Deptford Twp. – When the Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) fall semester begins on Sept. 1, the College’s top priorities will remain unchanged—ensuring the safety of the College community and helping students to fulfill their educational goals— as learning continues to be done at a distance.
On July 6, College officials announced a flexible, pragmatic and evolving fall semester plan to update college students and their parents dealing with the questions and uncertainty of returning to class. To safeguard the health and wellness of students and that of the College community, a decision was made to offer RCSJ courses remotely, with the exception of classes requiring a hands-on component.
“As we continue to practice social distancing, many students are likely questioning the impact on their current education plans. Taking classes online may not be every student’s first choice; however, at this point in time, it is the safest,” stated RCSJ President Frederick Keating. “The pandemic has caused our world to change, but that does not mean you must sit on the sidelines waiting for the return to normal. Do not allow life’s challenges to prevent you from achieving your dreams. Keep moving forward and making progress.”
Adjustments have been made to the existing course schedule to provide three distinct online options for students taking courses during the fall semester: courses will be available in Live Online, Online and Hybrid formats, the last option only available for selective courses and programs requiring in-person instruction for accreditation or essential training purposes. All students will have access to the same support services online that are typically offered on campus, such as tutoring, advising, student life, and counseling and wellness.
“Live Online” — Students who benefit from the structure of a class schedule may attend class online at a set time via Zoom web conferencing. The Live Online class meetings are real-time (synchronous) and allow for face-to-face interaction with instructors and classmates while staying physically distanced and safe. Additional content and assignments are received through Blackboard.
“Online” — Students who appreciate more flexibility may use this option to complete all course work and communicate with instructors entirely online via eLearning. There is no specific time (asynchronous) designated for class, allowing students to view lessons and complete assignments on their own schedule while meeting course requirements and deadlines.
“Hybrid” — For the fall semester, hybrid classes will only be available to students taking select courses requiring hands-on instruction, such as nursing, health professions, selected engineering courses, forensics, auto technology, and other specific labs. A mix of online and face-to-face, schedules will be staggered to create smaller class sizes and rooms arranged for social distancing. Face masks will be required and classrooms sanitized before and after each use.
As it has since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, RCSJ continues to operate in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the New Jersey Department of Health. The College has a long history of maintaining higher health and safety standards and continues to do so by meeting the sanitation requirements for a healthcare facility. The College also has on staff a campus medical director to ensure the safety and wellness of RCSJ’s students, faculty and employees.
Changes will continue to take place as RCSJ works to follow New Jersey State guidelines and develop a plan for the spring semester. As the plan evolves, updates will be provided based on the latest information to keep students informed, with the hope of being back on RCSJ’s campuses by mid-January.
As one of the top-ranked online community colleges in New Jersey, RCSJ is confident that its fall virtual campus will provide everything students need to keep making progress towards their educational and career goals—all at one of the lowest tuition rates in the state. Safeguard your health and budget by visiting
RCSJ.edu/Enroll today to register for fall semester classes.
