BSC Smart Start – Return to Campus | Bismarck State College

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BSC Smart Start – Return to Campus

Bismarck State College is open. We will offer the best possible in-person classroom and college experience to students this Fall and moving forward while minimizing risk to all.

Academic Instruction

BSC classes will be offered in four different formats this fall:

· On Campus Face-to-face: The traditional classroom setting where the instructor and students are physically located in the same place and may incorporate the use of multiple supportive technologies as appropriate.

· Online Asynchronous: Online instruction occurring independent of time or location.

· Online Synchronous: Online instruction occurring independent of location, but at the same time (real time).

· Hybrid/Blended: A form of instruction that includes students from different locations and/or environments (face-to-face, online, IVN, etc.) for synchronous and/or asynchronous instruction. Students should be available on the days and times listed for the course, though the class may meet in the classroom in-person or online-live, while also allowing for release time to work online in lieu of a scheduled meeting.

These formats address the diverse programs and courses offered at BSC and allow faculty to design learning experiences that can shift based on the health needs of the community. Your instructors will provide a detailed description of their class plan to you during the first week of class.

The mode of instruction available for any particular class is partly dependent on the type of course a student enrolls in. For the most part, hands-on technical programs will continue in a face-to-face format with limited class sizes, social distancing, and mask requirements. General education classes will be offered in a hybrid format that, depending on the social distancing requirements in place, will allow face-to-face classroom instruction as well as a synchronous online classroom environment (online in real time). This hybrid structure allows instruction to continue should the health needs of faculty or students disrupt the classroom.

For specific program information and scenarios, please visit the COMMON STUDENT QUESTIONS/ACADEMICS section of this page.

 

What you’ll see in your classes:

· Seating/desk arrangements adjusted to ensure social distancing is maintained for each student. Extra spacing will spread out student chairs in most rooms.

· Additional teaching technology that will enhance instructional flexibility in classrooms and allow students who may need to be isolated to participate in the real-time education experience.

· In rooms with two doors, designation of one as an entrance and the other as an exit to improve the flow of individuals and to reduce clustering.

· Schedules that maximize student experiences and minimize risk

· Enhanced cleaning protocols related to touch points within the room.

· Enhanced safety measures – masks (where needed), sanitation, distancing, etc.

Common Student Questions

Academic

Q: Will BSC have face-to-face or online classes this fall? 

A: We expect a return to in-person instruction, including most regular campus activities, for the Fall 2020 semester. The key to doing this is to balance your college experience return with reasonable safety measures. We are exploring a variety of options to mitigate the risks including hybrid classes that create a flexible learning environment.

For the most part, hands-on technical programs will continue in a face-to-face format with limited class sizes, social distancing, and mask requirements. General education classes will be offered in a hybrid format that, depending on the social distancing requirements in place, will allow face-to-face classroom instruction as well as a synchronous online classroom environment (online in real time).  

We will be guided by best practices and advice from the CDC and the ND Department of Health. We will keep you informed as plans become more well developed.

Your instructors will provide a detailed desription of their class plan to you prior to the start of class. 

 

Q: I am a medically at-risk student and my classes are all delivered in a face-to-face/hybrid format. What do I do if I need to attend class in a virtual format only? 

A: Students that are at-risk can request accommodations based on their specific medical condition. Based on this request, BSC staff will work with the student to identify reasonable accomodations and support the student's ability to continue their education.

Students can request accommodations through:
BSC Student Accessibility Services
701.224.5671
bsc.accessibility@bismarckstate.edu
bismarckstate.edu/accessibility

 

Q: I’ve heard talk about hybrid classes. What does that mean? 

A: BSC will begin using a technology-enhanced instructional model that allows students and faculty to fully interact in person or remotely beginning Fall 2020. This technology allows for live participation in both in-person and remote class periods and at the same time allows students and faculty that are vulnerable, in isolation or in quarantine to continue to effectively teach and learn. We hope this will help ease concerns as well as mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 

Most classrooms on the BSC campus will be equipped with the technology to hold hybrid classes, and faculty will be supported over the summer to train and prepare to teach in this innovative model. 

