Fall Semester Remote Learning FAQs

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Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Fall 2020

As we continue to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are doing everything we can to serve and support our entire Montco family. Every decision we’ve made and action we’ve taken has been rooted in research, guided by the recommendations of our local authorities and driven by the health and safety of our students, employees and community.

Although we would prefer to be in person with all of you, our recent announcement shared our plans to deliver most classes in on online format for the fall 2020 semester. Some courses require a special mix of instruction in the classroom, and more specific plans for those hybrid courses will be shared in the coming weeks.

We recognize each and every one of you is experiencing this challenging time differently. Please know we take every individual’s feelings seriously, and we will do our best to make sure you are supported in every way possible.

For those of you concerned about your health and safety – we’re here for you.

For those of you concerned about your ability to succeed in a remote environment – we’re here for you.

For those of you concerned about your access to technology and financial resources – we’re here for you.

Our community is resilient, and, with our Mustang spirit, we will not only get through this together but also lift each other up and overwhelmingly succeed while doing it.

We know many of you are sharing similar concerns regarding the feasibility of remote learning as it differs greatly among our students. If you need support, whether it’s accessing technology and financial resources or your ability to succeed in a remote environment, please contact our Student Success Center.

Finally, we know your wellbeing is dependent upon both physical and mental health – and often, mental health can suffer during times of change, stress, and emotional duress. With this in mind, and as we continue to prioritize your mental health as much as your academic experience, we’ve recently become the first community college in the nation to offer virtual therapy at no cost through TalkSpace, an online therapy service that connects you to a dedicated, licensed therapist from a secure, HIPAA-compliant mobile app and/or web platform. Through this service, you can find a therapist right for you, and send text, voice or video messages - anytime, anywhere. Enroll and learn more about TalkSpace and our other mental health support services.

With these steps in place, we will help to keep our Montco community healthy, safe and supported. We will continue to keep in touch and share updates with you as we know more.

For more frequently asked questions and resources, please refer to this list of questions we’ve compiled from the many messages and social media posts we’ve received from you. We’ll keep this updated as we learn more, with the goal of providing clarity during this evolving time.

Frequently asked questions

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Why isn’t Montco going to fully re-open campus this fall like some other schools?

Our biggest concern has been, and will always remain, the wellbeing of our Montco family.

Most of our fall 2020 courses will be delivered online – this is for all course instances regardless of duration (15-week, first 7-week, 10-week, and second 7-week). All of our academic support services will continue to be provided online. In recognizing some specific situations, we will offer a limited number of courses in a hybrid format with some aspects online and other elements on campus. Details about those specific hybrid course situations will be shared in the coming weeks.

How will I know if my classes are online or hybrid?

In full transparency, our faculty, academic and scheduling teams are working hard to determine the best path forward for each individual class offering. As soon as we confirm these plans, students can go to XXX and view the course mode of delivery.

Will campus facilities be open?

We will offer a limited number of courses in a hybrid format with a a combination of online and on-campus instruction. Details about those specific hybrid course situations will be shared in the coming weeks.

What measures will be in place to ensure everyone’s health and safety when they are on campus?

Everyone on campus will be expected to adhere to four important public health pillars: use of face coverings, social distancing, frequent hand washing and personal health monitoring. We will continue to follow state and county guidelines and will update you as guidelines change.

What if I find it difficult to complete coursework in a remote format?

We know that the ability to thrive under the unique challenges and obstacles through remote learning differs among our students, so for those of you concerned about your ability to succeed in a remote environment, please contact our Student Success Center.

What if I don’t have access to the needed technology to complete my courses online?

We know that the feasibility of online learning differs among our students, we can work with you to secure the technology you need. Please contact our Student Success Center.

What if a class is held in person and I do not feel comfortable attending?

With regard to the hybrid courses, with some aspects online and other elements on campus, we will be sharing additional details in the coming weeks, including addressing situations in which some students may not feel comfortable attending the in-person classes.

The stress and anxiety associated with online learning and the COVID-19 pandemic are weighing on me. What resources are available that might be able to help?

We know your wellbeing is dependent upon both physical and mental health – and often times, mental health is the first to suffer during times of change, stress, and emotional duress. With this in mind, and as we continue to prioritize your mental health as much as your academic experience, we’ve recently become the first community college in the nation to offer virtual therapy at no cost through TalkSpace, an online therapy service that connects you to a dedicated, licensed therapist from a secure, HIPAA-compliant mobile app and/or web platform. Through this service, you can find a therapist right for you, and send text, voice or video messages - anytime, anywhere. Enroll and learn more about TalkSpace and our other mental health support services.

How are advising and course registration being handled?

Students can monitor their schedules in Self-Service over the next few weeks and contact our Student Success Center. Our Advisors are available to help you and you can schedule virtual appointments online.

What further updates can be expected regarding the fall semester?

We will begin migrating our current fall 2020 schedule this week, and specific course information will be available through the course scheduling system. Students can monitor their schedules in Self-Service over the next few weeks and contact the Student Success Center with questions. Details about specific hybrid course situations will be shared in the coming weeks. Please continue to check your email, visit this FAQ again and don’t hesitate to reach out to any of our support systems for help.