Community College Will Remain Largely Virtual For Fall Semester, But Will Allow Some In-Person Classes

The fall semester at Bucks County Community College will feature a mix of in-person and remote learning.

This week, the community college, which has campuses in Bristol Township, Newtown Township, and Perkasie, announced an in-house task force has determined limited in-person instruction will be allowed starting in August, but the majority of courses will be taught online or remotely.

The community college, which has had online courses for years, moved entirely to virtual learning when the pandemic began to have impacts in Bucks County in mid-March.

The reopening task force for the community college recommended that students would only have to report to campuses for “courses that have a required hands-on component.” The students will be allowed on campus for the class time and will have to leave once courses are completed. Masks will be required to be worn on campus and students will not be permitted to gather before or after the class.

For fall, sports have been cancelled and the cafeteria will not open. The college bookstore, library, and student services will continue to be available online and remotely to serve students, according to the community college.

“Our plan is grounded, first and foremost, with consideration for the health and safety of our college community,” said Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt, Bucks County Community College’s president. “Our second consideration is ensuring a quality learning experience for all enrolled students.”

Shanblatt also stated the plan makes sure that students will be able to learn and stay safe.

“Should conditions continue to improve once the semester is underway, we have the option to bring more students to campus to meet with their faculty at designated class times. Conversely, should the situation worsen in the fall, our students’ learning modality will not be disrupted,” she said.

The majority of fall semester classes are slated to start August 26, with additional classes starting September 14 and October 19.

Tuition rates remain unchanged from last year.

Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies