UACCB COVID-19 Update March 12, 2020

While no members of the University of the Arkansas Community College at Batesville have been diagnosed with COVID-19, UACCB is closely monitoring announcements from the Department of Health, the Arkansas Governor’s Office, the Department of Education, UAMS, and the University of Arkansas System. COVID-19 is a newly identified respiratory virus that can cause mild to severe illness, and in some cases, become life-threatening.

All preparations for a possible campus closure are being done out of an abundance of caution, and not due to a direct threat or concern. The safety of the campus community is UACCB’s top priority.

UACCB has been preparing for the past several weeks and discussing alternate methods of continuing campus operations should it become necessary. UACCB already has in place a format to offer all courses online remotely. With this proactive initiative, the conversion from face-to-face to remote learning is estimated to occur within a 72-hour period. Additionally, UACCB will continue to assess other important issues, such as the delivery of student support services (i.e. tutoring, testing, disability support etc.). UACCB will continue to provide services to students with minimal disruption of learning.

Additionally, Chancellor Deborah Frazier and public school administrators have begun to identify potential areas with wifi accessibility where students can go to access a reliable internet connection should they not have internet access.

“We will proceed with normal operations and continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds to ensure the safety and well-being of our community,” said Chancellor Frazier. "Please sign up for campus alerts and continue to check the UACCB website and social media platforms for updates."

UACCB faculty and staff stand ready to assist students with the completion of their classes. UACCB continues to ask the campus community to practice good hygiene, including handwashing and sanitizing. The coronavirus situation continues to change constantly. Education administrators are meeting daily to follow developments and to coordinate appropriate responses.

Students are encouraged to sign up for UACCB emergency text alerts using the link titled “UACCB Alert” under the Quick Links menu at uaccb.edu. As additional information becomes available, UACCB will post updates to the website and UACCB social media platforms.

All media inquiries should be directed to Hannah Keller Flanery, communications and marketing coordinator, at 870-612-2145 or hannah.keller@uaccb.edu.