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Frequently Asked Questions: April 6, 2020

Life Chiropractic College West - Northern California

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I stay updated on what’s going on at Life West?

As always, stay safe and stay up to date by checking the campus Voice and checking your email for updates.

Interns and students will receive regular updates from the OAA and Health Center via Canvas and email.

When will on-campus classes resume at Life West?

We are following state and county ordinances and planning to resume on-campus classes in accordance with regulations as they are presented. We will inform students at least 12 days in advance of resuming on-campus classes so students have time to make plans to be on campus.

I am a new student starting Spring quarter, what arrangements are in place for me? 

  • An online orientation session was held on Friday, April 3. During that time, new students were able to engage with each other and key staff on campus, while learning about what to expect during the first few weeks and have any questions answered.
  • Orientation materials were made available on Canvas on Thursday, April 2nd for incoming students to review. New students received their college email, their Canvas login information, and their course schedules on Tuesday, March 31 via email. Students are encouraged to set up their college email, explore the G-Suite functionality, and review their courses.
  • Students receiving US financial aid and who have all of their paperwork on file, had their checks mailed to their provided address on April 3.
  • Student government reps and Student Ambassadors are available as well as Admissions staff to support incoming students with questions and needs.

Is Life 101 still happening in April?

Due to the precautions Life West and the other vendors involved are taking to safeguard our community during this COVID-19 outbreak, Life 101, scheduled for April 17-19, has been rescheduled for October 23-25. Those who have made a deposit or paid in full may either request a refund or transfer your funds to the October date. Please contact Loretta Saunders at lsaunders@lifewest.edu with your preference.

Is Spring for Life still happening in May?

The Student Council is still planning on hosting a Spring for Life event on Thursday, May 7.

Is Commencement still happening in June?

No changes to the calendar have been made yet for June. We will update you as soon as we know if anything changes regarding Commencement.

I am a work-study student, will my paid work continue in the spring quarter?

Yes, students are able to work remotely if their supervisors have work available.

Are there any student group sports or recreational activities planned?

  • All student group sports and recreational activities are prohibited until state or federal agencies have provided the all-clear to resume normal activities. This relates the current soccer, softball, hockey and rugby leagues that Life West sports teams are currently entered in.
  • The Fitness Center & Gymnasium are currently off limits based around the limited on-campus access that is in place. Therefore a strict no-access policy is in place until further notice.
  • Students under athletic or sports performance institute scholarships will need to check in remotely with LCCW Athletics Director Adriaan Ferris before Thursday, April 2.  If you have any questions, please contact Aferris@lifewest.edu.

How do I gain campus access?  

To protect students, staff, faculty and patients, all Life Chiropractic College West employees, students, patients and guests will need to undergo screening before being allowed to enter the building. Screening is intended to provide an additional safeguard for decreased exposure. This practice builds on preventive measures we have already put in place for our patients visiting the Health Center. There are no exemptions. The screening process includes completing a questionnaire before you arrive on campus and having your temperature taken quickly upon arrival. Your temperature needs to be below 100.4 degrees. Once you have completed this screening process, you will be given a green sticker that is to be placed on your Life West identification. You are to wear your badge with this sticker, indicating to all that you have been screened. With this identification you can enter the building each subsequent day. If there is any change in your screened status, do not come to work and report to your manager.

The Main/Health Center entrance has been designated as a screening entrance. There is no other access to campus. Those who need to be screened include all staff, faculty, students, patients and visitors entering the campus. Hourly employees will be paid while they are waiting to be screened and throughout the process.

While the “Shelter in Place” order is in effect, staff, faculty, students and patients will need to use the Health Center entrance. There is no other access to the campus.

Prior to the employee making a decision to leave home, the employee is to use the Screening Questionnaire as a guide to conduct their own self-assessment and review, complete and submit the Screening Questionnaire. LINK:https://forms.gle/JuMXVthVfBovh8t9A

Contact the Front Desk to confirm if you are cleared to work on campus.

Daily prior to leaving home, if the employee is planning to come on campus, the employee must continue to conduct a self-assessment daily.  If there are any changes to responses previously given on the Screening Questionnaire, the employee should notify their manager immediately and DO NOT COME TO WORK. If the employee is not cleared to work on campus, the employee is responsible for notifying their manager.

Upon arrival, all employees are required to have their temperatures taken and prior to gaining access into the building.

Any changes in an employee’s status will require you stay at home and get in contact with your manager.

