Clark State College will begin a gradual shift from modified operations to regular operations by June 1 of this year.
Following the guidance of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to implement physical distancing measures in effort to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Clark State made the decision to move to modified operations on March 10 of last year. The college quickly pivoted to all distance learning courses on March 16, 2020 when students returned from spring break.
“Clark State has remained consistent at keeping the health and safety of our faculty, staff, and students at the forefront of every decision we have made during the pandemic,” said Dr. Tiffany Hunter, Provost and vice president of academic affairs at Clark State. “We have been working collaboratively in all areas of the college to ensure that all information is shared and discussed so we can make informed decisions that will allow us to stay safe, support students and continue our great work of teaching and learning.”
Hunter said if students choose to remain virtual, that option will be available to them through Blackboard Collaborate or Life Size, but they will need to communicate closely with their faculty member. Clark State will also offer additional classes from a variety of disciplines in-person for the summer semester and additionally in the fall.
“We will continue to adhere to the physical distancing guidance with our classes meeting in person as well as mask wearing,” she said.
The college recently provided faculty and staff with resources and information to make the transition to regular operation easier and more efficient for all, including a Telecommuting Policy and Procedure, a Return to Campus Daily Health Checklist and Safety Guidelines.
For the remaining spring semester, Clark State will hold events such as commencement, inductions and award presentations virtually.
Clark State is committed to ensuring that the Return to Campus is focused on:
- Focusing on the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors
- Supporting student learning and operations
- Providing access to services for students, visitors, and community members
Clark State will:
- Reduce access points into buildings temporarily and ask that you use ID cards to swipe in;
- Continue masking, physical distancing, and hand sanitizer stations in compliance with local, state, and federal guidance and requirements;
- Ensure frequent cleaning and sanitization of public areas, surfaces, and classrooms;
- Communicate internally and externally about learning and working options for support for students, faculty, and staff;
- Continue monitoring of college, local, and state COVID metrics and measures;
- Share information to the campus community on changes in guidance, access to testing and vaccinations, and current status of our environment;
- Leverage technology for meetings as often as possible to maximize participation and distancing;
- Encourage innovative ways to meet student and community needs inside and outside of the classroom/services;
- Continue to hold college-wide events (such as Convocation) and meetings virtually until it is safe to come back together in person.
“It is Clark State’s goal to begin safely, carefully, and intentionally bringing back in-person services to students and community as appropriate,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin. “Given the metrics and guidance we have received from across our county health departments, and in consultation with the Board of Trustees, a date of June 1 for a return to campus provides us with enough time to plan.”