By Meghan Dundon

Fall 2020 semester at Cape Cod Community College has drastically changed from the status quo of previous years. New protocols and guidelines have been set in place for the safety of students, faculty, and visitors coming to campus. Mandatory temperature checks, required face coverings, thorough cleaning and disinfecting protocols, as well as staff members being trained for social distancing and hygiene protocols are among some of the new rules and regulations for keeping everyone coming on campus safe.

“From our Facilities team working quite literally around the clock to our faculty members building courses from scratch in virtual settings, it’s been very positive,” said Patrick Stone, Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing. “Everyone has stepped up to make sure the student experience is stellar.”

Faculty and students have been given notices through emails and information provided on the campus website of the new protocols. They have made necessary adjustments to their routines to make sure everyone has a safe and healthy learning environment.

The new Covid-19 Symptom Monitors have been hard at work making sure everyone coming on campus is safe and healthy. According to the newly implemented Symptom Monitors, most students are coming in for labs and have been friendly and accommodating. “Everyone’s accommodating and willing to participate,” said Christine Lawrence, one of the new Symptom Monitors.

Stone said his department has been keeping an eye on student responses to the changes. As the campus starts to settle into this new normal, concerns for the spring semester start to come to mind, such as will the campus be continuing the safety precautions through the rest of the school year. “We were among the first colleges in Massachusetts to announce our plans for fall, which gave us a good head start to plan our online/remote/hybrid offerings, while also developing a sound plan for on campus safety,” said Stone. “Our intent is to keep that momentum, and commitment to safe, flexible coursework, into the spring.”

Remote learning through Zoom and online courses are the new normal with only a few courses, such as lab courses, nursing and dental programs remaining on campus. Social distancing protocols remain in place and face coverings are a requirement. Students will still have access to important support services, as they have moved to digital, such as the library support, tutoring, and wellness.