Frequently Asked Questions - COVID-19
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Where can I access current information on Covid-19?
Kansas Department Of Health Covid-19 Website
Rice County Health Department Website
What is the college doing to prepare for students returning for fall 2020?
Sterling College is committed to reopening the college as safely as we possibly can during this
unprecedented time. The college formed a Covid task force team that is meeting regularly and
updating plans accordingly. See the current plan at sterling.edu and click on Covid-19
Information for the Covid-19 Preparedness Plan.
How can I help protect myself?
The CDC always recommends these everyday actions to help reduce the spread of Covid-19
as well as other respiratory illnesses:
Wash your hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds before eating, after
blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing and after using the restroom. If soap and water is not
available use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
Cover your cough and sneezes with tissues.
Avoid sharing drinks or utensils.
Stay home when you are sick. Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, face, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Socially distance at least 6 feet from others whenever possible.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces.
What if I am sick? What resources are available?
If on campus during health center hours you may contact Dana Ely, Campus health director.
Please email her at nurse@sterling.edu or call 1-620-278-4505 prior to your arrival at the
campus health center.
Our local community healthcare options can be found at Rice Community Healthcare.
Please also see the following listing of nearby community healthcare options.
Health Care locations near campus (Please call prior to arriving if possible)
Sterling Medical Center
239 N Broadway
Sterling, Ks 67579
1-620-278-2123
Lyons Medical Center
1221 Noble Pl
Lyons, Ks 67554
1-620-257-5124
Rice County District Hospital
619 S. Clark
Lyons, Ks 67554
1-620-257-5173
Hutchinson, KS Health Care locations (Please call prior to arrival if possible)
Hutchinson Clinic
2101 N. Waldron
Hutchinson, Ks 67502 1-620-669-2500
*Walk in Care available M-F 7:30 am- 8 pm, Sat 8 am-4 pm
*Respiratory Response Clinic M-F 8 am -8 pm, Sat, Sun 8 am-4 pm
Prairie Star Health Center (sliding scale fees for uninsured)
2700 E. 30th
Hutchinson, Ks 67502
620-663-8484
*Urgent Care available 8 am-6 pm M-F
Hutchinson Regional Medical Center- Hospital in Hutchinson
1701 E. 23rd Hutchinson, Ks 67502
1-620-665-2000
The Little Clinic inside Dillons Marketplace
3200 Plaza East Dr
Hutchinson, Ks 67502
1-620-860-1669 (see thelittleclinic.com for hours)
*In the case of an emergency call 911
Mental Health Resources
Campus Counselor- Lydia Butner
1-620-278-4297
Campus- Life Coach - Heather Oden
1-620-278-4232
WellConnect-Free Online Counseling
1-866-640-4777 Code: STERLINGC
WellConnectForYou.com
The Center for Counseling & Consultation
Great Bend, Ks
1-620-792-2544
Currently all testing in our community for Covid-19 is done at Rice County Hospital in Lyons.
Follow the CDC recommendations if symptoms of Covid-19 develop.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/index.html
How do I know if I need to be tested?
Consult your local health care provider for guidance. The CDC also has a coronavirus self
checker available online that is a good resource. The self checker can be found at
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
I am struggling with anxiety during this time. Is there anyone I can talk to on campus?
Sterling College has an onsite counselor on staff, Lydia Butner. Email her at
lydia.butner@sterling.edu to schedule or call the Student Life Office at 1-620-278-4232 to
make an appointment.
Another resource is WellConnect, an online counseling service available 24/7. Log in to
WellConnectForYou.com to access. Code: STERLINGC.
Will masks be required on campus?
Currently masks are highly recommended in commonly shared spaces or if unable to socially
distance more than 6 feet from others. Cloth masks are suitable and for instructions on making
a mask at home and proper usage see CDC cloth face covers.
What calendar changes have been made this academic year due to Covid-19?
The college has made some calendar changes with students starting move in on August 14th
for fall athletics. Fall break has changed to a one day fall breather on October 14th. The fall
semester will end in person classes on Tuesday, November 24th at Thanksgiving break with the
last two weeks of class being held remotely. These changes were made considering student
and employee’s possible travel during the holiday breaks and mitigation of travel risk and
possible needed quarantine upon return to campus.
Will it be safe to eat in the cafeteria? What changes have they made?
Sterling College’s dining service Chartwells has a very thorough Covid reopening plan. Specific
changes will be implemented throughout the cafeteria taking social distancing into
consideration as well as new options such as take out and single serving items.
Can I schedule a campus visit?
Yes, currently we have in person as well as virtual visits available. Please call 1-620-278-4275
or email admissions@sterling.edu for further information. A pre screening questionnaire will be
made available.
Sterling College's Commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021. Please check this Commencement website for all the latest information regarding any travel considerations.