Please direct questions to Dr. Scott Donaldson, Health Center at sdonaldson@lifewest.edu or Tarsha Addison, Human Resources at taddison@lifewest.edu

How does the Shelter in Place order and statewide Order impact Life West students and faculty?

Life Chiropractic College West takes the health of its students, staff, faculty and Health Center patients seriously, and in accordance with the Bay Area “shelter in place” policy, the campus is open for essential work functions. The majority of our employees are working digitally from home or other locations to keep operations running as smoothly as possible. The Health Center is open and enhanced patient-screening procedures are in place.  All members of the Life West community should take the recommended precautions to stay safe during this time for themselves and their families. For more information on COVID-19, visit the Life West website. See also tips and best practices for working from home.

While the Shelter in Place is in effect, we want you to know that the college is in great shape. Faculty members have worked hard to transition their winter finals along with Spring quarter’s learning materials and coursework into Canvas. Staff members are meeting regularly through Google suite functionality and keeping all college projects and operations on track.

Have April Boards been canceled?

NBCE has canceled Part I Boards for April 18th -19th. If you were scheduled to take this exam, you will have received an email this afternoon. In case you missed it, download it here. We strongly encourage you to visit mynbce.org/examinfo for the most up-to-date information about COVID-19’s impact on all upcoming Board exams. The NBCE is aware of the critical timing to release Boards being taken, and they will notify you and the College once the dates are confirmed.

What travel guidance has been given to students, staff and faculty?

We have advised all students, faculty and staff not to travel out of the US during the spring break. Not only will you potentially expose yourself, but there is no guarantee at this point that you will be able to return to the US and return to classes/work. Additionally, if you leave the US, there is a risk you may be required to quarantine for up to 14 days on your return.

Level 4 Travel Advisory: Under a new Level 4 Travel Advisory issued by the Department of State, it is recommended that all citizens avoid traveling internationally, pointing to the growing risk associated with COVID-19 outbreaks in other countries with mandatory quarantines and closed borders. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite time frame.

For students, faculty or staff considering travel to Canada: As of mid-March, both Canadian and US governments have now closed the border to nonessential travelers. Please seriously consider your travel choices at this time.

How can I protect myself from being exposed to the COVID-19 virus?

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Practice social distancing.  Put a six-foot distance between yourself and other people.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

How can I protect others if I am sick with the COVID-19 virus?

  • Stay home if you’re sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Wear a face mask.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
  • Follow the guidance given by your medical provider.

Where can I obtain free testing for COVID-19?

The City of Hayward is now offering free testing for people with COVID-19 symptoms or known risk factors. The testing center, at Hayward Fire Station #7, 28270 Huntwood Avenue, is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm. Results will be available in as little as six hours or by the next day in most cases. The test is available to anyone who meets test criteria, regardless of where they live or immigration status. First responders and health-care workers recently exposed to suspected coronavirus can call the City of Hayward’s COVID-19 hotline at 510-583-4949 to make an appointment to get tested.

Eligible staff/faculty: Anthem Blue Cross offers members an opportunity to see a doctor through a live video chat by using LiveHealth Online. Doctors are trained and available to answer questions, and may screen for COVID-19. To learn more visit anthem.com.

Will staff and faculty be allowed to work at home?

Life West has taken steps to enable our workforce to work from home where this is appropriate and effective. All on-campus work is now limited to essential services. Our ability to pivot quickly has enabled college operations to continue uninterrupted. This means that faculty and staff are available for communication through phone, email, and G Suite applications to maintain business-as-usual.  In the event an employee needs to take time off, please contact your supervisor or contact human resources.

When will students receive communication about our grades and finals?

An email was sent out on March 18 to all students from the Office of Academic Affairs with an update on grades and finals. A second email was sent out through Communications from the Registrar’s Office for the next steps regarding finals. Students, please keep checking your emails for updates on this topic.

Students: A reminder for you to check your email for the message from Communications March 19 regarding “Grades Now Available in CAMS” to learn about the next steps to take for finals. It is critical that you review the options in the email carefully and make the choice that best fits you for each of your classes. If you did not respond by Monday, March 23, at 5 pm, the options have defaulted to the following:

  • If you are passing a course, you will keep your grade and will not take the final
  • If you are failing a course, you will be required to take the final

International Students: If you are unable to access your grades via CAMS, please contact the Registrar’s Office (mlopez@lifewest.edu).

Who do I call if I have a Financial Aid question?

Students with any financial aid related concerns should email the Financial Aid Office directly at bjohnson@lifewest.edu. We will be updating all students regularly on all financial aid issues.

