12/16/20
Gadsden State announces plans for spring semester operations
Gadsden State Community College Interim President Gregg Bennett has announced that the College will open with modified access for the spring semester.
“We will continue operations as we did during the fall semester,” he said. “As always, we will monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and will adjust our instructional and operational plans as needed. We continue to put the safety of our employees and students first.”
Faculty and staff will return to campus on Jan. 4 following the holidays. The first day of class for students is Jan. 11.
“Gadsden State faculty and staff will be available to assist students with registration, advisement and financial aid services through Dec. 22 and will resume services Jan. 4,” he said. “We encourage students to conduct advisement and other College meetings by phone, email or virtually through Zoom or Blackboard Collaborate.”
On Jan. 11, in-person, on-campus instruction will take place for courses and programs that require hands-on assessment of skills and technical competencies, clinicals and work-based learning experiences. Some of the general education classes, as well as theory-based courses in career technical and health sciences programs, will be offered completely online. Other classes are offered in a split hybrid format that allow students to continue social distancing.
“For hybrid courses, half of the class meets in person one day a week and the other half of the class meets in person the second day of the week,” Bennett said. “All course content will be online so that the online instruction is available for those days the students are not attending class on campus.”
Student clinicals, externships and apprenticeships are approved as allowable by clinical sites and apprentice employers.
The libraries located at the Wallace Drive, Valley Street, Ayers and Cherokee campuses will continue to be open for student use during normal operating hours but will remain closed to the public. Computer areas will allow 50 percent capacity for social distancing and student safety.
Faculty, staff and students as well as visitors will be required to continue following policies and procedures set forth by Gadsden State leadership when on campus. This includes having their temperatures checked upon arriving to campus at checkpoint locations; practicing social distancing when possible; and wearing a mask whenever a six-foot distance cannot be maintained. Handwashing and sanitizing continue to be frequently encouraged, and facilities will continue to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected by the custodial and maintenance staff.
For up-to-date information, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/coronavirus.