Chancellor: Community colleges online in spring

The Virginia Community College System plans to keep its classes mostly online in spring 2021, mirroring its decision for fall.

Chancellor Glenn DuBois sent a message to students across the system’s 23 colleges Friday announcing the news. The system is one of the first higher education institutions in the state to decide to keep most students away from campuses next semester.

“We aspire to minimize the disruptions you face on your academic journey,” DuBois wrote. “In announcing this decision now, we prioritize your safety, your family’s safety, and that of your community — all while giving you as much time as possible to plan your spring semester.”

As in fall, some in-person hands-on classes will be held in programs that can’t be held remotely, particularly classes like short-term career credential programs and technical programs.

About 72% of fall community courses across the state are fully online, according to data presented to the VCCS State Board at its meeting Thursday. Another 14% are on-campus, and another 14% are hybrid online or have optional face-to-face components.

Community colleges across the state are facing significant enrollment declines this fall.

According to data presented to the board, as of Monday, headcount enrollment is down over 14,000 students — roughly 9.7% — from last year.

Full - t i me equivalent enrollment, a large part of the state’s funding formula, is down about 7.3%. One of the biggest contributors to the drop is dual enrollment high school students, where headcount is down over 20% from last year at this time.

DuBois said that the system will continue to follow guidance from public health agencies, but given the continued pandemic and the looming start of traditional cold and flu season, staying online is the “safest and most prudent choice.”

“We look forward to the time when more in-person classes can be offered safely,” DuBois said. “Until then, your community college is dedicated to helping you stay on track and earn the credentials and degrees that will prepare you for a great career and to provide for your family – and to do so as safely as possible.”