Students should be available on the days and times listed for the course, though the class may meet in the classroom in-person or online-live, while also allowing for release time to work online in lieu of a scheduled meeting.

 

Q: How is the delivery method for each class decided?

A: The decision regarding method of delivery for each class is determined by the college on a case-by-case basis. BSC currently has both the online-only format and the face-to-face/hybrid format available on the schedule for many of our classes and students can enroll in the format that works best for them. However, there will be some classes that will only be available in one of the two formats because of the nature of the course such as labs, hands-on technical classes, an online-only program, etc.

 

Q: Technical, general education and energy courses are all very different types of courses. How will they all be conducted so that students stay safe but still get the same educational experience? 

A: Below are examples you will see in various courses offered this fall:

  • Transfer or General Education Courses:  A wide variety of courses are offered for transfer and how each addresses the current situation varies, but the following examples give an overview of what to expect. 
    • English instructors will separate their classes into two groups to allow for social distancing. In most cases, the first group will attend class in the classroom (face-to-face) on select days, while the other group listens and interacts live online from a remote location, and vice versa.?In other classes, instructors will deliver the same lecture face-to-face to each group, while the group not on campus that day works on projects online during their off-campus day.?
    • A typical science lab course this fall will have students divided into two groups to allow for social distancing as needed. While one group is working in the lab, the other group will either be working on projects in a nearby classroom or online. 
    • For more information on transfer courses, contact Dr. Amy Juhala at 701.224.5760 or Amy.Juhala@bismarckstate.edu  

       
  • Technical Education Courses:  Courses will be conducted in a manner that protects both students and instructors.  Nursing courses will be live broadcast to several classrooms at the same time to support social distancing. During hands-on, team-based exercises, masks and other personal protective equipment will be required. Students in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program have the option to complete theory courses via interactive learning tools, while hands-on laboratory exercises will be completed in person Tuesday evenings or one weekend a month to limit the number of students in the classroom. 
  • Energy Courses: Face-to-face offerings through the National Energy Center of Excellence (NECE) division will consist of classroom theory, virtual interactive learning tools, and hands-on lab competencies. Supplemental online based resources and technology will be used to improve learning, social distancing, and student/faculty safety. Masks will be mandatory in each area where 6-foot social distancing cannot be maintained. 

 

Q: Because transmission of COVID-19 will never be zero any time soon, and if a student is or lives with someone at high risk of the virus, how would that student conduct lab classes without putting their own or other’s lives at risk? 

A: As BSC transitions back to more regular operations, learning will be conducted with the utmost caution following all the safety protocols outlined in the CAMPUS SAFETY section of this FAQ. 

 

Q: I am a returning BSC student. How do I register or get help registering for my Fall 2020 classes? 

A: Fall Registration is being done virtually. Students who were unable to connect with their assigned advisor before the end of the Spring 2020 semester can reach out to the advisors in the Mystic Advising & Counseling Center (MACC) at bsc.advising@bismarckstate.edu.

Advisors are also available to assist students in the Energy programs by emailing bsc.energy@bismarckstate.edu. 

For assistance with registration review the Fall Current Student Registration Guide. 

 

Q: I already registered, and my courses are listed as on-campus in Campus Connection. What if I can’t attend class because I’ve been exposed to the virus? 

A: BSC will support students through any disruptions caused by exposure to the virus. Most General Education courses have been converted to the hybrid/blended mode for Fall. This allows instructors the flexibility to provide face-to-face instruction or, provide synchronous online instruction for a student who may need to self-quarantine due to exposure to the virus. Technical programs will continue in a face-to-face format and many are designed to provide student support due to health-related disruptions. As always, your instructor will be your first contact to gather more information as needed. 

 

Q: What if I get sick or one of my classmates does and we’ve been in class together? What will happen? 

