COVID-19 FAQs

Are study abroad programs canceled?

Plans for 2022 study abroad have not yet been formulated.

Pikes Peak Community College has shifted to a greater on-campus presence over the summer.  

 All student services including Admissions, Academic Advising, Financial Aid, Cashier, Military and Veterans Programs, and Student Life continue to be open for in-person services at Centennial and Rampart Range campuses. Accessibility Services has in-person services at Centennial only.

Many services are available by appointment. Appointments are made by using Navigate and can be set-up as remote (video conference or phone) or in-person. Walk-ins are always welcome for all services. Reminder: Masks are now required. Remote services remain fully available. View the Remote Services webpage for information on accessing remote services.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Fall Semester at PPCC.  These FAQs are based upon the latest guidance that the college has received from El Paso County Public Health and may change as conditions and guidance change.

1.     What is PPCC doing about health and safety?

·      PPCC encourages all faculty, staff, and students to get vaccinated. It's your best protection against acquiring and spreading the virus.  PPCC is sponsoring Vaccine Clinics on campus. Here are the initial clinics.  In addition, clinics for the Downtown Studio Campus and the Rampart Range Campus are currently in development.

·      Face coverings on all campuses are required indoors, except for private offices. Students requesting an exemption to the mask requirement due to temporary or long-term disabilities or medical conditions may contact Accessibility Services, and employees may contact HRS.

·      All high-touch surfaces are sanitized twice daily using a virus killing chemical and special sprayer for 360-degree contact.

·      Cleaning supplies are also available in all classrooms.

·      Plexiglass shields have been placed in all high-traffic student service areas including Advising & Testing and Enrollment Services as well as in some one-on-one service areas.

Questions and concerns can be directed to PPCC's Facilities & Operations at 502-2800.

1.      What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The following are all potential symptoms of COVID-19

·      Fever or chills,

·      Cough,

·      Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,

·      Fatigue,

·      Muscle or body aches,

·      Headache,

·      New loss of taste or smell,

·      Sore throat,

·      Congestion or runny nose,

·      Nausea or vomiting,

·      Diarrhea.

2.     What should I do if I am experiencing any of these symptoms?

Stay home, please! If you feel well enough to work, arrange to work remotely with your supervisor.  If you are not feeling well enough to work, please contact Human Resource Services.

3.     What should I do if a student reports COVID a positive test?

Please ask a student report positive test results here.

4.     Where do I find the form for reporting COVID-19 positive test? 

The form is available at: Report positive test results here.

5.     What is the PPCC policy on face coverings?

PPCC is requiring face coverings inside all public campus locations, whether a person is vaccinated or not. 

A face covering is not required when in a private office working alone.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that masks should be made from at least two layers of washable, breathable material. Completely covers nose and mouth areas. Fits snuggly against the sides of the face and doesn’t have gaps. When a face covering is held up to light, you should not be able to see through it.

Face coverings with exhalation valves are not considered effective as they can allow virus particles to escape.

Face shields are not considered an appropriate face covering unless it is recommended as an accommodation.

6.     What should I do if I have a medical condition and cannot wear a face covering?

You may request a medical exemption.  If you are a student, please contact Accessibility Services at  719-502-3333 or ppcc.access@ppcc.edu.  If you are a faculty or staff member, please contact Human Resource Services to request an ADA reasonable accommodation.  Please contact HRS at 719-502-2600 or HRS@PPCC.edu.

7.     What if one of my students reports that they cannot wear a mask for medical reasons?

Please refer your student to Accessibility Services. The AS team are the only ones to request medical documentation from the student. Faculty and instructors should not ask for documentation, nor the disability or medical condition that justifies a mask exemption. As part of the AS process, we require documentation and will provide the student with an ACCESSibility Services exemption card.

Faculty/Instructors will be sent an accommodation notification letter via email that will indicate the exemption. If necessary, please request to see the AS exemption card from the student in a private setting.

8.     What if one of my employees states that they cannot wear a mask for medical reasons?

Please refer your employee to Human Resource Services to utilize the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Interactive Process.

9.     What if an employee or student is inquiring about exemptions other than medical exemptions?

Please refer the person to Human Resource Services (HRS) at HRS@ppcc.edu or 502-2600.

