NC State COVID-19 Response
December 17, 2020,
Dear Colleagues,
Starting a new term in the New Year – safely
I strongly believe we are all ready to put 2020 behind us. It was difficult, disruptive, and we will remember the struggle for a long time. COVID affected everyone in numerous ways.
We are ready to move on, and ready for a fresh start. Welcome 2021 – and welcome to the spring 2021 semester. Our goal is to begin the new semester as safely as possible.
Starting January 11, we will begin the semester totally online for the first week. All classes will meet online for that first week, and no in-person, on-campus classes will be held until Tuesday, January 19th. Staff will also work remotely until Tuesday, January 19th. Students scheduled for off campus clinical/practicum/fieldwork courses should verify assignments with their faculty.
We are doing this to allow 14 days following the holidays so that any COVID exposure from holiday activities will greatly minimize exposure between each other and within our offices and classrooms.
We will need to redouble our efforts to serve our students and each other as we begin the new semester. It’s an important time for North Central State College to continue to provide quality instruction for our students. And it is equally important to provide support through advising, tutoring, technology and access to wrap around services like community resources and emotional support.
We are sending a similar email to the students that includes the following: We will redouble our efforts to provide instruction, advising, tutoring, technology and help you connect to any community resources you need. We can also provide assistance through access to computers if you need them. Steps to access our Online Zoom Tutoring Center on this page. You can also email Barb Keener (bkeener@ncstatecollege.edu) and she will be able to assist you. Also remember that WiFi access is available from parking lot hot spots around many of our buildings on campus.
As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, please consider getting yours. Two of our local health providers – Fisher-Titus and Ohio Health — have prepared responses to frequently asked questions. Please review this information. It dispels much of the misinformation surrounding the vaccine, which is key to helping us regain a sense of normalcy in our lives.
What a wonderful wish for a New Year.
Happy Holidays,
Dorey Diab, Ph.D.
President & CEO
North Central State College
Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction
May 4, 2020
Finally, it’s finals week. May the fourth be with you!
You made it. I am so incredibly proud of you. You have overcome so many obstacles to complete spring semester. Well done.
If you have completed your program, this Friday would have been your graduation ceremony, one of my favorite days of the year. Our administrative team is working on plans now to reschedule the graduation ceremony. It’s imperative that we honor the governor’s closing order, maintain social distancing and accommodate the pandemic safety precautions.
As graduates you join thousands of NC State alumni who, during this time, are on the front lines working in healthcare, public service and as first responders. We are so proud of them all. Like you, they earned an education that is making a difference in their lives, as they serve the needs of so many throughout our community.
If you have additional studies to complete, sign up for summer and fall classes before you leave for the summer break. Most classes will continue to be taught in the distance-learning format this summer. We are developing plans to accommodate students needing lab and practicum hours. Your instructor and dean should be in contact with you to arrange how these can be completed.
In closing, whether you are planning to return this summer or this fall, transfer your credits to another institution or enter the workforce and practice your new profession, be proud of your time here at NC State. Just as I am proud of you.
I look back with appreciation for your persistence and all that we have overcome this spring; and I look forward with hope. We have accomplished so much together. We have not allowed the current crisis to derail your education. Learning to work together effectively may be one of the greatest outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Well done one and all,
Dorey Diab, Ph.D.
President & CEO
North Central State College
Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction
April 28, 2020
Dear students,
Throughout the required shift to distance learning, I have heard consistently from your instructors, our staff and my leadership team how well you have adapted, how hard you have worked, and how dedicated you are to continuing your education. I am so proud of you.
Congratulations to the class of 2020
As we await the reopening plan that Governor DeWine and his team are finalizing, we look forward to finishing the spring semester. For many, we offer congratulations on the completion of your degree. I wish I could welcome you to the stage next Friday and present you with your diplomas. Please know that we are working on rescheduling that event, pending approval from the Governor on large gatherings, and will contact you as soon as we have secured a suitable time, location and plan to provide a safe graduation ceremony for everyone.
Don’t give up on your dream of a college education and a better quality of life
If you are a continuing student, now is the time to finalize your plan for summer and fall enrollment. We will make it through this current emergency and we will continue to do everything possible to not allow this crisis to inhibit the pursuit of your educational goals. If you have questions, reach out to your advisor, a faculty member or student services for additional information.
We continue waiting on guidelines to distribute the CARES Act funds
We are waiting the federal approval of the amount of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funds that will be made available to NC State students. There is a tentative plan and process ready to be implemented once we get the go ahead. Please watch your email for more information on how and when to apply for CARES Act funding.
