Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Updates

CURRENT STATUS: Moraine Park Technical College’s fall 2020 semester begins Aug. 24! Currently, the College remains closed to nonessential employees and students.

COVID-19 and Moraine Park

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus strain that began spreading in December. Moraine Park is following Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and guidelines to guide decision-making. As new information continues to emerge at a rapid pace, Moraine Park’s leadership and response teams continue to monitor, respond and plan.

According to the CDC, coronavirus symptoms include: fever, cough and shortness of breath. There is currently not a vaccine to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19), but the CDC suggests the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed and recommends the following preventative actions:

Stay home if you are ill and/or experiencing flu-like symptoms.
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 percent alcohol.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
Avoid close contact with others, especially people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
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 wipe.

Learn more about Moraine Park’s phased-in plan for returning to campus:

Phased Reopening Plan

Identified Essential Programs

Target: May

This first phase has already been executed. The College implemented multiple safety precautions to allow limited building access for essential employees and students.

Essential programs back on campus:

May 11 – Nursing, public safety, and health care.
May 18 – Advanced manufacturing, trades, trade apprenticeships and utilities.

Conditions:

College is accessible only to essential students and employees.
Necessary PPE is in stock and available for use.
Instructional safety protocols established and implemented.
Access to the buildings, classrooms and offices will be monitored and recorded (ID badges).
Scheduled to minimize number of personnel in any given building at a time.
Limited support personnel on site in related facilities (e.g. custodians, aides, door monitors and managers on duty scheduled).
Classrooms and labs staged to support social distancing as much as possible.
No food service, vending or catering events allowed.
Nonessential employees continue to work remotely including student service support.
No student or employee socializing, eating together or walking on breaks together unless from the same household.
Employee communications and meetings done via technology (phone, email, Skype, etc.).

Non-Essential Programs Resume for the Spring Semester and Contract Training Delivered at Employer Sites

Target: June

Nonessential programs will resume, allowing students to continue to work toward the completion of the spring semester. Safety precautions will continue through this phase. Campus buildings will remain closed, with limited access allowed only to remaining spring program instruction.

Conditions:

Same as Phase I.
Appropriate cleaning/disinfectants in stock.
Employer sites following personal safety protocols.
Limited Bookstore face-to-face services will be available with more details forthcoming.
Student Services are open by appointment.
- Staff availability and reservation information will be shared on the website and myMPTC Student the first week of June.
Student Services Offices will be open for enrollment.
- Students will need to contact the office upon arrival at the campus and to make sure a staff member is available to meet and assist them with registration or financial aid questions.

Limited In-Person Operations

Target: July

If state and local conditions still allow, the College is planning to reopen its doors to a limited number of employees during this phase. The overall goal is to have less than 50 percent of employees on our campuses, and employees should continue to work from home where effective and possible. Services (dining, library) and offerings on campuses will remain limited to mitigate gathering; social distancing accommodations will be made wherever possible; personal protective equipment will still be available and encouraged.

Conditions:

No state or local issued restrictions.
Necessary PPE is in stock and available for use per the safety plan.
Instructional safety protocol established and implemented college-wide.
Personal safety protocols established and implemented college-wide.
Access to the buildings, classrooms and offices will be monitored and recorded (ID badges).
Maximum 50% on-campus, in person staffing for coverage; significant work from home continues where possible.
In-person departments implement staggered schedules – two days per week maximum per person. Decided by supervisors in specific departments/office suites.
Student Services are open by appointment.
- Staff availability and reservation information will be shared on the website and portal the first week of June.
Student Services Offices will be open for enrollment.
- Students will need to contact the office upon arrival at the campus and to make sure a staff member is available to meet and assist them with registration or financial aid questions.
Consistent employee schedules needed to implement departmental/building closures, contact tracing, and quarantine requirements if warranted.
Scheduling of educational activities or events will follow the capacity guidelines of the Badger Bounce Back Plan.
Limited bookstore face-to-face services will be available with more details forthcoming.
No food service, vending or catering services available.

Expanded In-Person Operations

Target August

Expanded in-person operations resume. Fall classes and programming, as well as College-wide operations, will return to a nearly normal state. We know that some employees may continue to have childcare and health concerns and restrictions that may limit their ability to be on campus full time in the fall. Employees should work with their supervisors for specific return-to-campus plans. Of course, safety will remain more a priority than ever—sanitation efforts will remain increased; social distancing should continue; and campus events and activities will be allowed but must adhere to local and state guidelines.

Conditions:

No state or local issued restrictions.
Schools and colleges in Wisconsin resume.
Instructional safety protocols implemented college-wide.
Personal safety protocols implemented college-wide.
Maximum 75% on-campus beginning Aug. 1. Work from home continues where possible.
Bookstores and libraries will be open with some restrictions.
Food service/catering (with restrictions) and vending resumes Aug. 24.

