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Delaware Tech continues distance learning

Athletics canceled until further notice
August 20, 2020

Delaware Technical Community College will continue offering classes online for the fall semester of the 2020-21 school year.

“In light of the health data we’ve been monitoring throughout the summer, we have decided to maintain the current distance learning format for the fall semester,” said Mark Brainard, president of Delaware Technical Community College, in a July 9 statement. “We know that this is disappointing for all of us who want to be back on campus, but our first responsibility is to protect the health and safety of our students, employees, and community at large.”

Brainard said the college will identify a limited number of skills laboratory courses that will take place in person and on campus. In addition, he said, clinicals for nursing and allied health courses may continue off campus at the discretion of the clinical site.

In order to provide students with additional support, Brainard said, tutoring, math, computer and writing centers will be open on each campus to offer supplemental in-person instruction. “Of course, students can also access a variety of support services, such as financial aid, advisement, tutoring, and requests for access to food pantries, through our virtual student services center,” he said.

The decision to continue distance learning is an outcome of college operations under Delaware's state of emergency. While all campuses remain open and operational, he said, the preferred work model for employees is telecommuting and flexible scheduling to minimize in-person interactions at the college. “All in-person activities on our campuses will be rigorously monitored so as to remain in compliance with CDC and state DPH guidelines,” Brainard said.

Everyone who enters college facilities will be screened, must wear a mask, and will practice social distancing, he said, and classrooms, labs, and common areas will be thoroughly disinfected through enhanced cleaning schedules.

Community and athletic events on DelTech campuses have been canceled until further notice.

“We are committed to providing a meaningful academic experience for our students. Our faculty and staff have spent the last few months working to enhance distance learning courses, and developing innovative strategies for engaging with our students and providing the services they need. We will continue to offer high-quality academic programs while putting our students at the center of everything we do,” Brainard said.

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