Students have additional grading options for Spring Semester classes

On April 2, Cincinnati State students received email informing them of grading options they may choose to use for Spring Semester classes.

• Details of the grading options are posted on the Covid-19 web page in the section "Student Grading Options for Spring Semester."
   
• Click to download the grading option details in a PDF document.
   

• Students are encouraged to talk to their advisor or program chair (and if applicable, their financial aid advisor) before using any of the grading options.

The options include:

• Converting letter grades to pass/fail grades (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory). If students request a pass/fail grade, the grade is not used in calculating the student's cumulative grade point average (GPA).
• This option applies to all classes, except in cases where program accreditation requirements don't allow use of pass/fail grades.
   
• Using the "Incomplete" grade to extend time available to finish Spring coursework.
• Before an "I" grade is assigned, the course instructor and the student must have a written agreement on how course activities will be completed.
   
• In most cases, the extention will continue until the end of Summer Semester 2020.
   
• Extending the deadline for withdrawing from Spring classes with a "W" grade until the last day of Spring Semester.

The options are being provided because of the unexpected changes and stresses to student learning as a result of the College's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of the changes to College academic policies were reviewed and approved by the Academic Policies & Curriculum Committee (APCC) and by the Faculty Senate before information was sent to students.

Emergency Leave Policy info for employees is distributed

Cincinnati State has published a policy for employee Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Expansion, in accordance with provisions of the federal "Families First Coronavirus Response Act."

The emergency provisions apply to leave taken between Apr. 1 and Dec. 31, 2020.

The Emergency Paid Sick Leave provisions apply to full-time and part-time employees.

• Details of the policy provisions were distributed to all employees by email on Apr. 2, and are published on the Covid-19 web page.
   
• Click here to download the Cincinnati State policy in a PDF document.
   
• Click here to download additional information from the U.S. Dept. of Labor in a PDF document.

If you have questions or need to request Emergency Sick Leave or Emergency Family and Medical Leave, please send a message to HR@cincinnatistate.edu.

Spotlight on Service: Josh Blair

Cincinnati State student Josh Blair (left, in a photo from early March) helped spearhead a service project in the pre-pandemic part of Spring Semester that became even more valuable in recent weeks.

Along with Lifespring Church student minister Jordan Payne, Josh collected diapers to donate to Cincinnati State's Parenting Resource Center (PRC).

Parenting Resource Center Manager Denise Gabrelski said Josh and Jordan delivered "more than a wagon full" of diapers and baby wipes in early March to stock the PRC Kids Closet.

Before the College moved to all-remote operations, and while the items were already becoming hard-to-find because of panic buying, many students were able to take home much needed supplies.

Denise said the "wagon" used for the delivery, which was designed by Lifespring middle school and high school students, was a source of inspiration for Cincinnati State students, some of whom planned to create something similar with their children. (See photos below)

Josh originally contacted the PRC in Fall Semester, while investigating possibilities for an Honors Program Social Action project.

Josh and his project partner, Bella Murphy, collected diapers for student who use the PRC and books to help stock the Little Free Library located in the student lounge area of the ATLC.

College's main phone number has updated greeting for callers

Those who call the College's main phone number (513-569-1500) between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays now hear the following message:

Thank you for calling Cincinnati State. Due to the COVID-19 virus precautions, the College is delivering all operations remotely. Please check our website for details at www.cincinnatistate.edu/covid-19.

If this is an emergency, please press 8 to speak with the Campus Police department.

You may dial an extension any time during this recording.

Callers then hear a menu of options (below). Each choice is routed to a phone number that was designated before remote operations started.

• Press pound (#) to dial by name.
• Press 1 for Financial Aid
• Press 2 for Cashier
• Press 3 for Admission
• Press 4 for Registrar
• Press 5 to speak with someone in an academic division. (A submenu includes choices for the four academic divisions)

Those who phone the College outside of "business hours" hear a similar recording and the menu of options for re-routing the call.