Around WakeTech
College Releases Spring Semester Plan
RALEIGH, N.C. (October 26, 2020) – Wake Tech students will continue with the option of taking hybrid (mix of on-campus and online instruction) or fully online classes next spring. The college released its spring semester plan called Learn Well, Nudging Toward Normalcy. While the plan continues with hybrid and fully online classes, the hybrid classes will have more on-campus instruction time. Classrooms will continue to operate at 1/3 to ½ capacity, and strict campus safety guidelines will be enforced.
Although Wake Tech sports and activities were canceled for fall, the college is planning to allow limited on-campus student activities that follow the protocols for mandatory masks, social distancing, and other measures outlined in the college’s Safety Guidelines and Protocols. Spring sports will return on a limited schedule, as allowable by health and NJCAA protocols, to include mens and womens basketball, softball, baseball, esports, and beach volleyball. Fan participation at Spring athletic events will be limited to players’ families.
“With the virus still prevalent in our community, we must be steadfast in our commitment as we move into Spring 2021,” said Wake Tech president Dr. Scott Ralls. “Our two priorities continue to be focused on keeping our college community as safe as possible, while giving students the opportunity to achieve their academic goals.”
Spring semester will begin as scheduled on Thursday, January 7. Academic calendar dates throughout the semester, including exams, breaks and holidays, will not change. Fall graduation will be a virtual event on Saturday, December 12 for safety, combined with an in-person opportunity for graduates to take pictures receiving their diploma in a socially distanced environment. Spring graduation will take place on May 8, 2021. Ceremonial remarks will be virtual, but we hope to offer an outdoor “graduation stage” for graduates to cross to receive their diplomas in view of their families.
Wake Tech has established a Virtual Support Center to assist students with support and resources such as advising, financial aid, libraries and tutoring. Students facing technology challenges should contact the office of Student Advocacy & Support at 919-532-5964 or email [email protected]. General questions should be directed to the Answer Center at 919-866-5000.
Wake Tech Safety Guidelines and Protocols call for mandatory masks in all public places on campus, including classrooms, labs, hallways and office suites. Social distancing is required and frequent hand washing is recommended. Faculty office hours and employee meetings are held in a virtual environment. Buildings are cleaned and sanitized regularly throughout the day and at night. Air filtration systems have been upgraded.
Staff and faculty will work staggered hours when on campus to allow for social distancing in offices. Those whose jobs permit will work remotely when approved by their supervisor. Anyone who feels sick is asked to stay home and seek medical care.
“With a predicted challenging winter season ahead, our start after the New Year will be much more ‘nudge’ than ‘normalcy,’” said Dr. Ralls. “As time progresses however, and as we anticipate the potential for widely available vaccines in 2021, Wake Tech will gradually nudge back to normalcy.”
