ELLISVILLE – Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith announced at a virtual employee meeting late Wednesday (August 5), all University-Parallel (academic) courses would be taught completely online through Friday, September 4. Noting that Jones County and the other seven counties comprised in the two-year college’s district, Clarke, Covington, Greene, Jasper, Perry, Smith and Wayne, and surrounding areas are reporting high rates of the Covid-19 virus. Based on the newest information from the state health officer, Dr. Thomas Dobbs and the CDC, delaying the start of classes on campus will help keep people safe, Smith explained.
“We are taking extraordinary measures to protect everyone on campus, our students, faculty, staff and guests, from getting Covid-19,” said Smith. “I think it’s necessary to move all academic classes to the online format to help reduce the spread of the virus.”
Career and Technical Education program courses will be taught online with a small group, face-to-face component, beginning Monday, August 10. Every student will need to log into their courses on Canvas on Monday, August 10.
“The administration and faculty have been preparing for this possibility all summer. The online course plan is designed with students in mind as an effective, educational method,” said Smith. “Hopefully, we will be able to safely bring students back on campus later this fall.”
Currently, students entering campus will have to complete a health survey on the new, JC Health App before being screened in person at one of the 20 health stations around campus. A wrist band will confirm every person on campus has met the health/safety requirements and will be allowed further entrance on campus.
“It will be challenging as we continue to give our students the best education while keeping safe. However, our faculty have met the challenge to adjust the curriculum to meet the needs of students taking classes online and face-to-face on campus, when it is safe to return,” said, Chief Academic Officer, Rick Youngblood.
For more information check out the Jones College website at www.jcjc.edu