COVID-19: Student Resources and FAQ’s

What is the CARES Act?

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted to supply aid for hardships created by COVID-19. Part of the CARES Act provides federal funding to colleges to be awarded in the form of grants to students ‘directly impacted by the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus’.

What expenses will the CARES Act help pay for?

Expenses can be considered for grant assistance if they were incurred in “direct relation to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.”  This could include Food, Housing, Course Materials, Medical Care, Childcare, Technology-related expenses, Transportation (such as having to travel home because classes were canceled/dorms closed), or possibly Others.

The CARES Act stipulates that the funds cannot be used to replace lost income or to pay expenses that were not directly related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Will the grant cover all of my expenses?

Probably not, there is a limited amount of funding provided.  Grant amounts will vary and may not cover all of the costs requested or actually incurred.

Who is eligible for CARES Emergency Act funding?

The US Department of Education states only students who are Title IV eligible can be awarded CARES Emergency Act funds. To verify Title IV eligibility, NCK Tech is requiring students to have a FAFSA on file. Additional federal guidance provided indicates that a Title IV eligible student must have started the Spring 2020 semester taking face-to-face or a mixture of face-to-face and online courses to receive CARES Act funding. Students must have been enrolled in at least 6 credit hours of a degree/certificate program up to the date of the disruption.

Do I have to file a FAFSA?

Yes. To verify that the applicant is eligible, NCK Tech will use the FAFSA. If a student does not already have a FAFSA on file with NCK Tech then they should complete one at studentaid.gov.  If you need assistance please contact the NCK Tech Financial Aid Office by emailing lbergmann@ncktc.edu or call 785-738-9062.

What will the application process be?

Information on how to access the online application is available on your student TechKnow account.  Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on May 22, 2020.  Students may only apply once.  If a student cannot access the online application, or for assistance completing the application, students should contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance by emailing lbergmann@ncktc.edu or by calling 785-738-9062.

How much will I receive?

Colleges received a limited amount of funds. Grant amounts will be determined based on the number of applications received and the specific needs presented in each application. NCK Tech cannot guarantee that all applications submitted will be funded.

When will we know the results?

Our goal is to award the grant funds as soon as possible, but we will not award any until after the application deadline of May 22, 2020.

How do students receive the money?

Applicants who receive a CARES Act grant will be processed through student accounts. Grant checks will be mailed to the current address listed on the application.

What if I owe the College for tuition or other expenses?

The full amount of the CARES Act grants will be given directly to the student, and NCK Tech will not hold the funds to pay any outstanding balance owed.

Will these funds impact current or future financial aid?

No. CARES Act funding is not financial aid, it is an emergency relief funding from the federal government

Cares Act Funding

North Central Kansas was awarded $245,273 in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding directly to students who have incurred expenses due to the disruption of campus operations caused by COVID-19.  As of June 5^th, 2020 NCK Tech has distributed $245,450 to students.

NCK Tech signed and returned the Department of Education, the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

The disbursement, from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, is designed to prioritize students with demonstrated need and ensure that funds are distributed as widely as possible.  NCK Tech had an estimated 350 students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

In alignment with Department of Education recommendations that institutions prioritize students with the greatest need, NCK Tech distributed funding in the following ways:

1. Recognizing that many students have financial challenges, funds were set aside for students to access through a short online application. Applications for assistance must be for housing, food, technology, or health care needs that resulted from the pandemic, as required by the federal act. Students who submitted an application
2. NCK Tech will distribute direct awards to eligible students who have incurred expenses due to the disruption of campus operations caused by COVID-19.

NCK Tech had a total of 353 students who received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

Check your NCK Tech email daily.  We will be sending information to your email regarding updates to the college and specific classes. These emails might come from your peers, instructors, Student Success, Student Engagement, Financial Aid, Billing, etc.  Your instructors also might have specific office hours dedicated to help students with specific concerns.  It is always encouraged to send them an email to see if, and when this is an option.

All instructors can be contacted by phone or email and you can find a full list on our staff website.

