emergency Fund, and our plans for Summer and Fall!
Safer At Home
As you have likely heard, the governor issued a new set of Executive/Public Health Orders called “Safer At Home.” For details, see:
https://covid19.colorado.gov/safer-at-home
The summary states, “Colorado has been doing a great job following the Stay-at-Home order, and we must keep it up. The virus is still present in Colorado and can re-surge at any time. Everyone needs to do their part for themselves, their loved ones, and our community. We have a responsibility to ourselves and to each other to protect our state and our community. Right now, we are in Level 2: Safer at Home. Coloradans are no longer ordered to stay home, but are strongly advised to stay at home. Critical businesses are open and non-critical businesses are operating with restrictions.
Specific guidance was issued for higher education institutions in order to resume in-person classes that cannot be taught online. As you know, all academic classes and many CTE classes were transitioned to remote instruction as of March 31. A few programs, including medical and law enforcement, were authorized to resume on the Valley Campus in April. TSJC has submitted plans to CDHE as required in this new phase, and will begin offering classes in the following programs on Monday, May 4:
EMT
Line Technician
Heavy Equipment
Nursing
These classes will be required to follow strict requirements and safety precautions as outlined in the Governor’s Higher Education Guidance. Some of the requirements include:
- All students and faculty will maintain 6-foot social distancing requirements;
- Face masks will be required;
- Classrooms and equipment will undergo regular deep cleaning;
- Classrooms will have signage on hygiene and safety measures;
- Classroom ventilation meets OSHA guidance;
- Class sizes will be limited to no more than 10 individuals inclusive of students and instructor(s) at any given time;
- Shared equipment will be limited where possible, and sanitized between each use with alcohol wipes;
- Symptom screening will be applied using screening tool approved by local health department. Screening logs will be maintained for each student and faculty member for purposes of contact tracing should that become necessary.
Another part of the Safer At Home order allows non-critical businesses to have up to fifty percent (50%) of their employees return to in-person work in accordance with mandatory social distancing requirements and protocols. For faculty and staff, I want to let you know that our plan at TSJC is to continue with our current work-from-home arrangement (for those working remotely) for the duration of the Safer At Home order, which currently expires on May 27. Please check with your supervisor if you have questions, or if you feel you need to change your arrangement.
For Students
I am happy to report that the funding under the Federal CARES Act has been released, and students, you may now apply for up to $300 if you meet the eligibility requirements. The application form is now available under the student section of this page (see the next tab below).
In addition, the TSC Educational Foundation has now raised over $23,000 for the Student Emergency Fund! We are extremely grateful to our donors who have stepped up to help our students during this crisis. You can apply for funding through this program by going to the same site mentioned above.
Regarding graduation ceremonies, we will make a decision by the end of May as to the possibility of an in-person graduation ceremony later this summer. Be assured, we will make sure you are mailed your cap/gown/cords and diploma as soon as they are ready.
Finally, I wanted to let everyone in our Trojan community know that Trinidad State is planning for classes to resume on campus in the fall with social distancing and safety precautions. Given the uncertainties ahead, our faculty and staff are preparing for multiple scenarios depending on the state of coronavirus and guidance from health and government authorities, and will adjust plans as necessary.
For this summer, all academic classes will be delivered remotely, with set times for “live” meetings with your instructor. Many CTE classes that were suspended during spring semester will be resuming instruction on campus beginning July 6, with all the safety precautions mentioned above.
Students, we can’t wait to see you back on campus this summer (for CTE) or this fall! Please register soon if you have not already done so! We will do our best to keep you informed as we learn new information. Please stay healthy and safe as we remain “safer at home” for the next month, and don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions.
Rhonda M. Epper
Ph.D. | President
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
As we approach the last couple of weeks of the spring semester, I want to again thank you for your patience and perseverance in moving forward during the COVID-19 health crisis. In last week’s Open Exchange for faculty and staff, I heard some excellent examples of how students and faculty are adapting to and coping with the change to online learning. One faculty member shared that he’s learning to use new tools that may become permanent fixtures in his courses going forward. As we are all learning more about technology-enhanced learning, we should continue thinking about how to optimize its use once we return to a new kind of “normal” at Trinidad State. Along these lines, I have a few updates to share with you.
Federal Stimulus Money for Trinidad State:
Trinidad State has been notified we will receive $1,038,406 in federal funding from the Congressional CARES Act to provide funding assistance as a result of COVID-19. Half of that funding ($519,203) will be released directly to students, and may be used for expenses related to college costs, as well as food, housing, health care, and child care expenses. Approximately 1,100 students will receive awards of up to $200 for Spring 2020, and future awards will vary by semester through Spring 2021. Students, you will be required to complete a form to request these funds. Watch your email for eligibility and further directions within the next few days.
The remaining $519,203 of CARES Act funding is to be used to offset operational costs incurred by the college as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. These funds have not yet been released by the U.S. Department of Education, but Trinidad State is formulating plans for how to allocate these funds toward the greatest institutional needs.
Student Emergency Aid Fund:
In my last message I announced that the TSC Educational Foundation had started a fund drive to raise money for the Student Emergency Aid fund. I am happy to report that over $19,000 has been raised so far! We are grateful to the foundation and our many supporters throughout Trinidad and the San Luis Valley for stepping up to help our students through the challenging and destabilizing events of this semester. The federal stimulus money described above will provide well-needed initial relief to students impacted from COVID-19. However, we know the needs of some students will far outstrip the $200 allocation. As we move through the next few months, the TSJC Emergency Aid Fund will be able to step in and help fill the gaps by providing individualized student assistance based on need. The fund will provide essential and timely relief such as grocery cards, rent, utilities, or other expenses that could otherwise take a student off track from continuing their studies.
Students, we will be announcing the process and links for applying for both the Cares Act funding and Emergency Aid funding within the next few days.
Staying Focused on our Goals:
Finally, I just want to remind everyone that our five Centennial goals must remain squarely in focus, even as we navigate through the unknowns of the future. Students, you’ll note that these goals have you in mind: Students First! If you have registration, graduation or transfer questions, please contact Student Services. We are here to assist you.
The Centennial goals are 1) increase enrollment by 20%, 2) increase our graduation rate to 50%, 3) double our transfer rate from 100 to 200; 4) eliminate the completion equity gap; and 5) build reserves to support our facilities. With the forecast for the state budget looking stark for next year, we are budgeting conservatively. This is a time when we must examine our operations closely to find every efficiency possible, and also look for opportunities to promote our wonderful programs to students and families throughout our service area and beyond. I’m confident we will emerge from this crisis as a stronger college that is adaptable to our students’ and communities’ needs.
Sending you all my best as you complete the remaining weeks of the semester!
Rhonda
from Lynette Bates
Dear Trinidad State students,
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused upheaval for all of us. We realize that you have experienced unanticipated disruption in your academic studies at Trinidad State. All this change has caused significant stress and your studies are likely competing with other high priorities in your life. Consequently, you may not be able to devote as much time to your studies and may prefer a Satisfactory (S), Unsatisfactory (U) or Withdrawal (W) grade option over a traditional A-F letter grade. This S/U option may not be ideal for some of you. Satisfactory is defined as a grade of C- or higher. Unsatisfactory is defined as a D or lower. Withdrawal will show on your permanent transcript. However, if you choose S/U or W, none of these options will impact GPA calculations.
Below are some details.
How long will S/U grading be available?
At this time, the S/U grading option is available for the spring 2020 semester only.
How will students request an S/U/W grade?
- Instructors will issue an A-F grade for each student.
- Each student will have different life circumstances and different needs for every class. You will have the option to request an S, U, or W grade for each class*. We strongly recommend you meet with your faculty member and advisor before requesting an S, U, or W grade.
