ROCKINGHAM — Dr. Dale McInnis, president of Richmond Community College, updated the Board of Commissioners Tuesday evening on the college’s current activities and plans for managing the fall semester in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“We learned a lot through this spring and summer and we are trying to apply those experiences and sessions learned to make this fall safe, effective and productive and a good experience for our employees and students,” he said in his opening remarks, adding that the college began face-to-face classes on June 15 and indicated that they were very successful.
Masks have been a requirement in common areas as well as some classrooms where social distancing is also being practiced.
This fall RCC plans several options of learning for students.
One of those will be what McInnis called “real-time online.”
These classes will be scheduled to start and end at a specific time. This approach is in response to feedback the school has received from some students who indicated a need for more discipline and structure to match their learning style.
Additionally, he said the school plans blended face-to-face instruction along with online learning, adding that traditional anytime online courses will be available as well.
McInnis also noted that the Lee building addition at RCC is now complete and is housing student services, career services and financial aid. McInnis said the staff is very excited about the addition and encouraged citizens to come out and see it for themselves.
RichmondCC is now offering a two-year degree in Emergency Management Science. McInnis said in 2023-2024 a two year degree will be required to become a paramedic.
He also discussed what he called short-term workforce classes. He said these classes were designed “so we can put people back to work in a matter of weeks and not years.”
These classes include small engine repair, injection molding and income maintenance caseworker to work with social services and medical administrative assistant. All of these classes are scheduled to begin in the fall.
The Robinette Building in downtown Rockingham has faced further delays and will not be ready in time for fall classes.
“We are looking forward to the completion of that project sometime this fall and we are excited about the potential it will bring to our Business, Information Technology and Accounting programs as we move forward and expand our footprint,” he said.
