Jefferson College buildings will not reopen until at least April 27 now that the campus closure has been extended in accordance with the stay-at-home order and other government directives regarding the coronavirus pandemic, President Ray Cummiskey said in a written statement.
In addition, commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 16 have been called off, with the hope of rescheduling commencement in some manner, he said.
“To further protect the safety of all Jefferson College students and employees in accordance with the ‘stay at home’ executive order issued jointly by Jefferson County Executive Dennis Gannon and the Jefferson County Health Department, I am extending the closure of all college sites through Sunday, April 26,” Cummiskey said.
Previously, the college extended its spring break by a week because of the coronavirus, so the college buildings were expected to reopen March 30. However, that date changed after the stay-at home order was put into effect.
“Faculty and staff are expected to continue working remotely with an anticipated return to campus on Monday, April 27, unless announced otherwise,” Cummiskey said.
Until then, “all campus buildings will remain closed to students and employees,” he said. “We continue to follow the guidance and response efforts of the federal government, the state of Missouri and local authorities.”
As previously announced, online instruction will be offered for most courses beginning March 30. However, online instruction isn't practical for some college courses, like those dependent on lab work, and college officials haven't decided how to handle those, Cummiskey said Tuesday (March 24).
College representatives “will be reaching out to students as soon as possible” about the situation, he added.
Cummiskey said those who do not have Wi-Fi access at home may drive to the Hillsboro campus, park and work from their vehicles.
“Please remember that while the college is closed, Wi-Fi access is available on the Blue parking lot at the Hillsboro campus (near the Buildings and Grounds Office) if you need a connection to the internet,” Cummiskey said.
He added that there are no power outlets or restrooms available for those who go to the parking lot for Wi-Fi access.
Other issues addressed in the statement include the following.
■ “We are requesting that all students move out of Viking Woods and are currently developing timelines and move-outs plan,” Cummiskey said Tuesday. “For international students and those who have no place to go at this time, we are researching other alternatives.”
■ The Jefferson College Board of Trustees will hold its April 9 meeting by teleconference instead of the usual board member gathering at the Hillsboro campus.
“There will be no live public comment, but anyone may submit questions, which will be made a part of the record,” Cummiskey said. “A recording of the meeting will be made and posted after the meeting.”
Additional details about the meeting will be issued at a later time, he said.
■ As announced earlier, all previously scheduled college-sponsored and outside events at campus facilities are canceled through April 30, Cummiskey said.
“The NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) has also canceled all spring athletic scrimmages, games and postseason tournaments,” he said.
Cummiskey urges the college community to check the institution’s coronavirus information web page at jeffco.edu/covid-19 for additional updates or announcements.
