Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation College are placing a priority on safety as both campuses prepare for students to return to campus for fall classes, which begin on Aug. 24.

Safety protocols for all campuses are established in the College’s COVID-19 Mitigation Plan, first developed after campuses closed in March. This plan is continuously updated to meet the latest guidelines provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) office, Gov. Kay Ivey’s office and state health officials, local Emergency Management Agency representatives and local health professionals.

At AAC, students will complete classes and labs in person through a staggered schedule. At ESCC, no more than 130 students are expected to be on campus at any point throughout the semester to participate in reduced-capacity hybrid classes. Most academic classes for ESCC will be held online.

“The fall schedule for ESCC and AAC will look different this year,” Dean of Instruction Danny Long said. “However, the primary focus was meeting the diverse needs of our students while maximizing their safety and the safety of our faculty and staff. It was truly a grassroots effort that relied heavily on the recommendations of the individual divisions and the faulty members of the specific content areas. The schedule went through multiple revisions as the college would receive updated information for local, state, and federal health professionals. I am excited about the opportunities that will be provided to our students that put the health and safety of everyone at the forefront.”

While many safety measures have already been in practice on both campuses, technology will soon be included in the College’s safety protocols.

Currently, ESCC and AAC use the free emergency notification system Alertus. The mobile app is currently beta testing a new feature that includes options for Pandemic Alerts, such as COVID-19, to help track personal movement if an individual has tested positive for the virus.

Additionally, ESCC and AAC will use the free CampusClear app, which assists in the self-screening process for students and faculty. Everyone at ESCC and the Alabama Aviation College is required to use CampusClear to enter campus. At 7 a.m. each morning, a push notification is sent as a reminder to complete a self assessment. Once the assessment is complete, the app will determine if an individual is cleared to enter campus or not.

Additional safety measures for both campuses include: classrooms and labs arranged to meet social distancing guidelines, sanitization and social distancing signage placed around both campuses, and staggered schedules to reduce safety risks.

Students coming on campus will be required to wear a mask while around others and have their temperature checked before the CampusClear app is available. Temperature checkpoints are at Wallace Administration Building at the Enterprise campus and the ATTC building on the Ozark campus.

ESCC Chief of Campus Police Jeff Spence encouraged all students, faculty, staff and visitors to any campus to stay vigilant and continue to practice the College’s safety protocols.

“While we are doing everything possible to prevent any cases of COVID-19, we must rely on every person in our campus community to do their part by following the guidelines that we have implemented,” Spence said.

Additionally, all students will be required to complete an online COVID-19 training course, which has been integrated into the College’s online orientation course, and complete a COVID-19 Waiver.

“The safety of our students and employees is our top priority,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “Our Safety Team, which helped develop our Mitigation Plan, continues to meet regularly to discuss our safety protocols and any changes that may come from the CDC or ADPH. I appreciate the work of everyone involved with updating this plan.

“We have been successful in maintaining safe campuses this summer by following the safety measures set in our plan, and I commend our students, faculty and staff for their cooperation. I encourage you all to self-screen before coming to campus, wear a mask in the presence of others, practice social distancing guidelines and follow all other safety protocols. If we continue to follow these measures, we will surely have a great fall semester that is both safe and productive for everyone on campus.”

Cutline: Sanitizer stations, social distancing and hygiene signage, masks and temperature checks are a few of the safety protocols in place for fall classes at ESCC/AAC. Chief of Campus Police Jeff Spence showcases the many signs and other safety measures for ESCC.

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About Enterprise State Community College

Enterprise State Community College is a comprehensive community college which serves more than 1,800 students annually between its Enterprise campus and the Alabama Aviation Colleges in Andalusia and Ozark. Each campus and site currently fulfill the Alabama Community College System’s mission for education and training which leads to high-wage, high-demand jobs in integral careers worldwide. Students can obtain Associate degrees and certificates through multiple programs at the college.

Direct community engagement will influence future capital improvement plans for Enterprise State Community College thanks to a new initiative established by the Alabama Community College System.

ASPIRE (Achieving Systemwide Potential through Increased Resources and Engagement) 2030 was established by ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker to inspire deeper community engagement during the strategic planning process for capital improvement projects at Alabama community colleges.