A: BSC will follow ND Department of Health (NDDoH) protocols and work with the individual to ensure the NDDoH is made aware of the situation. NDDoH will make a determination about the possible exposure, complete contact tracing as needed, and determine the nature of the contact and possible monitoring requirements for the near future. At this time, anyone who came into direct, regular contact with the infected person will need to quarantine for 14 days. Students faced with this situation will work closely with their instructor to ensure their education is not disrupted. The hybrid/blended setup will make that possible. 

Admissions

Q: Can I still apply for admission to BSC for Fall 2020? 

A: BSC continues to accept applications for admission for this fall. Visit bismarckstate.edu/apply for procedures and the application. 

 

Q: Can I schedule a face-to-face campus visit? 

A: BSC face-to-face campus visits will resume on July 13. In order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the BSC Admissions office will be guiding students through virtual visit until face-to-face visits resume. 

A virtual visit is a one-on-one with a BSC admissions representative. This customized visit allows for further discussion on the right degree program that matches your goals, financial questions and to review scholarship opportunities available.  

Email?bsc.admissions@bismarckstate.edu or text 701.390.1075 to set up your virtual visit or face-to-face campus visit. 

 

Q: When will the application for Fall 2021 open? 

A: Students interested in applying to BSC for Fall 2021 may begin applying in August. 

 

Q: Who should I contact if I still have questions? 

A: Whether it’s virtual or in-person, know that we are here to help you through this transition and we are all very excited to be part of the next stage in your journey. If you have questions related to your admission to BSC, please reach out to us: 

PHONE: 701.224.5429 | 1.800.445.5073 
TEXT: 701.390.1075
EMAIL: BSC.Admissions@bismarckstate.edu 

Athletics

Q: I am interested in competing in athletics at BSC but since all spring sports seasons were canceled it changed 2020-2021 recruiting. How can I let coaches know I am interested in becoming a BSC Mystic student athlete? 

A: If you are interested competing in college athletics as a Mystic we want to hear from you! Please complete the recruiting form on the BSC Mystics website. Your form will be submitted to each respective coach. 

 

Q: What will sports look like this year for the Mystics? 

A: Bismarck State College is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). On July 13, 2020 the NJCAA announced that all close-contact fall sports will be shifted to the spring semester and the winter sports will have a revised season as well. This will mean changes in the BSC Mystics volleyball and basketball seasons. 

FALL SPORTS: Volleyball, which typically starts practice in August, has been moved to the spring semester. Practice can begin Jan. 11 with the first games on Jan. 29. Games will be capped at 21. Regional tournaments need to be completed by April 3 and nationals will be played April 15-17. 

WINTER SPORTS: Men’s and women’s basketball teams can also begin practice on Jan. 11. Basketball games can start Jan. 22 with a maximum of 22 games for the season, down more than 10 from a normal year. The seasons will be extended one month with national tournaments starting April 19.

SPRING SPORTS: At this time, the NJCAA will proceed with spring championship sports, beginning practice and competition as planned with a few minor adjustments to dates. As the spring season approaches, the NJCAA National Office will provide additional guidance on any possible changes as necessary.

Players, coaches and staff will work through all protocols and processes recommended at the time they begin practicing to ensure the health of all student athletes and coaching staff.

 

Q: Will Mystics fans be able to attend home sporting events? 

A: As each athletic season approaches, BSC will revisit the decision to host fans as the seasons approach and the NJCAA and ND Smart Restart recommendations evolve. With or without fans in the stands, BSC will livestream home volleyball and basketball games. More information regarding livestream access will be shared on the Mystic Athetics website and in the BSC Events section of bismarckstate.edu. 

Campus Living

Q: How is BSC handling BSC Move-In Weekend to keep students safe?

A: This year, students will move in over multiple days to control the number of people entering a single building at one time. Move-in days will take place August 21-23. Protocols are in place for BSC Move-In Days to better control traffic and congestion and to keep our campus residents and their families safe. Students MUST register for a check-in appointment on the BSC Self Service page in Campus Connection. Students who do not register will be assigned a time. Students should watch their email closely for additional information and instructions.

