West Valley College is a dynamic institution that takes proactive steps to maintain the health and safety of our community. A lot of hard work has been invested in ensuring that the buildings we occupy are healthy and safe. This includes evaluating and inspecting all HVAC systems to ensure filtration and ventilation standards are met, adding MERV 13 filters, and purchasing additional HEPA air purifiers for areas with high exhalation activities.
See below the efforts made to keep you safe and how our campus is ready to reopen.
Assistance
For questions, supplies, and general assistance with classroom instruction, contact the respective Dean/Division Office.
For guidance, assistance, requests related to COVID protocols, procedures, safety measures, contact the Administrative Services Office.
For on-site response to classroom issues/concerns, contact your dean or manager. If it is after 6:00 PM, contact the Evening Administrator-on-Duty at (408) 593-2086.
For more COVID-19 related information and guidelines, please visit the college and district websites.
Cleaning and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Classrooms are being cleaned twice daily - once midday and once in the evening.
For confirmed exposures in the classroom, the room will be closed off, cleaned, and disinfected before reopening.
All HVAC units have MERV 13 filters installed and meet or exceed the air exchange recommendations.
Additional HEPA filters are provided for areas with high exhalation activities.
Daily Health Assessment
All individuals (including visitors and contractors) must complete the health assessment before entering campus each day.
The West Valley Go app is the best way to complete the assessment.
- A green checkmark indicates clearance to enter campus.
- A red X mark indicates the requirement to stay/go home. Employees receiving this mark should immediately notify their supervisor.
Instructors should encourage and remind students to use the health checker and WVC Go app.
District Guidelines and COVID-19 Employee Prevention Plan
Employees should be familiar with all COVID-related district guidelines and the COVID-19 Employee Prevention Plan. The Plan aligns with Cal/OSHA requirements and includes information, procedures, and practices to keep employees safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus in the workplace.
Employee Personal Safety Kit
All Classified professionals were provided with a safety kit containing 3 packs of disposable mask, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer with a pocket-size spray bottle.
Employees can request additional PPE.
Employee Training
Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Orders require employers to provide specific COVID-19 related training to employees. The training assignments are provided by Human Resources via the District's online learning and management system, Keenan Safe Colleges. All staff should note that COVID-19 training is mandatory.
Employees should be familiar with all COVID-related district guidelines and the COVID-19 Employee Prevention Plan. The Plan aligns with Cal/OSHA requirements and includes information, procedures, and practices to keep employees safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus in the workplace.
Face Coverings
All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a face-covering while on campus and inside a building.
Face coverings are available in Wellness Kiosks across campus or through your division office.
If your student does not have a face covering, you should provide one to them.
Review our District guidelines for more details.
Managing Student Noncompliance with Policies and Guidelines
Manage student noncompliance with COVID requirements in the same way as you would other class or college rules.
Steps include reminding and informing students, providing options, asking students to leave, and/or dismissing the class if needed.
As always, the Evening Administrator on Duty at (408) 593-2086 and our campus police are always on standby to assist with safety concerns after 6:00 PM.
Refer to the Helping Students and Visitors Comply with Face-Covering Requirements document for more guidance.
Mask with Clear Plastic Panel
Mask with a clear plastic panel is available for use.
This may be beneficial for people where seeing facial expressions and reading lips is important and helps with comprehension.
Contact the Disability and Educational Support Program (DESP) at (408) 741-2453.
N95 Mask
An N95 Mask is a disposable filtering facepiece respirator with two straps.
The use of a respirator on the college facility is voluntary.
When an N95 Mask is requested, administrative services staff will schedule a date and time for pick-up.
Before your pick-up, ensure that you have completed the instructional video through the Keenan Safe Colleges Training on District’s website.
You may be asked to provide your certificate of completion at the time of pick-up.
Physical Distancing and Room Occupancy Limits
- There is no longer a requirement to socially distance or remain six feet apart. However, individuals should remain physically distanced whenever possible.
- There are no longer COVID occupancy or density limits for indoor spaces.
Reporting Confirmed or Possible Exposure
Employees who develop COVID-19 symptoms, are diagnosed with COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 must immediately report it using the COVID-19 Reporting Form.
The form may be completed on behalf of another person if the exposed person or COVID-positive person cannot complete the form.
The form is the first critical step to ensure all COVID procedures and protocols are implemented.
Signage
Signs have been placed strategically around campus and inside buildings to serve as reminders for adhering to safety protocols. All employees, students, and visitors will be required to follow the direction and adhere to these protocols.
Sneeze Guards and/or Dividers
We have installed sneeze guards and space dividers where needed and requested. Please reach out to your supervisor to discuss your workspace.
Supplies
The College has purchased Wellness Kiosks that house hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and face masks. These kiosks are located in our large classrooms, high traffic areas, Campus Center, and the Student Services Center and will be replenished daily by custodial staff.
Contact your division offices to request additional supplies as needed.
Instructors should have supplies on hand in the classroom for student use.
Wellness Kiosk and PPE
The College has purchased Wellness Kiosks that will house hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and face masks. These kiosks are located in many classrooms, high traffic areas, Campus Center, and the Student Services Center and will be replenished daily by our custodial staff.