“Through the ACCS Aspire 2030 Initiative, we are encouraging our colleges to be bold and creative in their plans to add value to their communities and increase student success over the next 10 years,” Baker said. “Community is in the very name of each of our colleges, and this new strategic approach is intended to engage every sector of the community to ensure that our colleges continue to provide the meaning education, training and resources needed to help our students reach their goals and become contributing members of society.”

The new initiative was announced after Alabama lawmakers approved a $1.2 billion public school bond issue for capital improvement projects. ACCS allotted $120 million to be divided among the state’s community colleges.

“In the shortened 2020 legislative session, I was proud to be able to support the 2020 bond issue that will help with maintenance and capital improvements to the buildings in our schools across the state,” State Rep. Rhett Marques said. “That bond will provide approximately $1.2 billion to the individual school district and two-year and four-year colleges across this great state so that our children will have updated learning environments.

“At Enterprise State Community College, President Matt Rodgers and his team are doing a great job with the current infrastructure and buildings that are on the Ozark and Enterprise campuses. They have been working to upgrade and improve campus grounds and buildings over the past couple of years. With the additional funds from this bond, the ESCC staff will be able to bring the Ozark and Enterprise campuses into the 21st century with state-of-the-art amenities and technological improvements. With these improvements, students will have a better opportunity to join the workforce of tomorrow, thus drawing more economic development into the Wiregrass region. I am proud that these funds will help support our community and the great State of Alabama.”

The initiative requires each Alabama community college to receive input from internal and external stakeholder groups, including business/industry and local K-12 education systems, as part of the strategic planning process. ESCC committees met for the first time virtually on July 23.

“ESCC’s support of the ASPIRE 2030 initiative inspires creative thought, initiative and greater collaboration among our communities,” Senior Vice Chancellor Student Services and Administration Dr. John Schmidt said. “Truly, together, everyone achieves more, or simply said TEAM, describes how we might find those connectors embracing change that benefits all.”

Internal stakeholders at ESCC must complete a self-analysis of the College in an effort to identify potential capital improvement projects that would best affect the community. The self-analysis consists of questions focusing on areas the College makes an important impact, such as community or economic development, student success and adult education.

The College’s External Committee is composed of representatives of local and state government, local K-12 education systems, higher education, business and industry, the local non-profit sector and economic development. This committee will also provide feedback on potential needs, such as workforce needs, in several sectors locally and statewide.

Previous capital improvement projects were planned after two years of facilities assessments for both the Enterprise and Alabama Aviation College campuses were completed. This plan included the current Sessions Hall building project and courtyard project at the Enterprise campus and the LRC renovations and other various facilities upgrades at the Ozark campus. Other, now-completed projects from this plan were the Forrester and Talmadge Hall projects on the Enterprise Campus and Higham Building project at the Ozark campus.

“At Enterprise State, we strive to invest in projects and programs, both academic and technical, that allow us to be the college our community needs,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “When we make any decision at the College, we try to make sure it aligns with our four strategic areas of focus: people, programs, facilities and, of course, community.

“The ASPIRE 2030 initiative will let us think even bigger in terms of projects for our College and our community. Thank you to our state legislators for approving these funds and ACCS for this opportunity to help our campuses grow.

“I am excited for our College to take part in this initiative, where we will work even closer with our stakeholders to develop future projects that will allow us to take our campuses to another level. While we already have made a lot of progress, we will continue to work together with our communities to improve our campuses and turn both ESCC and AAC into world-class learning institutions.”

Cutlines:

Higham 2: Renovations to Higham Building on AAC’s campus have been completed, offering more seating areas and labs specified for Mechatronics training.

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About Enterprise State Community College

Enterprise State Community College is a comprehensive community college that serves more than 1,800 students annually between its Enterprise campus and the Alabama Aviation Colleges in Andalusia and Ozark. Each campus and site currently fulfill the Alabama Community College System’s mission for education and training which leads to high-wage, high-demand jobs in integral careers worldwide. Students can obtain associate degrees and certificates through multiple programs at the college.

In continued response to COVID-19, Enterprise State Community College will offer students more online, reduced-capacity hybrid and virtual synchronous classes this fall while Alabama Aviation College students will have staggered schedules and a modified block system for the fall semester. 

New class options for the fall semester include more classes taught exclusively online as well as the synchronous distance learning classes and hybrid classes. The majority of classes offered on the Enterprise campus will utilize a traditional distance learning model or hybrid model requiring virtual synchronous lecture during the published course times. 

