automotive technology students wearing masks work at spaced stations with engine components in a citrus college lab

Dental (top) and automotive (bottom) students returned to campus to complete essential lab work.

Collaboration allows students in essential programs to return to campus

In July, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health informed Citrus College that it could resume in-person classes that are connected to specific essential workforce sectors.

Faculty, staff and administrators worked tirelessly to create and update plans to return to campus based on current health and safety guidelines. Careful consideration and effort was put into these detailed plans, including diagramming classroom workflows, so that students and faculty could keep at least six feet of distance from each other.

"Faculty and staff in both the college's natural, physical and health sciences division and the career, technical and continuing education division drafted numerous plans to get our students back to campus," said Michael Wangler, dean of career, technical and continuing education. "With input from the COVID-19 Workgroup and colleagues throughout the state, everyone has worked hard to ensure quality instruction in a safe environment."

By Aug. 24, students in the nurse assistant, registered nurse and dental assistant (RDA) programs were able to meet on campus and resume their coursework. Since returning to campus, RDA students have completed all requirements, with the exception of patient cleanings.

Automotive technology and medium and heavy diesel truck technology students were also welcomed back to campus to complete essential lab work.

Additionally, deans, directors, supervisors and classified staff from other divisions have volunteered to assist with checking students in at designated parking lot entrances. This process has become even more efficient with the implementation of the health and wellness module in the Citrus Mobile app. Maintenance and operations staff clean and disinfect all areas daily.

"It was a college-wide effort, and I am appreciative of everyone's hard work and support," said Dr. Eric Rabitoy, dean of natural, physical and health sciences. "Navigating this new reality was challenging for all of us at times, but it was all worth it to be able to welcome some of our students back to campus."

This article originally appeared in the November 2020 edition of the Citrus View.