STCC this spring will remain online with mix of low-density labs

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College this spring semester will continue to offer online classes with a combination of on-campus low-density labs for its health and STEM programs.

In an email to the campus community on Oct. 7, STCC President John B. Cook said operations in the spring semester will mirror the plan made for the fall in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cook and his administration consulted with faculty in making the decision. Classes in the School of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies will be fully online.

“We look forward to one day being back on campus full time, but we need to safeguard our students, faculty and staff,” Cook said. “The pandemic has created an unpredictable environment that prompted extensive and thoughtful discussions. After much consideration, we felt a mix of online classes and low-density labs for our technical and health programs, using strict social distancing protocols, would be the best approach for the spring.”

STCC faculty members are currently working with their deans in the Online Development Program to prepare classes for spring delivery, said Vice President of Academic Affairs Geraldine de Berly.

After much consideration, we felt a mix of online classes and low-density labs for our technical and health programs, using strict social distancing protocols, would be the best approach for the spring. John B. Cook, STCC President

“I’m impressed with the transition from on-ground to online classes this fall,” de Berly said. “I applaud our faculty who showed tenacity as they went through training this past summer to develop their fall classes. They are continuing this fall in developing spring online courses, showing a true dedication and commitment to serving our students during a difficult period.”

As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC offers unique programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) that utilize labs and specialized equipment and offer rewarding in-person experiences between faculty and students, de Berly said.

“We have no intention to convert to an online-only institution,’ de Berly said. “STCC prides itself on providing a hands-on educational experience that ranges from CNC labs for manufacturing programs to our patient simulation center used by students in health programs.”

STCC offers affordable range of academic programs and services

STCC offers a total of 76 degree and certificate programs that provide an affordable pathway to careers in fields that include technology, manufacturing, healthcare and public service. Students also find opportunities in multiple bachelor’s degree transfer options.

STCC’s academic divisions include:

  • The School of Health and Patient Simulation: Programs in the school include nursing, dental, respiratory, medical imaging, rehabilitation studies and medical laboratory technician.
  • The School of STEM: Programs fields of study such as engineering transfer, computer and IT security, mechanical engineering technology, energy systems, optics and photonics, electrical engineering technology/robotics, architecture building technology, graphic design, and digital media.
  • The School of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies: Two-year programs include business transfer, criminal justice, early childhood education, urban studies, applied psychology, social work and more.

STCC will also continue to offer student services remotely. Students, staff, faculty and the general public can visit stcc.edu to use the ChatNow! function, which offers convenient access to the following:

  • Admissions
  • Academic Advising and Transfer Center
  • Health and Wellness Center
  • Student Financial Services
  • IT HelpDesk
  • Library

In addition, STCC offers online tutoring and resources provided through the Center for Access Services. Students facing food insecurities can turn to CAS for help.

Protocols for using the STCC campus

Due to the risks posed by the pandemic, STCC this spring will continue to restrict campus access to students and faculty scheduled for low-density labs and workforce development classes, STCC employees, community partners and contractors and vendors who have received prior approval. Visit the STCC website to read FAQs about the repopulation plan.

STCC’s comprehensive plan to ensure safety and minimize the risk of spreading the coronavirus includes but is not limited to the following:

  • Free and voluntary COVID-19 testing for students, faculty and staff who are on campus
  • Strict protocol for arriving on campus, including check-in stations where temperature-taking scanners are used
  • Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting
  • Enhanced filtration for HVAC systems
  • Wearing of masks and adhering to social distancing

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu