The health and safety of our community comes first in our decision-making.
Academic Calendar
We have adjusted our academic calendar to minimize mass student travel during the semester and reduce spread of the virus.
Course Delivery
In order to maximize schedule flexibility, practice social distancing in our learning spaces, and ensure in-person access as much as possible, we will deliver classes using a variety of methods: in-person, online, hybrid, web-supported, and Synchronous.
Class modality definitions:
- In-person- These classes are offered 100% face-to-face in a seated classroom.
- Online- These classes are offered 100% online with flexible schedules
- Hybrid- These classes are conducted 51% or more online with some face-to-face set meetings.
- Web-supported- These classes are conducted 51% or more through face-to-face set meetings with some work and resources online.
- Synchronous- These classes are 100% online. Students will log in to meet with their instructor virtually at scheduled times and days each week.
We want students and families to have choices based on their needs and preferences. We urge students to speak with an academic advisor to select classes and modalities that best fit their comfort level. Fall registration is open and classes begin August 17.
Classroom Changes
We are making a range of physical adjustments to classroom settings, including:
- All in-person classes will be socially distanced, with all participants wearing face coverings.
- Classrooms and hallways will be cleaned intensively and frequently.
- Students will be able to maintain distancing in our shuttles on the way to and from classes.
- Managing traffic in hallways and staggering the way people enter and leave classrooms.
- Providing other physical protections and barriers where appropriate, adding hand sanitizer stations, etc.
Required Face Coverings
As previously announced and consistent with state, local, and NC Community College System requirements, we have modified our expectations for students, faculty, and staff – face coverings are mandatory at Carteret CC, effective immediately.
- Every student, faculty, and staff member must wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth while indoors on campus – including in classrooms, libraries, auditoriums, and meeting spaces.
- Face coverings are also required outdoors in situations where appropriate social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Face coverings are available to students and employees.
- Students who seek an exception to this policy because they are unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition should contact Counseling Services at (252) 222-6237.
Additional Health and Safety Guidance
In addition to requiring face coverings, we have many other protocols in place to address the health of our students and employees, including:
- All students and employees are to monitor themselves for symptoms per CDC guidelines prior to coming to work or the classroom.
- Testing is available for students and employees through their health care provider, community-based clinics, and county health departments. Students and employees are asked to use a self-reporting tool if they are ill and/or have been tested.
Quarantine and Isolation Facilities
Following guidelines from Carteret County Health Department and recommendations from the CDC, students who are exposed to a known case of COVID-19 or who become ill will be asked to return home. If a student is unable to travel or has other extenuating circumstances, a limited number of quarantine and isolation spaces are available on campus, and a protocol is in place to support them.
Enhanced Cleaning Protocols across Campus
Carteret CC is implementing a wide range of new cleaning protocols across our campus to help limit the spread of COVID-19. This will include more frequent cleaning of all spaces with a focus on common areas, frequently touched surfaces, and locations where the virus may be more likely to spread.
Campus Events
To support the community safety standards we are putting in place, events will be extremely limited and subject to statewide limitations around crowd size.
- A number of traditional campus events will be redesigned to facilitate social distancing and take advantage of technology to connect people
- Conference and meeting facilities will have extremely limited access.
- If you have planned an event or have an expectation for a traditional campus event, please be sure to check with your campus contact for updates.
Protect Our Students
It will take all of us together to keep our community safe and healthy. The primary way COVID-19 spreads is through person-to-person contact, so our best hope of preventing its spread is by changing the way we behave. We will expect students to show care for their friends, peers, colleagues, and neighbors. This means students are required to wear face coverings when close to others, wash their hands often and properly, and practice social distancing.
Carteret CC is in frequent contact with Carteret County Health Department, the NC Community College System, state and federal officials, and other experts as we move forward. If the situation, our knowledge, or the guidance changes, we will be ready to adapt and flexible in making decisions that keep the health of our students and employees – especially those most at risk – and our community at the forefront of our decision making.