May 8, 2020
Story by Joe Vinduska
Barton Community College is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and adjust its operations as the situation evolves. The college is planning to reopen the Barton County campus in a deliberate moving format of phased-in delivery. This plan is subject to change, depending on the status of the pandemic. The format will begin with the onset of Summer Session Courses June 1 and all activities will be in-line with the ramifications set forth by Kansas Governor Kelly’s official plan of action for the state and will follow the timeline and accompanying safety guidelines of the plan. Concern for the safety, security and well-being of students, employees, and our communities has always been at the heart of what is done at Barton, and its focus in these areas will be heightened as the college adapts its plans for future programming. Various elements are being prepared to handle the situation with as much agility as possible.
1.) A working group headed by the Vice Presidents of Instruction, Student Service, and Administration will be actively addressing the many considerations deserving of our attention.
2.) Multiple formats of course delivery will begin with this coming summer session including:
- Fuzion Classes – synchronous course with scheduled meeting time; students meeting both in-person and via zoom
- LiveOnline – synchronous course with scheduled meeting time; all students participating via zoom
- In-Person – students meeting within the same physical space
- Online – fully asynchronous class
3.) Limited availability of residence hall space and dining services will be available this summer.
4.) Face-to-face support services will remain in place on a limited basis and will follow safety precautions including social distancing and sanitation.
5.) Ft. Riley and Ft. Leavenworth Administrations have identified their expectations for the delivery of learning services.
6.) Staffing schedules will be amended in the very near future for locations that are now operating under minimal staffing guidelines
Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman said the college is working hard to ensure that the college continues to serve its constituents responsibly and safely through the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 situation requires thoughtful consideration on many levels that influence our delivery of learning approaches and student support services,” he said. “Key factors that must remain in place include student learning, access, responsiveness, flexibility and affordability. These have and will be the cornerstones that have made Barton the quality institution that we present.”
For updates on Barton’s operations during the pandemic, please visit https://bartonccc.edu/covid19.