CASC Updates COVID-19 Campus Rules

Carl Albert State College has closed each building on both campuses to students and the general public.

In a statement released Tuesday, Holly Bormann, CASC’s director of marketing and community relations, said, “As we continue to evaluate the developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, we work to respond accordingly -- making logical, well-informed decisions with the overall goal of protecting our campus community.”

CASC had previously decided to keep a select few student service areas open, but with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s recent statements, and with data showing positive COVID-19 cases on the rise, the college determined that it would be in the best interests of students and staff to close all buildings.

Even though campus buildings are now closed, business is operating as usual in a distance-learning/operations format. Computer labs are closed to all visitors. The only change from last week is that appointments will no longer be made on campus. All correspondence must be done via phone, email or regular mail. All residence halls will remain closed. 

Following are a few key details to provide more information as it relates to accessibility and campus operations:

On both campuses, WI-FI services will be available in the parking lots. "We invite you to visit the campus and remain in your vehicle and use the WI-FI to complete assignments and conduct correspondence. We would also like to extend this offer to any elementary, middle or high school student of one of our area schools who does not have regular access to the Internet; please come and take advantage of our WI-FI to complete your work as well. On the Poteau campus, go to the large parking lot between the Stivers Center and the Ollie Center. In Sallisaw, go to the parking lot between the Mayo and Mitchell buildings," officials stated.

Commencement services are still postponed; the rescheduled date will be announced at a later time.

Campus police will regularly patrol both campuses.

Should any student feel they need to be evaluated by a physician, please contact the Office of Student Affairs. Carl Albert works closely with the Health and Wellness Center, and the center has agreed to evaluate students virtually should the need arise.

Services required for student educational operations will still be conducted via phone, email, teleconference/Zoom or regular mail. These include Financial Aid, the Business Office, Admissions, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Telecommunications, Physical Plant and Human Resources. All building on campus will be locked at all times. Please call (918) 647-1200 (Poteau) or (918) 775-6977 (Sallisaw) to be routed to these offices for assistance.

Faculty will continue to conduct their duties through regular office hours either on campus or remotely. Please reach out to your instructor via email for assistance and support.

“The situation changes daily, sometimes hourly. (CASC uses) the best resources at its disposal to stay informed of current trends and precautions. We feel this decision is in the best interest of our Carl Albert family," concluded officials.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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