Campus Community,
Below are responses to the frequently asked questions the YHC Pandemic Preparedness Team has received. If you still have questions after reviewing these responses, please use the email address [email protected] or the dedicated phone number (706) 379-5383. We ask for patience as we navigate the complex impacts that this situation is having on YHC’s operations. We are making informed, real-time decisions and keeping the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff top of mind.
Responses to Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: March 26, 2020, 10:45 a.m.
YHC will continue to update these as needed
Classes
When did classes restart?
Classes restarted on Monday, March 16, 2020. However, some classes were delayed as instructors worked to retool and shift to distance learning. Check your course Moodle sites for more information.
Was Spring Break extended?
No, Spring Break was not extended, though some classes required an extra week for instructors to get them ready for online delivery.
How long will classes be affected?
All classes will be offered online for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester.
Will labs, lessons or ensembles continue on campus?
No, all courses will shift to distance learning for the rest of the semester. We recognize that this is not ideal, particularly for students in certain disciplines, but we believe that your health and safety is our foremost responsibility. Instructors continue to work on creative ways to maintain instructional continuity.
What do I do if I no longer have access to my textbooks, art supplies or other required materials, including packages shipped to campus?
Instructors recognize that students have been affected by recent events in all manner of unexpected ways and will be flexible as they shift to distance learning. If you need to return to campus to retrieve items in your residence hall or elsewhere on campus, the Student Development staff will arrange a date and time when it is safe to do so. Do not return to campus except when specifically allowed to do so.
Will we hold Undergraduate Research Day?
No, Undergraduate Research Day for spring 2020 had been cancelled. We will be looking at how we might offer alternative opportunities to presenters at a later date.
Will we hold Commencement?
We will not hold Commencement on May 9 as scheduled, but we will hold a ceremony to celebrate our graduates on a later date that is still to be determined.
Will early registration for fall classes take place on schedule?
Yes, early registration for fall 2020 classes will take place as scheduled.
How will Young Harris Early College (YHEC) classes be affected?
All Young Harris classes, including on-site dual enrollment classes offered through Young Harris Early College, have been shifted to online delivery for the rest of the spring 2020 semester. Should any of our partner high schools reopen for face-to-face classes this term, we will address students at these sites on a case-by-case basis.
International Students
Can I return home and complete the rest of the semester online?
If your home country allows access to YHC’s distance learning platforms (e.g., Moodle, WebEx), then yes, you will be able to complete the rest of the semester from your home country.
Will my student visa be affected by the College’s transition to online classes?
We do not currently have guidance from the federal government about this, but we will share anything we get as soon as we receive it.
If I stayed on campus and am an international student, will I now have to return to my home country?
We recognize that travel home may be difficult, dangerous or impossible. The College will continue to house and provide meals to those students who cannot return home. However, any student with an extreme hardship must apply and be granted an exception. Instructions and a link to the form for an exception were sent to all residential students via their YHC email accounts. The deadline to apply for a hardship exception is Wednesday, March 25 at 5 p.m.
Residence Halls & Dining Services
Will I be able to stay in my residence hall room?
Only in extreme hardship circumstances will a student be allowed to remain on campus. Any student with an extreme hardship must apply and be granted an exception. Instructions and a link to the form for an exception were sent to all residential students via their YHC email accounts. The deadline to apply for a hardship exception is Wednesday, March 25 at 5 p.m.
Will I be able to return to my residence hall to collect personal belongings?
On Sunday, March 22, the Office of Residence Life sent instructions to all residential students regarding the process for moving out. Please refer to that email, as it has very detailed instructions, including registering for a time to move out.
Do I have to come collect my personal belongings from my residence hall?
If at all possible, yes. Sign up for a move-out time so that your access will be turned on for the scheduled time.
What if I already moved out?
If you already moved out of housing but did not return your key, you may mail your key to the Office of Residence Life at the address listed below. Please tape the keys to a piece of paper including your name and room assignment.
Office of Residence Life
Young Harris College
1 College Street
Young Harris, GA 30582
If I am granted an exemption to stay on campus, will there be food?
Yes, limited food service will be available for those students granted an exemption from the move-out requirement. Meal service hours and choices will be very limited. All meals will be take-out only.
Will the College be refunding room and board fees?
The College does not issue refunds until the conclusion of a semester. For spring 2020, we are waiting on guidance from the federal government regarding refunds since many of our students receive federal funds with their student aid package. We are also in discussions with our food service provider about what can and cannot be refunded. Similarly, we must wait until textbooks are returned in good condition, room damages are assessed, and other items that affect student fees are collected. Once we obtain all of the needed information to proceed with the refund process, we will reach out to our students. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Technology
I don’t have a laptop, so how can I complete work while away from campus?
The Miller Library still has a limited number of laptops that can be loaned out to those in need of one. Please contact Deb March if you need to request one.
How can I access online course materials if I don’t have consistent internet access from home?
Charter Communications is offering free high-speed broadband to all households with K-12 and college students through May 15, 2020. Other internet service providers are temporarily providing free access to WiFi hotspots, eliminating or reducing data caps, and waiving fees for overdue payments.
Work-Study Jobs
Will I be able to continue working in my work-study job?
In most instances, no. The College will continue with a few work-study positions that, like classes, can be shifted to online delivery, such as peer tutoring, but almost all others will cease by no later than Friday, March 27.
Faculty
Will I be able to get into my office?
No, the campus will be closed. All employees who can work from home, including all faculty members, will be required to do so.
Will the College be providing any additional training as I transition my courses to distance learning?
Yes, Diane Bauman will be providing additional in-person and online training opportunities. She will also continue to share resources as they become available. Please use the YHC Distance Teaching Resources “course” set up for instructors on Moodle.
Staff
Am I required to come to work?
If your supervisor determines that you can conduct your primary duties from home, you will work from home. If your duties cannot be conducted from home and your supervisor determines that you are “essential personnel,” you will continue to work on campus. If you are essential personnel and cannot come to work, you will need to take leave or request FMLA leave.
If I am required to work from home, do I have to take sick/vacation time?
No, if you are required to work from home, you will not take leave time.
Extracurriculars
Will athletic events proceed?
As of Friday, March 13, 2020, all Young Harris College athletic contests have been suspended or cancelled. See the YHC Athletics website for more details.
Will non-athletic events proceed?
All other College-sponsored events scheduled to take place for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester are cancelled.
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