College extends remote instruction

Mendocino College will continue remote instruction through the spring 2021 semester, announced Superintendent/president Tim Karas Wednesday.

“After multiple discussions with staff, faculty and administrative leadership, the evaluation of guidelines by local and state health agencies, and recommendations from the State Chancellor’s Office, the decision has been made to continue holding most classes through a remote environment next term in order to protect the health and safety of our students, employees and community,” stated Karas.

As with the fall 2020 semester, a limited number of on-ground courses will be held, such as science labs, and will follow social distancing guidelines. Some classes are also being taught using the hybrid model, which includes a mix of face-to-face and online instruction.

“We are making the call to continue mostly remote instruction at this time so that our faculty have enough time to prepare for high quality classes for the upcoming term,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Debra Polak. “It is our hope that as we get closer to the start of the spring semester we can build upon the primarily online schedule with more on-ground classes. We will be actively monitoring the situation and will base those decisions on advice from public health agencies,” Polak said.

Mendocino College provides a host of online support and services geared toward student success, including free tutoring, books, tuition, and more. More than half the students who attend Mendocino College qualify for some form of financial aid, and many meet the guidelines that eliminate unit fees completely, regardless of their financial situation through the Mendocino College Promise Program. For more information about eligibility, visit www.mendocino. edu/promise.