How will the college continue to provide academic support services?

Virtually!  For many of our general education classes and some program courses, we encourage students to use www.tutor.com/ncktc.  To connect and access a tutor, you will need your NCK Tech email address.
Students can also visit  https://ncktc.edu/student-success-center/ for more information or contact Dean of Student Success, Jayme Owen at jowen@ncktc.edu. Jayme can set students up with any resources they may need!

What is the plan for graduation?

Current students should be enrolling in fall 2020 courses now. Please contact your advisor by phone or email and they will work with you on your class schedule.

NCK Tech will refund a prorated amount for unused housing and food service based on March 16, 2020.  However, all potential refunds will be calculated collectively once the semester is completed.  At that point, the college will be able to assess each student’s account to determine what may be owed to a student or if the student has an outstanding balance owed to the college.  By processing all refunds at one time, we hope it will be more manageable and less confusing, resulting in a single refund amount; or potentially a single billing amount.  A special request is not required to get a refund for housing and food service.

Are refunds available for other items except housing?

All other requests for refund require a special submission to refund@ncktc.edu.  Special refund requests should include a description, rationale for the refund and will be considered based on the merit of the request, taking into consideration whether or not the service was provided.

Absolutely! We will be giving virtual tours via Zoom, FaceTime or any other platform convenient for you to connect with us on.  We will be able to show you parts of campus, on campus housing and even connect you with program instructors who can tell you more about what to expect while you are enrolled on campus!  To schedule a virtual campus tour at the Hays campus, call 785-623-6166. To schedule a virtual tour on the Beloit campus, call 785-738-9075.  You can also visit https://ncktc.edu/visit/

Who do I contact to apply for admission, enroll for summer online courses or next-steps in the admissions process?

The admissions staff can help you fill out your application or guide you in the next-steps toward being part of the NCK Tech family. We can visit by phone, text, email or a video chat (Zoom, FaceTime, etc), whatever works best for you. Contact us at 785-623-6198 or admissions@ncktc.edu.

I will be a new student in fall 2020, when do I enroll for classes and how will it work?

Generally we start enrolling new students at the end of May. Currently we are monitoring the situation to decide whether we need to have virtual enrollment day instead of face-to-face. Information will be coming soon to all admitted students but be sure to keep checking our enrollment page for updates.

I am having challenges getting my ACT or Accuplacer test scores sent to NCK Tech or even finding a place to take the Accuplacer test in order to be accepted to the college?

Due to the testing centers closing or delaying giving specific tests and the added stress on high school guidance counselors to send us ACT or SAT scores, NCK Tech will be waiving the test requirement for admission in fall 2020. Our advising staff will be using other metrics to place students in correct courses aligned with their abilities.

All concurrent courses will be moved fully online. Your instructor will be contacting you to give you instructions on how to access your course information. At this time, we do not anticipate moving the ending date for the semester for these courses.

NCK Tech classes online

Online courses are continuing as is, and no changes have been made to this delivery method.

NCK Tech COVID-19 Response #6  (April 15, 2020 8:45pm)

Today, Governor Kelly announced the State of Kansas has extended its statewide stay home order for two additional weeks through Sunday, May 3.  To remain in compliance with this order, and in our continued effort to keep students and staff safe, NCK Tech will complete the remainder of its spring 2020 semester online.

What this means to you:

NCK Tech Students:

• All classes (technical and general education) will continue to be delivered completely online through the scheduled end of the spring semester, May 8, 2020.
  • While delivered in a different way, our goal remains to complete the competencies needed for students to graduate and be prepared for the workforce.
• Students are not to return to campus until the stay home order expires.  More information will be shared in regards to collecting your belongings from campus, but for now, everyone should stay home.
• Advising and enrollment for current students will continue as scheduled.
• There is a list of responses to our most Frequently Asked Questions located on our website at https://ncktc.edu/covid-19/.
• The administrative offices on both campuses are closed to visitors but remain open for business.  Most office staff are working remotely.  Employees are answering their phones and/or are checking their voicemails.  The most reliable form of communication continues to be email, a directory is located on our website at https://ncktc.edu/directory/.

