Coronavirus prompts BCTC to temporarily move to online instruction after spring break
Like many post-secondary schools across the country, Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington will temporarily transition to online learning after spring break due the coronavirus outbreak.
President and CEO Koffi C. Akakpo said in a statement Thursday that after “extensive conversations with officials dealing with this virus, we are operating in an abundance of caution” by announcing the change.
University of Kentucky officials as well as other schools in state made similar announcements this week. As of 2 p.m Thursday, Kentucky had 8 reported cases of coronavirus, including two in Fayette County. Gov. Andy Beshear said at a news conference Thursday morning that those numbers were expected to increase.
BCTC students will be on spring break from March 15 to 21. After spring break from March 22 to April 4, instruction will take place online. School officials hope to resume normal courses on April 5.
“We will continue working with faculty, staff and students regarding the specifics of online course delivery,”Akakpo said. “Since we understand there may be challenges for some students in accessing online instruction, our campuses and computer labs will be open normal hours. Course specific labs will be scheduled by each instructor.”
BCTC sponsored or endorsed domestic and international travel is suspended until April 30. After that date, decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Kentucky Community and Technical College System President Jay K. Box said in a statement that in addition to BCTC, Gateway Community and Technical College in Boone County will also temporarily move to online learning in a few days.
“College faculty and staff understand the current state of emergency and have been preparing for several weeks to continue instruction while meeting community health needs,” Box said. “This preparation includes determining how classes can be delivered if traditional on-site education is no longer an option.”
Both colleges are deciding how labs for technical programs will be available on a class by class basis.
If other colleges receive guidance from their local health departments, or if Beshear shuts down public schools, the remaining 14 colleges will immediately move to online instruction and make appropriate decisions about campus closings, Box said.
Unlike many universities in Kentucky, KCTCS has no students living on campus. Additionally, the technical programs KCTCS colleges offer require access to equipment for hands-on training and skill assessment. KCTCS colleges also offer dual credit classes at local public schools and employment training at local businesses, Box said.
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 2:50 PM.