JJC Offering More In-Person Classes for Summer and Fall

As the state of Illinois enters the Bridge Phase of its reopening plan, Joliet Junior College will increase on-campus capacity and offer more in-person courses for its summer and fall semesters.

JJC has been operating at 25% on-campus capacity during Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, with classes primarily online.

Beginning May 24, the first week of JJC’s summer schedule, on-campus capacity will move to 50%. Lab courses will be face-to-face, including lab sections, and some classes will offer hybrid options. The change in operations is contingent upon Illinois achieving Bridge Phase status.

Students can view class offerings and which days they meet face-to-face and/or online when registering. Each in-person class will reflect current capacity protocols while allowing for six feet of social distancing. Class schedules will stay the same throughout the semester, unless increased positivity cases at the state level prompt more virtual offerings. “Our return to campus college plan is based on positivity rates going down, and vaccination rates going up,” said JJC President Dr. Judy Mitchell. “As we continue to monitor COVID updates and safety protocols, a slow, measured, and safe return will be our overall priority moving into the summer and fall semesters.”

“JJC students in the summer and fall semesters will have more course flexibility than they have ever had,” said Dr. Amy Gray, vice president for academic affairs. “These options are possible due to the incredible work that faculty have done, creatively delivering content in their discipline.”

During this time, virtual student services will continue to be available during business hours, with in-person appointments highly recommended.

As it has throughout the pandemic, JJC will maintain deep cleaning measures, continue to require mask wearing and social distancing, and hands-free temperature checks upon entering campus. The college also plans to increase the number of electrostatic sprayers it uses in between classes to quickly disinfect areas.

While the college does not require students or employees to be vaccinated, JJC has provided resources for the campus community so they can make educated decisions regarding their personal health. This has included co-hosting a public information panel with Congressman Bill Foster and local health experts, partnering with KodoCare pharmacy to provide multiple vaccination clinics at Main Campus, and most recently JJC started offering onsite COVID-19 testing for students and employees.

More information and updates to JJC operations can be found at www.jjc.edu/covidfaq.

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