Tri-C Announces Plans to Bring Students Back to Campuses for Fall Semester

College will offer up to 40% of classes in person; remainder will be online

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) will resume in-person classes on a limited basis this fall, with most courses being offered online given ongoing uncertainties created by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Up to 40% of Tri-C’s Fall 2020 courses will take place at its campuses and training locations. Most of these courses involve hands-on training that require face-to-face instruction and access to specialized equipment.

The return will come with noticeable changes to campus life, including social distancing protocols and health monitoring to safeguard students, faculty, staff and the community.

The majority of fall courses, however, will take place online — a decision that allows most Tri-C students to limit their potential exposure to the coronavirus while continuing to work toward graduation.

“Our goal is for students to progress in their studies safely and without disruption,” Tri-C President Alex Johnson said. “With this mix of in-person and online courses, we’ve tried to balance an on-campus college experience with necessary precautions.”

The College shifted all classes online for the final months of spring semester as Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine declared a State of Emergency. Tri-C followed that by moving summer classes online to build upon efforts to halt the COVID-19 outbreak.

The College expanded its technological infrastructure to meet those online academic demands, creating more robust platforms that will enhance future e-learning.

Fall semester online courses will be offered in a variety of formats, including:

• Online classes with set meeting times. Days and times will be posted in the course registration system and will appear on the schedule. Attendance and participation in these virtual sessions is important and required.
• Online classes with no set meeting times. These classes do not require virtual sessions with the instructor. This option is the most flexible, allowing students to complete coursework within deadlines based upon their schedules and availability.
• Online classes with some on-site components. These classes take place primarily online but require some on-campus sessions in order to use specialized equipment or lab facilities.

Registration is open for Tri-C’s Fall 2020 semester. Classes begin Aug. 24. Visit tri-c.edu or call the Enrollment Center at 216-987-6000 for more information.

More details on the phased reopening of College campuses and sites will be made available to students and the community later this summer. Adjustments may be made if deemed appropriate by public health officials.

June 19, 2020

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