This spring will be remembered for a long time. I will remember how everyone rose to the challenges as they were presented, and how we came together to meet the diverse needs of our students. I end this letter in the same way I began – sharing the pride I feel for your efforts and for your accomplishments.
Well done one and all,
Dorey Diab, Ph.D.
President & CEO
North Central State College
Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction
April 20, 2020
Dear students,
As we begin our fifth week of distance learning, you may have heard Governor Dewine’s announcement that the State of Ohio is planning for the gradual reopening of businesses starting on May 1. This is possible because of everyone’s efforts to flattening the curve and minimizing the impact on our health systems. The objective of the stricter guidelines is to lessen the potential future resurgence of COVID-19.
This week, your instructors will be sharing this message with you. I hope you will think about the effort you have given, and the dreams you had when you began your education. I believe in each and every one of you and encourage you to continue your education.
Spring to Summer to Fall to Success
Thank you for your effort this spring. A lot has changed, and the transition to online learning was a challenge for everyone. We’re proud of the way you met this challenge.
Now it’s time to plan for the next step in your education. Registration is open for both summer and fall semesters. Summer classes will continue using the distance-learning format. The full format for fall semester classes has not been decided. Summer is a great time to take a class or two, look ahead to fall, and make sure you are ready to continue your momentum toward your goals. If we can answer any questions or help you enroll for summer and fall, contact your adviser, or admissions, for more information today.
No matter where you want to go, you can get there from here.
CARES Act monies will be available soon
We are waiting to hear when the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funds will be available. We are working now to plan on ways we will be able to provide access to the funds to meet the needs of our students. We will provide more information as soon as it is available.
As a closing note, our primary goals remain to ensure your safety, and to do everything we can to help you be successful. Keep up the great work.
With appreciation,
Dorey Diab, Ph.D.
President & CEO
North Central State College
Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction
April 13, 2020
Do you need computer time and printing to finish your course work?
Welcome to mid-April, it is hard to believe that there are just a couple weeks of classes to go and then finals week. As you continue working to complete your studies, we want to make sure you have every support we can provide to help you be successful in your current classes, and prepare you for the next step in your studies.
The questionnaire to review any challenges you are having is still available by clicking here.
In addition, we’ve heard that many students are in need of some computer time and printing to complete their course work. Barb Keener is going to provide access to the computer lab in Fallerius beginning this week. To maintain the safety of everyone, you must schedule in advance for this service. Barb will schedule a day and time for you to complete your work in the lab. Email bkeener@ncstatecollege.edu and include approximately how much time you will need to complete your work.
I’m proud of the work you are doing to complete your work, and I’m proud of every employee and instructor for stepping up to help you succeed in new ways this semester. None of us envisioned the turns that this spring semester would take. It looks like we will finish the semester using distance learning, and continue it throughout the summer.
If we continue our efforts throughout the end of this crisis, we will all succeed. You’ll be able to look at the education you’ve earned through your hard work and persistence, and we’ll be able to say that we did everything we could to help make it happen.
Stay hopeful, healthy, resilient and safe,
Dorey Diab, Ph.D.
President and C.E.O.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Dear students of North Central State College,
We’re settling in, hunkering down and making a difference – both with, and for, YOU!
Week three is underway and we continue to hear examples of students who are excelling in their studies; and faculty and staff who are helping students overcome their unique struggles. Last week we sent a questionnaire to every student asking them to share any difficulties they are having. We received 131 responses so far, and we’ve connected with every respondent to assist them in overcoming their challenges.
The key for us is that we did not hear from nearly 3,000 students. We hope they are getting along well. But there is a lot of ground to cover to complete the spring 2020 semester. If anything changes, or if new challenges pop up – reach out. We will respond and do our best to find a solution that meets your needs. The questionnaire is available at https://ncstatecollege.edu/distance-learning-questionnaire/.
We are working hard to help you stay on track toward your goals and maintain your trust so that you feel confident in continuing to pursue you educational dream with NC State. Together we can make it through this emergency. Together we will support you as you complete spring, even if that means portions of your work continues this summer. That flexibility is important as we help you, and every student, gain the skills and knowledge you need to continue your studies.
I encourage you not to give up on yourself or your education. I encourage you to continue planning for what’s next on your path toward completing your education. You’re worth it. You matter. I believe in you.
Dorey Diab, Ph.D.
President & CEO
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Dear students, faculty and staff of North Central State College,
As we end the second week of distance learning, I am encouraged by all of the effort everyone is making to keep our students on track toward their goals, while we all remain safe through our social distancing efforts.
