Letter to Students, March 24, 2020
Back to Coronavirus Information page >>
Dear Student,
We hope that this message finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe. While we recognize that these are difficult times, we want to assure you that the College is doing everything it can to offer you the best educational experience in light of the disruptions that we are all facing. Thank you for your patience, flexibility and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented event.
We will resume academic instruction and support services on Monday, March 30, all of which will be provided remotely since the College’s physical locations have to remain closed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As a result, we want to share the following information to help you in making this transition.
Information about Academic Instruction
Spring 2020 Calendar Changes
The regular spring semester will resume March 30 and run through May 11. Professors will provide a final assessment (project, exam, report, etc.) for their classes. For those classes which will have a final exam, the dates for final exams are Tuesday, May 12, to Friday, May 15. A new final exam schedule will be distributed to students and faculty in the near future. The Spring Term 7-Week B classes that were scheduled to start the week of March 16 will start the week of March 30 and run through Monday, May 11. The student withdrawal date has been moved to the last day of classes, Monday, May 11, for all Spring classes. This is to allow students more time to adjust to their classes. The College is exploring options for commencement and will communicate updates to you as decisions are made. However prospective graduates who have met all of their academic requirements by the end of the Spring Semester will have their certificates and degrees conferred in May.
Transition to Remote Instruction
For courses that have been converted from face-to-face to an online/remote format, professors will work with their students to help them make the changes required by this transition. Students who experience challenges in making the transition should contact their professors about any difficulties they are having. Professors will suggest strategies that students can use to help them successfully complete the course. Students who continue to experience difficulty with making the transition to remote courses should discuss with their professors what options are available, such as withdrawing from the course or receiving a grade of incomplete for the course.
Technology Issues
Students who are experiencing technology problems, particularly with Canvas, should contact the distance learning office (distance@dccc.edu) at the College.
Internet Access
Two options are listed below for students who do not have Internet access:
- Xfinity WiFi hotspots may be available to some students for free during the COVID-19 national emergency, including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. To see if this is an option that would work for you, use this link for more information including the location of these hotspots.
- On your electronic device, under Settings check if xfinitywifi is an option in your area
- Comcast is taking immediate steps to help connect families to the Internet at home. New Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service, which is available to all qualified households for $9.95/month plus tax. Apply by April 30, 2020 at www.internetessentials.com.
Textbooks for Spring Term 7-Week B Classes
Students should order the books for their courses now to ensure delivery for the start of classes on March 30. Books can be ordered at www.dccc-shop.com. Orders will be shipped via FedEx; no in store pickup is permitted at this time. Orders will be processed Monday through Friday. Visit the bookstore website for information about free ebooks that are offered through RedShelf. If you have any questions, please contact Amy at alawson@follet.com.
Information about Academic & Student Support Services
Support Services
As of March 30, all academic and student support services will be open for remote service to support students. On the College’s Coronavirus Page, the list of “Frequently Asked Questions” (dccc.edu/coronavirus/faq) includes a number of questions about support services.
Tutoring
All students have unlimited access to our 24/7 online tutoring provider, Smarthinking. In addition, College tutors will be available, by appointment, for virtual tutoring sessions using Zoom. To access Smarthinking, log in to delaGATE, click on Apps, then click on Tutoring-Online. To make an appointment for a remote tutoring session, log in to delaGATE, click on Apps, then click on Tutoring-in-Person. In-person tutoring is not available while the College is closed due to COVID-19.
Summer and Fall Registration
Registration for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 has been rescheduled and will start in April. Priority registration for Veterans will be Monday, April 6, and Tuesday, April 7. To register on those dates, veterans should go to dccc.edu/advising. Registration for other currently enrolled students starts on Wednesday, April 8, and for all new students on Monday, April 13. For additional questions on advising and registration please contact register@dccc.edu.
Scholarship Assistance for the 2020-2021 Academic Year
If you plan to enroll in classes for the 2020-2021 Academic Year, the deadline to apply for Delaware County Community College Educational Foundation scholarships has been extended to Wednesday, April 15, 2020. You can apply at dccc.edu/scholarship-application.
Academic Advisement
Once classes resume on March 30, students can contact their academic advisors online or at dccc.edu/advising for academic advising. For students who wish to get a jump start on the advising process, a new email address, register@dccc.edu, has been created to assist students with advising questions and is currently being monitored.
Petitioning for Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Neurodiagnostic and Surgical Technology
Petitioning for the Fall 2020 Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Neurodiagnostic and Surgical Technology programs will reopen on April 6, 2020. Instructions on how to petition for these programs will be announced later this week via your student email.
Career & Counseling Services
The College continues to provide referrals and other support services for students who have an immediate need. Beginning March 30, Career and Counseling Services (www.dccc.edu/counseling-services) will offer services remotely. The area also administers emergency funds for students. Call 610-359-5324 for an appointment or email askacounselor@dccc.edu.
Student Resource Center The College’s Student Resource Center (dccc.edu/student-resource-center) continues to provide a variety of services to help support students with other immediate needs. Their webpage details services and provides contact information. Another College webpage, dccc.edu/alternative-food-resources, has a list of local food pantries. Compass, a Pennsylvania State website, provides information about state assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (food stamps) that can help support students through challenging times.
SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT DATES
March 30: Last Day to Register for Spring 7-Week B (formerly Spring Accelerated 2) Classes
March 30: Classes Resume for Regular Spring Semester and Start for Spring 7-Week B
April 6 and 7: Veterans’ Priority Advising and Registration for Summer and Fall 2020 Classes
April 8: Current Student Registration Begins for Summer and Fall 2020 Classes
April 13: New Student Registration Begins for Summer and Fall 2020 Classes
May 11: Last Day of Classes for the Regular Spring Term and Spring 7-Week B
May 12-May15: Final Exams for the Regular Spring Term
The Coronavirus pandemic has created challenges for everyone in our College community. The faculty and staff remain committed to helping our students make the transition to remote academic instruction and support services. Our highest priority is to ensure that all students have a successful educational experience.
Grant Snyder, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Strategic Initiatives
Delaware County Community College