College students can expect mix of class formats this fall

Students can expect a mix of in-person, online and hybrid class formats when classes resume at Sheridan and Gillette Colleges and the Sheridan College Campus in Johnson County this fall.

Trustees of the Northern Wyoming Community College District, which oversees operations of the three colleges, approved the plan for the coming year at their meeting Tuesday night.

College District President Dr. Walt Tribley said this is the reopening plan that the three campuses will follow when classes resume on Aug. 24.

Dr. Tribley said while the district plans to start classes face-to-face, the district has developed a highly flexible plan to protect the health of students, staff and the public while operating amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 20-page plan adopted by trustees outlines a phased approach with specific guidance for students, faculty and staff. He said the district will transition to more or less of each class format depending on local COVID-19 conditions and the advice of health experts. The plan will continue to align with local, state and national health guidelines.

Tribley said the district plans to hold in-person classes as much as possible, but will prepare for every possible scenario.

He said the plan takes into accvount that each campus may operate somewhat differently based on local conditions in the communities where the campuses are located. But all college district students, staff and faculty will be required to conduct daily self-administered wellness screenings, maintain social distancing and use face coverings in situations where social distancing isn’t possible.

In addition, on-campus housing at Sheridan and Gillette colleges will be limited to single occupancy rooms, and increased sanitation measures will continue on all three campuses.

The college district will enter Phase III of the reopening strategy on Monday with the full reopening of campuses.