HAMLET — Richmond Community College’s Board of Trustees approved Monday morning a change to the academic calendar for the 2021 Spring Semester. Spring classes will now start Jan. 28 due to recommendations from the health department and to better align with the public schools’ schedules.
“As we near the finish line for the fall semester this week, we had to consider our plans for the spring,” said Dr. Dale McInnis, president of RichmondCC. “Two major events are converging on our communities in January. All of the modeling from the state shows a major surge in COVID-19 cases the first two weeks in January. At the same time, the long awaited vaccine is scheduled to be provided to hospitals, health departments, first responders and our own nursing students and faculty.”
RichmondCC nursing students will be on the frontlines helping administer the vaccine when it becomes available to local residents.
Last week McInnis consulted with the local health departments and public school officials to consider the best options for the safety of students and employees based on these expected developments.
“Keeping with the same approach we have used since March, our focus is how to best serve our students and communities in the most effective and safe manner,” McInnis said.
The revised schedule puts the first day of the Spring Semester starting Jan. 28 and ending May 27. Graduation will be held June 3, and the Summer Semester will begin June 8, ending on Aug. 3.
The College will hold a FAFSA & Registration Day on Jan. 26 at both the Hamlet and Scotland County campuses.
McInnis noted that the change in the academic calendar will mean a longer winter break for faculty members but a shorter summer break.
The College will be closed for the holidays Dec. 23 through Jan. 1, reopening on Jan. 4. Adjustments will be made for staff members returning to work to be distanced safely apart in their work spaces.
“Just as we have for these past 10 months, our faculty and staff are dedicated to supporting our students and the communities we serve, and to being the best community college in this state,” McInnis said.
For more information or to register for the Spring Semester at RichmondCC, call Student Services at 910-410-1700. To complete a free application online, visit www.richmondcc.edu/admissions.
