To help protect the health and well-being of its students, faculty and staff, Holyoke Community College will begin conducting all classes remotely for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester.

The college had previously announced that it would extend spring break by one week while suspending in-person classes March 23 to March 27.

HCC is prepared to launch remote learning beginning Monday, March 30.

Last night, HCC president Christina Royal sent out the following email message to students. A similar message was sent out to faculty and staff:

Dear HCC students,

By now, you are aware that HCC’s in-person classes are suspended the week of March 23-27 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in order to keep you and our community healthy. (Online classes are back in session starting Monday, March 23.)

To further ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and in response to public health obligations, HCC will be teaching and learning remotely for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester, up to and possibly including finals. We know this is the right thing to do because we are committed to providing a safe environment for all who come to HCC. But what made this a really hard decision was knowing the impact it would have on this place where people want to be, where our students engage with one another and where they find the resources and support they need.

We realize that a remote environment won’t be the same in many respects, and I know you’re likely wondering, What will it look like? How will HCC make sure students are getting the same quality education? I can already tell you that our amazing faculty are determined to give our students the best education possible. In fact, the whole college is thinking about ways to enliven the student experience from a distance while also continuing to keep our doors open for the resources you require.

While you have been on spring break, HCC staff have been busy developing work plans and office hours to be sure you have access to technology, computer labs, the library, Thrive, tutoring, and more. Please click here for a list of offices and how best to connect with them, and check back often.

We know you have questions and that you will continue to have questions in the coming days. Below are answers to a few, and you can find a FAQ and additional resources at hcc.edu/coronavirus. Please continue to check your email regularly, and reach out if you have any questions. You can email us at coronavirus@hcc.edu. Remember that we are available for you as we move forward together.

What will happen the week after Spring Break (Monday March 23 through Friday March 27th)?
Face to face, in-person classes are suspended for the week as faculty prepare new plans for teaching those courses remotely. Faculty will be in contact with the students in their courses about what to expect, and students, if you are feeling nervous or confused, do not hesitate to reach out to your instructors and advisor. Online courses will carry on as usual.

When will HCC launch its remote learning classes?
The College is prepared to launch remote learning beginning Monday, March 30.

What platforms are faculty considering for their remote instruction?
Faculty have quickly learned to apply the fundamentals of remote teaching and learning. For more information on what platforms they may choose to use in a remote learning setting such as Moodle, Zoom, WebEx, and Google Hangouts, visit the Academic Continuity Plan page on the HCC website.

Will I be able to complete my academic requirements?
Department chairs and academic deans are working very hard to make sure that all students in all programs have options. It could be that in specific programs that require clinical, practicum, or other kinds of hands-on hours, students will need some extra time to complete those required hours and skills. Please know that we are working on it and will be in constant communication with affected students.

How long will classes be held remotely?
Classes will be remote for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester, up to and including finals, if necessary.

How will my professors teach things like labs, music, art, and theater courses remotely?

See our answer to the above question about academic requirements. Our creative and resourceful faculty, with the help of our dedicated Information Technology staff and resources in HCC’s Center for Excellence, are working hard to create engaging educational experiences for all students. Our faculty will be in contact with you directly, via email, regarding plans to continue these courses remotely.

What if I don’t have a computer or internet access?
The Library has WiFi hotspots and Google Chromebooks available for borrowing. HCC will also open the Library, DON 142/144 computer labs, and other offices and spaces for limited hours. Click here for hours of operation. Please note that while your smartphone will help you connect with your classes and faculty remotely, your phone and/or data plan may limit your ability to fully engage in your courses. Both Comcast and Charter Spectrum are offering 60 days of free access to broadband wi-fi and low cost computers for qualifying households. Information can be found below: Charter free internet access Comcast free internet accessComcast low-cost resources

What if I need help using the technology in my classes (Moodle, Zoom, etc.)?
Students can schedule one-on-one help by emailing Kris Wiemer at kwiemer@hcc.edu. In addition, online Moodle support is available here.

When and/or how should I reach out to my advisor?We encourage students to reach out to your advisor via email, anytime, if you have any questions or concerns.

I am feeling anxious. Who can I talk to?
Please take advantage of the resources HCC provides to our students and their families. Our free WellConnect Student Assistance Program offers 24/7 phone and in-person mental health counseling, as well as health and wellness coaching, legal consultation and a variety of other services. You can find comprehensive information about their services, and directions on accessing WellConnect content online, at hcc.edu/wellconnect. They can also be reached at 866.640.4777 (voice/TTY). If you’d like to speak to someone at HCC, please reach out to the office of Student Affairs at 413.552.2231.

Again, I encourage you to contact us if you have any questions — you can simply send an email to coronavirus@hcc.edu and someone will be in touch. We look forward to being with you throughout this new era of learning and we are committed to your success.