For reasons other than medical-related conditions, students may also have a PPCC exemption card that is processed through HRS. This is different from the medical-based exemptions from AS. We are advising students to reach out to their faculty to inform them of the mask exemption and to provide the card as documentation.

10.  What if I don’t feel well, but I know it is not COVID?

If you are not feeling well, please stay home.  If you have documentation of allergies or a chronic condition that encompasses some of the COVID symptoms, you may provide medical documentation.  If you are a student and need academic accommodations because of the impact of your symptoms on your classes please contact Accessibility Services at 719-502-3333 or ppcc.access@ppcc.edu .    If you are a faculty or staff member, please contact HRS at HRS@PPCC.edu for an accommodation.

11.  I am an employee of PPCC, and my child’s classroom has been sent home due to a COVID exposure. What should I do?

If your child’s class or school closes due to COVID 19, please inform your supervisor, and ask to work remotely, if possible.  Also contact Human Resource Services to provide the documentation received from your child’s school and to request Public Health Emergency Leave (PHEL) if you are unable to work remotely.

12.  Where can I get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

PPCC will be sponsoring vaccine clinics during the month of September. You can find details here.  

Vaccines are also available through UC Health and local pharmacies, grocery stores and retail locations.  Please go to the El Paso County Health Department link for a full listing of vaccine locations. https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/how-will-i-get-the-vaccine

13.  What is the “Voluntary Vaccine Registry” at PPCC? 

The PPCC Voluntary Vaccine registry is available at: Voluntary COVID-19 Vaccination Registry  and is an opportunity for faculty, staff and students to upload their vaccine information.  Sharing your vaccination status allows us to quickly manage our response to potential exposure to COVID-19 on-campus. Reporting your vaccination status is completely voluntary and will be used only for PPCC pandemic response purposes.

14.  What are the Vaccine Incentives being offered at PPCC and CCCS?

PPCC is offering $100 in gift cards to every unvaccinated student or employee who gets their first vaccination. To receive your gift cards, please upload your vaccination card after each dose and fill out the Voluntary COVID-19 Vaccination Registry.

If you were already vaccinated, THANK YOU!

15.   What is the latest information on Boosters for COVID-19?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has approved a booster (third vaccine) for moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals.

16.  I teach a PPCC class in a high school, which guidance should I follow?

You must follow the guidance of the high school. 

What kind of technology will be required to participate in distance learning?

Online classes will be accessed through D2L.  

What if your class has transitioned to online, and you have a problem with online courses?

We know many student are concerned about the transition, and we strongly urge students with concerns to reach out to your professors.  Also, know that you can take advantage of our remote support services to help you get through this transition.

If you are doing the same level of work now than you've done prior to the stay-at-home order, there's a good chance you'll complete your class just fine. If you feel that you can't make it through, work with your instructor to see if they might qualify for a grade of “Incomplete,” which will allow you to complete the course later rather than retake the whole course.  Grades of “Incomplete” are issued at the faculty member’s discretion.

What about concurrent high school students?

Students who attend PPCC courses on PPCC campuses are subject to the same COVID-19 testing protocols and mask requirements as other PPCC students. Students attending PPCC courses only at their high school campus, online, or completely virtually should follow their high school’s COVID protocols. 

Are campus events still happening?

Yes. Some campus events are in person with virtual options.  See the Stall Street Journal for details.

Are we discouraging in-person meetings?

No longer. Face coverings are required, regardless of vaccination status.

What do you do if you have symptoms, plan to be tested or have been tested?

Please go home if you're experiencing any symptoms and fill out this form. Also, fill out that form if you know somebody else in the campus community who has symptoms.

Has there been an increase in disinfectant efforts by the cleaning staff on campus?

Yes. Our facilities team has stepped up cleaning protocols, especially on light switches, doorknobs, water fountains, and handrails, using disinfectant cleaner that can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungus. They've also installed plexiglas in areas with the heaviest student/staff engagement.

What about mental health issues?

This crisis, and the accompanying stress, has caused many mental health issues. The PPCC counseling center remains open. The CDC offers these tips for dealing with the stress and anxiety.

What can you do to help?

Get vaccinated. Wear face coverings when on campus and not eating or drinking in lounges. Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer. Stay home if you are sick. If you think you might have Covid-19 symptoms, fill out this form.