FAQs

COVID-19 Basic Info, Vaccine and Testing 

What COVID-19 protocols are in effect for the spring 2022 semester?

Community College of Philadelphia will continue to operate on a fully remote schedule through Monday, Feb. 14.Starting Tuesday, Feb. 15, courses will be offered in their original format (hybrid or in person). Please use this guideto check schedules and determine if classes will resume in person or remain online. Staff and calendar-year faculty will return to campus while maintaining their fall semester 2021 hybrid schedules, unless otherwise directed by their supervisor.

COVID-19 Testing Procedures

In effect Feb. 15, vaccinated faculty, staff and students will no longer need to be tested to access campus. Unvaccinated faculty, staff and students with approved exemptions will continue to be tested on campus for COVID-19 every three days. Visitors will continue to need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test that is no more than three days old to access campus. Visitors may get tested on campus during the testing site’s operating hours. Voluntary testing is also available for faculty, staff and students. Get more information and see testing hours for each campus below.

All contractors and vendors and their employees coming to campus will be required to be vaccinated or have a valid exemption and submit to regular COVID testing in order to access campus. Contractors and vendors are expected to confirm vaccination or exemption status and arrange testing for their own employees.

COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Protocols

The College is revising isolation and quarantine practices to align with current CDC and PDPH recommendations.

COVID-19 Booster Shots

Booster shots are strongly encouraged, but not mandated.

Health and Safety On Campus 

Will face masks be required?

Masking will be required throughout the spring 2022 semester. Wearing a high-quality mask such as KN95 or N95 mask, or double masking, is strongly encouraged. A limited number of KN95 masks will be available. It is important to wear a mask that is well-fitted. For information on proper masking, including how to double mask, please read this guidance from the CDC.

What if I can’t wear a face mask due to a medical condition or a disability?

If you are unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition or a disability, you must seek a reasonable accommodation before coming to campus via the College's normal reasonable accommodations process for students and employees.

Will face shields or goggles be required?

Face shields and goggles will generally not be required on campus. Certain job positions or programs may require employees to have close contact with employees, students or visitors. Such positions and programs will be identified and additional personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face shields or googles will be provided in those circumstances.  

What do I do if I left my face mask at home?

If you forget your face mask at home, you may acquire one from Public Safety at building entrances or in the Public Safety office in MG-12.  

What facilities work related to building safety has been completed?

Over the past several months, the College’s Facilities Department has completed several initiatives to enhance the safety and cleanliness of our buildings.

Our 16 air-handling units serving the Bonnell, Mint and West Buildings were optimized for efficiency and ensuring indoor air quality (IAQ). The air coils in all air-handling units replaced older, less efficient components with new evaporator coils to ensure optimum heat exchange, and an ultraviolet system to mitigate harmful germs and bacteria.

Our HVAC systems have been serviced, cleaned and optimized throughout the campuses. Air quality testing has been completed for all buildings on the Main Campus and at the Regional Centers. Airflow testing has been completed for all classrooms, labs and offices, and any necessary modifications have been addressed.

Duct cleaning conducted at the Main Campus and Regional Center buildings enhanced system performance and increased air purity and quality. This massive effort involved cleaning more than one million linear feet of ductwork.

In addition to the cleaning and disinfection of buildings, the Facilities Department performed other safety enhancements:

• The installation of acrylic dividers at various locations
• Touchless bottle-filling stations at all campuses
• Toe openers have been installed in most building restrooms and allow you to leave the area without touching the door handles
• Touchless toilets, urinals and faucets in all public and private restrooms throughout the campuses
• Touchless electronic sanitizer stations throughout the campuses

What general health and safety guidelines are we following as a College?

The College is following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDOH) and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH).  

I don’t feel well and I’m on campus. What are my next steps?

If you begin to feel unwell while on campus, you should leave campus immediately. Employees should notify their supervisors, and if in class, students should notify their instructors. Be sure to keep your mask on until you are away from campus, and limit contact with other individuals. Additionally, seek medical advice. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you should get tested for COVID-19, and also report that you are experiencing symptoms to the COVID Hotline. (Employees should dial (215) 751-8035, press “Option 1” for COVID inquiries, then press “Option 1” for employees; students should dial (215) 751-8035, press “Option 1” for COVID inquiries, then press “Option 2” for students.)

What is the protocol if there is a COVID-19 exposure incident on campus? 

If someone who has been on campus reports that they have COVID-19, the College will follow its COVID Exposure Incident Response Protocol. The College conducts contact tracing so that close contacts are identified and notified to quarantine as necessary. Affected building areas will be cleaned and disinfected in accordance with public health guidelines.  

What are the steps I need to take if I’m not able to attend class/work due to a COVID-19 diagnosis?

Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who has tested positive for COVID-19 should not come to campus. 

Symptomatic or COVID-positive students should report their symptoms or positive test results to the COVID Hotline for students (dial (215) 751-8035, press “Option 1” for COVID inquiries, then press “Option 2” for students.) The Office of the Dean of Students will provide students with instructions for returning to campus. If they need to miss class, they should also notify their instructor. Employees who are symptomatic or COVID-positive should report to the COVID Hotline for employees (dial (215) 751-8035 (press “Option 1” for COVID inquiries, then press “Option 1” for employees.) They should also report their symptoms or positive test results to their supervisor. Human Resources will provide employees with instructions for returning to work.

How will I receive important COVID-related health and safety updates?

The College will maintain the most up-to-date information regarding COVID safety on its coronavirus webpage at https://www.myccp.online/coronavirus. The College will also send out CNEWS and email communications with any relevant updates.  

Campus Access  

Will the College accept visitors upon reopening?

Visitors will be accepted subject to the COVID screening and other safety protocols for all entrants into campus buildings. To the extent possible, Public Safety should be notified in advance when visitors are expected via email at publicsafety@ccp.edu. 

Will vendors be permitted on campus?

Outside vendors who are providing services or goods (i.e., maintenance, construction, delivery of goods, etc.) to the College will be permitted to use College facilities in compliance with the COVID safety protocols. Requests for vendor access should be submitted to Public Safety in advance at publicsafety@ccp.edu.  

Will the Welcome Center be open?

The Welcome Center will be open for safe, physically distanced meetings by appointment. Presentations will be conducted for groups in numbers not to exceed safe capacity. Cleanings will be conducted between all group meetings.

Will the Athletics Center be open?

The College is currently discussing to what extent that the Athletics Center may be open in the spring.

Will school tours be available?

Small school tours will be available by appointment only.

Academics

What will classes look like? How will I know if a class is meeting in person or online?

Only vaccinated students and those with approved exemptions will be attending in-person courses during the spring 2022 semester. Classes are offered different formats: in-person, online and hybrid. For an explanation of the different class formats, click here.

How is the College ensuring a robust academic experience for students who are learning online?

The College reviews online courses to ensure that a quality experience is being provided. Faculty have undergone training in online teaching.  

What do I need to do if I require a loaner laptop?

To obtain a loaner laptop, please follow the directions here. 

Will any study/work spaces be open to students on campus outside of classes?

Yes. Study and work spaces will be available in the Library and Learning Commons, are open for Spring 2022.

Will there be any study abroad opportunities? 

Study abroad will not take place in Spring 2022. Study abroad opportunities will resume in Summer 2022. 

How can I access the Bookstore? 

The Main Campus Bookstore will be open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting on Tuesday, Feb. 15. All Regional Center Bookstore locations will also be closed tentatively until the College resumes normal business hours. To order textbooks, course materials and related supplies, visit the Bookstore website to have items shipped directly to your home. The Bookstore is not responsible for lost/stolen packages. For all Bookstore questions, please email 2198mgr@follett.com.

Tuition and Financial Aid

What funds are available to students who have been affected by COVID? 

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds I, II, and III are federal coronavirus relief packages approved by Congress. The College distributes funds to assist students who have incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. Eligible expenses include food, housing, tuition balances, course materials, technology, health care, child care or other related expenses. For more information, click here. 

Are payment plans available? 

Tuition payment plans are available online for fall, spring and summer terms. The cost to enroll is a non-refundable $35 fee in addition to the first installment payment and includes optional automatic payments. For more information, click here. To enroll in the Tuition Payment Plan, log in to MyCCP and click on "Enroll in a/View Your Payment Plan" link under the Financial Services channel.

How can I apply for financial aid?

The first step to apply for financial aid is to complete your FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov. Pennsylvania state grants are administered by PHEAA and can be accessed at www.pheaa.org. For more information about aid at the College, click here.

I have a question about my bill. Who do I contact?

For help with questions about your bill, contact Student Tuition Services by email at bursarsoffice@ccp.edu. In your email please include your J#.

Support Services

What services are available to students during this time?

All student services will remain available remotely during this time.

Human Resources Information

How can I gain access to the College?

Is testing and treatment available for COVID if needed?

If an employee is experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 upon entering campus or while on campus, they will be directed to the nearest Vybe Urgent Care facility for testing. If the employee tests positive for COVID-19, they should follow up with their primary care physician for treatment. (Please note: HR should be notified immediately of all test results.)

Is testing and treatment available for COVID if needed?

If an employee is experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 upon entering campus or while on campus, they will be directed to the nearest Vybe Urgent Care facility for testing. If the employee tests positive for COVID-19, they should follow up with their primary care physician for treatment. (Please note: HR should be notified immediately of all test results.)

