Coronavirus (COVID-19)

New CDC Guidelines

Issued August 11, 2022

CDC Streamlines its COVID-19 guidance

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/p0811-covid-guidance.html

In a media release, the CDC updated its guidance for people that are exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. They recommend those exposed to COVID-19 wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5 instead of quarantining.

Regardless of vaccination status, you should still isolate from others when you have COVID-19 or if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19.

Mask Requirements

Issued February 17, 2022

NMJC Lifts Mask Mandate on Campus in Response to Governor’s Announcement

In response to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's Thursday announcement that the decision should be left to local authorities, mask wearing at New Mexico Junior College is OPTIONAL indoors and around campus as of Friday, Feb. 18. Interim President Dr. Steve McCleery recognizes that many staff and students will likely continue to wear masks as a safety measure. "We want all of our students and staff to make the decision that is in their best interest regarding safety and for personal choice to be respected." McCleery said. “We are not out of this completely yet, so it is important to still follow social distancing guidelines, wash your hands, and staying home if you are sick. If you are experiencing symptoms, please get tested and contact Cathy Mitchell for further instructions.”

NMJC will provide additional information as we adjust our practices, based on statewide guidance, in the coming days.

For additional information contact: Cathy Mitchell, Vice President of Student Services, cmitchell@nmjc.edu, (575) 492-2761

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Issued July 30, 2021

NMJC President Kelvin Sharp announced today that – as of Monday, August 2, 2021 – the college will require masks to be worn indoors by all individuals, vaccinated and unvaccinated. The mask requirement will apply to all NMJC facilities and to NMJC faculty and staff when working on official NMJC business off campus.

“Last year, NMJC was alone among colleges in the southwest in staying open for in-person classes throughout the year. Our clear goal is to stay open for classes and serve the needs of our students. I am extremely proud of our faculty, staff, and students for their commitment to each other and to the safety of our campus family. This requirement will help us maintain our classes and remain open in the face of the pandemic,” Sharp said.

Sharp added, “This policy is not new to NMJC. This is essentially the same set of requirements we used last year when we were able to keep the campus open.”

All students, faculty, staff and visitors to the NMJC campus are required to wear masks at all times in NMJC facilities with certain exceptions that are outlined in the policy statement [attached]. All individuals should continue good health practices including washing hands, staying at home when ill, and physical distancing.

This policy will be continually reviewed and is subject to change based on revised CDC guidelines, New Mexico state health requirements, and local conditions.

Individuals who have questions about the policy are encouraged to contact Cathy Mitchell, Vice President for Student Services (cmitchell@nmjc.edu).

Fall 2021 Student Housing Requirements
Issued July 20, 2021

NMJC will require all individuals who live in campus housing Fall 2021 to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19 prior to moving into their rooms.

The beginning move-in date for the fall semester is August 11, 2021.

Individuals that are not fully vaccinated* prior to move-in must receive their first vaccine within 5 days of move-in and must participate in COVID-19 testing protocol as described below until the date that they are deemed fully vaccinated.

Individuals requesting medical or religious exemptions must complete the exemption request found on the NMJC Housing website page and submit the required affidavits. These individuals will be required to participate in Covid-19 testing protocol as described below until such date that they move out of campus housing or testing protocols are no longer required by NMJC.

Individuals that are not fully vaccinated* and living in campus housing must:

Submit daily wellness check-ins via their phone or computer.
Complete weekly COVID-19 PCR tests, provided by NMJC.
Report any COVID-like symptoms or COVID-19 exposures to the VP of Student Services and quarantine or isolate as required.

Students that do not comply with these requirements will be removed from campus housing.
Note: Students that are not-vaccinated will be housed with other non-vaccinated individuals.

*The CDC defines fully vaccinated as 2 weeks following the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or 2 weeks following the Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine. In order to be fully protected by August 11, students choosing the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines should have received their first shots by July 7, 2021. Students who are planning to receive the Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine should have their shot by July 28, 2021.

