ECC offers additional financial support, resources to students enrolled in fall semester

At Elgin Community College, our mission to improve people's lives through learning remains strong. Even amid unusual circumstances, we remain committed to every student and every dream. We also recognize that the current COVID-19 crisis presents a host of challenges and opportunities that we will navigate together.

As we gear up for the fall 2020 semester, we want you to know that we remain dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience no matter the form of delivery.

After much consideration and putting safety first, we will deliver most of our classes for the fall 2020 semester online. Specialized lab courses, where the face-to-face component is essential, will be held on campus and might also include online learning.

Let me assure you that online learning does not diminish the quality of teaching and learning that we consistently provide. In fact, we will continue to raise the bar to help our students succeed whether you are enrolled in online, hybrid, or face-to-face courses. For clarification, the following definitions explain the three modalities that are offered:

• Online: Some online classes will be offered asynchronously with no live instruction or scheduled meeting times. This offers more flexibility for your schedule. Other online classes will be synchronous, with some live, scheduled online interaction providing opportunities for you to engage in real-time learning with your instructors and classmates.

• Hybrid: This includes courses with a face-to-face component, such as on-campus lab work, and an online component. In essence, this modality combines online learning with on-campus instruction.

• Face-to-face: A limited number of courses, such as classes with a lab component that do not lend themselves to online delivery, will be held fully on-campus.

For the health and safety of all, the ECC campus is continuously sanitized and necessary precautions are in place including social distancing, Plexiglas in high-traffic areas, and the requirement of face coverings.

Registration is open. To view the complete course schedule, including face-to-face courses, visit elgin.edu/academics.

We also are aware that many of our students are facing financial hardships as a result of the pandemic. And we are committed to making sure that you have what you need to succeed from providing financial assistance to supplying a laptop or Chromebook and access to the Internet for students in need.

Additionally, ECC will continue to provide a student-success centered approach with engaging remote and on-campus support services and programming to meet the needs of all students. Your education is too important to delay. We are here to help you keep moving forward towards your dreams this fall. Visit elgin.edu and plan your next steps with us!