28
April
2020
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21:25 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Message from the President/COVID-19 Update (April 28, 2020)

Provided by: DMC College Relations Office

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM DMC PRESIDENT MARK ESCAMILLA


Del Mar CollegeCOVID-19 UPDATE
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 (2:20 p.m.)

As local, state and national planning efforts are underway to provide guidance for the safe, phased, reopening of businesses and services, we at Del Mar College are also discussing next steps. Currently, we continue operating online and public access to facilities remains restricted under the “Stay-at-Home” order that is in effect through April 30.

I have recently established a Return-to-Campus (RTC) Planning Team and staff have been modifying delivery of instruction to keep students on track towards completion. So far, several changes have been implemented affecting courses scheduled for Spring, Summer and Fall 2020.

Spring

Faculty revised as many courses as possible into online instruction for the Spring 2020 semester. This includes an extension of the due date for final grades from May 8 to May 22. Courses that could not fully transition online have been revised to allow completion of laboratory and/or applied skills as soon as public health and safety guidelines permit. Additionally, the May 15 commencement ceremony has been postponed until late summer. A virtual commencement ceremony has been scheduled for May 29.

Maymester

All courses offered for Maymester beginning May 7 through May 22 will be conducted online only.

Summer I

Courses will be offered for 5-, 6-, 9-, 10- and 12-week terms. Current plans include instruction taking place online for the first six weeks of courses, with the possibility of phasing in face-to-face instruction for the remainder of the terms. The RTC Planning Team will be reviewing and developing health and safety protocols to support the transition to face-to-face instruction, per local, state and national guidelines.

Summer II

The College is preparing to offer a mix of online, hybrid and face-to-face courses as health and safety guidelines permit.

Fall

Efforts have been made to transition several traditional 16-week courses, into two, 8-week terms for the Fall 2020 semester. The shorter terms will allow for flexibility in scheduling and instruction to meet evolving health and safety conditions and requirements. Additionally, online, hybrid and face-to-face courses will be offered as health and safety guidelines permit and College safety protocols are finalized.

While much has changed at Del Mar College, our commitment to our students has not. We have implemented a number of student support services including emergency financial aid, the laptop loaner program and free Wi-Fi access points for area students. As we continue to move through this ordeal, we are committed to offering flexible learning environments aimed at keeping students on track towards completion. Registration for both Summer and Fall courses is now open. I encourage students to register as early as possible, as this will help us develop our plans for coursework and academic delivery over the weeks and months ahead. Remember, we’re still teaching, so don’t stop achieving. Together, we are VIKING STRONG!

Stay safe,

Mark Escamilla, Ph.D.
CEO and President
Del Mar College

 

About Del Mar College

Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.