Individuals who wish to live in campus housing and have questions about these plans should contact Cathy Mitchell, Vice President for Student Services at cmitchell@nmjc.edu. Phone: 575.492.2761

Update on NMJC Covid-safe Practices at NMJC

Issued July 2, 2021

Pending a detailed review of new health orders from the State of New Mexico and Covid-safe practice guidelines from CDC, NMJC will continue with current safety protocols. Face masks are required on campus and inside campus buildings. Individuals should continue to observe social distancing guidelines (6ft) and refrain from gathering in large groups. Faculty, staff, and visitors are still subject to screening for Covid symptoms and individuals exhibiting symptoms should not come to campus. The college is maintaining these practices for the continued safety and protection of faculty, staff, students, and visitors. Over the coming days, members of the NMJC leadership team will be carefully reviewing new guidance from the State of NM and CDC. NMJC will continue to consult with local medical experts as the College works to update policies and practices. Any changes to these requirements will be announced throughout the campus, on social media, and on the college website.

For now, the current safety protocols remain in place. Questions concerning these requirements may be directed to Cathy Mitchell, Vice President for Student Services at cmitchell@nmjc.edu.

Kelvin Sharp, President

Fall 2021 Student Housing Requirements

Issued June 16, 2021

NMJC is currently evaluating the status of the Covid-19 pandemic and the safety protocols that will be required for the coming academic year. Although final plans are not confirmed, the college anticipates that all students who plan to live in campus housing will be required to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19 prior to moving into their rooms.

The move-in date for the fall semester is August 11, 2021. In order to be fully protected, students who are planning to receive the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines should receive their first shots by July 7, 2021. Students who are planning to receive the Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine should have their shot by July 28, 2021. Students who are planning on living in housing and have questions about these plans should contact Cathy Mitchell, Vice President for Student Services at cmitchell@nmjc.edu.

NMJC is currently evaluating updated CDC guidelines, information and guidelines from the NJCAA, and information provided by local medical experts. Final plans and safety guidelines for the upcoming academic year will be published at least thirty days before classes begin on August 16, 2021.

NMJC Campus Restrictions Continue Through May 31

Issued May 15, 2020

To all: Wednesday afternoon, the Governor of New Mexico extended the ‘Stay at Home’ order through May 31st. Therefore, we will continue with our ‘Restricted Access Campus.’

I am appreciative to the Board for their extension of pay for this period, we all hope the NMJC campus is reopened soon.

Next week, the Bookstore will be open and operating at 25 percent occupancy for textbook sales and other items.

Also, the Governor stated that wearing facemasks in public would slow the spread of the Covid 19 virus. Please stay aware of social distance, handwashing and other precautionary measures.

The Executive Order has not been posted at this time, so more details will be forthcoming next week.

Thank you,

Dr. Kelvin sharp

Campus Restrictions Continue Through May 15

Issued: April 30, 2020

Today in the NM Governor’s press conference, a new Executive Order was issued. The order contained an extension of the Stay-At-Home directive from May 1 to May 15.

Essentially, that means NMJC will continue to operate under the guidelines of the ‘Restricted Access Campus’ with only core operations reporting to campus.

As a reminder, for the NMJC faculty and staff:

Cancel all travel and events
Implement a hiring review approval committee (no new hires will be made without approval)
Conduct all operations remotely, except for the minimum workforce needed and approved by the President of New Mexico Junior College, including designated staff from the following:

1.      Maintenance of buildings and equipment
2.      Facility operations
3.      Campus safety and security
4.      Food services
5.      Residence hall direction
6.      Marketing and communications
7.      Specific administrative positions, related to instruction and student support services
8.      IT administration and support
9.      Business office functions
10. Human resources and payroll services
11. President’s executive leadership team

NOTES

NMJC is restricting public access to all buildings starting Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Campus buildings will be open only to NMJC employees and current NMJC students. Contact with the campus and staff should be made by email or telephone.
No outside visitors will be allowed at the NMJC Housing Complex, effective immediately.
Western Heritage Museum will be closed to the public until further notice.
Supervisors should contact part-time employees about not coming to work on campus until further notice (any exceptions must have the NMJC President’s approval). Requests for restoring these positions will begin as soon as normal campus activity returns.
Staff and supervisors should be aware of Centers for Disease Control information and guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Thank you all for your work for our students and I hope you and your families remain health

There were many details in her new Executive Order. Here are those Orders:

Please be safe. I know that many of the faculty are trying to complete the spring semester (thank you!) and staff will be working on the spring grades (another thank you!).

The virtual commencement is taking shape, thanks Susan and Kasie.

The virtual retirement reception is in the works as well.

Thanks to all of you for everything, let me know if you have any questions.

