Majority of Classes Will Take Place Virtually
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County College of Morris (CCM) has released its COVID-19 Return to Campus Fall 2020 Plan, which is designed to minimize risk and maximize safety for students, faculty and staff while continuing high-quality educational offerings.
“Our plan is to return thoughtfully, incrementally and with full consideration to the health and well-being of our students, employees and campus visitors,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, CCM president. “The Return to Campus Plan has been carefully designed to keep the college safe as we continue to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students.”
The plan calls for no more than 25 percent of instruction to take place in person, while the majority of the college’s classes and all support services will continue to be offered virtually.
The reopening is designed to support programs that require hands-on learning, such as those in engineering and health care, while placing a priority on protecting the health and well-being of the campus community.
The plan adheres to all federal, state and local guidelines; implements guidance from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local health departments, and professional organizations; and incorporates recommendations from the campus community.
To ensure the health and safety of students, staff and faculty, CCM has taken several measures as it aims to continue its high-quality learning environment for the more than 10,000 college credit and workforce students it serves annually.
These measures include disinfecting the campus continuously, optimizing HVAC systems to protect against the spread of the virus, and providing for social distancing through the removal or blocking off of seats and one-way signage in hallways similar to what is being used in grocery stores to direct foot traffic. An additional 1,632 square feet of acrylic shielding is being installed throughout campus.
CCM has also purchased 18,000 disposable face masks for those who may require one. More than 170 wall-mounted hand sanitizer stations are located throughout campus and tabletop hand sanitizers will be readily available.
Anyone who comes to campus will be required to wear a face covering and display a college-issued identification card, engage in proper social distancing and participate in a contactless temperature check before entering any building. Faculty, staff and students must complete a virtual orientation before coming back to campus.
Those who wish to visit the campus will be asked to check in with CCM’s Department of Public Safety in building 675 Route 10 East upon their arrival. Visitors seeking greater clarification and assistance prior to entering the campus can also call 973-328-5550.
To further maximize campus safety, all instruction in person will take place with smaller than normal class sizes.
To provide all students with as much flexibility and support as possible, fall classes will be offered in three formats, including remotely with video conferencing and regularly scheduled class meetings. This format is similar to live classes. CCM will also offer traditional online courses that do not require attendance at a specific time and allow the greatest amount of flexibility. Students in programs requiring hands-on learning can enroll in hybrid courses where courses meet on campus and online. The college’s student support services will operate largely online.
The CCM library will continue to provide online services as well as curbside pickup and delivery of materials to students, staff and faculty. The library will continue to offer limited online and telephonic services to county residents. When deemed safe, the CCM library will allow limited visits by CCM students, staff and faculty on appointment.
CCM is committed to serving its students and ensuring employers continue to enjoy hiring graduates of skill and talent, especially in critical areas including manufacturing, health care, technology, business and more. The use of advanced technologies, an exceptionally talented faculty and a dedicated support staff make it possible for individuals to achieve their educational and career goals without having to take a gap year.
CCM annually awards more than $12 million in financial aid for tuition and has more than $1 million in federal CARES funds to support students experiencing financial hardships beyond tuition.
“Quite simply, there has never been a better time to enroll, said Dr. Bette Simmons, vice president of Student Development and Enrollment Management.
The Return to Campus Plan, along with numerous other resources, is housed on the CCM COVID-19 Information and Resource Center on the college’s website.
Registration for the Fall 2020 Semester at CCM is still taking place. Classes start September 9. To find out more, visit www.ccm.edu/fall-2020/.
