MVCC plans to expand in-person instruction for the fall

Expecting an increase in COVID-19 vaccinations and continuously low number of positive cases across the region, Mohawk Valley Community College looks forward to safely returning to a more lively on-campus community this fall.

With loosening public health guidelines, a clearer understanding of the pandemic, and vaccines becoming available to students, staff, and faculty, MVCC is preparing to double its current in-person instruction this fall.

According to President Randall J. VanWagoner, Ph.D., “Current local data is encouraging that this fall our students will start to enjoy a more vibrant on-campus experience, and, as we continue to increase in-person instruction, flexibility will continue to be important for student satisfaction as well as the potential need to pivot.”

To stay flexible, MVCC will continue to offer courses that can be delivered remotely and in-person for Fall 2021, where appropriate. Throughout the entire 2020-21 academic year, MVCC students were offered several instructional methods, with classes in virtual as well as hybrid and in-person formats. More about the various course options can be found at https://mvcc.edu/current-students/course-options.

The College also plans to continue current prevention efforts and best practices, per MVCC’s Restart Plan (https://mvcc.edu/restart/), established during the pandemic. MVCC leadership developed various health and safety procedures and protocols to actively combat the spread of COVID-19 on campus and are pleased to report that the College has had no documented cases of community spread throughout the pandemic.

Marking one year since the start of the pandemic, the president, in a recent open update to campus said, “One year ago this week we ventured into the unknown by going with remote operations – one full year…It’s taken everyone in every position to give their all; be flexible and patient; and find ways to solve problems we’d never previously seen. And the resilience and grit of our students continues to be inspiring as they persevere through everything.”

As the impacts of COVID-19 are still evolving and as has been the case throughout this pandemic, the College’s Fall 2021 plans are contingent upon current public health conditions and are subject to change. While the College’s current plans assume lifting of some public health restrictions, it is likely that some forms of surveillance testing, social distancing, and face coverings will continue for the foreseeable future.

The College will communicate any changes to its plans as early as possible to ensure students and their families have the latest information for decisions on enrollment, housing, and other areas of student life. Additional details, including capacity and safety measures, will be announced as the College continues to work closely with local and state public health agencies.

Mohawk Valley Community College, established in 1946, is New York State’s first community college with a mission to provide accessible, high-quality educational opportunities for everyone. As the community’s college, MVCC is committed to student success through partnerships, transfer and career pathways, and personal enrichment. With campuses in Utica and Rome, MVCC is the region’s primary provider of college education, offering 90 degree and certificate options for its enrollment of 6,000 full- and part-time students. MVCC also serves an additional 6,000 people through its corporate and community education programs, and its campuses welcome more than 50,000 people annually for community events.