Dr, Kelvin Sharp

Updated Letter from Dr. Sharp

Issued April 19, 2020

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We at New Mexico Junior College hope you are staying safe. No matter what your circumstances, we know this pandemic has affected everyone in some way, ourselves included. Unfortunately, the falling prices of oil and gas are affecting the economy of Southeastern New Mexico at the worst possible moment. I want to let you know what is happening at NMJC during these difficult times.

You trust NMJC to support our citizens and communities. We affirm this trust by ensuring that the decisions we make are based on three goals: the success of our students; the health and well-being of our students, staff and faculty; and supporting our communities. While we navigate these challenging times, please know that our decisions are guided by these commitments.

Here is what is happening with New Mexico Junior College:

ONLINE CLASSES FOR STUDENTS – students are our priority. As we realized the pandemic may last well beyond spring break, our faculty quickly shifted to remote teaching, to ensure our students continue their education and finish their credits. To help students in this online environment, we have strived to be accessible with advising and tutoring by email, phone and virtual face-to-face support. Our faculty are committed to our students, and are working hard to assist them.
VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY - to recognize the accomplishments of our graduating students, we are producing a video featuring all the graduates and their degrees. The virtual ceremony will include photos of students, and will be livestreamed from our website and Facebook on Friday May 8th at 7:00pm. The Class of 2020 will invited to walk the stage in the 2021 Commencement Ceremony. Please check our website and social media for information.
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER & FALL – this past week, we opened registration for summer and fall courses. Summer classes will remain online to insure the pandemic has dissipated, so we can be allowed to teach in an in-class environment by fall. If you have not enrolled at NMJC before, you can start the process now by applying online (no application fee), and talking with an academic advisor to get started on your career path.
TRAINING AND OUTREACH – trainings that could be transitioned to online delivery have been, and others were paused. They will resume when we are able to return and re-open to the public. If you have questions, please e-mail us: ssauceda@nmjc.edu or call 575-492-4710.
WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM & LEA COUNTY COWBOY HALL OF FAME – a real disappointment to the community has been the closure of the museum during this crisis. We hope to re-open at the end of May with two new photography exhibits: “Facing the Inferno: The Wildfire Photography of Kari Greer” and “Pollinators: Keeping Company with Flowers”.

There is no better place to begin your educational pursuit than New Mexico Junior College. We will continue to be the most cost-effective choice for your educational opportunities. Please don’t let this moment in time discourage you from pursuing your goals. In fact, this may be exactly the right time for you.

Finally, I want to thank our faculty and staff for the tremendous amount of work they have put into this semester. I am confident the benefactors of that work were our students. Please give us a call or send us an email, we are here for you. Please take advantage of our resources to improve the lives of you and your family.

But most important, please stay safe and know that we at the JC are working hard for you.

Online Help with Classes

Issued April 2, 2020 4:15pm

If you need logistical help with your online classes, contact us at (575) 492 2622, email: successcenter@nmjc.edu or fill out this form.

If you need tutoring, email successcenter@nmjc.edu.

After Spring Break - NMJC Campus is Access Restricted

Issued: March 30, 2020 4:15pm

Students: The next few weeks have become an exercise in balancing how to help our students be successful, and how to keep everyone healthy.

FIRST: Your online classes will begin Wednesday, April 1. If you have questions, please contact your professors via Canvas. You can also find their email in the directory: https://www.nmjc.edu/about/directory/default.aspx

SECOND: NMJC will be moving to a ‘restricted-access campus’ on Wednesday, April 1st. What this means is that on-campus operations will be restricted to critical functions only. The only individuals allowed on campus during this period are designated staff/faculty and currently enrolled students.

There will be limitations on the number of people in a building.
Most campus buildings will be closed. Phone numbers for assistance will be posted on the doors. We highly encourage you to access the campus and staff by email or telephone.
No outside visitors will be allowed at the NMJC Housing Complex, effective immediately.
Western Heritage Museum will be closed to the public until further notice.
Summer and Fall registration will be postponed (it was originally scheduled for April 13). We will alert you when registration opens.
If you need tutoring, please see the information here. Virtual tutoring is available. https://www.nmjc.edu/resource_service/academic_success/index.aspx
If you need personal tutoring, you can email the Academic Success Center: successcenter@nmjc.edu
If you have questions related to Financial Aid, you can email financialaid@nmjc.edu.
If you have questions related to Admission, Advising, Counseling, Testing, or any other area, you can email asknmjc@nmjc.edu.