One of the questions I hear most often is, when can we return – to campus, to normal, to how things were before? The answer is, I don’t know. We are taking it one day at a time, with no expectations of returning to campus before the end of the semester. Both the Governor and the President are calling for social distancing efforts to continue until at least May 1st. Consensus shows that social distancing is slowing the spread of COVID-19. We currently will continue our distance learning efforts, and campus closure until further notice. I will let you know as soon as it is possible to return to campus.
This week we sent a questionnaire to every student asking them to share any difficulties they are having. We have received more than 100 responses so far. Many students are challenged with some form of technology needs to help them complete coursework. Some have difficulties balancing their studies with family obligations. I was pleased to see that a few students returned their questionnaire to let us know they are doing well. I appreciate that, and recognize the hard work that it is taking to maintain student success.
As we approach week three of our distance learning format, we know that the calendar shows that we are approaching the end of the semester as planned. We are working behind the scenes to plan how we can help students complete their coursework, lab work and clinical needs as expeditiously as possible. We are doing everything we can to help them stay on track toward their goals. Together we can make that goal a reality.
Continue to reach out to faculty, advisors, tutors, friends and more as we continue working through spring semester.
I am very proud of each of you for your commitment during these challenging times.
Dorey Diab, Ph.D.
President & CEO
Monday, March 30, 2020
To: Our amazing NC State students
From: Dorey Diab, President
Re: Moving forward despite the challenges
No words can express the gratitude I have for your effort as we transition all of your coursework to distance learning. I encourage you to remain committed to your dream of a college degree. I give you my personal assurance that we will do everything we can to help you during these challenging times because you matter.
You matter to us as both a student and as a future leader for our community.
How did the first week of distance learning go? I’ve heard of some difficulties. But for every challenge, I’ve heard numerous stories where faculty, staff and other students are helping each other to find solutions to meet those needs. Please reach out to your instructors if you need assistance. If they can help, I know that they will. I also know that they can refer you to additional resources like tutoring, counseling and more that might help you succeed.
Our immediate focus remains helping each student finish this semester safely and successfully.
As this crisis continues, we will continue to learn together even though we no longer see each other face-to-face. Let’s not allow social distancing to become social disconnecting. The days ahead require us to communicate, stay in touch and work together; resolve to continue to be resilient, keep a strong, positive spirit and move forward with courage – together.
Together we will survive this evolving global pandemic. Together we will succeed.
Keep up the great work, because at North Central State College, you matter.
I believe in each of you,
Dr. Dorey Diab
President and C.E.O.
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Governor Dewine issues ”Stay-at-Home” order signed by Dr. Acton
The Governor of the State of Ohio has issued a statewide Stay-at-Home order that will go into effect at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2020.
This requires yet another adaptation of our plans to serve the needs of our students. North Central State College will comply with the Governor’s order. Beginning Tuesday, March 24th all offices will close until further notice. This includes the Child Development Center on our Main Campus.
If you need to pick up any materials, equipment, books, lab materials, etc. from the college, we will accommodate access on Monday, March 23rd. Contact the building administrator to schedule your visit:
Kehoe Center – Greg Timberlake 419-755-4740
Health Sciences – Kelly Gray 419-755-4823
Fallerius – Deb Hysell 419-755-4894
Byron Kee – Tom Prendergast 419-755-4712
Crawford Success Center – Amanda Sheets 419-755-9041
Please make arrangements to pick up everything you need from the college by the end of business on Monday, March 23rd.
Online resources and Student Services offices will work to continue meeting your needs using phone, email, zoom, canvas and other resources. Please check the links below regularly as we will continue to post updated information on the web pages for NC State’s Coronavirus Response including:
Important messages and updates: click here
Resources for students available online: click here
Frequently asked questions: click here
During this emergency, please check your email account daily for important updates and information.
Thank you for your understanding during this ongoing emergency situation. Everyone at NC State is committed to helping you continue your education successfully, while we also take every precaution to keep you and our employees healthy and safe.
As your President, I am committed to bringing every resource at my disposal to make sure these goals are accomplished. I am confident we will make it through this pandemic together.
Dorey Diab, President and C.E.O.
Friday, March 20, 2020
An update on the College’s Response to COVID-19 from President Diab
In just two short weeks a lot has changed about the Spring 2020 Semester. I want to thank our faculty and staff for working so quickly to transition our courses into formats that allow distance learning wherever possible. I also thank each of you for your willingness to adapt to the realities required because of the continuing Coronavirus/CORVID-19 pandemic.
As your classes resume using distance learning next week, we will implement more changes in an effort to keep everyone healthy and safe.
Starting Tuesday, March 24, and until further notice, NC State staff members will be working from home. Access to some divisions and departments will require email or leaving a message so you can receive a return phone call. This change will include all offices in student services and advising. There are numerous connections to support services available online. Our newest page was built specifically to assist student during these challenging times.
