Anoka-Ramsey Community College President Kent Hanson says about 80 percent of learning will be online this fall. But some courses with hands-on requirements will be partially on campus as well.
“Some of the classes that we won’t be able to do online we’ll do on campus with social distancing. We’ve had architects come and look at our classrooms and look at what the size of the classroom would be standing six feet apart from each other,” said Hanson.
The spacing requirements have forced the college to re-think how classrooms and lab areas are arranged. For example, the nursing lab area at Anoka Ramsey is one that will need to be reconfigured. The spaces are too small to fit more than about one-third of the normal number of student with social distancing. It’s a big challenge campus wide.
Dr. Hanson says they’ve tried to put together a portfolio of courses that give students options that include computer learning from home. He says they realize the challenge for students, and will offer some needy students without adequate computers a chance to borrow equipment. Also, the college is freezing tuition.
“We’re just trying to find a way to serve all of our different students’ needs and what they’re looking for from us. It’s not really easy right now because things change almost on a daily basis,” said Hanson.
Still, enrollment is down 12 percent for the fall. Hanson is hoping some students will make a last minute choice.
“Maybe there’s a group of students out there that were going out of state to go to college. Maybe they would stick close by and attend online with us for less money,” said Hanson.
Dr. Hanson emphasizes plans for hybrid learning could change quickly with a new order from the Governor. The key for staff and students is to be flexible.
The fall semester is set to begin August 24.
