Parent’s Guide to Covid & College
A college education looks a little different these days. And, although much of the public’s attention is focused on how instruction will be delivered – in-person classes, online-only or some hybrid form – institutions are also having to think about how they’ll keep students safe when they are away from the classroom. That means focusing on residence halls, where students spend hours jammed together in tight living conditions.
The spaces aren’t designed with social distancing in mind. Single rooms are rare while common bathrooms are not. “We worry about everyone being so close around each other,” said one parent. “What happens when they go home for the weekend and come back? Who knows what they will have been exposed to. Because it’s possible to have (COVID-19) and not know it, they could pass it on without knowing. I don’t know if she’ll be safe living there. We think it’s wise she live at home, at least for a year.”
CDC chief issues stark warning on possible second wave and more lockdowns as cases top 5 million.
As the world reached 5 million confirmed Coronavirus cases, the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said he can’t guarantee whether a second round of lockdowns is coming as a possible second wave of the virus looms (5/21/20: CDC, Atlanta).
Silver Lining: ESCC is well-positioned to serve students.
“We deliver a high-quality learning experience in up-to-date facilities, but the focus on football games, residence halls, communal dining, Greek life has not been our top priority because these aspects of college life are not the priorities of our students,” said ESCC President, Matt Rodgers. “Our students often have many competing demands on their time and the security, affordability and quality of experience that a community college provides appeals to them.”
At Enterprise State Community College, we are planning to be together in the fall in a safe manner consistent with state guidance and laws. And, while we will welcome students back for in-person services as needed, such as testing and tutoring in a physically distanced environment, all of these services have also moved totally online. One hundred percent of the enrollment process at ESCC can be done online, including completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).