CCC president anticipates employee return

CLOVIS — President Charles Nwankwo told Clovis Community College trustees he anticipates bringing employees back onto campus May 18, with plenty of precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Nwankwo told trustees of his plans during the trustees’ regular May meeting, held online due to mass gathering restrictions brought on by the pandemic. He said the plans to bring employees back include limiting the college to use of just three entrances, taking people’s temperatures and requiring masks, and noted that he stands ready to modify plans as required by the state.

He said the college is preparing to offer most classes online during the summer session, and is hoping things will ease up in the fall so more face-to-face interactions can take place.

The college has also applied for various federal government aid packages, and has received a $428,700 first portion. The money is meant for students who have had educational disruptions, and so far 79 students have received $56,000. The college had around 250 applications as of Tuesday, and is setting aside some of the money for the fall with nursing students who had to take grades of incomplete a primary focus.

“This wasn't something we expected,” Nwankwo said. “The students have been very resilient in continuing their studies, and we’re here to help them in any way. This too shall pass, and we will become stronger because of it.”

In other business at the Wednesday meeting:

• Board chair Lora Harlan asked Nwankwo how spring graduates would be recognized. Nwankwo is looking at December for a commencement ceremony, and students will be mailed their diplomas in the interim. He had considered a parking lot graduation service, but felt December would be a “time of healing.”

• Program reviews were given by the Upward Bound program and the Small Business Development Center.

Kelly Ann Weber of Upward Bound noted the program is serving 54 students and has met five of its seven goal metrics. The two difficult metrics were post-secondary enrollment and completion, which Weber said varies each year.

With travel restrictions, students have taken virtual campus visits, and Weber took advantage of the opportunity by including schools from Alaska and Hawaii that students would otherwise not travel to due to distance.

Sandra Taylor-Sawyer of the Small Business Development Center said the center, established in 1989, is one of 19 centers in the state located at two-year colleges. She noted the centers have helped counsel more than 1,700 businesses since mid-March, and the services are meant for a business in any stage.

• The next meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. June 3 — “hopefully in Room 512,” Harlan said.