NCK Tech Employees:

• Employees will continue to work as they have over the past couple of weeks, mostly from home, and should avoid coming to campus whenever possible until the stay home order expires.
• Employees may come to campus if their duties require it, but must adhere to safety protocols.
  • Essential functions performed on-site or in-person must follow appropriate safety protocols, as directed by CDC, KDHE, and local health agencies.
• Employees should communicate with their supervisors to clarify the expectation for their specific role.

Any further updates will be shared via email, social media, the college’s website, and Rave Alert.

Thank you to all NCK Tech students and staff for working together to make this situation the best it can be.  I encourage all of you to stay home, stay safe, and stay engaged.

Eric Burks
NCK Tech President

NCK Tech COVID-19 Response #5: Governor’s Stay Home Order (March 29, 2020-4:00p)

Yesterday, Governor Kelly announced that the State of Kansas would move to a statewide “stay home” order effective Monday, March 30 through Sunday, April 19.

To comply with Governor Kelly’s Executive Order No. 20-16, NCK Tech will continue with the measures outlined in the COVID-19 Response #3 and #4 with just a couple of changes:

NCK Tech Students:

• All classes will be online beginning tomorrow, March 30 through at least Sunday, April 19. (The possible ending date was previously April 13; the Governor’s order now extends it to April 19.)
• There will be no face-to-face instruction until at least April 19.
• Students are not to return to campus until at least April 19.

NCK Tech Employees:

• All employees are to work from home and avoid coming to campus whenever possible from March 30 through April 19.
  • The operation of public schools is considered as an essential function, however, all individuals performing essential functions must ꟷ to the extent possible ꟷ use telework capabilities to avoid meeting in person.
• Employees may come to campus if their duties require it, but must adhere to safety protocols.
  • Essential functions being performed on-site or in-person must follow appropriate safety protocols, including social distancing, hygiene, or other efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.
• Employees should communicate with their supervisors to clarify the expectation for their specific role.

NCK Tech encourages everyone to follow the directives set forth by the Governor’s order.  The intent is to establish the same expectations for all Kansans to work together to slow the spread of the coronavirus.  We all share in the responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 by staying home and adhering to this guidance for the protection of our neighbors, our families, and ourselves.

Please be safe and responsible.

Eric Burks
NCK Tech President

NCK Tech COVID-19 Response #4 (March 26, 2020-7:30 pm)

Thanks to all who completed the survey regarding travel patterns over the past 14 days. This information, along with consultation with state and county agencies, was used to determine the best path moving forward.

For the safety of our students and staff members, all NCK Tech classes will be delivered in a completely online format at least until April 13, 2020. With the increasing amount of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state, as well as the growing number of shelter-in-place orders issued by counties, we feel this is the most prudent action to take at this time. Please use this time to shelter in place and limit potential exposure to yourself and others.

In the coming days, we will evaluate the feasibility of resuming limited face-to-face instruction later in the semester. We will also look for alternatives to allow for continued online delivery of technical competencies. For now, all classes will be delivered online. We realize the challenges this creates for both students and instructors. We ask for all involved to please be flexible, understanding, and creative as we each discover new ways to teach, learn, and work.

The previous restrictions outlined in Response #3 remain in effect, with the following exceptions:

–ALL classes will be taught online starting Monday, March 30. Instructors will contact their students via email to provide further details regarding their individual classes.
-There will be no face-to-face instruction provided until at least April 13.
–Until further notice, students are not to return to on-campus housing in Beloit. If merited, we may issue housing and food service refunds after classes are completed for the spring term.
–It is our intention to continue with internships for qualifying students if the businesses are able to accept them.
-Instructors are encouraged to stay home, but may come to campus to film video demonstrations or prepare coursework.
-The administrative offices on both campuses will be closed to visitors but open for business. Employees will be in split shifts, using a combination of remote and in-office work.
-Further details about how this change impacts non-instructional employees will be provided by their supervisors.