Is there a work from home policy?

It is the policy of the College to maintain a safe and healthy workplace, including minimizing the transmission of contagious diseases, including COVID-19. To protect our workforce and ensure business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the College has implemented a temporary telecommuting arrangement for certain employees, as outlined in the College's COVID-19 Interim Telecommuting Policy. 

If in-person meetings are required, employees are expected to wear masks. We also encourage the continued use of technology and video conferencing platforms, whenever possible, to comply with social distancing requirements or recommendations.

Will the College be providing masks or cleaning items to employees?

Masks will be available for anyone who needs them or forgets them at home at building entrances or in the Public Safety Office in MG-12. Extra cleaning or disinfecting supplies will be available as needed through facilities by contacting (215) 751-8190.  

Dining

What facilities will be available on campus?

Roary’s Café in the Pavilion Building on Main Campus will offer grab-and-go options from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our food services vendor, Canteen, also offers an order ahead program for breakfast and lunch. You will be able to place your order at kiosks outside of the café or through the Connect & Pay app.

Monday through Friday, breakfast will be available from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., and lunch will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Here’s how to order through the app:

• Download the Connect & Pay app from iTunes or Google Play to your smartphone
• Open the app and enter location code 025F61
• Choose your items, select options and quantity, and tap “add item”
• Tap the green bar at the bottom of your screen to check out

Can I bring outside food/drink to campus?

Outside food or drink will be permitted on campus, however, food and drink may only be consumed in designated eating areas, which will be identified throughout campus.

Are there designated spaces to eat on campus?

Yes. The cafeteria in the Pavilion building will be open for eating, and other spaces may be identified as designated break or eating areas.  

Parking 

Where can I park? How much does it cost to park?

Faculty and staff who were monthly parkers prior to COVID-19 can expect an email confirming their designated parking location, either in the Bonnell Lot or CBI Garage. Parking will be free for the spring 2022 semester. 

For faculty and staff who are not monthly parkers, and for all students, parking will be available in the Main Garage, free of charge, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

A CCP ID will be required to enter and exit all parking locations.

Many questions related to parking can be answered by referring to the FAQs:  https://www.myccp.online/auxiliary-services/parking.

Please direct any questions to parking@ccp.edu.

College Events 

What process should I follow if I want to have an event on campus?

All event requests, whether large or small, and whether external or internal, must be submitted to Erica Harrison, Director, Special Events & Community Relations, via email at eharrison@ccp.edu. Events will take place outdoors to the extent possible. In order to protect the safety of the College community, the College may be more selective in which events are approved.  

How will the College handle large events?

The College will consider large events on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the current public health circumstances and whether any events will permit the College to maintain compliance with its safety protocols. Large events will take place outdoors to the extent possible.

Will outside vendors or partners be able to have events at the College? 

The College will consider vendor or partner requests to use space at the College for events on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the current public health circumstances and whether any events will permit the College to maintain the compliance with its safety protocols. All requests to have events at the College must be submitted to Erica Harrison, Director, Special Events & Community Relations, via email at eharrison@ccp.edu.

How will I know what events are planned, and in what capacity?

The College will communicate through its regular communication channels, such as CNEWS, the College-wide calendar, and email, to notify the College community regarding any upcoming events and capacity limits.  

Noncredit Continuing Education, Workforce and Professional Development Students

Will noncredit classes, workshops, and/or programs be held online this spring?

Most of the noncredit classes, workshops, contract trainings and workforce programs operated by the Division of Workforce and Economic Innovation (WEI) will be held online this spring through Feb. 14, 2022. The following courses will continue to meet in person on campus. Please review this list. If your course is not on the list, that means it will be 100 percent online through Feb. 14. For additional details about in-person courses, please contact Corporate Solutions at csinquiry@ccp.edu or call 215-496-6158.

The following courses will meet in-person at the West Regional Center:
CNC Precision Machining Technology (210 Hour Program) | Course and Section #: ADVM B7001 – 002 | Class starts Feb. 7

The following courses will meet in-person at the Northeast Regional Center:
Massage Therapy Day Cohort | CRN: 12778 | Class starts Jan. 18
Massage Therapy Evening Cohort | CRN: 12781 | Class starts Jan. 18

The following courses will meet in-person at the Center for Business and Industry:
Safety Inspection Mechanic Training | Course and Section #: TRAN B8042 – 015 | Class starts Feb. 10

The following course will remain hybrid with online learning and an in-person lab:
Personal Trainer Certification | Course and Section #: HEAL B9063 – 002 | Class starts Feb. 12

The following courses will meet in-person at the Center for Business and Industry:
ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification | Course and Section #: SERV B9009 – 009 | Class starts Feb. 12

A complete list of spring professional development offerings can be found here.