Public Access

Target: October

Come fall, we are hopeful to again open our campuses to the public for events, rentals, community programming and for use of our services such as the library.

Conditions:

No state or local issued restrictions.

Recent Updates

July 30:

Gov. Tony Evers issued an emergency order requiring the wearing of face coverings statewide in enclosed spaces. Effective Saturday, Aug. 1, Moraine Park Technical College will require face coverings or masks on campus grounds. You can find more information from the Governor’s office here.

Students who are unable to wear a face covering or mask will need to connect with Disability Resources to create an accommodation plan. Only students with a completed accommodation plan will be allowed on campus without a face covering or mask.
Employees who are unable to wear a face covering or mask will need to connect with Talent Management to discuss accommodation options.

July 1:

Library staff will be available for appointments with students and staff.

June 18:

Moraine Park Technical College’s fall 2020 semester will begin, as scheduled, on Aug. 24 with a typical semester schedule.

Fall classes will be offered in a variety of formats—face-to-face, blended (a mix of face-to-face and online) and online. Most program classes will continue to be offered in-person, while many general education classes will have both in-person and online options.
Class delivery format for all classes will be finalized by July 6.

If you have not yet registered for classes, please do so. Student Services is available and ready to help you plan your 2020-21 academic year at MPTC.

Past MPTC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

June 3

Campus Bookstores will be offering in-person appointments starting June 8. Visit the bookstore page for more information.

May 20

MPTC announces phased-in plan for return. View Bonnie’s update here.

May 15

The recent decision to strike down the Safer at Home order will not affect Moraine Park’s plan as it pertains to reopening.
The COVID-19 Response Team continues to move forward, following CDC guidelines, with a thoughtful and phased reopening plan that is safest for our students and employees. This plan will be shared college-wide by May 20. Pending any new federal, state or local restrictions, the College is expecting to resume on-campus operations under new college guidelines by Aug. 17 and fall 2020 classes are scheduled to begin on Aug. 24.
As an update to the College travel guidance, all College-related out-of-state travel is prohibited through Dec. 31, 2020, and in-state travel is prohibited through Aug. 31, 2020. District-wide essential travel is permitted. For employees electing to travel personally during this time, the College will be following CDC guidelines, which may require a self-quarantine period upon return

May 11

A small number of classes that require face-to-face instruction resumed today–and will continue throughout May and June.
Moraine Park campuses remain closed to the general public and nonessential employees until further notice.
For now, most Moraine Park employees should expect to continue to work from home through at least the end of the Safer at Home order (8 a.m. May 26).
- The state’s Safer at Home guidelines call for a phased approach in returning Wisconsin to a normal state of business. With that, the College is monitoring developments and is exploring what our own phased approach to return to Moraine Park may look like.

April 30

Emergency funds in the form of a Federal Grant have been provided to Moraine Park to help students impacted by COVID-19. Specifically this funding is intended to aid students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. Read more and apply for funding here.

April 29

For the safety of students, employees and visitors, Moraine Park Technical College canceled its (rescheduled) June 27 commencement ceremony.
- Graduating students should expect to receive a package in the mail at the end of June.
- 2020 graduates are invited to participate in the 2021 commencement ceremony.

April 16

Wisconsin’s Safer at Home order was extended through 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 26.
All in-person classes at Moraine Park remain suspended and the College remains closed for non-essential employees until further notice.
Registration for summer classes at Moraine Park began April 15. Summer classes will begin as planned in June. Students are encouraged to register.
- If future social distancing guidelines were to impact summer class schedules, a Moraine Park Student Services team member would be in touch to communicate scheduling or logistical changes.
- With most summer classes already online at Moraine Park, there is no threat of a full semester cancellation.

April 9

Based on the most recent guidance from health officials, Moraine Park is extending the suspension of all in-person classes and is remaining closed for non-essential employees until further notice.
Moraine Park team members are available to assist students during this time.
All face to face classes converted to online classes will continue to be taught in an online format for the remainder of the spring semester.

April 6

A list of community resources–for Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake and Washington counties– have been pulled together for students and employees within the district.

April 3

Moraine Park Technical College’s commencement ceremony has been postponed to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27. It was originally scheduled for May 16.
The ceremony will be held at a new location, the Beaver Dam High School Field House, 500 Gould St., Beaver Dam.
College officials continue to monitor state and national regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. If social distancing guidelines are still in place, further extended or enhanced, the commencement ceremony would then be canceled. If cancellation occurs, graduating students will be offered the opportunity to participate in the 2021 commencement ceremony and celebrations.