We are doing everything we can to keep you and your families safe, while continuing your success at NMJC. Since this is all ‘new’ for us, please be patient. It may take a few days to smooth out the bumps in the road.

Let us know if you have questions.

NMJC Campus Will Be Restricted Access

Issued: March 30, 2020 3:30pm

NMJC Staff and Faculty:

I need to inform you about some changes we have made regarding when campus will re-open and how this affects everyone. Campus access will be restricted until April 10 (or until instructions change). What this means is that on-campus operations will be restricted to critical functions only. The only individuals allowed on campus during this period are designated staff/faculty and currently enrolled students. Personnel working on campus will be limited to specific positions.

During restricted access campus operations, all staff and faculty are considered to be “on duty, working remotely.” Some individuals, involved in core operations will be asked to report for work on campus. Supervisors will contact these individuals to inform them if they need to report for work on campus. Supervisors within these areas will work to develop this plan and will communicate it to all affected personnel prior to April 1, 2020. Rotational work schedules may be adopted.

Please know that NMJC will ensure that full-time hourly personnel will continue to be paid for the normal shifts until further notice. Our goal is to take care of our NMJC family as we care for students, faculty, staff and community. Please be patient as we find the right balance between staffing for student success and safety for all involved.

In addition, we will:

Cancel all travel and events
Implement a hiring review approval committee (no new hires will be made without approval)
Conduct all operations remotely, except for the minimum workforce needed and approved by the President of New Mexico Junior College, including designated staff from the following:

NOTES

NMJC is restricting public access to all buildings starting Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Campus buildings will be open only to NMJC employees and current NMJC students. Contact with the campus and staff should be made by email or telephone.
No outside visitors will be allowed at the NMJC Housing Complex, effective immediately.
Western Heritage Museum will be closed to the public until further notice.
Supervisors should contact part-time employees about not coming to work on campus until further notice (any exceptions must have the NMJC President’s approval). Requests for restoring these positions will begin as soon as normal campus activity returns.
Staff and supervisors should be aware of Centers for Disease Control information and guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Thank you all for your work for our students and I hope you and your families remain healthy.

Dr. Kelvin Sharp
President

A Message from Dr. Kelvin Sharp

Issued: March 18, 2020 1:00pm

Resources for Help with Online Classes

Issued March 20 - 9:30am

Dear NMJC Students,

On behalf of NMJC, we want to wish you a healthy, restful Spring Break. Please stay safe, avoid travel, and wash your hands! Our main priority at NMJC is ensuring that you are safe and that you can be successful in your studies. We are aware many classes have recently shifted to an online learning format to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and we understand that this may be disruptive. With this in mind, we would like you to be aware of some resources available to you for when you return to classes online in early April:

Circumstances surrounding classes at NMJC are subject to change, so keep signing in to Canvas and to your email through the T-Bird Web Portal for updates (http://sso.nmjc.edu/). We will be reaching out to you to offer information and assistance via Canvas, email, and/or phone in the coming weeks. Academic support is available for you when you return to your classes in April in the Pannell Library:

EMAIL: successcenter@nmjc.edu

PHONE: 575-492-2622
LOCATION: Pannell Library, NMJC Campus (Hobbs, NM)

Tutors available for one-to-one tutoring in-person or online (in addition to Brainfuse) Mon-Thurs 8 am to 8 pm, Fri 8 am to 5 pm.

If you have questions about Canvas, please contact the Canvas HelpDesk at 575-492-2199.

Sincerely,

Aaron Prebenda
Director, Academic Programs

Online-Only Classes

Issued March 18 - 4:30pm

Per the Governor's press conference, and the coming Executive Order that we should not gather in groups of 10 or more, academic classes will be taught online, starting Thursday, March 19. We will maintain some in-person classes, but these are on a case-by-case basis, focused mainly in healthcare and first responders).

Professors will communicate with students via Canvas.

NMJC Travel Form

Issued: March 17, 2020 - 1:30pm

Staff and Students:

NMJC is strongly encouraging you to avoid travel, including spring break, to areas with active community transmission of COVID-19. We are, therefore, asking all of you to please fill out the NMJC Travel form, as a protection for all of us as you return to Hobbs. We can then provide you advice and guidance regarding any COVID-19 exposure. Please see the information below, and fill out the form.

The form must be filled out if you have traveled in the last 7 days, or plan to travel in the near future.