“COVID-19 has caused educational institutions across our country, including Enterprise State, to evaluate and adjust how instruction is delivered on college campuses,” Dean of Instruction Danny Long said. “In March, our instructors and students faced unique learning challenges head on. Continuing along that path, our fall schedule will also look different. Two guiding principles have led our effort. First, and foremost, was keeping our students, faculty and staff as safe as possible. The second was creating learning options that meet the unique situations of all of our students. 

“The fall schedule will provide students with unique and creative learning options, including traditional distance learning, virtual synchronous options and limited reduced-capacity hybrid courses. The manner in which our teaching faculty have approached this challenge gives me the confidence that students attending Enterprise State will have every opportunity that has been afforded to them in the past and then some.”

If face-to-face instruction must occur on the ESCC campus, student attendance and schedules will comply with the College’s COVID-19 protocols for social distancing, face coverings, and additional sanitation measures. Students will also be required to complete the College’s COVID-19 Canvas course and sign a COVID-19 waiver before coming to class. 

Additionally, no on-campus instruction will take place during the first week of the fall semester, August 24-28. Throughout the semester, no more than 130 students are expected to be on the Enterprise campus at any point.

On the AAC campus, students will follow a modified block system where classes will be offered during two sessions throughout the semester.

“We made many changes to make sure our students are comfortable while COVID-19 is still active, including a short self-paced online COVID-19 training session before the semester starts, daily temperature checks upon arrival, mandatory face masks, smaller classroom capacities for social distancing, optional face shields for labs and staggered class times,” AAC Director Stan Smith said. “The Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Program will start a newly-created block system in the fall to reduce exposure to fellow classmates and limit the number of rooms a student visits per day or per week. In our new system, both day and night students will take two classes for 10 weeks followed by one class for five weeks. Classes will be held for seven hours a day Monday through Thursday.”

Classrooms for both campuses have also been arranged to meet social distancing guidelines and the ESCC COVID-19 Mitigation Plan. As part of the plan, plexiglass safety shields have been purchased for employees, and sanitization and social distancing signage has been placed on both campuses. Sanitation and cleaning protocols for each area of both campuses have also been established as part of the plan.

“The safety and well-being of our students and employees is our top priority,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “Many of our new protocols are already being practiced, so I want to commend our students, faculty, and staff for their cooperation and for doing a great job of pre-screening at home before coming to campus.”

Students planning to attend either campus this fall will be able to register for classes starting July 20 using the College’s new self-service portal, Banner. This portal will allow students to register for classes, pay tuition, view financial aid awards and more in one place. Students who did not register for classes in April can visit escc.edu/registration to find fall class schedules, request assistance from an advisor and visit the College’s MyESCC page before registration opens. Fall classes will begin Aug. 24. 

Students who plan to attend classes on either campus this fall will need to register for a virtual orientation meeting. Students can visit escc.edu/orientation to register for an orientation session. Orientation sessions for ESCC will be held virtually on July 21, July 28, Aug. 4 and Aug. 11. For AAC students, virtual orientation sessions will be held July 15, July 29 and Aug. 5. Dual enrollment orientation will be held on Aug. 6 in the Multipurpose Room (MPR) of the Student Center located on the Enterprise Campus. For more information, call (334) 347-2623 Ext. 2340 or email nbradley@escc.edu.

In addition to orientation and registration, students can still apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be completed at studentaid.gov using school code 001015 for ESCC/AAC. More information about financial aid can be found at escc.edu/financialaid. 

“We realize this has been and will continue to be a difficult time for everyone in our community,” Rodgers said. “We want to do everything we can to support not only our community but also our returning and new students. We don’t want anyone to pause or stop their education, so we will work with everyone to ensure a safe learning environment and instruction provided by a faculty that is second to none.”

Cutline: Students receive packets for virtual orientation sessions to prepare for fall classes at ESCC and AAC. Pictured, from left, students Presley Hall and Ruby Garcia receive packets from ESCC Career Coach Emily Baker. 

