Seth Root/The Broadside

Well, it looks like most students will not be on campus anytime soon.

On Aug. 20, Central Oregon Community College decided to reverse its plans for the fall term and have released a statement saying that 70 to 80 percent of classes will be online.

According to a COCC press release, “The college will shift its planned in-person course offerings for fall term, with 75-80% of classes now to be offered remotely or online. The exception will be some CTE classes, labs and practicums that require hands-on learning that cannot be taught effectively in a distance format.”

The primary reason for the change in the fall plan is that there are still many COVID-19 cases in Deschutes County, which on the Deschutes County website, the data shows that COVID-19 skyrocketed after July 4 and have since gone down a little bit.

Laurie Chesley, president of the college, said in a special board meeting streamed on the college’s social media platform, “Although the trend is getting better, we still don’t feel like it is a positive trend.”

COCC also said in the press release that the Wickiup Residence Hall, Mazama Gym, and other facilities would not be open to its students in the fall due to COVID-19.

The release said, “Wickiup Residence Hall will be closed, and there will be no students housed on campus for fall term. The college’s housing office is offering resident students the option to defer their confirmed spot in Wickiup Hall until Winter 2021, receive a refund. Housing staff is also available to help resident students find local housing.”

Of course, plans can change again due to circumstances, but it looks like students will be spending more time on Zoom and less time on campus.