AUG 21 BSC Move-In Day: Swensen Hall & Lidstrom Hall
AUG 22 BSC Move-In Day: Gate City Bank Hall & Ritchie Hall
AUG 23 BSC Move-In Day: Mystic Hall & Werner Hall

For more information about Move-In Weekend dates visit: bismarckstate.edu/events/


Q: What will on-campus living look like this fall? 

A: Residence Life will continue to provide students on-campus housing. Students who have concerns with living on campus are asked to discuss options with Residence Life. 

Students will move in over three days to control the number of people entering a single building at one time. 

Students who need to quarantine will do so in their own rooms. Rooms will be set aside for on-campus students who may need to isolate at any point during the semester. Meals will be delivered to the rooms and Residence Life will provide daily wellness checks to students in these situations. 

Planned day-to-day operational adaptations include providing disinfectant stations for student use and scheduling additional sanitation by campus custodians. We may limit the number of students in lounges and reconfigure furniture in common areas. 

Campus Health & Safety

Q: What safety measures are being implemented to keep the BSC community safe? 

A: To protect our students, employees and guests BSC is implementing the following measures and may modify this list depending on the ND Smart Restart Guidelines and the CDC: 

  • analyzing classrooms and class sizes to determine options for social distancing 

  • evaluating potential adjustments to seating arrangements 

  • acquiring technology to enhance instructional flexibility in classrooms, and allow for instances where an individual may need to be isolated to participate in real-time education 

  • examining course and semester schedules to maximize student experiences and minimize risk 

  • staggering the move-in dates for students living on campus 

  • asking students to abide by social distancing and hygiene recommendations 

  • implementing screening stations at building entrances to check students, employees and guests for high temperatures and virus symptoms


Q: Will there be testing and temperature checks like some businesses have implemented? 

A: BSC is currently conducting temperature checks at building entry points throughout campus and all individuals (students, employees and visitors) are checked and provided a bracelet indicating their compliance. These entry points are spread out across campus with coverage of all buildings open to the public.

As expected and as revealed through recent trends, these protocols can change and BSC will provide campus updates to students, employees and the public as often as needed. 
 

Q: What will happen if someone on campus gets sick or is exposed? 

A: If an individual becomes ill and tests positive for COVID-19, we have procedures in place to coordinate awareness of the situation with the help of the ND Department of Health (NDDoH). The NDDoH will make a determination about the possible exposure, complete contact tracing as needed, and determine the nature of the contract and possible monitoring requirements for the near future. At this time, protocol is that anyone who came into direct, regular contact with the infected individual will need to quarantine for 14 days. The NDDoH will help us to determine who those individuals are. Students faced with this situation will work closely with their instructor to ensure their education is not disrupted. BSC would follow NDDoH guidelines regarding a safe return to campus.

 
Q: Will Mystic Marketplace be open to students this fall for dining? 

A: Mystic Marketplace is an important hub on campus for students living on and off campus. They will be open and providing all of their regular dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner but have added extra safety precautions and protocols: 

  • recommending masks be worn when social distance cannot be maintained
     
  • providing pre-plated and pre-package foods rather than self-serve and salad bars, and adjusting space-appropriate seating for dining
     
  • serving food rather than offering self-serve
     
  • added signage to encourage social distancing in lines
     
  • arranged seating areas to meet health department criteria for distancing
     
  • conducting thorough cleaning and disinfecting on a regular and frequent basis, following state and federal public health agencies guidelines, utilizing EPA approved cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants
     
  • offering take-out meals to allow students to eat in their rooms
Event & Facility Rental

Q: Are any events being held on campus now? 

A: Following the guidance from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention, the ND Department of Health and the ND Governor’s Office regarding COVID-19, Bismarck State College is hosting very limited events. Events at BSC will be hosted with the utmost caution and event organizers and guests will be expected to follow all safety protocols outlined in the CAMPUS HEALTH & SAFETY section above. For more information or to inquire about facility rental availability visit bismarckstate.edu/rent.  

If you are interested in having an event on campus, we will do our best to accommodate you based on the current COVID-19 situation. Requests can be made by emailing BSC Campus Scheduling Associate Rachelle Smith at rachelle.smith@bismarckstate.edu. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. The health and well-being of our students, employees, stakeholders and campus guests is our top priority. 

