Jefferson College officials expect fall 2020 classes, which begin Aug. 17, largely to be held in person, although they say plans remain in flux due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As of (July 13), it’s been decided to open back in person,” said President Dena McCaffrey, who took over as the college president July 1 after Ray Cummiskey retired from the position. “Classes will be held following social-distancing guidelines. It could affect class sizes. We are requiring masks (with some exceptions). We are following the direction of the Jefferson County Health Department and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).”
She said social-distancing mandates will be enforced at all of the college’s facilities in Hillsboro, Arnold and Imperial.
“The health and safety of our students and staff are our top priority,” McCaffrey said.
She said masks will be required at all times on campus, unless in an office or meeting space with 10 or fewer people, and all those people must stay at least 6 feet apart to allow for appropriate social distancing. Although students are expected to provide their own face coverings, there will be a limited number of masks available if they forget. Bags with masks, sanitizer and wipes will be distributed the first week of classes.
McCaffrey said while the intention is to conduct in-person classes, college officials will continue to monitor the pandemic and to follow Health Department and CDC directives as they change.
College officials released the following information concerning the fall semester:
• Students should register for fall courses as scheduled and will be notified immediately if the format for fall classes changes due to COVID-19. Information about Jefferson College is available at jeffco.edu/Getting-Started or at Student Services Resources jeffco.edu/covid-19/Student-Resources or by calling Admissions at 636-481-3209.
• The fall 2020 class schedule includes a variety of safe, face-to-face options since numerous learning spaces are being reconfigured to ensure physical distancing. Online options also are available.
• In addition to the requirement to wear masks, the college has taken a variety of precautions to enhance campus safety, including deep cleaning of all facilities and high-touch surfaces, the use of hospital-grade cleaning and disinfecting supplies, the installation of hand sanitizer/mask/tissue stations at building entrances, designation of one-way building entrance/exit points, installation of plexiglas barriers and shields, remote and staggered staffing plans for all offices and departments and appropriate social-distancing practices.