We will continue to monitor this situation as it evolves and make adjustments as necessary. Any changes or updates for employees and/or students will be communicated via Rave alert and their NCK Tech email account. We will notify the general public on our website at https://ncktc.edu/covid-19/ and via our social media channels.

Be safe and God bless.

Eric Burks
NCK Tech President

NCK Tech COVID-19 Response #3 (March 18, 2020 at 6:00 pm)

Let me start by thanking all of you for your flexibility during this unprecedented time.  COVID-19 continues to impact our daily lives in so many ways, I appreciate everyone’s efforts to be helpful and adapt to changes as we work our way forward in the best possible manner.

For the remainder of this week, March 16-20, face-to-face classes remain canceled and online classes will continue as usual.  This is a work week for all employees, some are working remotely and prepping classes.  Other employees are deep cleaning facilities and performing necessary business operations.  All of us are busy planning for what we hope things will be when we return from Spring Break.  We are also preparing in case it becomes necessary to work completely remotely.

Please remain flexible as changes are constantly occurring.  Employees and students should check their NCK Tech email account often. Currently, office staff are available by phone, however, some may be working remotely.  Call forwarding will be used when possible, but the most reliable form of communication during this time is email.

March 23-27 is Spring Break, so NCK Tech will be completely closed.  I strongly advise everyone to reconsider any travel plans.  We are not restricting travel during break, however, all employees and students will complete a form indicating whether they traveled or not during the break.  A link to the form will be emailed to employees and students.  If individuals choose to travel, they need to be aware there may be a required quarantine period.  This will be dependent upon state and federal directives regarding this practice.  Students will not be allowed to quarantine in our on-campus housing.

Following Spring Break, beginning March 30, our current plan for keeping our campuses safe and helping students successfully complete in a timely manner, includes doing the following:

Instruction:

1. All general education courses will be online, delivered in an asynchronous format for the rest of the term.
2. Technical program instructors will deliver all classroom instruction onlinefor the rest of the term.
3. Instructors will contact their students via email to help them prepare for this transition.
4. Hands-on technical competencies will be taught face-to-face while practicing social distancing guidelines.
5. On-campus sessions will bedelivered to groups of no more than 8 students at a time.

Face-to-Face Participation:

1. Employees or students uncomfortable with attending the on-campus sessions may opt out by submitting an email request to President Burksat eburks@ncktc.edu.  Understand, the hands-on activities will still be required to complete the course, but they could possibly be delayed if deemed necessary.
2. Employees or students presenting symptoms (fever, cough, etc) will not be allowed to participatein a face-to-face setting.
3. Safe hygiene and social distancing will be taught and strictly practiced.
4. Shared tools and equipment will be sanitizedafter use and before being used by another individual.
5. Students will be provided with more detailed information regarding specific courses by their instructors via email.

Guests & Travel Limitations:

1. On-campus visitors will not be allowed, with the exception of critical deliveries.  This includes employees’ family members and personal guests.
2. Individual recruiting tours may continue on a limited basis.
3. All on-campus events have been canceled for the next 8 weeks.
4. Alternatives to our traditional commencement ceremonyare being considered.  More information will be provided at a later date.
5. Field trips will not be permitted.
6. Guest speakers are not permitted on-campus, but are encouraged remotely.
7. No college-sponsored out-of-state travel will be allowed.
8. College-sponsored in-state travel for employees should be avoided, with the exception of between our campuses.  If in-state travel is absolutely necessary, a request must be submitted to the President’s office.  This includes recruiting.
9. Local pickups and deliveries may be made, but we are to avoid all non-essential travel within our communities.

On-Campus Services:

• Advising and enrollment for summer and fall courses will continue as scheduled.  It will be done remotely whenever possible.

