Schools closed Monday and Tuesday
Today, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System announced college and system office closures for Monday, March 16, 2020, and Tuesday, March 17, 2020. For March 17, all essential personnel, as deemed by the System President and College Chancellor, should report to work. This decision adheres to the Executive Order signed by Governor John Bel Edwards today, which among other actions, seeks to reduce the amount of face-to-face public interaction to limit the potential spread of the Coronavirus or COVID-19.
Additionally, LCTCS colleges are adjusting their academic calendars as necessary to accommodate the Executive Order and to transition to the use of online instructional methods where applicable. For programs associated with occupational competencies and clinical experiences, faculty will finalize instructional plans during this transition period. For students who do not have access to broadband technology, each college will ensure that students can access dedicated computer labs for online learning and assessment with proper precautions taken for the health and wellness of students, faculty, and staff per CDC recommendations
Bossier Parish Community College Chancellor Rick Bateman reached out to students in response to the LCTCS announcement.
“The college will be closed on Monday, March 16 for faculty, staff, and students. A schedule will be provided for a return to work by essential personnel beginning Tuesday, March 17 and the college will resume operations Wednesday, March 18,” Bateman’s statement read.
“BPCC will extend the Spring Break for students through Friday, March 20. This will provide faculty and staff with time to finalize preparations to move most instruction to online delivery effective Monday, March 23 through the end of the semester. The need for limited in-person instruction will be determined by faculty and deans. Students in clinical placements, internships, and apprenticeships will be addressed on a program-by-program basis with the appropriate faculty and Dean who will identify alternative learning opportunities as may be required.
“No known novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been diagnosed in Bossier Parish or at BPCC. Nonetheless, the college is enacting new policies, practices, and procedures to enhance the safety and well-being of faculty, staff, and students, and the broader community while also striving to preserve our core mission. Our facilities and custodial staff have used the week of Spring Break to engage in intensive efforts to disinfect and sanitize all surfaces and have developed a protocol for regular cleaning of high traffic areas; these efforts will continue and additional cleaning staff has been secured to promote a healthy and safe work environment.
“Our mission commits us to the creation of caring learning environments and we will maintain this commitment during this challenging time. Student, faculty, and staff welfare is always our highest priority. We will continue to update you on this evolving situation. Thank you for your commitment to #TheBPCCWay and the service to our students and one another as we address these unprecedented challenges.
Information will continue to be updated at: https://www.bpcc.edu/index.php/coronavirus-faq/.
