Facebook pixel STLCC moves instruction online, classes to resume March 30

STLCC moves instruction online, classes to resume March 30

women on a laptop in front of her sofaAs classes resume on Monday, March 30, St. Louis Community College students will be able to finish their semester coursework online.

The decision to offer classes remotely was made to protect the health and safety of faculty, staff and students, as well as the community, and to reduce the spread of coronavirus within the College and beyond.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of our school community,” said Jeff L. Pittman, Ph.D., STLCC chancellor. “STLCC is doing everything we can to mitigate risk and to allay concerns as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.”

While STLCC offers many courses and degree programs online, it will be offering many more classes via Blackboard, a Web-based tool for teaching and learning. Think of it as a container that holds all the essential information needed to complete a class. Students can do assignments, send email, participate in an online discussion and even take tests.

Online learning will be a new experience for some students – as well as faculty.

Andrew Langrehr, Ph.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs, said faculty who currently teach courses online, along with our experts in the online education department, have been providing training to their colleagues who have not taught in this manner.

 “We are not trying to be technological experts during this time; rather, we want to focus on high-quality teaching and learning,” Langrehr said. “Whether our faculty use multiple tools or stick to a few basic ones, we are committed to helping them find the most appropriate – and comfortable – way for them to teach their courses and help their students be successful online. Everyone across the globe is working to walk through this pandemic. No one knows how to do this perfectly, but, together, we can do this to the very best of our abilities.”

Students who have never taken an online course may naturally be apprehensive about doing so. To allay that anxiety, Christine Davis, Ed.D., vice chancellor for student affairs, encourages students to keep in close contact with their instructors, and take advantage of the various services available to ensure student success.

For example:

  • While physically closed, STLCC libraries will provide students with services and access to resources through stlcc.edu/libraries. Students should use our Ask a Librarian service for research help via email, chat, text (314-888-5275) and virtual appointments. Library materials and other circulating items will be automatically renewed until further notice. Students should keep items at home until the libraries reopen.
  • Academic advisors will provide support remotely. Students should send an email to their assigned advisor for advising needs. An advisor will contact you within 1-2 business days. Visit the Academic Advising website for more information.
  • STLCC counselors will be available to remotely assist students with non-emergency mental health concerns, either by phone or video conference. Email mccounsel@stlcc.edu to request a remote appointment with an STLCC counselor.

For courses with lab or studio components that cannot be delivered online, Davis noted that College officials are looking at solutions to meet the outcomes for these experiences. In the meantime, they will be temporarily paused.

“Talk to your instructors. Talk to your advisors. Talk to the counseling staff,” Davis said. “We have moved many of our student services online. And if you are sick, please contact your professors to keep them informed.”

For a more complete list of available student services, check the STLCC Student Support site.

Other resources on how to succeed in an online course:

Registration for summer and fall 2020 courses begins March 30; registration can be completed online only.

All STLCC continuing education classes are canceled through April 19, 2020. For questions about continuing education classes, send an email to cedropbox@stlcc.edu.

Updates regarding STLCC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic are posted regularly.

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