Contact: Jana Brackett
770-316-2103
jana.brackett@waynefarms.com

Frank Singleton/Media Relations
fes01@att.net
678-316-4237

OAKWOOD, GA. (July 9, 2020) – Fierce competition for skilled employees has prompted Wayne Farms and the Alabama Community College System to develop the state’s first accredited workforce development apprenticeship program. The education and industry partnership between Wayne Farms and two area community colleges was developed to focus on hard-to-fill mechanical, electrical and technical positions. The matching programs at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College and Enterprise State Community College will work directly with Wayne Farms to implement the new Mechatronics degree, with students completing a two-year syllabus of classroom instruction in tandem with on-the-job paid technical internships. 

According to Matt Rodgers, President of Enterprise State Community College, “Community colleges play a critical role in workforce development because we must see workforce needs and ensure our students are highly trained and certified to meet those needs.”

Wayne Farms has grown significantly in South Alabama over the last few years, regionally investing more than $300 million in a new feed mill in Ozark and expanded processing complexes in Enterprise and Dothan. The equipment and technology upgrades have transformed the facilities into modern, technology-driven operations, demanding a much deeper skillset than poultry plant maintenance work has traditionally required. “As this industry has become more sophisticated, we need people with the skills and training necessary to perform in that environment,” said Patricia Powell, Wayne Farms South Alabama HR Manager. “Maintenance positions in a modern facility like ours are hard to staff—the demand is always high.” Wayne Farms Maintenance Manager Roger Allen oversees the industry-education partnership locally for the company, and agreed that highly skilled, technically-oriented maintenance positions are some of the hardest in the industry to fill. “It’s getting harder and harder,” said Allen. “Plants have become very technical—robotics, automation, PLC’s, and Variable Frequency Drives—so we worked with the schools to develop a program that could meet the need better than on-the-job training alone.”

“Today, there is a critical need for employees with technology-focused skills, so we are proud to offer a Mechatronics program that provides essential training in electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering and the opportunity to receive industry-recognized NC3 Certifications.  We are excited to join LBW and the Alabama Community College System in partnering with Wayne Farms to not only develop a pipeline that connects our students to successful careers but also fills a need in our local workforce,” continued ESCC’s Rodgers.

The dual-purpose apprenticeship is fully-accredited and helps fill the industry demand for qualified applicants while also fulfilling the college system’s role as partner with the state’s Alabama Works economic development program, helping drive regional employment and economic growth. “This actually started after a conversation with Wayne Farms HR representative Patricia Powell,” said Jennifer Hall, Associate Dean of Adult Education, Workforce Development and Continuing Education at LBWCC. “They were being challenged to find technically-qualified employees for these highly-skilled positions.” The discussions that followed validated that initial conversation—partnering on an education and industry apprenticeship program would help meet the high demand for technically-qualified people at Wayne Farms and other area manufacturers, and the community colleges were logical platforms to deliver on that demand. “We’re excited to meet the needs of industry and provide an opportunity for our students to “earn while they learn” through a competency based apprenticeship where they will receive on the job training while pursuing their industrial electronics degree.”

Dr. Chris Cox, LBWCC Interim President, concurred. “Apprenticeships have proven to prepare workers for highly-skilled jobs while meeting the needs of business and industry for many years.  I can’t tell you how excited LBWCC is to join ESCC in serving as a state model for an apprenticeship.  To my knowledge, this unique partnership is the first time two colleges in Alabama have joined together to sponsor apprentices for a local company. We are grateful for Wayne Farms and the opportunities they provide for our students.”

Ian Campbell, Director of Workforce Development for ESCC, explained. “We’re working directly with industry to build a program to fill this need and also gives students opportunities right here—that’s the entire goal,” said Campbell. “A graduate of this apprenticeship program comes to work with skills that make them immediately valuable. With that kind of labor force available, this area is that much more attractive to companies and business locating here.” 

Enterprise native and Wayne Farms Enterprise complex manager Eddie Fortner had already been working with local high schools and colleges to identify promising mechanical and technical students who might be interested in a career in the poultry industry, so the program’s creation was a natural evolution. The local colleges toured facilities with the Wayne Farms team, looking at the kinds of tasks and skills required, and identifying skills needed to develop curriculum. The end result was a melding of in-class education and job site paid internships that when completed can lead to apprenticeships and the opportunity for full-time employment at a highly competitive salary. “It gives an opportunity to get good people who are ready to work and know what we need, and it allows local residents the opportunity to work close to home rather than commute or relocate to find employment,” said Fortner.

