FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Courtney Davis
Assistant Director for Public Relations
Prince George’s Community College
daviscl@pgcc.edu
Prince George’s Community College Announces Plans for Spring 2021 Semester
LARGO, Md. (November 5, 2020) – Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) announced today its plans for the upcoming spring 2021 semester, which include offering the majority of its courses virtually to promote the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The College’s COVID-19 Task Force has been working closely with local officials to monitor coronavirus conditions in Prince George’s County, which was one of the hardest-hit areas in the region. According to the latest data, Prince George’s County has seen a rise in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, specifically some of the highest reported numbers since August.
“Promoting the health and safety of our community is paramount, guiding each decision we make as we navigate through the ongoing pandemic using a data-informed approach,” said Dr. Falecia Williams, Prince George’s Community College president. “These uncertain times have reinforced the need for higher education to be innovative. Our students and College community are very much a part of our decision-making process, and we’ve learned that a virtual environment presents not only challenges, but also a wealth of opportunities. It’s a fresh, creative approach undergirded by our same historic mission,” she added.
For the spring 2021 semester, students will be able to choose their courses from three options to best meet their learning styles and needs: online, remote, and hybrid. Online courses enable students to learn on their own time within the established schedule of deadlines for each course. Remote courses require students to meet virtually in real time on designated days each week for live faculty lectures and video conference discussions.
Select hybrid courses allow students completing lab-based work to learn both virtually and in person. In-person sessions in the hybrid courses are structured to enforce social distancing and safety in accordance with coronavirus precautions. The College’s plans also leave flexibility for select student-facing services to offer limited hours of in-person sessions, by appointment only.
Prince George’s Community College has implemented a number of measures to promote the health and safety of the small percentage of students, faculty, and staff whose work requires them to visit the campus, including enhanced cleaning procedures and reconfigured HVAC systems to allow improved air quality. The College is working closely with staff at its extension centers to promote similar measures.
All virtual courses are taught by Prince George’s Community College faculty and offer the same educational rigor of being academically, intellectually, and personally challenging. Courses are nationally accredited so credits transfer and meet requirements for professional certifications and licensures.
The spring semester starts on Jan. 19. There is still time for first-time students to apply and register. Registration for returning students continues through Nov. 8 and opens for all students on Nov. 9. A listing of credit class schedules can be found on the website. Classes are available in 8-week, 12-week, and 15-week formats.
For more information or to apply and register, email apply@pgcc.edu or call 301-546-0864.
About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 35,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enables PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the College website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
###