March 30

Spring semester classes at Moraine Park resume.
While Moraine Park buildings remain closed to nonessential employees and guests through at least April 24, many MPTC student services are still available virtually, including counseling, tutoring and advising.
Student registration dates for summer and fall have changed. The new dates are:
- Summer – April 14 (all registration)
- Fall Returning Program Student Registration – April 28
  Fall New Program Student Registration – May 5
  Fall Open Registration – June 17

March 24

The details that emerged today from the Gov. Tony Evers “Safer at Home” order will be in place through at least April 24.
- This means Moraine Park employees will continue to work at home through April 24 to maintain safe social distancing. Students should plan to finish their semester in online and distance learning environments.

March 20

At this time, Moraine Park is planning to allow students and employees who may have needed items inside MPTC facilities to enter the buildings from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Tuesday, March 24. Access will only be available via the C1 entrance on the Fond du lac campus, K1 entrance on the Beaver Dam campus, and T2 entrance on the West Bend campus.

March 17

Moraine Park is extending the suspension of all in-person classes and closing for non-essential employees beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, through Sunday, April 12, with a scheduled reopening date of Monday, April 13. During this time, all face-to-face classes and services to both our students and the community are suspended. MPTC will continue services and instruction in a virtual environment as we are able.
All classes that can be taught in a fully online format will begin March 30, including the online classes that have not yet started. Spring semester face-to-face classes resume April 20. Students should anticipate further communication from their course instructor in the future.
Employees should consult email for further logistics and details.

March 16

Effective March 17 through March 29, Moraine Park Technical College is closing access to nonessential visitors and guests in response to escalating concerns regarding the continued spread of COVID-19. Campuses will remain open to students and organizations who have official business with the College.
Outside organizations with expected participation of more than 50 individuals are asked to cancel, postpone or reschedule their activity.

March 14

K-12 Districts Closing

If you are a Moraine Park employee affected by the statewide K-12 closure and cannot come to work Monday, please plan on letting your supervisor know and using a personal day, emergency day or vacation day on Monday. Work with your manager to identify a plan moving forward. The college will be working in the coming days to identify solutions to address this challenge, and many other challenges employees may be facing during this time. College leaders will be sharing additional guidance for managers and employees on Monday.

Faculty, Staff and Administrators

Employees should continue their normal work schedule at their primary campus location, except for those with special health considerations and those who need to be home to care for children (see note regarding K-12 districts closing). This is in keeping with the practice at other institutions of higher education throughout the U.S.
As a community-based institution, it is our responsibility to continue to provide services to our students which extend beyond their basic educational needs. Many of our students depend on us for critical life services. We appreciate the dedication of our employees and their continued commitment to student success.
Casual dress code (including jeans) is allowed during the extended spring break period.

Wi-Fi for Students

Spectrum is offering free access to broadband and Wi-Fi for students who currently do not have Wi-Fi access for 60 days. A service of up to 100 megabytes per second will be provided. The offer begins Monday, March 16. Those interested in enrolling are asked to call 1-844-488-8395. Please be advised that this feature may be in high-demand, and installation may not be immediately available. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.

Student Activities and Community Events

All student activities and community events scheduled on Moraine Park campuses and regional centers through the end of April, with larger than 50 people are to be canceled or postponed. If possible, large groups may divide into smaller groups or use conferencing technology.

Testing

Pearson VUE testing, which includes GED/HSED testing, and CLEP testing are suspended at all campuses starting March 17 until further notice.

March 13

Spring break will be extended by one additional week for classes that would normally experience a spring break.
Spring break will now begin Monday, March 16, and concludes Friday, March 27.

March 12

Larger (50+ people) activities and events have or will be canceled on our three campuses and regional centers through the end of April.

March 11

Student and employee College-related international travel is not permitted and should be canceled through the end of April.
Student and employee College-related, non-essential, out-of-state, domestic travel is not permitted and should be canceled.
No student or employee international or domestic College-related travel should be scheduled until further notice.
Employees and students who choose to travel should take into account the possibility of travel delays and the potential need for self-isolation upon return.

FAQs

CARES Act Emergency Funds

Emails to contact Student Services during closure:

Admissions: admissions@morainepark.edu

Financial Aid: financialaid@morainepark.edu

Trio Student Support Services: SSSProgram@morainepark.edu

International Admissions: internationaladms@morainepark.edu

Recruitment: recruitment@morainepark.edu

Criminal Background Check: backgroundcheck@morainepark.edu

Tutoring: TutoringServices@morainepark.edu

Counseling: MPTCCounseling@morainepark.edu

Emergency Funds: studentemergencyfund@morainepark.edu

Disability resources/accommodate: disabilityresources@morainepark.edu

Student Financial Services: sfs@morainepark.edu

Questions or Concerns?

The campuses may be closed, but you can still contact MPTC staff and access important student services during the closure! Visit this webpage to learn more about what services are available to you during this time. Or, check out the community resources webpage for MPTC students.

If you have questions or concerns not addressed on this page, please complete the form linked below. We will follow up as soon as possible.

Talk2Us Form