Both local community colleges are rightfully proud of their role in building the groundbreaking program. “We’re building a constant pipeline of qualified people—people with skills that are relevant now and will be in the future,” said Stephen Schmidt, PR director for ESCC.

As technology becomes more advanced in industry, these “new collar” positions will require skills to match, giving people a career opportunity instead of just a job. High school vocational and technical students interested in the program can inquire through their guidance counselor, and information is also available through both area community colleges.

Cutline: A new partnership with Wayne Farms will provide apprenticeship opportunities to Enterprise State Community College Mechatronics students. Pictured, back row, from left, are ESCC Dean of Instruction Danny Long, ESCC Director of Workforce Development Ian Campbell, ESCC Mechatronics Instructor Aubri Hanson. Pictured, front row, from left, are ESCC President Matt Rodgers, Maintenance Manager Roger Allen, Wayne Farms Enterprise Complex Manager Eddie Fortner and Wayne Farms South Alabama HR Manager Patricia Powell.

About Wayne Farms LLC

Wayne Farms LLC is the seventh-largest vertically integrated poultry producer in the U.S. with annual sales exceeding $2 billion. A subsidiary of Continental Grain Company, Wayne Farms owns and operates 11 fresh and further-processed facilities throughout the Southeast, produces more than 2.6 billion pounds of poultry products each year, and employs more than 9,000 individuals. Producing products under the brand names of WAYNE FARMS® fresh and prepared chicken; PLATINUM HARVEST® premium fresh chicken; CHEF’S CRAFT® gourmet chicken; NAKED TRUTH® premium chicken; and LADYBIRD™ premium chicken, Wayne Farms has a well-known history of delivering exceptional poultry products to some of the largest industrial, institutional, and foodservice companies across America.

A new articulation agreement between Enterprise State Community College and the University of West Alabama will make credit transfer easier for students and provide them access to more UWA scholarship opportunities. 

The articulation agreement between the two institutions was signed on Thursday, June 18, on ESCC’s campus.

“Providing a pathway for students to further their education, thereby enhancing their quality of life, is at the forefront of UWA’s mission,” UWA President Dr. Ken Tucker said. “Partnerships like this with Enterprise State Community College will help students more easily navigate the transfer process and find the educational opportunities at UWA that best fit their career goals.”

The agreement guarantees admission to all ESCC students with at least a 2.0 GPA and 45 transferable credit hours or a completed associate degree from ESCC. 

Students who transfer with a 3.0 GPA or higher will be able to apply for academic scholarships ($3,000-$4,000) that can be renewed for up to four consecutive semesters. ESCC students who receive academic scholarships and plan to live on-campus at UWA will also be eligible to apply for a non-renewable $2,000 housing scholarship for their first year at the university. 

Students will also have access to pre-transfer advising with an academic advisor, offered either at ESCC and/or on the UWA campus.

Instrumental in establishing this partnership was ESCC Recruiter Adonis Bozeman, an 2015 alumnus of UWA. He said the UWA slogan, “Do Something That Matters,” helped inspire the efforts to collaborate with university. 

“I am proud of this partnership with the University of West Alabama that gives our students an opportunity to further their education with more scholarship opportunities,” Bozeman said. “I wanted to create an opportunity for students in the Wiregrass area to receive the same Tiger experience as I did. A great contribution to establishing this partnership was keeping the close relationships I received in undergrad. I would like to thank my good friends (Vice President for Student Affairs) Richard Hester and President Dr. Ken Tucker for always being a phone call away even after I graduated.” 

ESCC President Matt Rodgers said he is proud to offer ESCC students more great transfer opportunities through this new partnership. 

“We are proud of the partnership between ESCC and the University of West Alabama,” he said. “This agreement with this great educational institution aligns with our mission here at ESCC to provide students with the best opportunities to further their education and enter the workforce. We are looking forward to seeing this relationship grow for the benefit of our students.”

Cutline: ESCC and UWA signed an articulation agreement that outlines the path for ESCC students who wish to transfer to UWA. Pictured, back row, from left, are Vice President for Student Affairs Richard Hester, Recruiter Adonis Bozeman, Dean of Instruction Danny Long and Associate Dean of Students/Director of Financial Aid Dr. Kevin Ammons. Pictured, front, from left, are UWA President Dr. Ken Tucker and ESCC President Matt Rodgers. 

This fall, Enterprise State Community College will see the completion of a recently approved project that will provide improved courtyard spaces and social areas on campus. 