All NC State buildings will be closed. The only exceptions will be:
- Health Science Labs as necessary and arranged with your instructors.
- Kehoe Center Labs as necessary and arranged with your instructors.
- Offices in Byron Kee will be working remotely from home. Contact information is available online at https://ncstatecollege.edu/student-services/
- Crawford Success Center: please contact Ms. Amanda Sheets at 419-755-9041
- Fallerius 144 Computer Lab will be available for students needing access to a computer and the internet. This room will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Please enter Fallerius through the doors marked “A1” at the north end of the building. Students will adhere to the safety precautions and social distancing. Facility personnel will ensure proper cleaning and disinfection.
- Additional computer labs may be opened if necessary.
The conditions we are facing are unprecedented and continually evolving as we continue to stay abreast of the recommendations and directives from the State of Ohio.
NC State has two primary objectives. First, we are committed to ensuring the safety of every member of our College community. Second, we want to make sure each of you continue toward your educational goals successfully.
Thank you for your efforts. We will get through this crisis – together!
Dorey Diab
President and C.E.O.
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Student Anxiety during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
For many students, a lot is changing right now. This handout was prepared by UC Berkeley to assist students, faculty and staff recognize their own anxiety, and the signs of anxiety in others. NC State as a number of resources available for students and employees to seek assistance in these challenging times. Talk with an instructor, your supervisor or anyone in an office of NC State and we will work with you to connect. Go to Personal Counseling for more information.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Classes will meet Wednesday, March 18th, Thursday, March 19th and Friday, March 20th to review how you and your instructors will collaborate to complete the semester successfully.
If you have been contacted by your instructor and have a plan in place to continue your studies, you do not need to attend class in-person. Please contact your instructor if you have questions or need assistance.
If you have not heard from your instructor, please plan to attend your regularly scheduled class at the scheduled time, and be prepared to discuss your individual needs as a student – especially regarding your online access to course materials from off campus locations and to make special arrangements.
Everyone at NC State is working hard to ensure your success as we transition through these difficult times. Thank you for your patience and your efforts as we work together to complete the Spring 2020 term successfully.
Thank you for all you do to keep our campus safe for everyone.
March 11, 2020
Spring Break extended through Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
NC State College will be open for faculty and staff ONLY with NO classes on Monday and Tuesday, March 16-17.
CCP courses taught by high school faculty will continue their regular schedule at this time.
Students will return to campus on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday March 18-20 so faculty and staff can meet with them once to determine whether each student has access to a computer or internet outside of the college. If students do not have access to technology, packets will be prepared with assignments, exhibits, lecture notes, etc.
We have decided to curtail holding face-to-face classes beginning Monday, March 23, 2020.
This means we will transition to Canvas, Zoom, and electronic formats. At the same time, we are committed to ensuring the success of every student enrolled at NC State. During these times, college offices will remain open.
Courses that cannot be moved online will have alternate plans that will be communicated to students. This change is being made in the best interest of public health while ensuring the continuity of student education.
Infectious disease experts including the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the Ohio Department of Health agree that proper hand hygiene and social distancing will be most effective in controlling the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing is simply actions that reduce large gathering of people to slow the spread. The College intends to scale up our support to students, faculty and staff to provide resources for those who may be unfamiliar with online education or other alternative delivery methods.
Currently there are no known members of the North Central State College who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Plans are in place to ask faculty and students about their travel as they return from spring break.
Furthermore, North Central State is suspending all out-of-state travel. In addition, travel that is in-state, pre-paid, and deemed mission critical may only continue if approved by College administration.
“NC State is taking the necessary steps to preserve safety and public health that are in the best interest of our students and employees,” said Dr. Dorey Diab, President of North Central State College. NC State students are able to access updates to campus information regarding the COVID-19 online at: https://www.ncstatecollege.edu/corona-response.
Students and employees are highly encouraged to follow the health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including:
- If you are sick, or have mild symptoms of fever or cough, stay home.
- Seek medical attention if you are seriously ill.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Hand sanitizer is less effective than washing. Make sure it contains at least 60%alcohol.
- Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough using a tissue and dispose of it properly.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people whether they appear sick or not.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Get a flu shot if you have not already done so.
- Avoid shaking hands.
“The safety of our North Central State students, faculty, staff, and community is of the utmost importance,” said Dr. Dorey Diab, president of NC State. “The College will make adjustments as necessary following state recommendations to make these temporary changes as tolerable as possible. We encourage students to keep an open line of communication with their faculty members, and employees with their supervisors, and check-in frequently for the latest campus updates.”