- Soon each of you will be receiving a second email with a simple form to complete and to return to the Registrar’s office for the S/U/W option.
What is the deadline for students to request an S/U grade?
For those courses ending on May 7th, students will have until May 18th to request a S/U grade. For those courses that will resume in May and July, you will have 10 days after the end of each course to submit a form for the S/U option.
What is the deadline for students to request a Withdrawal grade?
Students will have until the last day of the semester for each course to request a withdrawal. For those courses ending on the traditional semester schedule, the last day of the semester is May 7th. For those courses that will resume in May and July, you will have until the last day of each course to request a Withdrawal. A withdrawal may be preferable for some students who are not receiving a passing grade of C or above. What is the difference between “drop” and “withdraw”? If you drop a class before the census date, you will receive a tuition refund, and you will not lose College Opportunity Fund (COF) credits.
It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from classes if they stop attending. You can withdraw from courses for the semester you are enrolled in on the student portal. It is recommended that you speak with an advisor prior withdrawing from a course. It is important to check with the business and financial aid offices regarding any outstanding balances and/or financial consequences. If you are an online student, please contact the following:
Admissions Trinidad Campus 719-846-5625 or Admission Valley Campus 719-589-7026.
Will universities in the state accept courses with S grades?
Dr. Angie Paccione, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), sent a memo to all higher education institutions in Colorado on March 27, 2020. That memo provides guidance regarding S/U grading across the state. Related to transfer, the memo states, “institutions shall not deny transfer of any course with a S grade for the spring 2020 semester that would otherwise transfer with a C- or higher as part of the GT Pathways or a Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement.”
For this spring semester, Withdrawal and Incomplete designations will not count towards your attempted credit hours.
The S/U is not available for Nursing (NUR) and Law Enforcement (LEA) coursework.
Dear Trojan Community,
I want to congratulate everyone on making it through the first week of remote learning at Trinidad State! Our Faculty and Student Services teams are working hard to ensure students are getting logged into courses and understanding the support resources we have available. Students, you will be getting a personal phone call this week or next from a member of our Student Services team to check on you and make sure you understand the resources listed below.
Resources we have available:
- Tutoring - We are offering virtual tutoring, with our own TSJC tutors being available through the Brainfuse platform (via D2L). Contact your instructor for details.
- Tech Support – (719) 846-5663 for the TSJC support desk or (888) 800-9198 after business hours
- Laptops and Technology - If you are a student who is struggling with technology needs, we have a limited number of laptop computers that we can loan out for the duration of the semester. Contact the TSJC support desk for details.
- Mental Health Counseling – short-term counseling by virtual appointment. Contact Ashlie Cogburn.
- For immediate needs: Colorado Crisis Hotline – 1-844-493-8255
- Housing, Food, or other financial hardship – We have a Student Emergency Fund, and with support from the TSC Educational Foundation, we will be launching a campaign to raise the amount of Emergency Funds available to our students. Contact Wilma Atencio (Wilma.atencio@trinidadstate.edu)
Here are a few additional updates, some of which you may have already seen, but I’d like to ensure our entire college community is aware of them.
- Pass/Fail Grading: Trinidad State will be offering a flexible grading option this semester only. Faculty will award grades using the standard A – F grading system, but students will have the option to change to a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grade (our version of Pass/Fail) up until ten days after the end of the semester. Students should speak with their advisor about the potential implications of this decision. Watch for more details on this new grading option.
- Graduation Survey: Thank you for participating in the Graduation Survey! The majority of responses we received indicate that students would prefer to hold an in-person graduation as soon as large public gatherings are permitted. The graduation committee will be meeting next week to identify next steps.
- Resuming CTE Face-to-Face Instruction: On Wednesday, April 1, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) issued an updated public health order. This order clarified that colleges may provide in-person classwork for students in medical training fields only. As a result, the Academic Deans have identified the following schedule to resume CTE courses that require face-to-face instruction:
• Nursing
• EMT
• Nurse Aide
• Medical Assisting
Courses that will resume face-to-face as soon as the Governor’s Stay-at-Home Orders are lifted, but no sooner than May 4, 2020:
• Line Technician
• Heavy Equipment
Courses that will resume face-to-face July 6, 2020
• Welding
• Automotive
• Dental Assisting
• Gunsmithing (4th semester only)
• Massage
• Cosmetology
• Diesel
• Aquaculture
Courses that will resume face-to-face August 3, 2020
• Gunsmithing (2nd and 3rd semester students)
For all students in the above classes, it’s important for you to remember that you should be checking in with your instructor. Even if your classes are not resuming face-to-face until a few months from now, your spring semester is not over. Your instructor may be giving you online assignments to complete between now and then. If there are any changes to the above, we will communicate as soon as possible.
Please keep in mind we get new information every day. Thank you for your continued flexibility as we navigate through this crisis. The most important thing is that everyone in our Trojan community is healthy and safe, and students are moving forward with their education.
Wishing everyone a good weekend. Remember hand sanitizer, and according to the CDC, we should all be wearing masks in public. Also, I have started using the term “physical” rather than “social” distancing to refer to the recommended six-foot barrier. Now more than ever, we need physical distance, but strong social connections with our neighbors, friends, and loved ones.
Take good care, until next week. . .
Rhonda M. Epper, Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:
I want to welcome you back from Spring Break, and to the remainder of spring semester. This will certainly be a spring semester we will never forget! I want to begin by expressing my profound thanks to every member of the Trinidad State community.
Students: We understand this is not how you planned to spend the remainder of your academic year at TSJC. You may be anxious about your courses, the transition to online learning, and we are here to support you. Your faculty and instructors have been working tirelessly to make sure you have a little time to get acclimated to the new environment, and then to deliver the same high quality learning experience you have come to expect from Trinidad State. For your fully online classes, be sure to login and begin communicating with your professors. If you’re in a CTE class that is face-to-face only, we are on a temporary “hold” during the Governor’s Stay-at-home Executive Order. But you should check with your professor because many CTE classes are moving forward with online instruction. We hope to have a more definitive re-start date later this week for face-to-face CTE classes. All graduating students, please respond to the Graduation Survey, which will be sent out today. We want to know your preferences for celebrating your upcoming graduation from TSJC.
Faculty and Staff: I am grateful to each of you for your work, your patience, and your commitment to our Trinidad State community. We have asked you to push your boundaries, to change plans, and then change again. Some of you have supported our students who remain in the residence halls, or who simply need comfort, food, or a listening ear. Some of you have helped keep our facilities sparkling clean and safe. And many more of you are working from home to support students remotely and ensure our college can function administratively. Coaches are learning new ways to recruit “virtually.” And faculty are learning an entirely new way of teaching, and doing so with incredible agility and creativity.
I’m so proud of Trinidad State as we begin this new and unprecedented journey. Let’s all be patient with each other as we begin this first week back. That goes for students, faculty, and staff alike. We will endeavor to make this the best experience possible given the restrictions placed upon us. And no matter where you are, please continue to be vigilant with social distancing expectations and compliance with all state and local public health orders. We want all members of our community to stay healthy and safe!
Thank you, and best wishes for the remaining semester,
Rhonda M. Epper, Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
Dear Faculty and Staff:
I wanted to share some updates and new developments from today. I apologize for the late message, but have been on the phone with the system office in trying to interpret the new developments.