“We’re excited to see the upgrades to our courtyard areas,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “This project will make a big difference to the look of our campus.” 

The project includes the green space in between Sessions Hall, Snuggs Hall and Wallace Administration Building as well as the courtyard area at the center of ESCC’s campus as well as well. Work on the project began Monday, May 18.

Social areas will also be upgraded and added throughout the courtyard areas for students, faculty and staff to enjoy throughout the year. New sod will be placed, and a new irrigation system will be installed to maintain the greenery that will be planted as part of the beautification of the courtyard areas. 

According to Rodgers, this project was influenced by not only ESCC administration, but the entire ESCC family and its community. 

“We’ve met with our students, faculty and staff to get their input on what they would like to see happen with our courtyard areas,” he said. “We are the community’s college, so we wanted to make sure we 

talked to members of the community to get their input, too. 

“We appreciated the suggestions and comments that came from everyone involved in this project. We can’t wait for this project to be complete and share the great work being done on our campus.” 

The courtyard project is expected to be completed in September.

Cutlines: Work began on the irrigation system on May 18 in front of Sessions Hall. This system will help maintain the greenery that will be added as part of the project, which is expected to be complete in September. 

Enterprise State Community College and Alabama Aviation College, a unit of Enterprise State, will reopen on June 2 for technical students to return to campus to complete spring semester classes.

“The safety and well-being of our students and employees is our top priority,” Rodgers said. “From the beginning, we have been methodical in planning a return to campus. Our preparation has been lengthy, but our goal has always been to do our best to minimize the risk while maintaining the quality of training and instruction.”

ESCC/AAC transitioned to online learning on March 17, but technical and specialized courses were ultimately suspended until students could return to complete hands-on training. On May 21, Gov. Kay Ivey announced an amended Safer At Home order that allowed educational institutions to reopen while following social distancing, sanitation and facial covering guidelines. 

When campuses closed, College administration and faculty began working on a COVID-19 Mitigation Plan that met guidelines provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) office, Gov. Kay Ivey’s office and state health officials, local Emergency Management Agency representatives and local health professionals. This plan, which included the June 2 return date for both campuses, was accepted by the ACCS office last week. 

“All of us are excited about teaching our students again,” AAC Director Stan Smith said. “Our faculty and staff are dedicated to prioritizing student safety while maintaining the high educational and training standards for which we are known. 

“For the remainder of the summer, we will finish our spring semester in smaller groups, specifically at AAC, to reduce risk. Our students are training for high demand and high wage jobs. We are excited to prepare them for the workforce.”

The majority of summer technical instruction will be delivered on the AAC campus in Ozark while a small number of students will return to the Enterprise campus. To comply with guidelines provided by the governor, schedules have been altered to reduce the number of students on campus at a given time. 

In order to further minimize risks and ensure a successful return to campus, essential steps were taken by employees and students. These steps included:

• Contacting students to inform them of the process to return to class,
• Updating student contact information, 
• Ensuring that all students, faculty and staff members completed the online COVID-19 Training Course that was created by AAC instructors Aubri Hanson and Glen Brackin,
• Providing face masks and requiring the use of a mask while students and employees were in the presence of others in any ESCC/AAC building, and
• Providing safety goggles and gloves for use in labs when appropriate.

As part of the COVID-19 Mitigation Plan, plexiglass safety shields were purchased for employees, and sanitization and social distancing signage was placed on both campuses. Sanitation and cleaning protocols for each area of both campuses have also been established as part of the plan.

AAC instructors also rearranged classrooms and labs to be in compliance with new social distancing guidelines. Instructors also joined ESCC/AAC administration in conducting walkthroughs with Alabama Technology Network hygienist Jared Choat.

Administration and faculty members received COVID-19 response training and practiced the established response protocols found in the plan.  

“We, as a community college, serve a very important role, especially today,” Rodgers said. “While COVID-19 has changed the way we live and work, essential workers across industries, from trucking to emergency medical services, are standing on the front lines to help our communities and nation get through this pandemic. It is critical that we provide the instruction to keep our essential workers trained and in the field. 

“We are ready to have our students return to our campuses, and we are doing everything we can to make that return as safe as possible.” 

Cutline: Sanitation and social distancing signage has been placed on both campuses as part of the COVID-19 Mitigation Plan for ESCC/AAC.

