Student Message July 12, 2021
Sent on behalf of McLennan's President, Dr. Johnette McKown
Dear Students:
This past year has been a long, difficult, and disruptive period with COVID-19 as well as the “snow-VID” event. Some of you wondered what would be next. You have been patient, resilient, and particularly resourceful—while struggling to succeed. You may be looking at a restart, and if so, we at McLennan Community College are here to help.
Reflecting on this past year, I remember the first weeks in March and April 2020 as being very scary with the uncertainty of everything. Some thoughts come to mind:
- In the beginning, we asked how will students complete the Spring 2020 semester? Our faculty and staff tackled preparation in an amazing way as courses transitioned online, and services like tutoring, advising, counseling, etc. did as well. Who can do that? Our employees can. You students worked so very diligently to complete more than you ever imagined in the COVID-19 environment and also in “snow-VID.” Who can do that? Our students can. Yes, there have been challenges, and some courses absolutely had to be on campus, but most were online or hybrid.
- Then, we wondered how to schedule for Summer 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021? You, students, proved you could adapt in face-to-face, hybrid, and on-line modes, and you juggled increased family responsibilities along with work and study. Most of you were very successful, although many of you were uncomfortable not being in face-to-face classes if you were in on-line or hybrid. Mental distress was also a challenge for some of you. We were aware of all of these tests to your resilience and success.
- Now, we are ready to begin the Fall 2021 semester, and our instructional team has worked to develop various modes of learning for you. We continue to offer all three formats for classes: face-to-face, blended, and on-line. We will offer face-to-face classes to students who really desire face-to-face classes. There will also be on-line and hybrid classes available.
Below is a recap of our plans based upon our current knowledge of the situation:
- Capacity: McLennan Community College facilities will be at 100% capacity indoors and outdoors. This includes all campus facilities and athletic venues such as the MCC Conference Center, the Highlands, and all campus areas.
- Classrooms: We will return to our in-person instructional modes with no social distancing or masks/face coverings required in classrooms. Students will have options for fully-face to face, blended, and online classes.
- Student experiences: We will return to normal, in-person student experiences, such as campus events and student organizations being able to meet in person. Our new Student Life area will be providing more face-to-face activities on campus.
- Masks/face coverings: Masks/face coverings are no longer required on campus. However, we do recommend that those who are unvaccinated wear a face covering indoors, as well as for individuals working within labs and other settings that require this level of protection.
- Other COVID-19 Protocols:
o Plexiglass: Plexiglass may remain up and in place; however, plexiglass is not required.
o Hand sanitizer and wipes: We will continue to encourage the use of hand
sanitizer and wipes in all buildings.
o Self-reporting portal: We will continue to require self-reporting for all students and employees. Self-reporting portal
o Contact tracing: We will also continue contact tracing until further notice.
- Vaccinations: COVID-19 vaccinations for students or employees are not required. However, to keep COVID-19 at bay on our campus, I continue to strongly encourage vaccination, which protects against severe illness and exempts you from quarantining if exposed to a positive case -- which we know is very disruptive to the classroom as well as the rest of life.
o If you have not been vaccinated yet, we will be offering a free vaccination clinic on campus August 25, 2021. If you are not able to make that date, you can find a vaccine site at vaccines.gov. There will be more specific information about our vaccination clinic as we get closer to the date of the clinic.
This has been a very long message, but I want to be sure everyone is informed, and I will continue to keep you updated of any changes. Please know that your McLennan Community College family cares. All of us are here to help. My encouragement is for you to continue your studies and to seek help from any of us to conquer challenges that might occur. Let’s all stay healthy and well physically and emotionally.
Sincerely,