- Governor Polis Stay-at-Home Order for the State of Colorado. At 4:30 pm this afternoon,
the governor held a press conference in which he issued a statewide Stay-at-Home Executive
Order, effective Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 am through April 11. See the full order
here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O1EDCY6-A6QBKxzDImCSF8bBBdOOI3Km/view
a. Beginning tomorrow, all college employees must work from home unless you have been identified as “essential personnel.” The governor’s order includes definitions of essential personnel to carry out basic functions of the college. This includes, but is not limited to, facilities, security, payroll, human resources, those helping to support remote workers, and those helping to support remote instruction.
b. If you have been identified as essential personnel, you will be receiving a letter from HR via email that will authorize you to travel to and from TSJC consistent with the governor’s orders. Please wait to hear from your respective VP regarding your schedule and when you are expected to be on campus.
c. CTE classes and those that were scheduled to continue meeting face-to-face will be suspended until the order is lifted on April 11.
d. All classes that are transitioning to online instruction will resume on Monday, March 30. CTE classes that can deliver instruction remotely may continue to do so.
e. A limited number of students will be returning to the residence halls next week, and we will be issuing laptops to those students who do not have their own computers. Students will be moving from double occupancy to single occupancy rooms. More information will be forthcoming from Student Services regarding the support of students in our new “remote” environment. - As of today’s report from CDPHE, there has been one confirmed case of COVID-19 in our service area (Huerfano County).
- Faculty, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your dean or Lisa Cheney-Steen for assistance if you need help in moving your course content to remote instruction.
Rhonda M. Epper, Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
Dear Trinidad State Community:
Spring Break is traditionally a time to refresh and recharge from the stress and excitement of a higher education experience. It is also a time for renewal, as we look forward to May -- to warmer weather, to semester’s end, and to graduation. Unfortunately, things are much different this semester. COVID-19 has brought new challenges and normalcy has gone by the wayside. We are all a bit on edge as we consider the many unknowns before us. And yet, I have confidence that the legacy of Trinidad State will endure. As I walk the campus, speak with employees, and visit with students, I am encouraged that we are looking out for one another. I am confident that we can develop and adopt new processes to better serve the needs of students and employees, not just for the short-term of this current crisis, but for many years to come. I am confident that the communities of Southern Colorado, of which we are an integral part, will recognize and value the critical contributions we make to their economic and cultural fabric; and they will endeavor to support us as much as we will continue to support them.
A couple of updates and decisions from this week:
For Students
Commencement: In-person graduation ceremonies, currently scheduled for May 8, are cancelled. This is, of course, a difficult decision, but one that is necessary given the restrictions on large-group gatherings and to protect the health of our students, staff, and families. After spring break, we will be conducting a survey of graduating students to find out your preferences for an alternative way to celebrate your graduation from TSJC. Our Graduation Committee has been working on some ideas for a virtual celebration. We are also open to considering an in-person ceremony later in the year. Watch for a survey in your email the week of March 30. It’s important to remember that however we celebrate, you will still receive your certificate or degree as soon as it’s completed, and you will be a TSJC graduate!
Residence Hall and Dining Refunds: Students who check out of the residence halls before March 30 will be refunded six weeks of room and board to their student account. The business office will credit student accounts based on financial aid and scholarship awarded to the student. A pro-rated refund will be calculated for students who check out after March 30. To determine the status of your account, contact Ruth Blasi in the TSJC Business Office (719-846-5547, RuthAnn.Blasi@trinidadstate.edu).
For Faculty and Staff:
We are continuing with current plans to migrate as much instruction as possible to online delivery for the remainder of the semester. Please check out the faculty blog, put together by Lisa Cheney-Steen, Jocelyn King, and other faculty. You will find some excellent resources and helpful hints for moving your courses online. Lisa is also available to help any faculty member or instructor who needs one-on-one assistance. The blog also has helpful hints for staff, such as how to forward your phone and use Webex for meetings.
At this point, the governor and CDHE are supporting the continuation of CTE classes that require hands-on learning – as long as the classes are small and can provide appropriate social distancing. As you all know, a number of our CTE programs are supplying the workforce that is necessary in a time of crisis: EMTs, public safety officers, nurses, and other healthcare workers. Line technicians are critical during natural disasters. Our state needs these skilled workers as quickly as possible, and will be counting on community colleges to retrain displaced workers and get them back into the workforce quickly. Kudos to many of our CTE faculty who have come up with innovative strategies to teach certain skills online. I am in awe of your creativity! We will continue to follow guidance from CCCS and state leaders on CTE, and will let you know if anything changes.
As I stated in my message earlier this week, staff are encouraged to work from home if at all possible. We will have minimal staff working on campus (housing, dining, facilities, security) with most student support and business functions moving to remote work. We expect a skeleton crew on each campus to be available to support students who are still here. Our IT staff has been conducting an inventory this week to determine technology needs of staff members working from home. Administrative Services has developed some forms, located in the Employee Portal, for you to document your work-from-home arrangement and track your time.
As you make your final preparations for spring break, please know that I appreciate all that you are doing – students, faculty, and staff alike. I am proud that our TSJC community is doing its part in preparing for and controlling the spread of COVID-19. And I am proud of all we have accomplished to make TSJC such a remarkable place. We will use this opportunity to find new and innovative ways to deepen the relationships that sustain us. And we will be a better and stronger college for it. Be safe, and stay healthy!
Dr. Rhonda M. Epper
Rhonda M. Epper, Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
To the Trojan Community,
As we tackle COVID-19 together, please remember our top priorities are the safety of our community, both employees and students, and maintaining our educational mission. We must now come together as a community and help one another to remain calm and safe.
Day by day, we continue to monitor the coronavirus pandemic, in concert with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Community College System. We are asking that you act immediately to reduce your risk. Do this by washing your hands with soap often, and by limiting close contact with others. Mid-terms are finishing up this week and we will be closed next week for Spring Break. We have a plan in place beginning on March 30 to teach as many classes as possible online, while still holding small face-to-face classes in areas that require hands-on learning. As we make the shift to online instruction, we will begin implementing more remote working arrangements for faculty and staff. Finally, we will continue to clean door handles, desks and other hard surfaces often, to limit as much as possible the spread of the virus.
For Students – Continuing Classes After Spring Break
Ensuring the continuity of your semester and completion of your courses is of paramount importance. Even as many of your favorite activities and sports have been cancelled this term, you mustn’t lose sight of your educational goals. We will do everything possible to minimize the disruption to your classes, but for most of you, some things will be changing after Spring Break. It is imperative that you contact your faculty/instructor to determine the post-Spring Break plan FOR EACH OF YOUR CLASSES. While most classes will be moving to online delivery, others may continue to require face-to-face instruction.
The residence halls and cafeteria will be open and all student services available to support you. Some of those services may be delivered remotely; for example, you may be talking to your advisor by phone or Webex. You may have heard that the governor of Colorado has ordered that all bars/restaurants (and theaters, casinos and gyms) close for 30 days other than carry-out. The attorneys for the governor and Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment have informed the Attorney General’s office that this order is NOT intended to apply to campus dining halls. Our food service will continue this week as “grab-n-go” (given that arrangements were made after hearing the governor’s order last night), but when you return from spring break, we will resume regular meal service (with grab-n-go as an option).
Computer labs will be open on both the Trinidad and Valley campuses if you need equipment or technical assistance in completing your online courses.
For Employees - Working at Trinidad State
In doing our part to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, we are heeding advice from CDPHE, CDC, and elected officials to restrict group gatherings – advice that has grown more restricted even in the last few days. As part of this effort, we are encouraging employees to work from home wherever possible. Our goal is to maintain continuity of operations by keeping our office areas/departments open while operating with the fewest people on campus as possible. Vice Presidents are currently talking with their team members to determine technological needs, work processes, and rotating schedules to ensure minimal office coverage. We all need to think creatively about how we can support our students and our colleagues through this difficult time.
If you are unsure as to whether or not your job can be performed remotely, please discuss with your supervisor.
College Events
To help prevent the spread of coronavirus, we are implementing new event restrictions. For the remainder of Spring 2020, no new events should be planned, all large events have been cancelled, and most events that are not central to our instructional mission have been cancelled. Regrettably, this includes student activities that have been planned for months. In addition, the NJCAA announced yesterday it has canceled all spring sports for 2020.