The Financial Aid and Business Offices understand the importance of having your financial aid refund check available on time for your living expenses. You are eligible for federal aid provided you will attend classes in the Spring 2020 quarter. Participation in your online courses on Canvas is considered attendance.

Is the bookstore open?

The bookstore will remain closed for the duration of the Shelter in Place Order.

Is the cafe open?

The cafe will remain closed for the duration of the Shelter in Place Order.

Is the Health Center open?

Life West Health Center is considered an essential service and reopened on Monday, March 23, with a reduced schedule, strict screening process to ensure safety, and greater cleaning and sanitizing measures. All interns, staff and Health Center faculty have been contacted and screened.  Only patients that have an appointment and that have completed the screening process will be seen.

Where can I volunteer to assist with community needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic?

On March 20, the City of Hayward issued a call for local volunteers to assist with community needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Interested students, staff, or faculty are invited to go online to the City of Hayward’s new online Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC) and follow the instructions to sign up.

How can I practice self-care and manage my anxiety around COVID-19?

Many of us may be experiencing concerns for ourselves and loved ones. With mention of COVID-19 on social media, emails, news, and text messages, it is no wonder that many of us may experience worry and anxiety.  The following link outlines several useful ideas that can help during this time: rulerapproach.org/managing-anxiety-around-covid-19.

If I am handling grief or have distressing issues or sensitive concerns due to COVID-19, and I need to speak to someone, who can I call?

Call Work Life Matters (EAP) at 1-800-386-7055.  Representatives are available on a 24/7 basis.

If I have an operations or technology question, who do I contact?

For operations and technology questions, please contact Dr. Anatole Bogatski at abogatski@lifewest.edu.

If I have employment related questions, who should I contact?

Human Resources is available to answer any questions. Please feel free to contact Tarsha Addison, Director of Human Resources and Campus Culture, at taddison@lifewest.edu.

If my child’s school is closed due to the “Shelter in Place” order, and I have to miss work to be there for them or myself if I become ill, can I still be paid?

Yes. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.

Eligible Employees: All employees of covered employers are eligible for two weeks of paid sick time for specified reasons related to COVID-19. Employees employed for at least 30 days are eligible for up to an additional 10 weeks of paid family leave to care for a child under certain circumstances related to COVID-19.

Notice: Where leave is foreseeable, an employee should provide notice of leave to the employer as is practicable. After the first workday of paid sick time, an employer may require employees to follow reasonable notice procedures in order to continue receiving paid sick time.

Qualifying Reasons for Leave:

Under the FFCRA, an employee qualifies for paid sick time if the employee is unable to work (or unable to telework) due to a need for leave because the employee:

  1. is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19;
  2. has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19;
  3. is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis;
  4. is caring for an individual subject to an order described in (1) or self-quarantine as described in (2);
  5. is caring for a child whose school or place of care is closed (or child care provider is unavailable) for reasons related to COVID-19; or
  6. is experiencing any other substantially-similar condition specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Treasury.
  7. Under the FFCRA, an employee qualifies for expanded family leave if the employee is caring for a child whose school or place of care is closed (or child care provider is unavailable) for reasons related to COVID-19.

Duration of Leave: For reasons (1)-(4) and (6): A full-time employee is eligible for 80 hours of leave, and a part-time employee is eligible for the number of hours of leave that the employee works on average over a two-week period.

For reason (5): A full-time employee is eligible for up to 12 weeks of leave (two weeks of paid sick leave followed by up to 10 weeks of paid expanded family & medical leave) at 40 hours a week, and a part-time employee is eligible for leave for the number of hours that the employee is normally scheduled to work over that period.

To apply for a paid or unpaid leave of absence, please partner with your supervisor and Human Resources.  To continue receiving wages while out on an unpaid leave, eligible employees may use accrued Sick/Personal and Vacation time.  Eligible employees may also apply for Short/Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD) or other benefits through the State of California, Employment Development Department (i.e., State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL).

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Does the State of California have expanded benefits that will be offered to eligible employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, the State of California has expanded benefits that will be offered to eligible employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please visit: https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm

Can you provide the resources that will assist me with wage replacement? 

Unemployment: https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm

State Disability Insurance: https://www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_DI_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm you can be eligible for benefits if you have enough earnings over the past 12-18 months and meet other eligibility criteria.

Paid Family Leave: https://www.edd.ca.gov/disability/paid_family_leave.htm

Emergency Paid Sick and Medical Leave: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave

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