 

 

 

Financial Aid

We encourage all BSC students to submit a 2020-21 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at https://studentaid.gov to determine whether they qualify for financial aid.  Applying for financial aid does not mean you must accept student loan offers, it ensures that BSC may determine your eligibility for federal grants and loans.

If your financial situation has changed due to personal circumstances, please contact BSC Financial Aid for more information after submitting the FAFSA:

Phone: 701-224-5494
Email: bsc.financialaid@bismarckstate.edu


Learn more about the scholarship availability for the next school year at bismarckstate.edu/scholarships.

Housing

As we have in the past, our Residence Halls will offer double rooms and suites depending on the hall. Students who have concerns with living on campus are asked to discuss options with Student & Residence Life.

Move-In Days: This year, students will move in over multiple days to control the number of people entering a single building at one time. Move-in days will take place August 21-23 -- the weekend prior to the first day of class on Aug. 24.

Each student will be assigned a day and time for move-in, and someone from Student Life will contact individual residents prior to their assigned move in day to answer questions and provide additional information.

More communication will be provided directly to residents throughout the summer.

Coronavirus and quarantine in the residence Halls: Residential students will be asked to submit a quarantine plan before they move into the residence halls. When possible, students are asked to move off campus should they need to self-quarantine during the school year. When that is not possible, rooms will be set aside for residential students who need to isolate and cannot move off campus. Meals will be delivered to that room and the Student Life team will provide daily wellness checks to students in these situations.

Dining during self-isolation: A sick-tray system is in place to aid residential students not feeling well or with flu/COVID-19 symptoms or concerns that require self-isolation. Residents will fill out a form to arrange for sick tray options. Residents may arrange with a friend for meals to be dropped off. Where needed, a BSC Student Life staff member will drop meals off outside of the student’s room.

Cleaning and Hygiene: Residence halls will have a number of disinfectant stations for student use; and additional sanitation by campus custodians has been scheduled. The number of students in lounges will be limited, and furniture in common areas has been reconfigured to facilitate social distancing.

Dining

Students will be able to dine in the Mystic Marketplace seven days a week. The Mystic Marketplace is planning a number of modifications to ensure the health and safety of students and employees, including:

· Signage to encourage social distancing in lines

· Seating areas arranged to meet health department criteria for distancing

· Thorough cleaning and disinfecting on a regular and frequent basis, following state and federal public health agencies guidelines, utilizing EPA approved cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants

· Take-out meals to allow students to eat in their rooms

· Food will be served and not available for self-service

· Crowd size will be limited to ND health department restrictions, currently at 75-percent capacity, managed by Marketplace staff

Mystic Java in the Union, the Power Bean in the NECE, and the Well Bean in the BSC Health Sciences Building will offer their full-service coffee menu, self-serve snacks and meals and also will apply the modifications noted above.

Athletics

On July 13, 2020 the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) announced that all close-contact fall sports will be shifted to the spring semester and the winter sports will have a revised season as well. This will mean changes in the BSC Mystics volleyball and basketball seasons.
 
Volleyball, which typically starts practice in August, has been moved to the spring semester. Practice can begin Jan. 11 with the first games on Jan. 29. Games will be capped at 21. Regional tournaments need to be completed by April 3 and nationals will be played April 15-17. BSC advanced to the national tournament last season (November of 2019).
 
Men’s and women’s basketball teams can also begin practice on Jan. 11. Basketball games can start Jan. 22 with a maximum of 22 games for the season, down more than 10 from a normal year. The seasons will be extended one month with national tournaments starting April 19.
 
The spring Mystics baseball and softball seasons will remain intact with minor adjustments to dates.

Players, coaches and staff will work through all protocols and processes recommended at the time they begin practicing to ensure the health of all student athletes and coaching staff.
 
"It's going to be a busy spring on campus. Right now we're just thankful there's going to be a season and the kids are going to get to compete," says BSC athletic director Buster Gilliss. "We're hoping in January we may be able to have fans at our games. I guess time will tell."