At this time, no decision has been made regarding graduation ceremonies. We are evaluating a number of options amid the changing recommendations regarding number of participants at group gatherings.
College or Personal Travel
With a limited number of exceptions, current travel restrictions are as follows:
- Domestic travel for college business is prohibited to those states that have declared a state of emergency. (New Mexico is currently an approved exception.) International travel to countries identified as “Level 2 and 3” by the CDC is also prohibited. Please refer to the travel information posted in the TSJC Portal under the “Employee” tab for more details.
- Athletic travel is suspended.
- We are requesting that all individuals who travel for personal reasons from areas where there is a sustained outbreak self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to campus. This protocol applies to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources.
Students: Please refer to the TSJC website “Health Alert” tab for updated information related to COVID-19. Do not hesitate to contact your instructors, residence hall staff, or Student Services as necessary for additional assistance or guidance.
Support Resources
We recognize that this rapidly evolving situation can cause anxiety and emotional strain and wish to provide you with us much timely information and support as possible.
Faculty and staff: Resources are available for TSJC employees through the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP). Please refer to the website—www.Colorado.gov/cseap; or contact Yvette Atencio, HR Director, TSJC—719-846-5538 for further information.
Students: Resources are available for TSJC students through the Student Services BIT Team. Please refer to the TSJC website for contact information: http://www.trinidadstate.edu/bit/.
This situation is rapidly changing, and we are adapting as quickly as possible. Remember to stay safe by washing your hands often and by limiting close contact with others as much as possible. I want to commend everyone for supporting one another as we navigate these uncharted waters. Please know that I’m doing my best to keep you informed, and that things may change. If they do, we will adapt, communicate, and move forward.
Sincerely,
Rhonda M. Epper, Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
Dear TSJC Colleagues:
I know that many of you are concerned about the COVID-19 outbreak and its possible impact on you, your families, your colleagues, our students, and our communities. Outlined below are several steps we will take immediately to reduce the risk of COVID-19 at TSJC. While we have not had any known cases of COVID-19 among students or employees, the recent spread in Colorado suggests that it is better to act now. We know that one of the most important ways to reduce risk is social distancing, which is guiding our plan. Spring Break is scheduled for March 23-27, and will not be extended. Classes will resume on Monday, March 30 as scheduled.
Starting March 30, we will deliver coursework via remote/online delivery. Wherever possible, TSJC will transition to offering remote instruction to students. This may be done in a variety of ways that includes use of D2L or other means that are deemed appropriate by the faculty and their respective dean. Programs that need to continue to rely on face-to-face instruction for labs, etc., will continue to meet. Faculty and deans are encouraged to evaluate each class on an individual basis and plan accordingly to help decrease risk of exposure.
- Faculty and instructors will begin preparing immediately to transition to remote/online delivery, and will receive training and assistance on both the Trinidad and Valley campuses.
- Faculty and instructors will notify their students of the delivery format with specific instructions about their classes by March 27 – before students return from spring break.
- Students and instructors who do not have home Internet access will be able to use computers located on campus in our computer labs and library.
- Many of our classes are offered inside high schools as part of the Concurrent Enrollment program. We will work closely with school districts and high school administrations to coordinate that instruction through the best mutually agreeable instructional method.
Events and Gatherings: We recognize that many student and community events are scheduled on our campuses this spring. Using guidance from the governor and CCCS, we are restricting large-scale events based on several risk factors (number of attendees, indoor vs. outdoor, food service, internal vs. external). At this time, GIM/GRIP and a number of external events have been cancelled. We will continue to evaluate events on a case-by-case basis as the situation progresses. Regarding TSJC Athletics, we continue to monitor the NJCAA COVID-19 updates and will comply with their guidance unless state and local health officials direct a more stringent approach.
Graduation: At this time, TSJC intends to hold graduation events as scheduled. However, we are evaluating options for social distancing, limited audience participation, and live-streaming.
Travel: Please see the TSJC Portal for specific information on travel.
These decisions are the result of thoughtful conversations with college leadership and our CCCS colleagues, and we do not take them lightly. We will continue to monitor the recommendations set forth from the Center for Disease Control and other national health resources, as well as work with our state and local public health officials to stay abreast of the rapidly changing nature of COVID-19. Thank you for your help in managing a challenging time. I think these steps will allow us to manage the risks posed by the current situation and continue to help our students succeed.
Thank you,
Rhonda M. Epper, Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
Dear TSJC Colleagues,
I’m writing to update you on new developments in response to COVID-19. This message will be short, as I just returned from two days of meetings in Denver with our CCCS Chancellor, state board, other community college presidents, other CEOs of higher education institutions in Colorado, Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Please be assured we are monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation in Colorado, the nation, and globe. I want to thank the TSJC Safety Committee for their continued work in anticipating, planning, and acting in the best interest of the college. In the past few days, they, and I, have been involved in learning more about the situation and developing and implementing strategies to proactively minimize the impact of this virus and protect our students, each other, and our communities, especially the most vulnerable.
The most important message I would like to convey to you is that this is not a time to panic; it’s a time to prepare.
As you may have seen in the news media, institutions of higher education across Colorado have been engaged in activating their plans for dealing with situations like this. Tomorrow and Friday TSJC and CCCS will have a continued series of communications and decision-making to position us to best minimize risk. In doing so we will be relying on experts from the federal, state, and local government and our medical community.
Around 8:00 this evening, the governor of Colorado held a conference call with college and university CEOs, and issued guidance to higher education institutions. I will be reviewing these with our leadership team tomorrow. The governor’s general guidance is similar to that issued for schools districts, which is to remain open unless and until there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a student, faculty or staff member. Other guidance is to restrict large-group gatherings, implement social distancing, and prepare for temporary remote instruction where possible. He emphasized that colleges are expected to keep dormitories, food service, and student services open to ensure students’ needs are being met. The extension of spring break by one week was mentioned as a possibility by several institutions (providing an opportunity for faculty to prepare remote instruction), and will be discussed by our TSJC leadership team tomorrow.
You can expect another email from me by Friday with more specific plans for TSJC. This will include more specific information on travel restrictions as well as employee leave. Please understand that the situation is fluid, so you can expect things to change and evolve as we continue our work in the coming days and weeks.
Thank you for your continued safety practices and your care for our students, each other, and our communities. I appreciate your patience and cooperation. We will get through this together.
With gratitude,
Rhonda M. Epper, Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
We’ve all been hearing a lot lately about the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The health and safety of Trinidad State students and employees is very important. So with that in mind, our Marketing and Communications staff have built a webpage where you can find information about the virus, and so that we can be diligent and proactive in our own efforts.
Please visit this page if you have concerns or questions about the novel coronavirus – about preventing it, and about the work we are doing to update our emergency preparedness plans so that we are prepared should such a virus directly impact our communities. We will be updating this webpage as needed in an effort to keep everyone informed.
Sincere regards,
Rhonda M. Epper, Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
Good Morning Everyone,
I know that many of you have been following the news reports regarding the Coronavirus incidents in the US and around the world. I want to reassure you that TSJC’s leadership has been monitoring the situation, as well, and have discussed this issue with the college Leadership Team yesterday. We will be convening a meeting of our College Safety Committee to stay abreast of the situation and to review our emergency plans for situations just like this should an epidemic occur. In addition, the CCCS office also is monitoring reports and activity and will keep in communication with the presidents and safety officers.
We will continue to keep you in the loop with our discussions, any needed plans, changes in operation and/or additional information regarding the virus as we move forward. In the meantime, please be mindful of the following recommendations from the Center for Disease Control. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of either seasonal flu or Coronavirus, please call your closest County Health agency for further recommendations and screening. Please stay home if you are exhibiting symptoms. Faculty, instructors and staff, please communicate with your chair or supervisor if you are ill and not going to be able to come to campus, as well as utilize your D2L capabilities to communicate with your students. Students, you should stay in communication with your faculty if you must miss class.