Using four target areas of people, programs, facilities and community, Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation College are continuing to grow while preparing for a time when students can return to campus. 

When campuses closed March 17, instruction and student support services transitioned online. 

“It has been really impressive to see our instructors meet the challenge of transitioning to an online environment,” Dean of Instruction Danny Long said. “They kept their focus on meeting the needs of our students without jeopardizing the quality of instruction. Our faculty is the heart and soul of our College, and they give the administration of the College confidence that we can meet any challenges we may be faced with in the future.”

The transition to online learning was a smooth one, according to ESCC President Matt Rodgers, because of the hard work and patience of the employees and students. 

“I commend the faculty and staff at Enterprise State and the Aviation College for their hard work during this time, and I am proud of the great attitudes of our students as they adapted to the changes,” he said.

Academic courses were completed online this spring semester. Technical classes, like those offered at the AAC campus, were ultimately suspended until hands-on training could be completed. No date has been set for students to return to campus to complete their spring semester training.

Rodgers said there is an understanding that the needs of the workforce could change as a result of COVID-19, a challenge both Colleges will rise to meet when students can return to campus. 

“We realize that colleges will have to be flexible,” Rodgers said. “This is a new day and age where people will need to re-trained or receive new training in a different field. We will use the resources available to us to offer the type of training people need to help get people back to work in the safest manner possible.” 

Academic courses will continue to be offered exclusively online at ESCC for the summer semester, with classes in areas like business, computer science, English and math. Two mechatronics courses will also be offered online this summer for any interested in starting the program. Long said ESCC plans to continue to offer a multitude of online academic course options in the future. 

Currently, there are about 100 more students enrolled in summer academic classes at ESCC than last year at this time, an increase that Rodgers attributes to the work of “a great student services team.” Summer registration will continue until May 26, the first day of classes for the summer semester. Students can visit escc.edu/admission to apply. 

ESCC’s Adult Education Program is also offering online classes. This program helps students become career ready through classes designed to help adult learners improve their academic and life skills. Students can request more information at https://escc.edu/AAESAP/ or learn more about the Adult Education Program at escc.edu/adult-education. 

To prepare for the return of students and employees, ESCC/AAC created a task force to develop an extensive COVID-19 Mitigation Plan that continues to evolve based on information provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Gov. Kay Ivey’s Office and local medical professional Dr. Beverly Jordan. 

Dr. Beverly Jordan, a physician with Professional Medical Associates in Enterprise, complimented the College’s administration on their preparations. 

“I have been very impressed by the work of the administration at ESCC in their preparation to reopen the campus to on site instruction,” Jordan said. “They have been welcoming of medical and public health opinions and are clearly prioritizing the needs of their students and faculty.”

As part of the Mitigation Plan, both Colleges have purchased plexiglass safety shields for employees, developed clear sanitation plans and cleaning protocols for both campuses, and placed appropriate signage on both campuses. Students and employees will be required to complete an online COVID-19 training course and wear PPEs in campus buildings while maintaining social distancing guidelines. AAC instructors have also been working to prepare classrooms and labs to be in compliance with new social distancing guidelines for the day students can return to campus for training. 

“Reopening our campuses will not be an event,” Rodgers said. “It will be a process that requires much care and planning to ensure its success. Our primary concern is the safety of our faculty, staff and students. We also want to make sure all of our people are properly trained and equipped. We are taking every possible measure to create the safest environment possible for both of our campuses.”

While ESCC/AAC prepare for the return of students to campus, renovation projects to learning facilities and a beautification project to ESCC’s courtyard are currently in progress or in the pre-construction stages. 

At ESCC, bathroom upgrades in Wallace Administration Building are complete. Renovations to Sessions Hall, which houses the College’s science and math classes, are ongoing, and a courtyard beautification project was recently approved, with work starting May 18. Both the Sessions Hall and courtyard project are expected to be completed this fall. 

At AAC, renovations to the Rufus Barnett Building have been approved, with work expected to begin in the fall. Once renovations are complete, this building will have a new lobby, testing rooms, classrooms, offices, restrooms and a new engine overhaul lab. 

Other projects, like a new CDL canopy and renovations to the AAC Learning Resource Center, are also in the pre-planning stages. 

The ultimate goal of all the projects and preparations, according to Rodgers, is to make sure ESCC/AAC continue to serve their communities during uncertain times. 

