COVID-19
HCC strongly encourages all members of the college community to get vaccinated. Please read this statement by the fifteen Massachusetts community college presidents.
FREE TESTING
A Stop the Spread testing site, HCC offers free, drive-through COVID-19 tests in collaboration with the City of Holyoke and Fallon Ambulance. Check our Stop the Spread webpage for days and times. IMPORTANT: Before you come, check the Holyoke Board of Health website for notice of cancellation.
LEARNING AT HCC
In alignment with guidance from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the CDC, and other health agencies, HCC has developed a plan designed to deliver a robust academic experience while maintaining the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and community.
PRIMARILY REMOTE CLASSES
At present, the great majority of classes will be conducted remotely, with the exception of some Health Sciences and Culinary Arts courses, which have been approved to conduct limited face-to-face instruction as necessary to meet program requirements. These departments have developed strict control plans that maintain hygiene, disinfection and social distancing policies. Limited face-to-face testing and other services are available by appointment when necessary, and must also comply with college health protocols.
EXPANDED STUDENT SERVICES
To better support HCC students, offices such as Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid and Student Accounts have expanded their hours and are available to serve students via phone, email, and videoconferencing through Zoom, WebEx and Google Hangouts. A one-stop service, hcc.edu/ask has been set up to quickly connect students to the resources they need.
STAFF ACCOMMODATIONS
Employees in need of COVID-19 accommodations (due to illness, childcare, or if you or a close family member are part of a vulnerable population) should work with their supervisors in consultation with Human Resources.
WHEN ON CAMPUS
Visits to campus are restricted and must be approved in advance by the HCC administration. If you have been approved to come to campus, please observe the following requirements:
- Do not come to campus if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or have been in contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
- Face masks must be worn at all times while on the HCC campus. Masks must conform to the standards described in Use of Face Masks While on the HCC Campus.
- Frequent hand washing and physical distancing are also required, as is the observance of posted capacity limits in restrooms, elevators, classrooms and other spaces.
- Prior to returning to campus, college employees, as well as students in the limited programs with face-to-face instruction, are required to view the following training videos regarding social distancing and hygiene protocols:
Employees must certify they have watched all of the above training videos by completing the Staff COVID-19 Training and Certification form.
Students must certify they have watched all of the above training videos by completing the Student COVID-19 Training and Certification form.
Visitors must certify they have watched all of the above training videos by completing the Visitor COVID-19 Training and Certification form.
Despite the challenges we face, this is nonetheless a time of excitement and new beginnings. We look forward to coming together to engage with and learn from each other, and to provide our students with the outstanding academic experience they have come to expect from HCC.
Searching for more information? Review our Higher Education Control Plan or explore the links below to learn about HCC's response to COVID-19.
questions?
Please send an email to coronavirus@hcc.edu with any questions.
Coronavirus Info
Learn about Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms and how to prevent its transmission.
Messages to Our Community
Please read coronavirus-related updates that have been shared with the HCC community.
Coronavirus FAQs
Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and HCC's response.
Remote Resources
Find contact information and temporary hours for HCC offices, departments, and student services and support – plus tips for remote learning and engagement!
Academic Continuity Plan
HCC is working with faculty to create online learning opportunities during the coronavirus crisis.
