Mercer County Community College Releases Post-Pandemic Reopening Plan
6/5/20
WEST WINDSOR, N.J. – With the health and safety of students, employees, and the general public in mind, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) has released a comprehensive plan to reopen the college safely and gradually in compliance with the U.S. Center for Disease Control, the New Jersey Governor’s Office, and other applicable agencies.
“This plan is developed with our mission in mind and aims to provide the most flexibility to meet student needs,” said MCCC President Dr. Jianping Wang. “But first and foremost, we must plan with the priority of safeguarding the health and safety of our students, our employees, and the public we serve.”
Wang said the comprehensive planning process is the work of an extensive, 23-member cross-functional task force comprised of faculty, staff, and students from all aspects of college instruction and operations, from both the West Windsor and Trenton campuses. The task force employed a research and data-driven approach, and through surveys of employees and students. The group was given a two-week time frame to complete the document, which was then presented to the entire campus community via two virtual public forums. More than 250 individuals participated in the forums.
“The task force did an outstanding job,” Wang said. “This plan represents a delicate balance of clarity and flexibility that we strive to achieve.”
MCCC Dean of Health Professions Kevin Duffy, who co-chaired the task force with Athletics Director John Simone, said the plan is four-phased, with each phase to be triggered through guidance from state and local officials. The first phase involves limited staff on campus with class instruction delivered remotely, leading to a second phase allowing limited on-site instruction with major social distancing still in place. Phase three allows limited opening of the Conference Center, Kelsey Theatre, and athletic events. Phase four sees the resumption of pre-pandemic operations.
“This process was completed by a team of hard-working, dedicated professionals that worked day and night to provide the best possible recommendations,” Duffy said. “In my humble opinion, the work done by the task force should be the standard for all future committees – collaborative, transparent, constructive, and proactive.”
The complete plan can be viewed at www.mccc.edu/return. Information regarding classes for MCCC’s fall 2020 semester is available at www.mccc.edu/enroll.
Are you ready to help us keep our students on track to finish classes and graduate? Then share and support our MCCC Student Emergency Fund. Donating at www.mccc.edu/mercermatters, or by texting MercerMatters to 41444, will help keep students enrolled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every dollar matters!
As the coronavirus pandemic shows signs of easing, Mercer County Community College has released a plan to reopen campuses in West Windsor and Trenton.