CORONAVIRUS

UPDATED: This page was last updated on October 29th with our latest HEERF Reports and our current COVID-19 On-Campus policies.
To see the list of all updates made to this page, please see the UPDATES section of the page.

 

Dear WCUI Community:  

We have created this Coronavirus web page and we will be updating this page as we receive new information. We encourage WCUI students, faculty, and staff to check this page routinely for updates. 

WCUI is continuing to adapt to changes in our world as we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. One of our latest changes has been to create a new position, COVID-19 Safety Officer, who will be the resource for all students, staff, and faculty to utilize for questions or concerns related to COVID-19. Our newly appointed COVID-19 Safety Officer (Dr. Ashraf Stefan) has been trained in the latest procedures in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 and will assist WCUI in ensuring all campuses follow safety and cleaning protocols as we transition to allow more students, staff, and faculty on campus.

To address any questions or concerns related to COVID-19 please email: COVIDSafety@wcui.edu

Following is a brief overview of the current situation and how WCUI is adapting. For more information and FAQ’s, we recommend you visit www.cdc.gov.

WCUI COVID-19 PLANNING

WCUI is participating in slowing the spread of the Coronavirus by closing our physical campuses, but education at WCUI is continuing online with online lectures, virtual lab and simulation, and on-campus labs with limited numbers and PPE! WCUI will still be fully functional as our faculty and staff are working remotely and available to you via Canvas, Microsoft Teams (direct messaging and video conferencing), Zoom, emails, and phone calls. We will always continue to educate our students and we greatly appreciate your continued feedback.

Please contact support@wcui.edu for any technology concerns. We will work with you to make sure that your education continues productively.  

CONTACT SHEETS FOR EACH CAMPUS

LOS ANGELES

ONTARIO

PHOENIX

NEW STUDENTS

Dear New Students: 

We wanted to assure you, WCUI is well-positioned to extend our education remotely. We are continuing to learn and innovate and are excited about the new tools that we are putting in place to enhance your education. One thing is certain, we will not postpone your education. Although the method of delivery may change, we will continue to educate, with the creativity and passion WCUI students and graduates have come to expect.

  • Lecture Classes: ALL WCUI lecture/didactic courses will be held online. Students will utilize Canvas, Zoom, pre-recorded lectures, online discussion boards, and more to complete their lecture courses.
  • Lab Classes: WCUI’s lab courses will utilize technology to provide virtual labs and simulations to our students. Students will also have the opportunity to attend on-campus labs with limited numbers, strict social distancing, and PPE (gloves, masks, face shields).

STUDENT TECHNOLOGY

At the start of your program, you will be able to access your classroom and administrative information through our online platforms and other technology:

  • Canvas: Our Learning Management System. Classes have been streaming online this week for current students and it has been going smoothly. You will be able to virtually raise your hand to ask questions, get real-time feedback from instructors, interact with your fellow students, take your exams online, and many other interactive learning experiences.
  • WCUI OSRC: WCUI has created a course in your Canvas account that allows you to access training and best practices to maximize your online learning experience. Including Zoom Training, Canvas Training, contact information for all WCUI departments, discover the WCUI Smith Library and Learning Resource Center, and more!
  • Microsoft Office 365: As a WCUI student you will get a @my.wcui.edu email address and access to the Microsoft365 suite of applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive, and more.
  • Orbund Student Portal: You will gain access to our online student portal where you can view your schedule, grades, attendance, make payments, etc.
  • Campus Ivy: You will have access to fill and view real-time financial aid information.

If you have any concerns about connecting to our online platforms please email support@wcui.edu.

Please see the above WCUI Contact Sheets if you have any questions for any of our WCUI Departments. We are looking forward to starting with you on your educational journey.  Stay safe, stay healthy, and know that we are here for you!

ON-CAMPUS COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

Overall Policies

  • Everyone must wear a mask at all times – you may enter with a cloth mask, but you must wear a surgical mask at all times when you are in the lab.
  • Everyone must maintain social distance (6 feet apart) at any time when they are not scanning.
  • Everyone must complete the COVID lab training.
  • Everyone must have their temperature checked and sign a disclosure form every day.
  • Do not come to the campus if you are not feeling well.
  • Anyone who is not feeling well or showing symptoms needs to leave the campus immediately
  • If you have tested positive or come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, please inform your DOE and/or Campus Director.

Entering the Campus

All students, staff, faculty, and visitors to the campus must stop at the screening station prior to entering the campus and participating in activities on campus.

  • Masks must be worn during check-in
  • Social distancing of a minimum of six feet must be maintained.
  • Students must wear their student ID at all times

Screening Station

  • Temperatures will be taken and recorded Pass/Fail
    • If anyone’s temperature is greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit they will be marked as a Fail and will be asked to leave the campus.
  • Everyone will be required to be signed in at the screening station and have their temperature (Pass/Fail) recorded on the sign-in sheet
  • The On-Campus Disclosure Form is required to be filled out every time someone enters the campus.
    • If any of the symptom boxes are checked yes, the person will not be permitted to participate in activities on campus and will be asked to leave.
  • A colored wristband will be given to anyone who has passed the screening and allowed on campus and should be worn all day.

