Campus Update July 24

 

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Hello Students,

I hope that you are staying safe and well.  We are living in unprecedented times that seem unreal at times.  The news this week from the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District to delay the physical reopening of public and non-religious private schools until after Labor Day caught us all off guard. You may also be wondering how that affects taking classes at MCC. We understand that you may have childcare, jobs, and other priorities to balance as you work toward earning your degrees and certificates.

The good news is we continue to be here for you. The Enrollment Services Center and Academic Support and Tutoring areas are open to assist you with classes, register for the Fall semester, and help with any questions you might have.  As you know, we are offering classes in blended (partially face to face) and online formats, so you can choose classes that meet your needs. Our advisors are ready to help you build a schedule (or change your existing fall schedule) that will help you be successful (advise@mclennan.edu).

Beginning August 3rd, more offices on the campus will be open so that you can use resources such as our computers and internet, library, and tutoring services, and talk face-to-face with staff and faculty advisors, and success coaches.  I am dedicated to you as students and intend to keep the campus open to you, while still adhering to safety guidelines.

I understand that life has possibly always been hard for some of you, and since the middle of March, you have been tested and tried in a way you never thought possible.  Responding to the decisions on school opening is one of the challenges.  Some of you are also anxious and fearful about COVID-19.  Please know that our employees are here to help you navigate this challenging time.

Below are some factors that would trigger different decisions to change dates for beginning classes this fall or to go totally online. 

  • Local or state orders related to an outbreak;
  • College-based cases of COVID-19 for decontamination and contact tracing;
  • Lack of, or inability to maintain supplies of, materials needed to perform necessary cleaning, hygiene, and PPE for sustained campus operation;
  • Significant absenteeism of staff and students; OR
  • Consultation/Recommendation from the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District and/or the Director of Emergency & Risk Management to the President of the College in response to a localized community transmission outbreak:
    • An upward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period and hospital capacities concerns OR
    • Upward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period (flat or increasing volume of tests) and hospital capacities concerns

Please ask questions and let us hear from you.   We have many resources to help you and they are available on the COVID-19 webpage. Thank you for choosing McLennan Community College.  Together, we will assist you in attaining your career goals as we maneuver these days.  McLennan Together . . .

Johnette McKown
President
McLennan Community College