(Jack Peeples/The Broadside)
The outcome for what fall term will look like at Central Oregon Community College is a question that students want answered. COVID-19 has interfered with many annual community activities and traditions. However, COVID-19 doesn’t seem to be able to stop the reopening of COCC campuses. Students will have the opportunity to return to the campuses in the fall, although safety measures regarding COVID-19 will be taken seriously. The regulations will be the new normal for the remainder of the upcoming academic year.
“Our plan is to offer a variety of courses at all of our locations,” says COCC President Laurie Chesley.
Fall term will begin on September 21. For the duration of the next academic year, COCC is persistent and committed to giving students the best options for their health and safety. With remote, in-person, hybrid and online classes being available on all campuses, students can expect to choose the courses that make them feel most comfortable. For most in-person classes the maximum capacity of attendees has been decreased. According to the Class Schedule on COCC’s website, a class such as Interpersonal Communication that would typically hold 35 students will now hold 20 students.
A reopening task force is going to provide students and staff with plans that will keep every campus safe and ensure clean buildings and classrooms. The plans designed are structured to follow guidelines of the Oregon Health Authority. Students and professors will keep a distance of six feet apart when possible. Additionally, both staff and students will wear masks if social distancing is not maintained.
“Our primary concern is always going to be keeping students, faculty and staff safe. You can’t help but be a little bit nervous since you want everyone to stay safe and healthy,” says Chesley.
Although there are many regulations to prevent spreading COVID-19, there is no way to predict the future. According to the COVID-19 Summer and Fall information on COCC’s website, “the college is prepared to move to fully remote or online instruction if directed to do so by the state.”