Beloit Campus:

1. On-campus apartments will be available to students on March 29 at 8am.  NCK Tech’s apartments are configured in a way that allows students to adhere to social distancing guidelines.  Cleaning and sanitizing supplies will be available andhigh standards of cleanliness will be required.
2. The cafeteria is closed.  Food service will be available for students on a meal plan.  Students will be expected to eat practicing social distancing.

Hays Campus (Gateway):

1. Students should refer to their FHSU email for details regarding the Gateway Program.
2. NCK Tech students who live in the FHSU’s campus, who have requested and been approved by FHSU, will be allowed to remain in the residence halls and continue to receive food service.  If students need assistance with Gateway services, please contact Jackie Haskell at jhaskell@ncktc.edu.

Finally, I want to clarify the announcement made by the Governor of Kansas yesterday regarding K-12 schools.  In actuality, K-12 schools are not completely closing, they are implementing a Continuous Learning plan.  This plan looks much like what we have outlined above.  It will focus on remote instruction whenever possible, and will limit face-to-face instruction to small class sizes when absolutely necessary.  So as long as we are able, we will move forward with the intention of safely delivering the necessary competencies to our students so they can graduate and be ready to serve our workforce as soon as possible.

We will continue to monitor this situation as it evolves and make adjustments as necessary.  Any changes or updates for employees and/or students will be communicated via Rave alert and their NCK Tech email account. We will notify the general public on our website at https://ncktc.edu/covid-19/ and via our social media channels.

NCK Tech COVID-19 Response #2 (March 15, 2020)

Based on Governor Kelly’s strong recommendation for all Kansas schools to close for the upcoming week due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, NCK Tech will adhere to that recommendation and cancel all face-to-face classes on both campuses for March 16-20.  Spring Break will continue as scheduled the following week, March 23-27.  Classes will then resume on March 30th as originally scheduled.

There are no changes to online class schedules, they will continue as usual.

Students living on the Beloit campus are asked to depart by end of day Monday. Students with extenuating circumstances need to contact Shane Britt, Dean of Student Experience.

As this situation evolves, we will update employees and students via Rave alert and your NCK Tech e-mail account.

NCK Tech COVID-19 Response #1 (March 12, 2020)

NCK Tech Community:

We continue to monitor the rapidly evolving health issues and impact of the COVID-19
(coronavirus). The safety of our students and employees, as well as the general public, is our
highest priority. Listed below are the actions we are taking at this time, they are focused on
education and prevention. Further measures will be situational, based on guidance provided by
county, state, and federal agencies, as well as the College’s emergency operations plan.

-Providing educational materials to all of our students and employees.
-Providing additional hand sanitizer and disinfection supplies.
-Eliminating unnecessary common points of contact (ex. eating and serving utensils,
condiment dispensers, etc.) This will include closing the salad bar in the cafeteria.
-Increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting necessary common points of contact
(ex. door handles, restrooms, computer keyboards, etc.)
-Eliminating large gatherings of visitors in our facilities.
-Screening small groups of visitors before they enter our facilities.
-Encouraging all students and employees to listen to the instructions provided by public
health officials, including proper hygiene practices and staying home if any of the symptoms
are present.
-Close monitoring of student and employee health and travel.
-Faculty and staff will work together to determine instructional options which reduce human
contact and allow students to obtain their required competencies in the safest manner
possible. This could include online instruction, limited class sizes, etc.

Otherwise, operations will continue as usual unless conditions dictate a change. We appreciate
everyone’s patience and flexibility as we work through this together. We will continue to
communicate as updates and changes occur.

Information about COVID-19 is regularly updated at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
nCoV/index.html and http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm.

We are regularly reviewing information from the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment regarding the COVID-19 virus. We will continue to follow the latest guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in conjunction with recommendations from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Mitchell and Ellis County Public Health.

What can I do to limit my risk for COVID-19 or other similar illnesses (seasonal influenza)?
Practice good infection control strategies including:

• Cover your nose and mouth with tissues when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after use.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also are effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to avoid spreading germs.
• Improve your immune system by getting enough rest (eight hours is ideal), exercising regularly and eating healthy.
• Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with sick people.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.