In a proactive move to better safeguard the campus from COVID-19 for the Winter 2021 semester, Glen Oaks Community College is moving a larger percentage of its in-seat classes to either online or hybrid formats. The college’s Coronavirus Task Force recently made this decision in consideration of the recent community spread of COVID-19 in St. Joseph County. 

“There is potential for an increase in positive cases and additional mandates over the holidays,” Dr. David Devier said, “and the decision was made to help keep the safety and health of our students and employees in the forefront.”

In a recent survey, although the ideal method of course delivery is face-to-face, students shared that they would prefer not to have the format changed in the middle of the semester as has was the case last winter and fall.

“We remain hopeful that the vaccine rollout will bring the virus under control; however, it is hard to predict how quickly the community spread will decline, or whether additional flare-ups will cause more closures,” Devier said.

Many of the Winter 2021 courses previously listed as hybrid or face-to-face have moved to synchronous (taught during the previously scheduled time via Zoom) or asynchronous (completely online). Some courses requiring lab components—certain sciences, automotive, agriculture, welding, nursing, and allied health, etc., will meet on campus to complete the portions of the classes that cannot be completed online. 

Students are being notified of the changes this week as plans continue to be finalized. 

Winter 2021 classes begin on Monday, January 11. New students wanting to enroll in winter classes should do so as soon as possible by visiting Glenoaks.edu and clicking on the Apply Now button. Most services are continuing virtually. If questions, students can contact the Admissions Office at (269) 294-4253 or [email protected].