Austin Community College District will begin a gradual return to campuses beginning in July. ACC has released new health and safety procedures and protocols to phase-in a small number of workforce classes and student services requiring face-to-face interaction. All other courses will remain online, and the majority of employees will be asked to continue to work remotely, the district says.
“While we are all eager to return to campus, the health and safety of our students and employees is our first priority. The transition back will be gradual; we’re starting off small. Only the programs that truly require face-to-face interaction like in our welding classes and nursing labs will return to campus at this time, but we recognize our plan may change,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO. “ACC continues to closely monitor the pandemic in our community, and our timeline will evolve as needed.”
RETURN TO FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES:
ACC will slowly integrate face-to-face courses beginning July 6 with a small amount of technical hands-on programs such as Welding, Automotive, and Nursing that can’t be fully taught online. Students who were unable to complete classes during the spring semester, or who are close to graduation, will be given priority.
After assessing the situation, and determining the time to be right, ACC will begin to scale-up in-person classes in fall semester. Registration for fall classes begins Monday, June 15.
ACC said Friday it is following guidelines from national, state, and local health authorities, as well as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The new health safety protocols include:
• Self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms using a new ACC Health Screen App. The app will be available to download soon.
• Showing an ACC-issued I.D. at the door.
• No-touch temperature checks.
• Facial covering/mask worn in all common areas.
• Social distancing and regular hand washing.
