by Rachel Coleman
LIBERAL, Kan. — Seward County Community College has taken its first steps into the Spring 2021 semester with pandemic protocols for students, faculty and staff, and the community.
“Our goal is to provide safe and flexible options for students to continue their education,“ said SCCC Vice President of Academic Affairs Luke Dowell. “What we learned in the first semester of this pandemic year is that things are likely to look different and feel different. We have to be flexible and remain focused on student success.”
The first week following holiday break exemplified this approach, with COVID-19 testing for dorm residents and Saints athletes on Monday; all incoming campus housing residents will be tested and remain in quarantine until results arrive.
Currently, SCCC plans to offer its first week of classes beginning Jan. 11, with remote-only options, followed by in-person classes following the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 18. Depending on the results of the returning students’ tests, “we may have to make changes to our in-person start date,” noted SCCC President Brad Bennett.
Regardless of COVID-19 testing outcomes, additional protocols have already been set up for the semester.
“The college will be using the Healthy Roster app to help students self-monitor for symptoms, and we will also start randomized testing in partnership with the Seward County Health Department,” he said. Additional air purifiers, electrostatic cleaners, and hand-sanitizing stations are available across campus.
Team members gathered virtually for professional development sessions via Zoom on Tuesday and Wednesday. With a theme of leadership and gratitude, Bennett noted, “I can’t think of a better fit for themes as we head into the new year. We all have the opportunity to be leaders each and every day. The roles we play in the lives of our family, community, employees, and students grant us this opportunity. I challenge each of us to think about how we can be better leaders every day.”
Bennett expressed gratitude to the SCCC team, where “every single one of us impacts the lives of our students and creates our culture. Seward County Community College is something special and we are so thankful that you have chosen to be a part of what we do.”
Guest speaker Mack Munro presented a session titled “Building Better Leaders,” which focused on the differences between bosses and leaders.
Advisors and faculty will participate in division meetings and updates Thursday.
Through it all, enrollment for the spring semester continues.
“The campus offices are open for business, and we’re ready to help students get enrolled for spring,” said SCCC Director of Admissions Eric Volden. “No matter where you are in the process, give us a call and we will help you with all the details.”
For more information about spring enrollment, contact admissions at 620-417-1100, visit sccc.edu, or the college’s official news and information site, scccnews.com.
