Creating the ‘College Experience’ in a COVID-19 World

Tri-C looks to connect with fall semester students to build foundation for success

At Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) and colleges across the nation, the upcoming fall semester promises to be different than in years past given adjustments forced by the COVID-19 outbreak.

What won’t change, though, is Tri-C’s work to make students feel at home in higher education.

A recent story by Cleveland Jewish News focused on how classes will resume this fall as the world adapts to limit the spread of COVID-19. Reporter Becky Raspe spoke with Tri-C’s Angela Johnson on the topic.

The College shifted spring semester courses online as the coronavirus crisis escalated in March. Summer session is also taking place online.

For fall, students may see a blend of online and in-person class offerings, Johnson told Raspe.

“We’re looking at what courses we could offer from a social distancing perspective and what is probably more likely to stay online,” said Johnson, vice president of enrollment at Tri-C.

But whatever happens, Tri-C is dedicated to maintaining an environment that leads to student success, Johnson said. The key is building a sense of belonging that provides a foundation for achievement.

“Students within the first three weeks of their educational experience are deciding if they belong or not,” Johnson said. “In those three weeks, students are trying to decide if they should stay or go. Connecting early makes a huge difference in a student’s ability to persist.”

Click here to read the full Cleveland Jewish News story.

June 01, 2020

John Horton, 216-987-4281 john.horton@tri-c.edu