As each athletic season approaches, BSC will revisit the decision to host fans as the NJCAA and ND Smart Restart recommendations evolve. With or without fans in the stands, BSC will livestream home volleyball and basketball games. More information regarding livestream access will be shared on the Mystic Athetics website and in the BSC Events section of bismarckstate.edu.

Student Performances

Music: All BSC music classes and practice groups plan will move forward with modifications that ensure proper social distancing as directed by the ND Smart Restart Guidelines, the State Board of Higher Ed and the CDC. All concerts and performances in the Sidney J. Lee Auditorium would continue as scheduled with the recommended social distancing on stage for the performers and in the audience. In addition, all performances will be livestreamed in order to accommodate audience members (family and friends) who wish to see the students perform but are unable to attend due to COVID concerns.

Livestreaming would provide education opportunities for interdepartmental activities: mass communication, digital audio production, theater, and campus relations.

Theater: Plans regarding BSC's theatre production season are ongoing. More information will be presented as soon as plans are finalized. 

If ND Smart Restart guidelines allow the department to offer a live theater experience, we have the ability to sell only specifically chosen sections of the theatre, creating a reduced house for performances, maintaining a row of distance and at least one seat of distance between our patrons.

Student Health

BSC’s Student & Residence Life team has well-established protocols, updated and adapted to COVID-19, for screening, testing and working with students who report symptoms. Our student services teams have experience with and are prepared to support any students who are affected.

The North Dakota Department of Health will conduct contact tracing for any positive cases of the virus in an employee or student.

BSC does not have a student health services, and students who believe they have been exposed or are infected with coronavirus, must follow the safety protocols put into place but the North Dakota Department of Health which you can find here.

BSC will support and accommodate the student within those protocols.

The Mystic Advising and Counseling Center (MACC) will continue to offer one-on-one counseling through telemedicine and in-person as possible for a variety of mental health concerns.

Reducing Spread

Follow CDC guidelines on handwashing, respiratory etiquette, as well as social distancing. Students and employees will be reminded to stay home when sick.

BSC is working on or has already incorporated the following facility modifications.

· Evaluating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and controls for improved air quality options

· Adjusting seating arrangements in classrooms and meeting rooms

· Installing physical barriers in areas like Mystic Java, Mystic Marketplace, the Bookstore, and student services

· Posting distancing reminders in areas where people wait in lines for services

· Hand sanitizer stations in high traffic public areas in every building. Disinfecting solutions also will be available for students and faculty who want to clean desks, chairs or other surfaces

· Hygiene reminders will be posted throughout campus

· Remote work will continue for employees who need to remain home

Custodial cleaning and disinfecting has been enhanced for restrooms and classrooms, as well as areas like door handles, elevator controls, water bottle filling stations, hand rails and light switches.

What you’ll see from faculty and employees at BSC

BSC Initiatives to Ensure High Quality Education

With the goal of ensuring classroom excellence while reducing the risk of contracting COVID-19 by students, faculty, and staff, BSC has prioritized new initiatives.

· Classroom Mapping: Every campus classroom was analyzed to determine optimal spacing. This process has spaced student chairs to ensure social distancing recommendations are met. Where needed, adjustments were made to the room layout.

· Teaching and Learning Center: A new Teaching and Learning Center began operation this summer to provide support for faculty as they enhance and design courses for student success.

· Classroom Technologies: BSC will enhance classroom technologies to provide the flexibility needed in an environment with possible COVID-19 related disruptions.

At this time, as per CDC guidelines for college campuses, employees will wear facemasks when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

· Employees will wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
· Employees who are sick will stay home.
· All employees will continue good health habits including washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, keeping a supply of hand sanitizer on hand, covering coughs and sneezes and cleaning all high-touch areas.

Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions area.

COVID-19 Updates

BSC follows guidelines from the ND Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and we are aligning our return with the ND Smart Restart Guidelines. The health of our community is our top priority.

All notifications and updates about COVID-19, BSC’s response to it, or any impact on students and operations, will be posted here.