Please visit the CDC website for up to date information on Coronavirus (019-nCoV) and seasonal flu (influenza). This site also includes helpful information you may print or share in a variety of languages.
From the CDC:
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to either virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes. (Source: Centers for Disease Control)
Rhonda M. Epper, Ph.D. | President
Trinidad State College
HEERF I, II, and III Student and Institutional Quarterly Reporting
- Combined HEERF Report (3/31/24)
- Combined HEERF Report (12/31/23)
- Combined HEERF Report (10/09/23)
- Combined HEERF Report (6/30/23)
- Combined HEERF Report (3/31/23)
- Combined HEERF Report (12/31/22)
- Combined HEERF Report (9/30/22)
- Combined HEERF Report (6/30/22)
HEERF Institutional Reporting
- Cares Institutional Disclosure (6/13/20)
- Grant Report 1 (7/28/20)
- TS HEERF Institutional CARES Quarterly Report (9/30/20)
- TS HEERF Institutional CARES Quarterly Report (12/31/20)
- TS HEERF Institutional CARES Quarterly Report (3/31/21)
- TS HEERF Institutional CARES Quarterly Report (6/30/21)
- Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III (10/4/21)
- Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III (1/10/22)
- Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III (4/10/22)
CARES Act Student Grant Reporting
- Grant Report 1 (5/26/20)
- Grant Report 2 (7/2/20)
- Grant Report 3 (8/21/20)
- Grant Report 4 (9/6/20)
- Grant Report 5 (12/31/20)
- Grant Report 6 (3/31/21)
- Grant Report 7 (6/8/21)
- Grant Report 8 - Final (6/30/21)
CRRSAA Student Grant Reporting
- HEERFII Quarterly Report (6/30/21)
- HEERFII Quarterly Report (9/30/21)
ARP Student Grant Reporting
- HEERF III Quarterly Report (12/17/21)
- HEERF III Quarterly Report (12/31/21)
- HEERFII Quarterly Report (3/31/22)
Updated July 7, 2021 - 3:00pm
Trinidad State College - Fall 2021 Vaccine Expectations
Trinidad State will require students living in residence halls and student athletes to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before the start of the fall 2021 semester. This will enable the campus to more fully return to a traditional campus experience for the fall 2021 semester.
Trinidad State will have a vaccine verification process to determine that the requirement has been met. There are two ways to complete the vaccine requirement:
• Proof of vaccination
• Vaccine exemption
Only vaccines that are approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) will meet the TSC vaccine requirements.
Trinidad State will host a vaccine clinic on campus, Thursday, August 12 from 1 – 3 pm for any student that has been unable to get vaccinated this summer.
There are two types of exemptions:
Medical exemption:
Medical exemptions must be signed by a licensed physician and must include a date and reason for exemption.
Non-medical exemption:
Non-medical exemptions are provided for religious or personal beliefs that are opposed to immunizations.
Please note, students submitting non-medical exemptions will be required to:
• Provide evidence of a negative COVID test before moving into the Residence Halls, no more than 72 hours old;
• Participate in weekly COVID-19 testing as directed by Trinidad State College;
• Monitor College email daily for important health notifications;
In the event of a COVID outbreak, isolation or quarantine directive from the local health department, non-medical exemption students will be required to temporarily relocate to an off-campus location at their own expense.
Students submitting a medical exemption will be required to:
• Provide evidence of a negative COVID test before moving into the Residence Halls, no more than 72 hours old;
• Participate in weekly COVID-19 testing as directed by Trinidad State College; and
• Monitor College email daily for important health notifications;
In the event of a COVID outbreak, isolation or quarantine directive from the local health department, medical exemption students will be accommodated on campus.
Any student that is not vaccinated (medical and non-medical exemptions) will be required to wear a mask at all times when in any campus building.
Updated December 9, 2020 - 9:35am
Spring Semester 2021 Update
TSJC is planning to start the Spring semester on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. In person, hybrid and online courses will be offered based on posted information in the TSJC student schedule.
Updated timeline: Trinidad State is planning the following timeline for students living in the residence halls:
Residence Hall Move in date:
Sunday, January 17
Food service start date:
Sunday, January 17 - Dinner
Class start date:
Tuesday, January 19
If Alamosa and Las Animas Counties continue to reflect “red” on the Colorado dial system, we will review options and provide follow up guidance based on programs and class delivery.
Quarantine at home.
Students living in residence halls are required to quarantine for 14 days before returning to campus. Students will complete an affidavit confirming their self-quarantine during the housing check in process.
Get a COVID test before returning to campus.
Students living in residence halls will be required to provide documentation of a recent (within 72 hours) negative COVID test prior to moving into the residence halls. Colorado residents should contact one of the free testing sites to determine when and where to test.
https://covid19.colorado.gov/press-release/free-and-convenient-testing-sites-available-across-colorado
Testing sites:
Pueblo: State Fairgrounds, 1001 Beulah Ave, Pueblo, CO 81004
enter through Gate 4 off Mesa and Gaylord Avenues, open Monday-Friday and every second and fourth Saturday, 10 a.m. -7 p.m.
Colorado Springs:
Citadel Mall, 750 Citadel Drive E. (parking lot just south of JCPenney), Open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Students unable to test within the 72-hour window or unable to test prior to arrival on campus must contact the Housing Director, Susie Wichert at 719-846-5497 prior to arrival. Students are required to provide a negative test result, proof of having COVID in the past or an antibody test. Students will not be permitted to check into the residence halls without meeting the testing criteria or making prior arrangements with the Housing Director.
During the 2020-21 academic year, some or all of the instructional formats may change due to an emergency situation affecting college operations, public safety or public health, including the COVID 19 Pandemic. Tuition and fees are charged at the beginning of the semester and will remain in place regardless of any changes in instructional format. Tuition and fees will not be refunded in the event of the curriculum delivery format changes for any part of the 2020-21 academic year.
Check your email.
Students should check their college assigned email frequently for any updates.
If you have questions or concerns about the Spring semester start plan, please contact Kerry Gabrielson, Vice President of Student Affairs, 719-846-5643.
Thank you!
Kerry Gabrielson
Vice President Student Services
Updated May 1, 2020 - 2:15pm
Trinidad State CARES Act Grant
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March 2020. It established and funded the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). The funds are to provide financial assistance to Trinidad State College students for expenses related to the disruption of caused by coronavirus.
As a student of TSJC if you incurred expenses or hardships related to the coronavirus that disrupted your education, we may be able to help! This includes but is not limited to rent, food, childcare, healthcare or related expenses.
The TSJC CARES Act Grant can help. $300.00 awards are available to assist with expenses related to the COVID 19 disruption. Please fill out the request form here. Funds will be processed through your BankMobile account.
Eligible students include US citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents taking on campus classes during the spring 2020 semester who have completed high school.
CARES Act Grant funding is limited and will be distributed as soon as possible while the funds last. Applying for the funding early is strongly encouraged. If you are unsure if you are eligible, click here for more information.
4/28/20 - 2:15pm
Spring 2020 Semester Withdrawal Date Extended:
The Withdrawal Date for the Spring 2020 semester has been extended to the last date of the individual class. This date will depend on the class in which the student is taking. For normal full semester classes, the last date to withdraw would be May 7, 2020. Students who wish to withdraw can do so on their Student Portal, by contacting their advisor via phone, or by calling 719-846-5664 or 719-589-7063 for assistance.
4/28/20 - 2:05pm
Student Emergency Fund
The Student Emergency Fund is supported by the Trinidad State College Educational Foundation, Trinidad State College and the CARES Act.
