Delaware Tech announces delay to start of semester, return to virtual learning

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in the state, Delaware Tech students at all campuses will not be returning to the classroom until January 22.

Students were originally scheduled to return next week. But in an email to students (obtained by TV Delmarva), college President Dr. Mark Brainard says with the stress on health care systems statewide and hospitalizations at an all-time high, the health and safety of students was a top priority.

In addition, many in-person classes will convert to virtual and only limited lab programs will remain in-person.

“To protect our College community, we will convert many spring semester classes originally planned in a hybrid or in-person format to be delivered synchronously online,” Dr. Brainard says. “This means students will attend class virtually (via Zoom) on the originally scheduled days and times. A limited number of lab and skill-based courses will be conducted on campus as originally scheduled. They are in the following program areas—allied health, nursing, automotive/diesel, aviation, HVAC, engineering, upper-level science, culinary, applied agriculture, and English as a second language (ESL).”

With classes starting later this month, the semester will end on May 14 and spring break is scheduled for March 14-18. The summer semester has also been delayed until May 24.

“Like you, we are disappointed and frustrated that the current health crisis continues to disrupt college operations for our students and faculty. However, these schedule changes are the best way for us to preserve the spring semester and our academic year. As a community partner, we must do all we can to prevent further spread of this virus, which is why we made this decision to protect the health and safety of our students, their families, and our College employees.”

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