NMJC Travel Recommendations for Employees
Recomendaciones de Viaje-Empleados

NMJC Travel Recommendations for Students
Recomendaciones de Viaje-Estudiantes

Graduations Cancelled for Spring 2020

Issued: March 16, 2020 - 11:55am

Staff and Students:

Every day for over a week, our Executive Committee has met to make difficult decisions about what is best for our students and staff.

We have made the decision to cancel graduation ceremonies this year. This decision includes not only the full college graduation, but the smaller related events such as Cosmo pinning, Nurse graduation, Law Enforcement, automotive, etc. All graduation related events are cancelled this year, as well.

If you are a student who plans to graduate, please apply online.
Once your degree is conferred, you will receive your diploma in the mail.
If you have purchased your cap and gown in the bookstore, you can return it for a refund.
If you have questions, please call our Help Desk at 575-492-2577.

Obviously, this is disappointing for everyone involved. Graduation is a highlight activity for our year, and it is a celebration of student accomplishments. Nevertheless, given the current states of emergency that exist in New Mexico and nationally, this decision is in the best interest of our students, staff, faculty, and members of the public.

We will keep you updated, as we learn anything else.

[NJCAA has cancelled all sports for the spring. See the article here]

NMJC Letter to Staff, Faculty & Students

Issued: March 13, 2020 - 5:30pm

To NMJC Students, Staff, and Faculty:

This is a very difficult time, as we evaluate the needs of our students and staff with the need to reduce the exposure to the Coronavirus. After speaking with our local health providers, watching the Governor’s press conference, and meeting with community leaders, the Vice-Presidents and I have agreed to the following steps:

CLASSES

New Mexico Junior College will be open the week of March 16, 2020, with all classes being held as usual.
The campus will be closed for an extended spring break March 23 – 31. Operations will resume when staff returns on April 1.
Students will NOT be returning to campus after spring break. Classes will be taught online, which allows our students to complete their studies, and complies with the Governor’s directives over concerns of travel and the spread of the Coronavirus.
Online classes will remain through the end of the semester.
A couple of technical programs will continue normal activity such as the Law Enforcement Academy.

CAMPUS STAFF AND OPERATIONS

NMJC staff and faculty will return to campus after spring break to continue business as usual, including advising, registration, tutoring, and the basic daily operations of the campus.
The library will be open for students who want to use computers and/or other benefits that the library offers.
The Testing Center will remain open for regular hours. Appointments should be made, as they are reducing the number of students that are allowed in the center at one time.
Dorms and food service will be open to those students and student-athletes who cannot leave campus. Student services will work individually with these students.
Sodexo has instituted more rigorous cleaning and sanitizing of the cafeteria and the snack bar
NJCAA has suspended all competition through April 3rd, and will assess the situation at that time. Our coaches will be talking with Deron Clark regarding practice sessions.
Student workers will continue their work in their respective departments
Our professional cleaning staff are focused on public, high-traffic areas, and are bleach-cleaning these areas nightly. The day-crew is also sanitizing high public areas.
Training and Outreach will continue their training classes at this time.
The Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame will remain open although they will be closed for spring break.

TRAVEL

The Governor has declared that there will be no state-sponsored traveling for employees. If you have registered for a conference that takes place in the next few weeks, it will probably be cancelled; if it is not, please talk with your Vice-President.
If you are personally traveling over the spring break, or at another time in the next few weeks, please be safe and cognizant about large groups and possible exposure.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

If you are sick, STAY HOME. We cannot emphasize this enough. Let your supervisor know the status of your illness.
If you are starting to feel sick, please go home.
There are hand-sanitizers in each building, mostly at the entrances. Please alert Charley Carroll if they run low.
As you have all heard, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This seems to be the best deterrent to the spread of the virus.
Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette.
Don’t touch your face (this is hard to do).
Avoid crowds.
Visit the CDC website for additional guidance

As of now, there are no reported Coronavirus cases in or near Lea County. We will keep you updated of new developments through email, the website, and social media.

Thank you.

Kelvin Sharp

New Mexico Junior College Responds to the Coronavirus

Issued: March 13, 2020 - 5:00pm

Beginning Friday, March 20, 2020, all academic classes at New Mexico Junior College will be delivered online to students. NMJC will extend spring break with campus closed from March 23 – 31, following which students will not return to campus. NMJC staff will return to work on Wednesday, April 1st.