4/28/20 - 12:10pm
Satisfactory (S) / Unsatisfactory (U) Grade Request - Spring 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused upheaval for all of us. We realize that you have experienced unanticipated disruption in your academic studies at Trinidad State. All this change has caused significant stress and your studies are likely competing with other high priorities in your life. Consequently, you may not be able to devote as much time to your studies and may prefer a Satisfactory (S), Unsatisfactory (U) grade mode for Spring 2020 semester.
3/26/20 - 6:02pm
Trinidad State Students:
Remember, your classes will resume with online instruction beginning March 30. We are excited to welcome you back “virtually” from Spring Break! Please be aware
that the Governor’s stay-at-home order means there will be no face-to-face classes
until April 13, at the earliest. This impacts students enrolled in Career and Technical
Education classes, who were anticipating to return to campus on March 30. Please continue
to monitor our COVID-19 updates on this website for further information.
- May 8, 2020 in-person Commencement ceremonies are canceled
- All athletic events – Canceled for the rest of the semester
- Bookstore is CLOSED for in-person transactions until further notice - visit on-line
at https://tsjcbookstore.com/
3/17 Adult Education’s Family Café – Canceled
Safe Spring Break – Canceled
Carry Out only at the cafeteria until further notice - 3/24 Homeless Forum - Canceled
- 3/30 Many classes will transition to online
- 3/31 Casino Night - Canceled
- 4/6 Food for Thought Cuchara Mountain Park – Canceled
- 4/7 Living in Future’s Past screening – Canceled
- May 8, 2020 in-person Commencement ceremonies are canceled
- Bookstore is CLOSED for in-person transactions through March 30th
3/17 Exercise Room is now closed - 3/18 Safe Spring Break - Canceled
- 3/30 Many classes will transition to online
- 4/2 Casino Night - Canceled
Updated July 2, 2020 - 5:39pm
Trinidad State College
Award Number P425E202686
CARES/HEERF Reporting
July 2, 2020
To: US Department of Education Office of Post-Secondary Education
From: Trinidad State College
Date: July 2, 2020
Re: CARES/HEERF Report #2 May 20, 2020 – July 2, 2020
This report provides the most current information from the date when the institution
received its allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students, and the institution
should have received its allocation within a few days after submitting the Certification
and Agreement. Accordingly, the following information must appear in a format and
location that is easily accessible to the public 30 days after the date when the institution
received its allocation under 18004(a) (1) and updated every 45 days thereafter:
1. An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the
Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends
to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of
the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
• Trinidad State College signed the assurance and submitted on April 20, 2020 and
received the funds on April 26, 2020.
2. The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from
the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency
Financial Aid Grants to Students.
• $519,203 minimum will be used for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
3. The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under
Section 18004(a) (1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the
30-day Report and every 45 days thereafter).
• As of July 2, 2020, Trinidad State College had distributed $112,400 to students.
4. The estimated total number of students at the institution eligible to participate
in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and
thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section
18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
940 students are estimated to be eligible under Section 484 in Title IV.
5. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant
to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
• As of July 2, 2020, 361 students have received a grant.
6. The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency
Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of
the CARES Act.
• All students enrolled in spring, 2020 courses that were not solely online were invited
to apply. Students who applied were reviewed to determine if they met initial eligibility
as designated by the Department of Education – specifically enrolled in Title IV eligible
programs on campus (not online) as of March 13, 2020 and the nature of the impact
(housing, technology, childcare, food, instructional materials, other). After review,
applications were reviewed by Financial Aid professional staff to determine if the
student was Title IV eligible or if additional information is needed to assess Title
IV eligibility. The average award is $300.
7. Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students
concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
• The following information was sent to students e-mail accounts and is posted on
the TSJC website.
Trinidad State College CARES Act Emergency Grant
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March, 2020.
It established and funded the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). These
funds are to provide financial assistance to Trinidad State College students for expenses
related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.
As a student of TSJC if you incurred expenses or hardships related to the coronavirus
that disrupted your education, we may be able to help! This includes but is not limited
to rent, food, childcare, healthcare or related expenses.
The TSJC CARES Act Grant can help. $300.00 awards are available to assist with expenses
related to the COVID-19 disruption. Please fill out the TSJC CARES Act Grant Request
form HERE. Funds will be processed through your BankMobile account.
Eligible students include US citizen and Lawful Permanent Residents taking on campus
classes during the spring 2020 semester who have completed high school. CARES Act
Grant funding is limited and will be distributed as soon as possible while the funds
last. Applying for the funding early is strongly encouraged. If you are unsure if
you are eligible, please apply and we will assist you accordingly.
Eligibility requirements per the US Department of Education
Eligible students include US citizens taking on campus classes who have completed
high school. Students in programs that were exclusively online prior to March 13,
2020 are not eligible. Eligibility will be verified prior to the distribution of grant
funding. Students who have not filed a FAFSA but who are eligible to file a FAFSA
also may receive emergency financial aid grants. The criteria to participate in programs
under Section 484 of the HEA include but are not limited to the following: U.S. citizenship
or eligible noncitizen; a valid Social Security number; registration with Selective
Service (if the student is male); and a high school diploma, GED, or completion of
high school in an approved homeschool setting.
Source: US Dept. of Education.
Updated July 1, 2020 - 11:11pm
NOTICE STATEMENT REQUIRING FACIAL COVERINGS
Effective on July 1, 2020, pursuant to guidance from the Center for Disease Control
(CDC) and state and local health officials, all members and guests of the Trinidad
State College community who are on campus property are required to maintain social
distancing of six feet apart and wear a face covering over their nose and mouth. This
includes any indoor space on campus, including lobbies, hallways, bathrooms, break
rooms, and any open office space with multiple workstations, if there are other individuals
present. Face coverings are also required in any outdoor space on campus where there
is a potential to encounter another individual and social distancing cannot be maintained.
This notice does not include residence halls or NJCAA team related activities.
Face coverings help to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, but they should be the
last line of defense. Other preventive measures, including frequent hand washing,
social distancing of six feet or greater, and minimizing the duration of contact time
with others, need to be maintained even while wearing a face covering.
Wearing facial coverings may have a negative health impact on certain individuals,
so we ask that you please be respectful, inclusive and understanding as you see others
who are not wearing a facial covering. Students who cannot wear a facial covering
due to disability or health reasons should contact Dan Wilson (Trinidad Campus) or
Roberta Taylor-Hill (Valley Campus) to seek an exemption or accommodation. Staff seeking
an exemption or accommodation should talk to Yvette Atencio, Human Resources Director.
Additional CDC guidance on the “Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread
of COVID-19” is available online. This guidance discusses wearing, cleaning and removing
face coverings. This document also has instructions on how to make your own face covering.
The College is monitoring applicable laws and guidance regarding social distancing
and facial coverings, and this directive is subject to change as community knowledge
about the virus and prevention methods grows.
To: US Department of Education Office of Post Secondary Education
From: Trinidad State College
Date: May 27, 2020
Re: CARES/HEERF Report #1 April 26 – May 20, 2020
This report provides the most current information from the date when the institution received its allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students, and the institution should have received its allocation within a few days after submitting the Certification and Agreement. Accordingly, the following information must appear in a format and location that is easily accessible to the public 30 days after the date when the institution received its allocation under 18004(a)(1) and updated every 45 days thereafter:
- An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
- Trinidad State College signed the assurance and submitted on April 20, 2020 and received the funds on April 26, 2020.
- The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
- $519,203 minimum will be used for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
- The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the 30-day Report and every 45 days thereafter).
- As of May 20, 2020, Trinidad State College had distributed $55,200 to students.
- The estimated total number of students at the institution eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
940 students are estimated to be eligible under Section 484 in Title IV.
- The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
- As of May 20, 184 students have received a grant.
