Bladen Community College Students have been registering for fall classes recently, but many wonder what the classes will look like at BCC. Joy S. Grady, Public Relations Coordinator with Bladen Community College (BCC), explained Wednesday the college is working on their fall 2020-2021 plan. Still, the college is waiting to hear the Bladen County Schools reopening plan. The Bladen County Board of Education is scheduled to meet about the reopening plan for the 2020-2021 school year virtually in a special called meeting Thursday, July 23, at 5:30 p.m.
Some of Bladen County’s Career and College Promise(CCP) students rely on bus transportation; therefore, depending on what the Board of Education with Bladen County Schools decides may also impact the community college’s plan.
Bladen Community College does have a new Advising Center. The Center is open–current students or those interested in applying/registering or seeking other resources may contact the Center to get personalized, individualized support and assistance. Email the Center at bccadvising@bladencc.edu or 910.879.5584.
BCC faculty officially “return” on the August 3, 2020. Grady said, “We will continue to operate on a campus staggered schedule as we practice social distancing guidelines and will not need everyone to be here at the same time or to congregate. Appointments are highly encouraged. Staff or faculty can be best contacted by phone or email.”
BCC’s annual Planning Retreat/All Campus Assembly/Faculty Meeting will be combined and condensed to occur between August 6-7 and conducted virtually.
Final Registration for fall classes at the college will be August 12 and 13. “This will be conducted differently than in the past in order to follow safeguards to prevent any transmission of the virus,” Grady said, “Faculty and staff will be on campus to assist students in the auditorium and throughout the campus.”
According to Grady, all students who access resources and services in person must follow Bladen Community College COVID – 19 protocols including, face coverings and social distancing, and should not come to campus when feeling sick or may think that have been exposed.
BCC classes begin August 17. Classes will be offered in several ways. There will be a hybrid format (a blend of in-person and online instruction), or entirely online. The online designation signifies that 100% of the course material is delivered online.
Grady said, “Hybrid courses take advantage of the best features of both in-person and online instruction. Many of our hands-on applied classes returned to our campuses over the summer in a hybrid format. Classes, labs, and shops will meet with limited student capacity to ensure social distancing practices.”
All students should carefully read course descriptions on our website and check their Bladen Community College email for communications from their instructors prior to the start of the semester. Grady added,
They are encouraged to reach out to their instructors if they have questions.”
In closing, Grady said, “Our plan reflects a semester that will look very different from past fall semesters at Bladen Community College, but one that will enable us to maximize student progress while minimizing health risks and viral spread. We have utilized guidance from local public health officials, the NCCCS of ever-changing as we are developing our plans. As you can imagine–our plan is ever-changing and fluid in response to these uncertain times!”
Grady stated she does plan to send an official press release along with the detailed plan in tandem with Dr. Lee’s Bi-Weekly Zoom Assembly Meeting with all employees on Friday, July 24.
Bladen Community College remains open for business, but we are operating on an alternate operations model. Faculty and staff are available during normal business hours as they work from home or on campus. We will continue to serve students and our community by telephone or electronically. Our goal is to respond to emails and inquiries within 24 hours. For more up-to-date information on the college response to the Coronavirus, visit our website www.bladencc.edu.
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