ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. – Central Alabama Community College students will not return to campus for the spring semester.
Dr. Susan Burrow, CACC President, sent out the following email to students to inform them all classes will be delivered remotely, and spring graduation has also been canceled.
“I hope that you and your families are staying safe and healthy. Together we are facing a rapidly changing world due to the pandemic situation. The COVID-19 crisis brought significant and immediate change to our campus and our way of life during a very important time at the College. The spring term is a time where we finalize courses for students, plan for the all-important commencement ceremony, and celebrate your significant educational accomplishments. To that end, the faculty and staff are working tirelessly to support you and your quest to finish the term and for many to graduate.
To facilitate learning and to achieve completion of the spring term, the College moved all remaining class sessions to remote delivery. This required significant adjustment on your part and a great of effort by the college faculty and staff. We remain totally committed to supporting your success in this transition. Moving all courses to remote delivery and restricting access to the College campus was done to ensure your personal safety and the safety of public health. You may rest assured that the College follows CDC guidelines in creating a safe and healthy environment and will continue to do so, as we plan for the return to campus. We are unsure at this point when we will return to campus. The College will remain in compliance with State and Federal mandates regarding social distancing until this health challenge is resolved.
Understanding the need for flexibility, the Deans have extended the date for issuing final grades to May 14th, the final exam schedule and last day to withdraw remains the same, and all faculty members will work to determine how best to support your completion of all course requirements. This is particularly important for programs and courses that require clinical or lab hours and skill demonstration. The altered spring term calendar will soon be posted and shared with you through multiple avenues. I urge you to remain in communication with your academic advisor and your course instructor for specific details about course completion requirements and grading options.
In light of these significant changes, existing State and Federal restrictions, and the altered completion calendar, the College will not be holding the May commencement exercise. The May graduation ceremony is the highlight of our year and the time when we celebrate your success. It is most regrettable that we will not be able to hold the ceremony during the month of May; however, the college will a hold a graduation ceremony December 17, 2020. We will begin processing graduation applications using the existing college process. If you were planning to graduate this spring please submit your application. We realize this is most disappointing and we too are deeply saddened by this turn of events. Students completing all graduation requirements will graduate in the spring and will receive your diploma via mail. Many have asked about plans for the summer term. Summer plans are underway and remain fluid due to the unfolding pandemic situation. The College will begin the summer registration process very soon.
Remember that we are the mighty CACC Trojans and we shall prevail. The important things at this point are for you to stay safe, healthy and committed to completing the spring term. We are here for you and care about you and your success. Events do not determine our outcomes, it is our reaction or the way we manage events that define who we are and our ultimate success. Stay safe and healthy!”