PPE Station

After passing through the screening area all students, staff, and faculty must enter the PPE station before going to lab. There they must follow the PPE routine in this order:

  1. Sanitize their hands by washing their hands or using hand sanitizer
  2. Put on gloves
  3. Put on a mask
  4. Put on a face shield

Non- Lab Area Policies

  • FOOD AREA POLICY
    • Disinfect the area before and after you eat. 
    • Maintain social distancing (6 feet apart).
    • Disinfect the shared surfaces and handles.
  • RESTROOM POLICY
    • Wash your hands for 20 seconds
    • Please maintain social distancing at sinks while washing your hands.
  • OFFICE POLICY
    • Please limit the time you spend in any office with another person while on campus.
    • When possible, all conversations should happen over Microsoft TEAMS to limit face to face contact.
    • Masks must be worn at all times in the office area of the campus.

HANDS-ON CLINICAL LAB/EXTERNSHIP

There have been significant developments relating to the coronavirus throughout the US. As an educator of future healthcare workers, WCUI falls under the essential category and our labs will remain open with the proper PPE and protocols in place.

We understand how important hands-on clinical training in clinical labs at WCUI, off-site, and at clinical externship is to all WCUI students. We encourage you, if you are able, to continue to wear a mask, social distance, and come to a physical facility for lab or externship. WCUI aims to provide a stellar clinical training environment and we believe that we can do so safely for our students and faculty.

We also understand if you are unable to attend hands-on clinical training, no matter what the circumstance may be. For that reason, WCUI will always allow the option to not attend on-campus or off-site labs and externship sites. Please reach out to your Instructors, Externship Directors, or Campus Leadership if you have any questions or need any guidance. 

As future sonographers, MRI technologists, and nurses, we understand the knowledge you gain in your courses, especially in hands-on clinical training can impact your career. We will continue to monitor the situation in California, Arizona, and throughout the US and make changes to maintain our campus safety as you pursue your education at WCUI. 

WCUI students are being placed in their assigned clinical/hospital sites and will follow the same on-campus lab policies and any additional policies set by your externship site. If you have questions about Externship or your Clinical Site, please contact your Externship Director or Director of Nursing

EXTERNSHIP

DIRECTOR OF NURSING

As we develop the appropriate steps for WCUI, we will keep you informed of any changes. This is a complex and quickly changing situation that reminds us that we are all part of a broader community and have a responsibility to look out for one another. 

HIGHER EDUCATION EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND (HEERF)

West Coast Ultrasound Institute received education stabilization funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), Public Law No: 116-136. Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), at least 50% (Student Aid Portion) of the 18004(a)(1) funding must be used for emergency financial aid grants to students and the remainder (the Institutional Portion) of an institution’s (a)(1) funds may be used for costs associated with significant changes to the institution’s delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus.

The institution is making the below information available for transparency purposes and in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education’s (“Department”) Electronic Announcement of May 6, 2020. For questions or concerns regarding the below reports, please contact Andrew High, COO, at andrew.high@wcui.edu.

HEERF Reporting: Student Aid Portion

HEERF Reporting: Institutional Portion

STUDENTAID.GOV STUDENT LOAN ANNOUNCEMENT

WCUI Alumni, through this time we want to ensure we provide you the information you need that could lend any benefits or relief. We’ve recently received details from Studentaid.gov about student loan payments during the COIVD-19 outbreak and have sent out a notice to all of you regarding the information we’ve received. In the letter below we provide details on this order and how you could qualify:

Please see the letter we sent out to WCUI alumni for details: HERE

What does this announcement mean for you? A wealth of benefits, which include:

  • Your student loans interest rates set to 0% for at least 60 days
  • The option to suspend your payments for at least two (2) months
  • Greater flexibility during the national emergency
  • An opportunity to increase your emergency savings
  • Peace of mind

Should you have any questions, your WCUI family is an email away. Please view the following links to contact your respective campus representatives:

*The above is based on information release from studentaid.gov. For full details and to confirm you qualify for this benefit, please refer to https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus

COVID-19 FAQS

WHAT IS KNOWN

  • The virus causing COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified and causes a respiratory illness ranging from a mild cold-like illness to severe pneumonia.
  • Most (81%) of people diagnosed with COVID-19 in China had mild disease, including most children.
  • Similar to influenza, the people who are most likely to have severe disease and complications from COVID-19 are older individuals (>60 years old) and those with other medical conditions like heart and lung disease or diabetes.
  • There is no vaccine or treatment currently available for COVID-19 but the National Institutes of Health is evaluating treatments and developing a vaccine already. 
  • We recommend that WCUI students, faculty and staff refrain from non-essential travel, including business or personal, to international and local areas which the CDC has determined to have experienced a “widespread sustained(ongoing) and sustained(ongoing) community transmission” of the COVID-19.
  • If you travel to an area that had previously or during the course of your travels becomes an area of widespread sustained or sustained community transmission, you will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days following your return home by WCUI. For a list of travel advisories, visit travel.state.gov and the CDC website.

