Student Update - March 21, 2020
The following message was sent to students on March 21, 2020.
Dear McLennan Community College students,
These are extraordinary times, and we at McLennan Community College are working to help you continue to progress toward your educational goals. Our first priority is to protect your health and safety as well as that of our faculty and staff as we assist you in completing your courses.
The situation can change rapidly, so I appreciate your patience with us as we make decisions based on what we know at the time of our communication to you. All of us will need to be patient and flexible in the coming weeks. Please continue to look at our COVID-19 Updates webpage and check your email and Brightspace in order to receive the most accurate and up-to-date information from the College.
Our faculty and staff have been working to move all classes and services online for the rest of the Spring 2020 semester and for the upcoming May minimester. We are continuing to find better ways to help you through this semester and beyond, but if you need more information about any of our decisions, please email covid19@mclennan.edu.
All classes will start again this Monday, March 23, 2020. We will begin registration for the minimester, summer, and fall on April 6. I encourage you to go ahead and register for classes. We are committed to helping you reach your long-term academic goals, and continuing to progress is one way. You don’t have to pay for future semesters yet.
Here are some of the things we are doing to help you be successful now and in the future:
- Faculty are available by phone, email, or through BrightSpace to give you specific details about your courses. You do not need to wait until Monday to reach out to your professors about your classes. Here’s our complete directory of faculty and staff.
- All College buildings are locked; therefore, students and visitors should not come to campus.
- Faculty and staff are working remotely to help offer you all the same services and courses as before COVID-19. McLennan is completely open for online business, and we are happy to help you.
- All services will be provided online including advising, registration, success coach assistance, financial aid, Veteran’s services, tutoring, tech support, counseling, testing, etc. Here’s the Contact information for these services.
- We plan to install WiFi outside the Highlands Gym, and we will let you know when that is available to you. Contact the Completion Center (success@mclennan.edu) for help until more information is available.
- If you need help with technology now or in the future, here are some helpful links and contact information:
- McLennan Online provides information on transitioning to an online class (or email online@mclennan.edu).
- Many professors will use Zoom to provide coursework online. Here’s a great video for students on using Zoom.
- Email our IT helpdesk at helpdesk@mclennan.edu or call 254-299-8077 (normal business hours) or 254-717-6349 (after hours until 11 p.m.).
- Online Chat Support for technology is available Mon-Sun, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Help Desk Website for additional resources, videos and FAQs
Thanks again for your patience. We are committed to providing you the same education at a distance for the rest of this semester and the minimester. Please continue to refer to our COVID-19 website, our Frequently Asked Questions page, and our Contact Us page.
Finally, our Counseling Center has shared several informational videos on anxiety/stress reduction. These links may help you manage stress and anxiety which you may be experiencing during these days.
https://www.drweil.com/videos-features/videos/breathing-exercises-4-7-8-breath/?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgTL5G1ibIo
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/six-relaxation-techniques-to-reduce-stress
The Counseling Center is ready to assist you via phone, email, text and Zoom, and will work to connect with you in a way that helps you best. Their email is counseling@mclennan.edu.
Johnette McKown
President