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Photo of BCCC graduating class.

Dr. Loope on Commencement and Spring Semester



Dear Students, Colleagues, and Friends:

Given the increasing likelihood that the coronavirus outbreak will prevent us from convening in groups larger than 50 people for the foreseeable future, I have made the decision to postpone our scheduled May 15, 2020, Commencement ceremony until a later date. We do not know the new date of Commencement, since we do not know when the pandemic will subside sufficiently to enable us to gather as a large group. But, we will hold Commencement on a yet-to-be-determined date, which the College will communicate as soon as we know it. If you are a student who is scheduled to graduate this May, you will still do so—assuming you successfully complete any remaining required courses in which you are enrolled. Also, if you have already paid your Commencement and other graduation fees, there will be no need to repay these. The College will apply them to the rescheduled Commencement ceremony.

Secondly, the College will continue to offer all courses—with a very few approved exceptions—in an online format through the last day of finals on May 13. This extends our decision to teach via online format through April 5. All lab science courses will use online laboratory experiences that faculty will begin to employ over the next week. Career and technical education (CTE) programs will continue to teach the lecture component of their courses via Blackboard; the College will decide how to manage lab-based instruction in CTE programs on a program-by-program basis over the next two weeks. Continuing education courses not taught online will remain on hiatus pending further direction from College leadership.

I am aware of the disappointment you must feel in postponing Commencement, which is truly the culmination of each year’s academic experience for faculty and a lifetime milestone for students. But, under these extraordinary circumstances, we have little choice in the matter. I will be back in touch as soon as possible with a new date for the event.

Thank you all for your amazing persistence and professionalism during this most trying time. Stay well, and

Best wishes,

David R. Loope, Ed.D.
President


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