- The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
- All students enrolled in spring, 2020 courses that were not solely online were invited to apply. Students who applied were reviewed to determine if they met initial eligibility as designated by the Department of Education – specifically enrolled in Title IV eligible programs on campus (not online) as of March 13, 2020 and the nature of the impact (housing, technology, childcare, food, instructional materials, other). After review, applications were reviewed by Financial Aid professional staff to determine if the student was Title IV eligible or if additional information is needed to assess Title IV eligibility. The average award is $300.
- Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
- The following information was sent to students e-mail accounts and is posted on the TSJC website.
Trinidad State College CARES Act Emergency Grant
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March, 2020. It established and funded the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). These funds are to provide financial assistance to Trinidad State College students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.
As a student of TSJC if you incurred expenses or hardships related to the coronavirus that disrupted your education, we may be able to help! This includes but is not limited to rent, food, childcare, healthcare or related expenses.
The TSJC CARES Act Grant can help. $300.00 awards are available to assist with expenses related to the COVID-19 disruption. Please fill out the TSJC CARES Act Grant Request form HERE. Funds will be processed through your BankMobile account.
Eligible students include US citizen and Lawful Permanent Residents taking on campus classes during the spring 2020 semester who have completed high school.
CARES Act Grant funding is limited and will be distributed as soon as possible while the funds last. Applying for the funding early is strongly encouraged. If you are unsure if you are eligible, please apply and we will assist you accordingly.
Eligibility requirements per the US Department of Education
Eligible students include US citizens taking on campus classes who have completed high school. Students in programs that were exclusively online prior to March 13, 2020 are not eligible. Eligibility will be verified prior to the distribution of grant funding. Students who have not filed a FAFSA but who are eligible to file a FAFSA also may receive emergency financial aid grants. The criteria to participate in programs under Section 484 of the HEA include but are not limited to the following: U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen; a valid Social Security number; registration with Selective Service (if the student is male); and a high school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting. Source: US Dept. of Education.
April 26, 2022 - August 11, 2022
0 cases reported
January 3, 2022 – August 11, 2022
20 total cases reported
April 26, 2022 - August 11, 2022
0 cases reported
January 3, 2022 – August 11, 2022
6 total cases reported
April 26, 2022 - August 11, 2022
0 cases reported
January 3, 2022 – August 11, 2022
0 total cases reported
** The above information includes students, faculty that were on campus, then tested positive within the past week. Local health departments have conducted outreach and notified anyone that may need to quarantine. **
As a reminder Trinidad State encourages you to:
1. Get vaccinated.
2. Wear a mask indoors.
3. Frequently hand wash and sanitize.
4. Stay home if you are sick.
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization
- Trinidad State Spring Break Travel Notification for Students
- FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT: Employee Paid Leave Rights
Trinidad State remains open while transitioning classes to online instruction
Updated March 13, 2020 - 10:15am
In the wake of COVID-19 Coronavirus cases rising in Colorado, Trinidad State has taken
action early to mitigate risk with input from the Colorado Community College System
and in consultation with health experts. Currently, Trinidad State will remain open
and continue to carefully monitor the situation while at the same time move to reduce
health risks by providing more online learning opportunities at our Trinidad and Alamosa
campuses.
“The health of our students, faculty and staff is our highest priority,” said Trinidad
State President Dr. Rhonda M. Epper. “One of the most effective ways to reduce the
risk of spreading COVID-19 is to practice social distancing, and that guides our plan.
In addition to transitioning many classes to online learning, we have increased attention
on cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and have raised awareness about the importance
of washing hands and staying away from others at the first hint of illness. We do
not want to disrupt the learning process needlessly, but we are ready to change course
should the coronavirus find its way onto one of our campuses.”
Spring Break, the week of March 23, will happen as scheduled. When classes resume
on March 30, as many classes as possible will be taught online. Faculty and instructors
will prepare immediately for remote/online delivery. By March 27, faculty and instructors
will notify their students how to access their classes. Those who do not have computer
access at home will be able to use computers located in the libraries and computer
labs on campus. By decreasing the number of students and faculty on campus, the college
expects to reduce the chance of spreading illness.
Programs, such as welding and nursing clinicals, that require hands-on classwork and
face-to-face instruction will continue to meet on campus. For classes offered at area
high schools, the college will work closely with those schools districts to continue
instruction in the most efficient and safe way.
Softball and Baseball contests scheduled in Trinidad this weekend have been canceled
because of travel restrictions put in place by the visiting teams. “We continue to
monitor the NJCAA COVID-19 updates and will comply with their guidance unless state
and local health officials direct a more stringent approach,” stated Epper.
Following guidance by the Governor of Colorado and the Colorado Community College
System, TSJC will be evaluating large events on a case-by-case basis. The college
has canceled a yearly event for Trinidad area middle school students that is normally
held at the Trinidad Campus. Girls in the Middle (GIM) for girls and Guys Reaching
Incredible Potential (GRIP) for boys introduces young people to careers in science-related
fields. Other gatherings of large groups may be canceled as well.
Trinidad State will continue planning graduation ceremonies, scheduled for May 8,
2020 in Trinidad and Alamosa. If there are changes the college will move quickly to
notify students so family members will be able to modify their plans. As always, TSJC
plans to provide a live stream on the internet for those who cannot attend in person.
“We will continue to adjust our plans and make changes as we get more information,”
said Epper. “We will balance the needs of students, faculty and staff, making every
effort to teach students while at the same time striving to keep everyone safe.”
CCCS Prepares Transition to Remote Instruction
13 colleges take steps to mitigate spread of COVID-19
Updated March 12, 2020 (Denver, CO) - 10:30am
To ensure the health and safety of campus communities across Colorado, the Colorado
Community College System (CCCS) activated its emergency operations team focused on
coordinating the system’s response with the CO Department of Public Health and Environment
(CDPHE) and the guidance provided by the Governor’s Office and the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).
While there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) on any CCCS campus, preparation
continues to receive the highest level of attention from college leaders and system
administration.
“The health and safety of our 125,000 students and 20,000 employees is our highest
priority as we coordinate our response and take informed actions,” said Joe Garcia,
CCCS chancellor. “Our thirteen college presidents and I are having regular, ongoing
conversations and heeding the guidance of public health experts and the CDC.”
Immediate actions taking place across all thirteen colleges include limitations on
large group gatherings, implementation of restrictive travel policies, and the possible
extension of Spring Break for students. Staff and faculty will utilize the extra time
to transition appropriate courses from in-person to remote instruction and exams,
and implement risk reduction plans tailored for each campus.
Due to varying institutional size, location, and programming across CCCS colleges,
some courses may not be appropriate to transition to remote learning, such as welding
and nursing labs. To provide students with the opportunity to continue their educations
in which they have invested so much time, money, and effort, while ensuring safety
for students in these career and technical education programs, courses will be held
in spaces that allow for adequate social distancing.
“We are prepared for this fast-moving, fluid situation and are implementing appropriate
plans at each of our colleges to keep our communities safe and avoid interference
with student academic progress,” said Garcia.
CCCS hopes to keep offices and colleges open, but also wants to ensure alignment with
best practices to promote a healthy environment such as implementing plans to allow
employees to work remotely and ensuring paid sick leave.
Colorado Gov. Polis declares COVID-19 state of emergency
On March 10, 2020, Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency in response
to COVID-19 (coronavirus). The declaration will help ensure resources are available
to the state to combat COVID-19.
“Our top priority is protecting public health and our vulnerable populations which
is why we are taking swift bold action. Our administration's response will be guided
by the science and lessons learned from the countries and states that this virus arrived
in first,” said Governor Polis. “We will continue to be proactive and work around
the clock to protect public health and safety with an eye towards preventing the need
for more drastic measures that result in social disruption.”
