As the number of Americans infected with the H1N1 or swine flu continues to rise, officials at Piedmont Technical College are working to ensure that they are prepared.

The development of a pandemic plan began almost two years ago.

“I met with Dr. (Ray) Brooks one week after he took over as president to discuss the need for a pandemic plan,” said Jerry Alewine, dean of health sciences and co-chair of the pandemic response planning committee. “At the time, everyone was watching the development of the avian flu overseas and I wanted us to be proactive for any potential situations.”

The plan that was established is universal, covering not only avian and swine flu, but any possible health issues.

“The college community is taking steps to prepare for the potential of such a pandemic in the interest of minimizing the risk of exposure among employees, students and visitors,” said Alewine. “The focus of the Piedmont Technical College Pandemic Influenza Plan is to provide a coordinated and comprehensive response to any pandemic in order to help ensure continuation of education and services.”

Alternatives to a classroom education are already in place. Many courses are offered online through D2L. Podcasting of lectures is also available for many classes.

“We want to provide every option available to keep students who have to be out due to illness from falling behind,” Alewine said. “Each division has also established a plan to cover classes in the event the instructor is out.”

The Public Services division established their plan to help cover classes – flu cubbies. The brainchild of department head Beverly Burton, the cubbies hold class schedules, room numbers, class rolls and assignments for students that can be administered by anyone.

“The mentality of those of us in public service is that we must always be prepared,” Burton said. “I have a teenager so I know how quickly illnesses can be passed on.”

The cubbies proved useful recently when four instructors in the division were out at the same time. With both early care and education instructors and both criminal justice instructors out, Burton said she was scrambling to fill the classes.

“We have students who travel as much as 45 minutes one way, and we can’t cancel classes. The cubbies allowed instructors from other public service areas to fill in while still providing meaningful instruction,” said Burton. “The work was not ‘busy’ work. The assignments followed the instructor’s syllabus and goals for the class.”

The cubbies are updated every two weeks to ensure they continue to provide meaningful assignments. Burton said she is continually looking at ways to improve the cubby system and, simultaneously, the effectiveness of the instructional process.

“The entire department pulled together and kept things going without having to cancel a single class,” said Sissy Copeland, dean of business, information technologies and public services. “Their preparation has inspired other departments in our division to develop a comprehensive plan.”

Photo Caption: Beverly Burton, public services department head, shows the “Flu Cubby Packets” prepared by all public services faculty. These packets allow classes to be covered in the event the instructor must be absent.