Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)
What Students Should Know
About Inclement Weather, Emergencies or Widespread Illness
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom and Pierce College Puyallup - September 2009
The Pierce College District maintains a Continuity of Operations Plan that may be implemented in any situation where the district is operating, but operations are limited because some or all facilities are not available - or a significant number of students and employees are absent. Much of this information also applies to weather or emergency-related delays or closures.
Finding Out Whether the Campuses Are Open
TV and radio news will announce closures and delays. Information is available online at www.schoolreport.org or www.pierce.ctc.edu. You can also call the following phone numbers for a recorded message:
- (253) 964-6400 - Fort Steilacoom
- (253) 840-8400 - Puyallup
Communicating With Your Professor When the Campus is Closed
Professors provide contact information on their course syllabus. Professors may communicate closure information and assignments using your student email account (it's free!). Check your student email account frequently whenever the campus is closed. In most cases your professor will expect you to complete assignments listed on the course syllabus, even if the class is not able to meet. Contact your professor if you have specific questions about class assignments.
Access to Email
You were assigned a college email account when you were admitted to the College. To start using your email account, follow the instructions on the Student Online Services website. Once you've activated your college email account, you can forward it to your personal email account or access it at any time through an internet browser.
Reasons for Closing the Campuses
Pierce College only closes campuses when there is a high risk to the health and/or safety of students and employees - or the facilities are damaged in some way. These practices are designed for a variety of circumstances, but the most likely cause of a one or two day closure is inclement weather. Longer closures are more likely to be caused by a widespread illness, such as the H1N1 flu.
Library, Computer Labs, and Other Services During Delayed Start or Campus Closure
Pierce College only closes when it is not safe for students and/or employees to be on campus, so don't expect to be able to come on campus when classes are delayed or the facility is closed for a day or two. If the facility is closed for a longer period of time, the college will attempt to open libraries and computer labs, if possible. Check the website for specific information. www.pierce.ctc.edu
Access to Registration, Paying Tuition and Fees, Adding or Dropping Classes, and Getting a Transcript or Grades When the Facility is Closed
These and many more services are available online on the Student Online Services website. If you wish to register or to add or drop classes, you will need to have your Registration Access Code (RAC). While you're there, take a few moments to check your personal contact information and let us know if anything has changed.
Will the College Close if Students and Employees Come Down With the H1N1 Flu?
Currently, both the Pierce County Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control do not recommend that colleges cancel classes or large gatherings when a limited number of cases of H1N1 Flu have been reported. However, if it gets to the point where a large number of students or employees are absent, we will consider appropriate next steps. A notice will be posted on our website Pierce College.
Employees
Click here for employee related information on the COOP Plan.
