June 10, 2020

All 15 colleges in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges system plan to resume traditional operations and classes on their campuses this fall, according to a statement issued June 10 by the MACC President’s Association.

East Mississippi Community College President Dr. Scott Alsobrooks said the college has convened a coronavirus task force to recommend changes to policies and procedures so students, faculty and staff can safely resume in-class instruction.

“This team will recommend expanded health and safety protocols, flexible course formats and robust contingency plans should public health concerns necessitate further modifications,” Alsobrooks said. “Additionally, we are working closely with Dr. David Shaw from Mississippi State in his role as the chairman of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Safe Start Task Force. In the coming weeks, we will share specific details regarding what a fall on-campus semester will look, particularly with regards to housing policies and student life programming.”

Online classes will continue for EMCC’s full summer and two summer intensive terms and a robust offering of online courses will also be available in the fall for those who prefer virtual instruction.

More information will be made public as it becomes available.

“We will continue to review the latest public health guidelines and best practices to determine how we will handle large gatherings, annual public events, and athletic events,” Alsobrooks said. “We will share more information as decisions are made.”

Southwest Mississippi Community College President Dr. Steve Bishop, who will soon begin a term as MACC president, said, “There is a great deal of anticipation about reopening our respective colleges this fall.”

“Along with much excitement about getting back to campus, all of our colleges are taking the proper precautions to help keep our students, faculty, staff and visitors safe and healthy,” Bishop added. “We look forward to continuing our long tradition of excellence as we provide quality education and training opportunities for our citizens.”

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College President Dr. Mary S. Graham, current MACC president, said, “Mississippi community colleges are looking forward to students returning to our campuses and dorms in the fall of 2020 for an exceptional college experience. We are following recommended safety protocols to create safe learning, living, and working environments for all.”

The MACC system was forced to move to all online operations in mid-March due to COVID-19. Since that time, each community college in the state has organized committees and established protocols to safely restart traditional activities at their campuses.

The MACC is comprised of Coahoma Community College, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, East Central Community College, East Mississippi Community College, Holmes Community College, Hinds Community College, Itawamba Community College, Jones College, Meridian Community College, Mississippi Delta Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Northeast Mississippi Community College, Northwest Mississippi Community College, Pearl River Community College and Southwest Mississippi Community College.