COTC canceling face-to-face classes
Central Ohio Technical College has been closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and continue to align its procedures to follow the guidelines from local, state and federal officials, and medical experts.
“I convened a meeting of the college’s senior leadership to formalize the college’s preparations and response,” said John M. Berry, PhD, COTC president. “While there are no college-associated cases of COVID-19 and the risk of local transmission is low, Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) will follow Governor Mike DeWine’s recommendations to take immediate action to minimize the risk of exposure and slow the spread of this virus in our communities.”
COTC is canceling most face-to-face classes and lab sections at all four of its campus locations (Newark, Coshocton, Knox and Pataskala) upon the return from spring break, Monday and Tuesday, March 16-17, to allow the faculty time to prepare for remote methods of instruction. However, during these two days, healthcare clinicals, COTC Peace Officer Basic Training classes, as well as COTC classes held at C-TEC, the Ohio Fire Academy, Knox Technical Center, area high schools and online will operate normally.
Effective Wednesday, March 18, COTC will move all face-to-face instruction to a remote instructional format. Practicums, internships, most laboratory experiences, healthcare clinicals, COTC Peace Officer Basic Training classes, COTC classes held at C-TEC, the Ohio Fire Academy, Knox Technical Center, area high schools and online will continue as scheduled, though extra measures to minimize group settings will be reevaluated on an ongoing basis. Social distancing and enhanced preventative public health and hygiene measures are actively encouraged.
“These decisions will remain in effect indefinitely and be reevaluated on an ongoing basis based upon recommendations from health and government officials regarding the health and safety of our communities,” Berry said. “We will share updates and modifications as more information is available.”
During this time, all campus locations will remain open for regular business hours. Staff members are expected to report to work during their regularly scheduled work hours. Additional information for faculty and students will be forthcoming. Recommendations regarding college events, student support services, business travel and other college services will also be forthcoming.
“This situation is evolving rapidly. Please be aware that these guidelines and policies may change,” Berry said. “I encourage you to check the CDC website and the Ohio Department of Health website regularly for up-to-date information. The safety of our campus community is our top priority, and while these measures will create disruption I call on all members of our college community to respond to this extraordinary circumstance with patience, kindness and resilience. Thank you for your efforts to provide a safe environment for all of our campus community.”
Category: Education
