Classes to continue online throughout the summer at BCCC

Published 3:03 pm Tuesday, April 14, 2020

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Beaufort County Community College will only conduct online instruction only for its 2020 summer classes. This will include all eight-week courses as well as both five-week sessions. Many of these classes are scheduled to start in May and the college could not anticipate that social distancing orders or guidance would be lifted by that time. Many summer classes were already slated for online instruction. BCCC is currently accepting applications for new students, and current students can enroll for both summer and fall classes now.

Students who enroll in career and technical skills-based courses such as welding, mechanical engineering technology and electrical engineering technology during any summer class will receive Incomplete (“I”) grades at the conclusion of their courses, since they will still need to complete the hands-on, face-to-face lab component of these courses in order to show competency. These components will take place as soon as restrictions are lifted. All transfer courses, including lab sciences, will run online in entirety.

The only continuing education courses that BCCC will offer through June 30 will occur online. By July 1, the college will reevaluate whether it is safe for public services courses in continuing education, such as EMS and fire, to meet face-to-face for lab experiences based on state and federal guidance.

“I realize that this is a difficult time for all of you and that we all want our lives to return to normal. This will happen!” wrote Dr. David Loope, BCCC President, in a letter to students. “But, we have to work together to make it happen by practicing safe social distancing and avoiding direct contact with groups of people. That’s why it’s so important that the College continue with online instruction only through July, or at least until the pandemic subsides.”

Many universities have also announced that they will be conducting classes online for the summer, as well. University students who have returned home for the duration of the spring and summer may find that they can take the same classes online with BCCC as they would have with their university for only a fraction of the cost. Additionally, with less opportunities for summer employment in food service or retail, students may be able to take extra classes during the summer to accelerate their education.

Students who need help in their courses can access tutoring through the Learning Enhancement Center virtually. Students who need access to internet or computers can access the BCCC Library and the regional centers in Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington Counties by appointment only. The college has also expanded their wi-fi network to certain parking lots on campus so that students do not need to enter a building for access. The BCCC_Guest network is an open network and does not require a login.

Parents and students can find a current list of college staff including admissions, students services, continuing education and high school liaisons, at https://www.beaufortccc.edu/college-contacts. The college has also created a “Frequently Asked Questions” webpage to address some anticipated concerns during this unique time https://www.beaufortccc.edu/covid-19-faq.

Registration is now ongoing for summer and fall classes. Interested students should visit www.beaufortccc.edu for more information.