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Receiving updates from the SCO Administration
It is important to closely monitor your SCO email address, as important information is being distributed daily from President Reich and college faculty and staff.
General Information and Preparedness for COVID-19
updated 3/27/20
There is a multitude of information, as well as misinformation out there in relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic. So, it is crucial that you get important information directly from official sources. The following links will provide up to date information from the CDC and the AOA. Any information deemed vital for SCO students and alumni will come directly from the college.
https://www.cdc.gov
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html
https://www.aoa.org/coronavirus
Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings
This interim guidance has been updated based on currently available information about COVID-19 and the current situation in the United States, which includes reports of cases of community transmission, infections identified in healthcare personnel (HCP), and shortages of facemasks, N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) (commonly known as N95 respirators), and gowns.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html
NBEO Information
updated 3/27/20
NBEO Testing Centers have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have been impacted by testing center closures, please access the following link for up to date information.
https://www.optometry.org/index.cfm
State Licensure Information
updated 3/27/20
The following link provides contact and important information for State Licensing Boards for all 50 US states.
https://www.optometry.org/state_board.cfm
CARES Act Information
updated 4/6/20
Student Loan Interest Suspended and 6 Month Payment Moratorium
The President has announced an immediate suspension on interest for all federal student loans until September 30, 2020. The interest suspension is in effect now. As part of the CARES Act, your payments will also automatically stop from March 13, 2020 through September 30, 2020. To provide relief for student borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency, federal student loan borrowers are automatically being place on administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment.
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/delivering-president-trumps-promise-secretary-devos-suspends-federal-student-loan-payments-waives-interest-during-national-emergency
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
https://covalentcareers.com/resources/optometrist-student-loan-interest-waiver-coronavirus/
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus#borrower-questions
Learn more about the Cares Act.
Business Provisions Under the CARES Act
Individual Provisions Under the CARES Act
Join the ODs on Finance Facebook group to tune into a Facebook Live Q&A on the CARES Act.
Click here to join. 3/31/20 @11am PT/ 2pm ET
WEBINAR - COVID-19 Federal Laws and Financial Options for Optometry
This webinar was presented by the AOA staff and Dr. Jeff Michaels on March 31, 2020.
IT IS A MUST LISTEN. Discusses what doctors of optometry need to know about just-enacted Federal crisis relief legislation, including details on CARES, loans, leave and more.
https://www.aoa.org/coronavirus/covid-19-webinar
Tax Deadline Extended
updated 3/27/20
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service have announced that the federal income tax filing due date has been automatically extended from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. This is for federal taxes only. Many states are also extending their deadline – so consult your individual state tax information. Keep in mind that if you are due a federal tax refund, you can still file at any time before July 15, 2020. The following link provides additional information.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-now-july-15-treasury-irs-extend-filing-deadline-and-federal-tax-payments-regardless-of-amount-owed
Student Loan Interest Suspended and 60-Day Payment Moratorium
updated 4/6/20
The President has announced an immediate suspension on interest for all federal student loans until September 30, 2020. The interest suspension is in effect now. As part of the CARES Act, your payments will also automatically stop from March 13, 2020 through September 30, 2020. To provide relief for student borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency, federal student loan borrowers are automatically being place on administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment.
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/delivering-president-trumps-promise-secretary-devos-suspends-federal-student-loan-payments-waives-interest-during-national-emergency
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
https://covalentcareers.com/resources/optometrist-student-loan-interest-waiver-coronavirus/
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus#borrower-questions
Mortgage Assistance and Relief Programs
updated 3/27/20
If you are having concerns regarding mortgage payments, you can consult the following information from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae concerning assistance programs. If you are having trouble paying, you should contact your lender immediately, as many banks and lenders are offering their own assistance programs.
http://www.freddiemac.com/about/covid-19.html
https://www.fanniemae.com/portal/covid-19.html
Continuing Your Career Search - SCO Placement Service and HCPE Resources
updated 4/6/20
Helpful Tips to Get Prepared For A Video Interview
With the current state of things, many job seekers and employers must make changes to their hiring procedures - including the interview process. Utilizing web-conferencing technology, many aspiring ODs will have their interviews via video. These helpful pointers will help get you up to speed so you nail that video interview.
https://covalentcareers.com/resources/13-tips-crush-optometry-job-video-interview
If you are seeking employment, or will have a future opening for an associate, the HCPE is here to assist you with our Placement Service as well as a list of outside professional opportunities resources The following links will direct you to each service. If you have questions or experience any issues, please contact Mike McKeever at [email protected].
https://www.sco.edu/placement
https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2330/resources_for_professional_opporunities.pdf
Tips For Working From Home
updated 3/27/20
During this time of change and uncertainty, many will find themselves working from home for an extended period time. This is a big adjustment that comes with its own set of challenges. The following links will provide some useful and fun information for adjusting to the ‘home office’
https://dailymemphian.com/section/coronavirus/article/12160/jennifer-biggs-coronavirus-pandemic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sMXJZ1Wsuk&t=80s
How Are You Doing During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
updated 3/27/20
With the current situation, and a good many unknowns, it is easy to find yourself in a funk – or worse to begin to suffer from stress, anxiety, or depression. It is important to try and stay calm, take a deep breath, and follow the guidelines of the CDC and the medical community. Stay home unless going out for essentials, develop a routine, try to get some fresh air and exercise while maintaining social distancing, eat healthy, and keep in contact with friends and loved ones.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/nomanazish/2020/03/24/how-to-protect-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-according-to-psychologists/
The HCPE Is Here To Assist You!
updated 3/27/20
If you have specific questions, concerns, or just need someone to lend an understanding ear, the HCPE at SCO is here to help you. Please reach out at any time to Dr. Lisa Wade, [email protected], or Mr. Mike McKeever, [email protected].