College shifts to remote operations and works to keep students learning during COVID-19 outbreak      

The global COVID-19 outbreak is altering every facet of modern life, including higher education. Clark College is rapidly adapting its operations to make sure students can continue their educational journeys without risking their health or the health of others. 

Here are the ways Clark is adapting Spring Term: 

Spring Term has been delayed until April 20.  This will provide time for the college to move most of its work online.  Most employees are working remotely. On March 19, most faculty and staff began conducting meetings online and by phone as they continue to strategize new ways to create the personalized learning and supportive community that has always distinguished Clark College. 

Spring classes are being moved online wherever possible. Fortunately, the college has a history of providing eLearning solutions, and we’re leveraging that experience to help move many classes online. In other cases, classes will be taught remotely, with the professor delivering lectures in real time through video conferencing, while students participate remotely.  

Clark College is modifying certain professional technical and science labs that require in-person hands-on learning. The college is following guidance by Washington Governor Jay Inslee to ensure social distancing and sanitization practices recommended by the CDC. 

The college continues to offer the wide range of support systems for its diverse student body. Staff is available to students by phone and email during spring break. A list of department contacts has been included in the Campus Status section of the college’s COVID-19 web area.  

President Sandra Fowler-Hill says Clark is responding to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak: “This is an extraordinary moment in time and tremendously stressful for our students, our faculty, and staff. I’m proud of the Clark College family for the way they’ve responded to this crisis and are working long hours to find solutions to help our students continue their studies during the COVID-19 public health crisis.” 

Then she pointed out how Clark will continue to prepare students as our college, community, nation and world move forward: “The world we know seems to be changing right before our eyes. More than ever before, we must be a resource for our community. We are writing a new chapter in our history. Clark College will be nimble and bold in helping students succeed.”