Dr. Kelvin Sharp, president of New Mexico Junior College said, “We have two priorities. Our top priority at this time is the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. At the same time, we must remain focused on the success of our students and give them a way they can safely and successfully complete their studies this semester.”

“By moving our academic classes online,” Sharp continued, “we can allow over 2,000 students to complete their classes from home or other locations away from large crowds of people. As our campus remains open, our staff can operate in a safer environment also away from large groups of people. These actions are in line with Governor Lujan Grisham’s directions for increased public safety.”

Students will report for classes as usual on Monday, March 16, and meet in their classes to receive directions on how to access their new online classes. As soon as they have received their orientation to the new classes, students will be released from campus.

NMJC staff and faculty will return to campus after the extended spring break to continue regular campus operations, including advising, registration, tutoring, and the basic daily operations of the campus. Individual students may access campus services during this time such as computers, library support, and tutoring services.

Athletic activities are suspended until April 3rd by the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletics Association). Many student athletes and others will remain in campus housing during this time even as they take their classes online.

NMJC academic staff are working closely with area high schools to coordinate dual credit classes, as well as supporting preparations for the high schools to re-open.

Sharp concluded, “I am very proud of our faculty and staff as they work together to keep our students safe and complete their classes. We will work together and with our community partners, to get through these challenging times.”

NMJC Classes Will Continue

Issued: March 13, 2020 - 8:40am

At this time, New Mexico Junior College is open for classes. The Governor's closing of public schools applies only to K-12, not to higher education.

Our plan is to continue meeting for classes next week before spring break, unless we hear different from the Governor. Dr. Sharp and the vice presidents have been meeting daily to assess and be sure students are taken care of, and that their concerns are addressed.

We will have an updated statement about any changes this afternoon. We will also post any changes to our social media sites.

Event Cancellations

March 12, 2020

Due to the concerns of COVID-19, NMJC is being cautious about group gatherings. We will update you with any new information as it is changing daily. Here are the cancellations, related to NMJC:

CANCELLED:
Tonight (March 12)– Census & the Arts at the Western Heritage Museum
Friday March 13 - Thunderbirds baseball vs Western Texas (due to weather)
Saturday March 14– Thunderbird Golf Tournament at Rockwinds
Pie Day at Lea County Event Center
Sunday March 15– NMJC Community Band Concert in Watson Hall
March 17-21– NJCAA National Basketball Tournament (postponed until April 21)

Pi Day Event Cancelled

Issued: March 12, 2020

New Mexico Junior College has announced that the annual Pi Day event scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2020 has been cancelled.

Dr. Kelvin Sharp, president of New Mexico Junior College said, “This morning Governor Lujan-Grisham declared a State of Emergency in response to the outbreak of the coronavirus in New Mexico. As part of her declaration, she is cancelling all large-scale state events, and has asked private organizations to do the same.” Sharp continued, “The Pi Day event is a great activity for students and parents in Lea County but we believe that now is not the time to hold an activity that will bring over 5,000 people into the Lea County Event Center.”

Pi Day is an annual event hosted by NMJC to introduce young students and their families to mathematics- related activities and games. This popular event has grown in size over the past six years, and has become one of the premier events for youngsters in the area.

“I regret this decision but we must be extremely cautious for our students, their families, and our college staff,” Sharp said.

NMJC will continue to hold classes, and will make every effort to complete the current academic year. However, Dr. Sharp has stated that the administration will be monitoring the situation daily, and will be prepared to scale back additional activities if necessary.

Statement from Dr. Kelvin Sharp

Issued: March 11, 2020

At this time, NMJC has no plans to curtail classes or close the campus. We continue to monitor developments, as more details become available regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are meeting regularly to gather information and develop contingency plans in the event that we need to alter our operations. If circumstances change, the college is prepared to act quickly to make changes to protect our students and staff.

Let me be clear, NMJC will take whatever actions are necessary to protect our students and our staff from exposure to medical risks associated with the Coronavirus. Our decisions will be based on the best information available from medical and emergency management professionals as well as after consultation with our educational partners in Lea County.

We have spoken with our colleagues at University of the Southwest, and we understand the difficult decision they made on behalf of their institution. At the same time, we recognize that the circumstances and issues facing USW are different from the challenges confronting NMJC. Any decisions we make regarding changes in classes or curtailing operations must be made in close cooperation with our public-school partners. An independent decision on the part of NMJC could risk the ability of JC students and many high school seniors to graduate on time in May.

Stop the Spread of Germs