 

Students who self-quarantine as a result of travel to impacted countries will be excused from classes during this period. However, as WCUI School of Medical Imaging and Nursing remains operating as normal, these students will be expected to complete their coursework upon their return.

Students who have or are going to travel must contact your Campus Director:

HOW THE VIRUS SPREADS

  • COVID-19 is believed to spread primarily the same way the common cold or flu spreads—through respiratory droplets that are produced when someone coughs or sneezes.
  • People who are most at risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 are those who have been in close contact (within about 6 feet) with someone who has the disease
  • People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Some spread of the virus might be possible before a person has symptoms; there have been reports of this with COVID-19, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW 

  • If you are ill, especially with acute respiratory symptoms (not allergies or chronic conditions), you should stay home and not return to school until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the help of any fever reducers.  See the CDC’s tips for what to do if you do become sick.
  • Always cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.  Immediately throw the tissue away.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after you touch your face, use the restroom and before and after you eat.
  • If you are not able to wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol until soap and water are available to wash your hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay at least 6 feet away from anyone showing signs of illness.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Should you have specific concerns or questions about your health, please contact your health care provider.

CONFIDENTIALITY

While we are cognizant of our role in aiding to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on our campus, we want you to know that maintaining your confidentiality is paramount. Should you discover that you have been diagnosed with Coronavirus, we ask that you let us know so that we may be proactive in addressing the possible spread of the virus. While we would notify the staff, students, and faculty who may have been exposed to the virus, we will not reveal your identity.

NO RETALIATION

WCUI will not retaliate, or tolerate retaliation, against a student, staff or faculty who is diagnosed with, or may have been exposed to, the Coronavirus, or who may miss school or work due to possible contraction of, or exposure to, the Coronavirus, or to take care of a family member who has become ill from the virus. Should you have specific concerns or questions about your health, please contact your health care provider. Otherwise, please contact us with additional questions – we are here to assist. Everyone at WCUI is working hard to be proactive and ensure that everything is being done to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff.

For more resources about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and protecting your health and those around you, please visit:

The World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Helpful documents and videos: 

What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

World Health Organization (WHO) – What is Coronavirus Video

CDC Handwashing Video

Thank you,  

WCUI Administration

UPDATES

  • UPDATED: This page was updated on August 27th, 2020 with our latest HEERF Report.
  • UPDATED: This page was updated on July 16th, 2020 with the latest details of our education plan to continue online & the technology we are using to support our students’ education. In addition, protocols for students in Externship and in Clinical Labs has been updated.
  • UPDATED: This page was last updated on July 14, 2020 with updated information about how WCUI is adapting our programs through the pandemic and our procedures for students, staff, and faculty when they need to come on campus.
  • UPDATED: This page was last updated on June 2, 2020 with updated information about WCUI’s allocation of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)  in compliance with Section 18004 of the CARES Act.
  • UPDATED: This page was last updated on May 14, 2020 with information about WCUI’s allocation of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)  in compliance with Section 18004 of the CARES Act.
  • UPDATED: This page was last updated on March 27, 2020 with a link to WCUI’s Spring Education plan for students starting our Spring 2020 term.
  • UPDATED: This page was last updated on March 24, 2020 with an announcement on Student Loan relief provided by Studentaid.Gov
  • UPDATED: This page was last updated on March 20, 2020 with an announcement for New WCUI Students under the WCUI COVID-19 Plan
  • UPDATED: This page was last updated on March 19, 2020 with an update to the latest WCUI COVID-19 Plan. WCUI will be closing all physical campuses until further notice.
  • UPDATED: This page was last updated on March 16, 2020 with an update to the latest WCUI COVID-19 Plan for Vocational Nursing students at our Los Angeles and Ontario, California campuses.
  • UPDATED: This page was last updated on March 15, 2020 with an update to the latest WCUI COVID-19 Plan for final exams and final presentation in the remaining Winter 2019 quarter.
  • UPDATED: This page was last updated on March 14, 2020, with an update on the latest WCUI COVID-19 Plan for lecture/laboratory classes remaining in the Winter 2019 quarter and the beginning of the Spring 2020 quarter.
  • UPDATED: This page was last updated on March 13, 2020, with an update for WCUI students in Externship or going into Externship for the Spring 2020 term.
  • UPDATED: This page was last updated on March 12, 2020, with the latest WCUI COVID-19 Plan for the end of the Winter 2019 quarter and the beginning of the Spring 2020 quarter.

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