Phase 4 Campus Safety Precautions

In September, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) requested that all state community colleges post on their website current and cumulative COVID-19  cases. This information is updated weekly or as needed with a positive case. Read the dashboard

If you are waiting for COVID-19 test results, due to symptoms or potential exposure, please do not come to the Highland Community College campus. If you are a student, contact your instructor(s) on alternative remote learning options. Employees should contact their supervisors.

Before entering campus, you are expected to practice self-monitoring. These guidelines follow the IDPH and CDC recommendations. Please ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have a fever of 100.4 or higher in the last 24 hours?
• Do you have any of the following symptoms that cannot be explained by another illness or condition?
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fever or chills
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle pain or body aches
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Headache
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
• Have you come in close contact with someone who has a lab-confirmed COVID-19?

If you answered yes to these questions, do not come to campus. It is recommended that you contact your instructor(s) as detailed in the syllabus that you will miss class. Please remember, Highland does not have a health clinic on campus. If you have further questions, contact your healthcare provider or call the FHN COVID-19 hotline at 815-599-6412 or speak virtually to Monroe Clinic telehealth.

If you test positive for COVID-19 and have been on campus or attending an in-person class, contact the Student Services Office at 815-599-3531 or 815-599-3582.

If you are having difficulties with alternative learning or having trouble with your classes due to illness, please contact Barb Statdfield in disability services at 815-599-3605.

While on campus, you are required to wear a mask or cloth face covering at all times in areas including, but not limited to, hallways, classrooms, restrooms, buildings, elevators, and stairways. Your mask usage must align with CDC and IDPH guidance.

All common area touch surfaces are disinfected throughout the day and multiple times when feasible by custodial maintenance. Wipes are available throughout campus. Our classrooms are now designed to allow for the second classroom of students to sit on a separate desk than the previous class. This allows for easier cleaning of classroom spaces.

According to the CDC, gloves are not necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Instead, please follow frequent handwashing guidelines, including washing your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and water in a nearby restroom, when available. Hand sanitizer and wipes are also available in all campus buildings.

While on campus, you must keep a safe distance of 6 feet from others. Gatherings are limited to no more than 50 people, including in the classroom and outside. Common areas or social gathering areas have limited seating to allow for social distancing. Classroom seating has been adjusted to allow for social distancing.

Please practice social distancing in the restrooms. All restrooms are open with toilet paper, paper towels, and hand soap. We have moved trash receptacles near the door for easy disposal of your paper towel after opening the door.

Drinking fountains that do not have touchless bottle refill stations are unavailable for use. If you need water throughout your visit, please bring a reusable bottle (already filled) from home. Buildings F, H, M, N, and S have touchless bottle refill stations available.

Vending machines across campus have sanitizing stations. Before use, wipe down the machine with a disposable wipe.

In-person and online Student Services are available around your comfort level. The campus is available with access to the bookstore, financial aid or advising while following the Phase 4 guidelines. Advisors remain available through Zoom™ or by phone. You can also schedule an appointment with the testing center or you can even order your books online and pick them up curb side. Students should email their instructor for virtual office hours.

Unavailable campus services:

• Fine Arts Theatre
• Sports Complex

To keep our campus community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made changes to our café services. 

For more information and to view the menu, head to the Cafeteria web page.

In-person and virtual library services are available. You can request materials through PrairieCat and pick them up in person from the circulation desk. The stacks and seating are closed at this time.

A limited number of seats in the computer lab are available for use by appointment or first-come, first-served if there are no reservations.

The library will maintain daily service hours, but staff will be working remotely on Fridays. Please plan your checkout of physical library materials or use of lab computers for Mondays – Thursdays.

Library Hours

• Monday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Friday: staff available to assist students remotely from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Please contact the library at 815-599-3539 or library@highland.edu.

Athletes should contact their coach or athletic director regarding athletic workouts. If a club would like to meet, the officer should contact the club advisor.

Call 815-235-9622, follow on Facebook or visit freeportymca.org for their current status.

Prospective students may schedule individual tours through admissions or athletics. These tours will need to practice the Phase 4 campus safety precautions.