“Through the good times and the bad, we stand ready to serve,” Rodgers said. “We view our role as critical in the recovery process of this pandemic, and we take pride in being the community’s college. We are thankful for the support we receive, and we will continue to serve our community in any way we can.” 

Enterprise State Community College and Alabama Aviation College students will soon receive $571.25 in emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, provides colleges and universities emergency funds to be used by the institutions and distributed to their students. The amount provided to each college or university is based on the number of students eligible for federal Pell Grants during the most recent academic year.

ESCC will receive a total of $1.2 million dollars. Half ($620,369.50) of these funds will be distributed to eligible students (1,086 students were eligible and received funds) who were enrolled at ESCC or AAC on March 16 and meet eligibility requirements.

According to federal regulations, an eligible student is one who was enrolled in a degree or certificate program in Spring 2020 on March 16, was taking at least one traditional course that was transitioned online as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and who is FAFSA-eligible as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. Dual Enrollment, transient, and distance learning (only) students do not qualify.

These dollars are intended to help students with the costs of technology, course materials, health care, child care and other essential college needs.

“It’s important for students to get these funds because so many were impacted during this pandemic,” ESCC President Rodgers said. “We will work as fast as possible to distribute these funds to our students to help them.”

Students will receive the funds by mail or through direct deposit. To ensure that funds are correctly distributed, students are asked to login to their myESCC account and verify that all mailing and banking information is up to date.

The remainder of the $1.2 million will be used by the college to purchase technology needed for instructors and staff to continue to provide online instruction. Both Colleges transitioned to online learning on March 17.

“We are so appreciative to the legislators who approved this money,” Rodgers said. “These funds will go a long way to help our students.”

Graduation looks different this year, but Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation College plan to continue recognizing their graduates and students’ achievements with virtual commencement and honors day services. 

“Graduation is a special time for all students,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “We’re living in uncertain times, but those students who have completed their education should still be recognized in any way we can right now. 

“It’s also important to congratulate all our students at both Colleges on their academic achievements. We’re proud of their accomplishments, so we decided to host a virtual graduation and virtual honor’s day events to recognize them.”

Students graduating this spring semester are invited to attend the next traditional commencement service held at ESCC as honored guests. Their names will be the first called during the graduation service, according to Rodgers.  

“We are celebrating their accomplishments now, but everyone at ESCC and AAC want our Spring 2020 graduates to know they are welcome to return and be recognized at our next in-person graduation service,” he said.

The ESCC Virtual Commencement and Honor’s Day Ceremony for graduates and ESCC honor students will be held on Monday, May 18, at 5 p.m. This event will begin with the recognition of honor students, including division honors; 4.0 and 3.5 GPA students; the ESCC Presidents Cup winner; and the All-Alabama academic selections. Recognition of the 2020 graduates will follow.

AAC student achievements will be recognized during a special Virtual Honor’s Assembly on Tuesday, May 19, at 5 p.m. This virtual assembly will include recognition of 4.0 and 3.5 GPA students, short-term certificate completers, technical program awards, the Ivy C. Whittaker winner, all AAC course completers, and A&P coin recipients.

Graduates and honor students are encouraged to join each other in celebration by showcasing how they are watching services by posting their pictures social media using #ESCC2020 and tagging ESCC or AAC. Graduates are also encouraged to share pictures that highlight their favorite memories of being a Boll Weevil on social media using #ESCCGrad. ESCC’s social media team will repost photos and videos, and compile all photos to create a special SmugMug album to share. 

More information about commencement and honor’s day services can be found at escc.edu/commencement. The service will also be available to watch on the Enterprise State Community College and Alabama Aviation College Facebook pages and the Enterprise State Community College YouTube channel. 

“Congratulations to all our students who are being recognized or are graduating,” Rodgers said. “We are proud to join you in celebrating your many achievements. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, especially during these past few weeks. 

“Thank you also to our faculty and staff at ESCC and AAC for their hard work transitioning classes online while continuing to support and encourage our students. Our students are special to us because you don’t leave with just a degree or certificate from ESCC or AAC. You leave with a family.” 

Cutline: Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation College will host virtual commencement and honor’s day events to recognize the 2020 graduates and honor students. ESCC President Matt Rodgers, along with deans and directors from both colleges, will take part to honor students.