“In order to slow the spread of the disease, some of the most effective measures we
can take as a state is to test more people so that those who test positive can be
isolated from the general population as we continue to stress the need for personal
action such as staying home when sick, keeping their kids home when they’re sick and
diligently washing your hands,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment. “We thank everyone who has been involved
with this containment effort for their tireless efforts and work to ensure the people
of our state are safe.”
2022 Monkeypox Update
On August 4, President Biden declared monkeypox a public health emergency. Your safety is important to us and we are monitoring the virus and guidance from the CDC, CDPHE, and local public health officials. At this time we will continue to operate under regular, approved in person work and alternate work arrangements and are not planning changes to office protocols or fully remote operations. We will keep you apprised of any changes that may occur.
By most accounts, monkeypox is passed through prolonged, direct, skin-to-skin contact. You can help to reduce the likelihood of transmission in the workplace by following many of the same practices used to stay safe throughout COVID. This includes:
- Staying home when you are sick or experiencing any symptoms;
- Washing hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol based hand sanitizer, especially after using the bathroom and before eating;
- Avoiding touching your face; and
- Continuing to practice alternatives to handshaking or hugging when greeting others.
Should you be exposed or experience symptoms of monkeypox, please contact Human Resources for assistance in managing any necessary leave or alternative work arrangements.
You can learn more about monkeypox on the CDC and CPDHE websites:
- https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/about.html
- https://cdphe.colorado.gov/diseases-a-to-z/monkeypox
Local Covid Testing Resources
- Trinidad Campus
- Mount San Raphael Hospital Clinic, 719-846-2206
- Las Animas County Health Department, 719-846-2213
- Sebastiani Gym, Mondays 3 pm – 6 pm & Thursdays 1 pm – 3 pm
Local Covid Testing Resources
- Valley Campus
- Alamosa VA Clinic, 719-587-6800
- Alamosa Health Department, 719-589-6639
- Monte Vista Safeway is free and has a result in 24 hours.
- Walgreens, Drive Thru., 719-589-3165.
Alamosa Walgreens can take 5-7 days for the free test unless you buy the at-home Binax test kit for $25. The Binax contains 2 tests, one which should be taken 72 hours after the first. - The Binax can also be purchased at the Alamosa Safeway and City Market.
- Adams State University is providing on-campus testing in the lobby of Conour Hall. This testing is available weekly for all students, faculty, staff, and community members from Monday-Thursday. To schedule a COVID-19 testing appointment, please visit: https://my.primary.health/r/adamsstate?registration_type=default
Local Covid Testing Resources - Huefano County
- Walsenburg Train Depot, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am -Noon
- La Veta School, Tuesdays 1 pm – 3 pm
Prevention and well-being
Prevention measures are similar to those utilized against the common cold and flu, which are currently circulating in high numbers in California. Those measures include frequent hand washing and avoiding touching face with unwashed hands.Trinidad State concurs with CDC recommendations in not recommending the use of surgical masks by people who are well. Those who are ill should consult a healthcare provider about using a surgical mask to reduce the spread of their illness.
N95 respirator masks are recommended only for use by healthcare workers. These masks are not needed outside of healthcare settings.
The college will be conducting more frequent cleaning in common areas and on commonly touched surfaces. Academic, dining and housing spaces are among those where elevated cleaning will be required.
FAQs on prevention and well-being
How can I help prevent illness?Prevention measures are similar to those utilized against the common cold and flu.
Get a flu shot.
We strongly recommend that everyone obtain seasonal flu vaccination. While it will not prevent COVID-19, influenza is currently in widespread circulation in the country, and initial symptoms can be similar to novel coronavirus. Any illness right now can increase anxiety and concerns.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- 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 (e.g. door knobs, desks, phones).
- If you can, avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Then throw the tissue in the trash and disinfect your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Should I wear a mask?
Trinidad State concurs with CDC recommendations in not recommending the use of surgical masks by people who are well. Those who are ill should consult a healthcare provider about using a surgical mask to reduce the spread of their illness.
N95 respirator masks are recommended only for use by healthcare workers. These masks are not needed outside of healthcare settings.
The current evidence is that most cases (~80%) of COVID-19 appear to be mild. The most common symptoms include fever (38°C/ 100.4 °F) and respiratory complaints such as cough and shortness of breath.
In more severe cases, infection can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. Those with chronic underlying medical conditions appear to be at high risk for serious complications.
Runny nose, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea are less commonly present.
The incubation period, or the time from which someone is exposed to their onset of symptoms, is most commonly reported to be in the 2-7 day range, but may range up to 14 days for COVID-19. This means that it could take up to 10-14 days for someone to exhibit symptoms after they are infected.
Person-to-person spread is the primary source of transmission. Based upon available information, it appears that close contact with respiratory droplets from someone who is symptomatic (fever, cough) is the main source for transmission.
FAQs on background of COVID-19
What is COVID-19, also called novel coronavirus?COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019.
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that typically cause mild respiratory infections, although they can result in more severe disease, as seen in past years with SARS and MERS. This “novel coronavirus” is a strain that had previously not been found in humans, and its health impact is currently being closely monitored internationally, nationally, and locally, by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What are the symptoms of the virus?
The current evidence is that most cases (~80%) of COVID-19 appear to be mild. The most common symptoms include fever (38°C/ 100.4 °F) and respiratory complaints such as cough and shortness of breath.
In more severe cases, infection can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
Those with chronic underlying medical conditions appear to be at high risk for serious complications. Runny nose, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea are less commonly present.
How does the virus spread?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that commonly circulate in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses have infected people, such as with MERS and SARS.
The incubation period, or the time from which someone is exposed to their onset of symptoms, is most commonly reported to be in the 2-7 day range, but may range up to 14 days for COVID-19. This means that it could take up to 10-14 days for someone to exhibit symptoms after they are infected.
Person-to-person spread is the primary source of transmission. Based upon available information, it appears that close contact with respiratory droplets from someone who is symptomatic (fever, cough) is the main source for transmission. It also appears that those who are infected may shed the virus through their bowel movements. Information about transmission is evolving and is being closely investigated by CDC and WHO.
Recent data reports that at least a subset of cases may be contagious 1-2 days prior to symptom onset, although it is believed the degree of transmission is highest when someone has symptoms. It also appears that those who are infected can spread the virus through their feces/stool/bowel movements. Information about transmission is evolving and is being closely investigated by CDC and WHO.
The CDC recommends that anyone experiencing symptoms (that are not expressly urgent) should use a form of telemedicine as their first point of care. Local doctors and emergency rooms do not test for Covid19, so it’s best to “talk” through symptoms with a health care professional before showing up in-person. The more contact a person has with “sick environments”, the more likely they will unwittingly participate in the spread of a disease. All medical carriers provide various telemedicine platforms.
TRINIDAD STATE STUDENT CONTACT INFORMATION
- Trinidad Campus:
- Las Animas County Health Department – 719.846.2213
- Mt. San Rafael Hospital Clinic - 719.846.2206
- Salud Family Health Center – 719.422.8800
- Valley Campus:
- Alamosa County Health Department – 719.589.4848
- SLV Health Regional Medical Center – 719.589.3000
TRINIDAD STATE EMPLOYEE CONTACT INFORMATION
- Anthem – Customer Service, 800.542.9402
- 24/7 NurseLine, 800.337.4770
- Video Visit, www.livehealthonline.com
- Email, www.anthem.com, log into your account to email your doctor
- UHC – Customer Service, 877.283.5424
- 24/7 nurse line, 866.402.0006
- Virtual Visits, 877.283.5424 to schedule
- Email, myuhc.com, log into your account to email your doctor
- When an employee who has been diagnosed with Covid19, or other communicable disease – a Return to Work or other fitness for duty statement is required.