Campus Updates

Since late March, when the COVID-19 pandemic made it necessary for Cleveland Community College to shift as many classes as possible to virtual formats, I have been impressed by the dedication and superb teamwork that CCC students, faculty and staff have shown.  The College has remained open, transitioning courses to virtual formats, finishing the Spring semester strong, marking the graduation of the proud Class of 2020 and registering students for summer courses.

On May 8, Governor Roy Cooper announced Phase One of a gradual plan to ease restrictions.  As of today, this phase extends through Friday, May 22, at 5:00 p.m.  CCC is following the Phase One guidelines.

Our goal now is to move toward returning to our wonderful campus, where we can resume learning, training and working in person.  Once we receive an update from Gov. Cooper, CCC will provide information regarding its plan for returning to campus while ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and visitors.  In entering this new phase, all of us will need to continue working together and taking common-sense measures to safeguard ourselves and each other.

We expect an announcement about Phase Two from the Governor’s office today or tomorrow.  As soon as we have more details about the state’s Phase Two, CCC will provide an update about a return-to-campus plan.  Please stay tuned!

It’s hard to believe we are 12 days away from the end of the semester. I want to thank you for your hard work and perseverance during this unprecedented time. Many of you are nearing completion of your spring courses, and have done so while simultaneously serving as homeschool teacher and in some cases, caregiver for family members who are sick. Or, perhaps you are considered an essential worker and have completed your coursework while also faithfully serving on the front lines during this pandemic. Whatever your journey has looked like the past few weeks, I want you to know I am so proud of what you have accomplished.

While the 2020 spring term may not end with the typical graduation and pinning ceremonies we have grown accustomed to, one thing remains true…when this semester ends you will have accomplished an important piece of your academic journey. If you are completing a program or certificate this semester, I applaud you for your persistence and dedication, and I wish you success as you transfer to a four-year university or enter the workforce. If you plan to enroll in the summer or fall terms, I encourage you to register for courses as you originally intended; I assure you our faculty are prepared to provide high-quality instruction regardless of delivery method, and our tutoring staff and CARE team members will be there to help you along the way.

Cleveland Community College is committed to helping you achieve your educational goals. Don’t lose sight of the finish line…May 11 will be here before you know it.

Stay healthy and safe.

Warm regards,

Jason Hurst, Ph.D.
President

We Hear You!

Over the past few weeks CCC has worked hard to stay connected with our amazing students. We love hearing from them about their victories as well as challenges. Our Care Team continues to reach out, answer questions, offer guidance and provide resources students may need to finish the Spring 2020 semester STRONG.

We send a big thank-you to all upcoming graduates who recently completed a survey from the Office of Student Affairs. A majority of those who responded said they want an in-person graduation ceremony. CCC will do its very best to make that happen.

Governor Roy Cooper’s stay-at-home order runs through April 30. We do not yet know if it will be extended into May. In the meantime, we are moving forward with plans for summer semester. Registration is open, and advisors are working to help students stay on track.

Students, we hear you…and we are here to help you forge ahead! Stay tuned for more updates.

We can’t say this enough: we are here to help! Don’t give up on your goals. Contact your Care Team member if you need help with ANYTHING. Life has thrown us a curve, but together we will not just survive…but thrive. Now is a time for all of us to do something great for ourselves, each other and our community. Let’s do this! Together.

We are all feeling the stress of difficult circumstances. Students may feel extra pressures and strains. In response, CCC has created a Care Team to ensure we are doing all we can to ease students’ stress about their courses. Each of our students is assigned to a Care Team member who will contact the student each week. Our goal is to make sure our students have as much support as possible, whether it is help with classwork or resources available for your family. Our students and their success remain our top priority at CCC.

Cleveland Community College cares about the health and well-being of our community. As we all take precautions during this uncertain time, CCC remains focused on serving our students, industry partners and the larger community. The North Carolina Community College System office has recommended we implement the following practices:

• Effective March 23, campus will be closed to students and the public until further notice.
• Effective March 23, all employees able to telework will begin working from home until further notice.
• All shop classes, labs and clinicals are suspended until further notice.
• Continuing Education courses and Adult Basic Education, Adult High School and High School Equivalency classes/labs are suspended until further notice.
• Effective March 30, classes (excluding those listed above) will resume in an online format.

Based on the information currently available, the following changes are in effect:

• Spring break will extend through Sunday, March 29
• Classes will resume on Monday, March 30
  • All possible curriculum, CECHS, and CCP courses will transition to an online format
  • Students enrolled in shop and lab courses unable to be transitioned to an online format will be contacted with additional information prior to March 30
  • Continuing Education courses and College and Career Readiness (Adult High School) will resume as originally scheduled on March 30
• For more information, contact Student Affairs at 704-669-4081 or admissions@clevelandcc.edu

Plans are subject to change in this rapidly evolving situation. Please check for updates on a regular basis.

With the rapidly changing conditions of the coronavirus pandemic, CCC is adjusting schedules for all curriculum classes, workforce/continuing education classes, early college classes, and sponsored events.

• Spring Break will move to March 16 – 21.
• All employees will operate on a normal schedule until further notice.
• The college hours of operation will be 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday).

Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

Cleveland Community College is closely monitoring the coronavirus situation. This is an evolving situation, and
we will continue to provide updates as we gain more information.

The College is taking extra precautions to reduce the spread of germs throughout our facilities.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that
everyone takes the following precautions:

• Cover coughs and sneezes. Throw away used tissues.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick until you are fever free for at least 24 hours, without medication.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays or antiseptic wipes.

The College takes seriously the health and well-being of our community. We are taking recommended precautions to protect CCC students, employees and their families from the coronavirus.

For more information on the coronavirus visit the CDC’s website at cdc.gov/coronavirus or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services at ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus.

Again, the College will provide updates as we gain more information.