Message to BRCC Students
March 13, 2020
Dear BRCC Students,
The safety and wellbeing of all Baton Rouge Community College students, faculty and staff continues to be my highest priority. As the circumstances surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to develop and evolve, officials at the college have been actively engaged with the Governor’s Office, Louisiana Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control to determine the best steps forward for the safety and well-being of the college community.
In light of the current developments, credit and non-credit (Workforce, JAG, WorkReadyU/ABE) classes will be cancelled beginning at 5 p.m. March 13 - 21 to allow faculty to continue preparing courses for conversion to distance education/online learning.
Spring Break will be moved up to the following week, March 23 - 29.
Beginning Monday, March 30, through the rest of the Spring semester, courses that can be delivered in an online format, will be offered online. Classes that require hands-on-training and clinical experiences will resume under the practice of social distancing and modified hours. Guidance is forthcoming from faculty and/or the Division Dean.
Being sensitive to the lack of access to computer equipment by some students, the College will ensure those students in need will have access at all college locations to dedicated computer labs for online learning and testing with proper precautions taken for the health and wellness of students per CDC recommendations.
Students are encouraged to reach out to their instructors if they have any questions about their classes.
The college will remain open and operational during this time period, and all faculty and staff should continue to work normal schedules.
Additionally, effective immediately, the following actions will be taken at the college:
· Cancellation of all in-state and out-of-state travel where large groups and crowds convene until further notice.
· Suspension of all regular season competition for BRCC baseball and softball teams until April 3.
· Cancellation or postponement of all large-scale events (25 or more people) at the college until further notice
We have posted all communications that have been disseminated from the Chancellor’s Office, along with links to sources of information on the BRCC website,www.mybrcc.edu. Please visit that section of the website often to stay familiar and up to date on the latest information.
Furthermore, please continue to stay informed and prepared. Visit the following websites for information:
· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov)
· U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (www.hhs.gov)
· Office of Public Health – Louisiana Department of Health (www.ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/subhome/16)
Our college family is committed to working tirelessly, innovatively, flexibly, and creatively to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders. Please continue to check your college email account and BRCC social media accounts for the latest information from the college.
Thank you for patience and understanding. And, as always, thank you for your commitment to BRCC. Please continue to take care of yourself and be safe.
Sincerely,
Willie E. Smith, Ed.D.
Chancellor