Fall classes to go virtual after Thanksgiving

When the pandemic forced Chipola to go virtual in March, college officials adopted the slogan, “Stay Home, Stay Well and Excel at Chipola College.” As students returned to campus for Fall classes, this slogan changed to “Stay Well and Excel at Chipola.”

Chipola President Dr. Sarah Clemmons said the Fall schedule of classes was designed with options to cover every student’s needs with classes offered in person, through Zoom, online, or through a combination of these. To help reduce exposure related to travel and gatherings, following the Thanksgiving Break on Nov. 30, all classes will move to a virtual format. Since the last class day for Fall Session A academic classes is Dec. 8, going virtual will the reduce the number of face-to-face class meetings by three.  Final exams will be given online, and students will be asked not to return to campus after Nov. 30 except by appointment.

Working with leaders from all areas of campus life, Dr. Clemmons developed “Keys to a Healthy Campus.” http://www.chipola.edu/media/chipola/covid-19/Chipolas-Keys-to-a-Healthy-Campus.pdf  This document will guide students and employees as they work together to provide a safe learning and working environment. The plan follows best practices which include: the wearing of masks on campus, increased sanitation, social distancing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine guidelines and a response plan for outbreaks.

Dr. Clemmons is encouraged about plans for the new school year, saying, “Chipola College has been ‘Changing Lives and Creating Futures’ since it first opened its doors in 1947. I look forward to working with the entire college community this school year as we write another chapter in the rich history of Chipola College.”