COVID-19: Message from the President
LSCPA Community,
The LSCPA community is facing very difficult challenges associated with the global COVID-19 pandemic. Please know that my thoughts are with each of you as we address the health and safety of our family, friends, and community. The campus continues to daily monitor the ever-changing conditions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
To address the immediate challenges of the COVID-19 virus, LSCPA has implemented several campus changes.
CDC Guidelines: LSCPA continues to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding telecommuting, social distancing, and facility cleaning and maintenance. Although the campus remains open, faculty and staff are encouraged to talk to their supervisor to determine if their work responsibilities will allow them to telecommute. Business on campus is being conducted to meet the CDC social distancing guidelines that require no meetings of more than 10 individuals. Maintenance staff are using products to disinfect campus work spaces.
Future Classes: Beginning Monday, March 23 and running through May 31, all courses will be taught online or through alternative instructional methods. A limited number of lab or hands-on courses may require on-campus components for completion. Be aware that in accordance with CDC guidelines, group sizes of 10 or less will be required through alternative scheduling methods. Faculty have also been asked to provide as much flexibility as possible in the coming weeks to accommodate students.
Online Instructional Methods: The Office of Distance Learning is working to ensure that faculty have the resources to assist them in delivering their courses online. LSCPA has a long history providing online programs and courses. During this trying time, faculty expertise in providing quality instruction will support the success of our students.
Campus: The LSCPA campus, including computer labs and student services, will remain open for the remainder of the semester, but may have alternate hours of operation. Check websites for updated times or contact offices before planning your visit to campus. You will also notice that athletic events and on-campus events have been cancelled for April and May.
Staff & Student Workers: All campus operations will proceed with the campus remaining open. Supervisors are encouraged to allow their staff to telecommute through May 31 if their job duties allow. Student workers should also follow guidance from their supervisors.
Travel: All non-essential college-sponsored travel has been cancelled through May 31. Travel after May 31 will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. All domestic travel prior to May 31 deemed essential for continuity of business operations must be approved by the President (Dr. Betty Reynard) and the Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations (Mary Wickland).
Commencement Ceremony: In accordance with Governor Abbott’s office and the CDC’s recommendations, LSCPA has suspended all events through the end of May. Unfortunately, this includes the Commencement Ceremony scheduled on May 15. While commencement is one of the most exciting events of the year, it is in the best interest of our students and their families to postpone this event until a future date. Students scheduled to graduate in May will still have their degrees conferred with May’s date, but the Commencement Ceremony will be postponed. More information about the Commencement Ceremony will be provided at a later date.
Physical and Mental Health:
We are always concerned about the physical and mental health and well-being of our community. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is also available for employees and can be contacted at (800) 324-4327.
Betty Reynard, Ed.D., President
Lamar State College Port Arthur
PO Box 310 / Port Arthur, TX 77641
409-984-6100
