Will allow some hybrid classes although COVID-19 transmission has significantly increased in Arizona and across the country
Yavapai Community College has reduced its pandemic operational phase from red to 
orange for the Spring semester that began January 19. It had put the Red operational phase in place Monday, November 30, 2020.
On January 19 President Lisa Rhine issued a special bulletin that welcomed back students to the Community College and explained the reasons for its COVID decision. The Bulletin is reproduced in full below. Of particular interest should be the safety protocols the Community College has put in place for this semester.
Special Bulletin: January 19, 2021
Dr Lisa Rhine
Dr Lisa Rhine, Ph.D.
Dear faculty, staff, and students,
Welcome back to Yavapai College. Whether you are a returning student, employee, or a new Roughrider this semester, YC welcomes you with open arms and warm hearts. This semester’s goal is to do everything we can to guide our students towards their educational goals while also keeping all students, employees, and communities as safe as possible.
Today, I want to share with you what you can expect this semester. Yavapai College is opening the semester in the orange phase of our re-entry plan. I urge you to review the information on the orange phase and all of our required safety protocols on this page.
The Challenges
First, I want to be upfront and honest with you about the challenges we will face this semester.
As you may know, COVID-19 transmission has significantly increased in Arizona and across the country. Arizona has recently been dubbed “the COVID hotspot,” and the state has seen the highest daily rate of COVID-19 cases in the country. Virus transmission is now consistently exceeding levels that we saw in summer 2020.
We are going to face challenges this semester, just as we have throughout all of 2020. “College” certainly “looks” a little different these days. But, the way it “looks” is irrelevant if you invest in your work and take good care of yourself. It is not impossible to overcome the odds and persevere through this semester.
Many of you have done so for the last year and know what it takes to succeed in these tough times.
If you are new to YC, you can do this. Work hard, ask for help when necessary, and when all else fails, believe in yourself. If you do this, you will find success in your endeavors.
The Safety Protocols
With the rise in COVID-19 transmission, Yavapai College must remain vigilant, and we must continue to err on the side of caution to protect everyone’s health and safety. You, your colleagues, fellow students, and peers all have a commitment to protect each other by following YC’s health and safety protocols at all times when you are at a YC Campus or Center.
Protocols include wearing a mask, social distancing, staying home when you are sick, among others.
There is a misconception that “college-aged” students are less likely to contract or face severe symptoms of COVID-19. This is not the case. In fact, nearly 50% of the current cases of COVID-19 in Arizona are ages 20-44 or “college-aged,” and almost 1,500 of those are in the hospital with medium to severe symptoms.
The YC community has done a great job so far following the protocols in place, but that does not mean we can soften those efforts. If you see someone ignoring the protocols, gently remind them. Most of us want to do the right thing and keep others safe.
Classes and Services
While everyone’s health and safety is our number one priority, we also have an obligation to educate and train our workforce.
With that in mind, this spring semester will begin with a blend of class modals. Most classes will be 100% virtual in either online or WebLive formats.
There will be some hybrid classes in the crucial fields of allied health, nursing, and career and technical education. These classes will only be in-person for required hands-on learning portions of the curriculum.
This is very similar to how classes operated last fall and proved to be effective in mitigating COVID spread when accompanied by our safety protocols.
All student services are still available, mostly in a remote format through phone or Zoom videoconferencing. I urge all students to take advantage of these services and ask for help when it is needed.
In Closing
I want to thank you all in advance for all of the different requirements placed upon you this semester. Last year was surreal, and I think we all can agree we are glad to see 2021 on the calendar. While there is hope that the light at the end of the tunnel is approaching, we will not get there unless we all do our part. Together.
I wish you nothing but the best this spring semester. Please stay safe and stay well.
Sincerely,
Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D.
President