03.23.2020

Dear Students,

Welcome to a new week! Before I share the latest list of updates, I want to reinforce that my number one priority remains the health and safety of our students, employees, and community. To date, I am grateful that there are no reported cases of COVID-19 on Zane State College campuses.

Zane State College also remains committed to helping each of you succeed, even in the face of unexpected challenges. We are working hard to continue to provide all of the services you’ve come to expect, even tutoring and advising. Also, If you are at higher risk for severe illness due to age or health-related issues, please let your faculty or Success Coach know so accommodations can be made.

While your physical health is at the top of the priority list, so is your mental health. If you need to talk, Zane State College does offer personal counseling. Counselor Heather Merry, M.Ed., PCC, is available via WebEx or phone call: Click here to schedule online. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact the Crises Text Line at 741741 (24/7, confidential service). The Crises Hotline is also open after business hours by calling 740.344.5818 (serving Muskingum, Guernsey, Noble, Perry, Coshocton, Morgan counties).

Now for the latest updates:

• Following the Governor’s Stay at Home order effective tonight, March 23, at 11:59 p.m., College buildings will be closed until April 7, 2020.
  • All coursework, including all on-campus labs, will be taught using remote-learning format.
  • Please continue to check your email and Blackboard for messaging from your faculty with further instructions.
  • If you are experiencing issues with internet access at home, please let your faculty know. If you need additional technology-related assistance or have questions, contact Zane State College’s Technology Solutions Center at techelp@zanestate.edu.
• Whether you are just starting out or about to graduate, we want to help keep you on track. Keep in contact with your Success Coach and faculty advisor. They want to help keep you on pace.
• If you are a brand new student who planned to attend the in-person orientation this Wednesday, you will be receiving a virtual orientation (video recording) message. Stay tuned.
• Just a reminder, students currently enrolled in Spring Semester courses have until April 30 to withdraw (please note, the last day to withdraw was extended from March 21).  If you need to adjust your schedule, please contact your Student Success Coach or program advisor.
• For those who were planning to walk the stage and graduate in May, you can expect a survey in the weeks to come. We will be gathering feedback about next steps regarding Commencement. Your opinions will help shape our future decisions, so please keep your eyes open for that email.
  • Also, grads, please keep your eye on the ball (aka, your career!). The Career Services team is committed to helping you during this time of change. They can still talk with you and help with resume writing and proof reading, cover letter writing, or any of your other career search preparation needs. Click here for more information and to schedule an appointment: https://www.zanestate.edu/career-services/.
• If you need any additional help, please reach out to this contact page: https://www.zanestate.edu/info/let-us-help/, or call Zane State College’s Coronavirus Help Line at 740.588.1224 where representatives are available to answer questions Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. If you call during closed hours, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

As promised, I will plan to send a second bi-weekly communication on Thursday. Since changes happen daily, you might want to consider following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, for any additional messaging. If you chose to opt out of text messaging and would like to start receiving text alerts from Zane State College, please contact the Technology Solutions Center at techelp@zanestate.edu to be re-added to the distribution list.

Be well,

Dr. Brown