Schools ask parents how 'back-to-school' should look this fall

Gateway college plans fall strategy

Gateway Technical College will be open for students this fall, although in a somewhat different format than in years past because of the coronavirus pandemic.

While the format has changed, the college says it remains committed to providing students all the services and support it has in the past, as well as retaining the same academic standards.

The fall semester begins Aug. 31, and those interested can enroll now.

The college plans to fully reopen campuses to students for fall semester. Some classes will be offered in a traditional on-campus format, some will be delivered 100 percent online, and others will be offered in a “blended” format.

“It might not always be the traditional face-to-face learning students may be used to, but we are considering their safety,” said Zina Haywood, executive vice president and provost.

Face-to-face and blended classes will be capped at 12 students to make social distancing possible, and some will be tweaked further based on room size, equipment spacing and other factors. While enrollment for fall has begun, students will find out mid-July the exact instructional delivery of their course.

In addition to social distancing and reducing the number of students and instructors in an area at one time, the college will require face masks on campus for staff and students, increased cleaning efforts and providing hand sanitizer for each classroom.