Joliet Junior College announces it will offer more in-person classes this summer, fall

Joliet Junior College announced it will increase its on-campus activity and offer more in-person classes for its summer and fall semesters.

JJC has been operating at 25% on-campus capacity during the current phase of the state’s reopening plan amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release. The college has been offering classes primarily in an online format.

Beginning May 24, the first week of JJC’s summer schedule, on-campus capacity will increase to 50%. Lab courses will be face-to-face, including lab sections, and some classes will offer hybrid options.

“Our return-to-campus college plan is based on positivity rates going down and vaccination rates going up,” JJC President Judy Mitchell said in the release. “As we continue to monitor COVID updates and safety protocols, a slow, measured and safe return will be our overall priority moving into the summer and fall semesters.”

The change in operations is contingent on the state advancing to a “bridge phase” that would allow a relaxing of some public health measures because of a decrease in the spread of the novel coronavirus and a decline in hospitalizations.

JJC reports each in-person class will reflect the state’s capacity protocols while allowing for 6 feet of physical distancing. Class schedules will remain the same throughout the semester, unless increased COVID-19 positivity cases at the state level prompt more virtual offerings.

“JJC students in the summer and fall semesters will have more course flexibility than they have ever had,” Amy Gray, JJC’s vice president for academic affairs, said in the release. “These options are possible due to the incredible work that faculty have done, creatively delivering content in their discipline.”

The college will continue to offer virtual student services during business hours.

JJC said it will maintain deep cleaning measures, continue to require the wearing of masks, physical distancing and temperature checks for those entering the campus.

For information, visit jjc.edu/covidfaq.