By Kelsey Batten—
Indianapolis, IN – Ivy Tech Community College has announced that it will offer its fall semester courses starting in August in-person across its statewide campuses, based on the current trends with the coronavirus throughout Indiana. It will also continue to provide students with multiple course options such as online and flexible delivery modes, including Learn Anywhere, a course delivery method the College further expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state’s community college is slowly starting to increase the number of in-person courses, as classes begin later this month and then again in June. Ivy Tech offers a wide variety of classes as one of the largest providers of college coursework during the summer semester. Not only Ivy Tech students, but also students from other institutions often take courses at the community college and transfer their credits back to their home university or college.
By August, it is anticipated that all students who want to be on campus, will be able to. The focus will continue to be on safety for students, employees, and the communities Ivy Tech serves. Should new guidelines from the Governor or federal regulations be released, adjustments will be made accordingly. At this time, facial coverings and physical distancing will continue to be required.
“Ivy Tech is committed to offering flexibility so that our students can earn a degree or certificate that allows them to take that next step for a high-wage, high-value career,” said Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann. “We look forward to welcoming our students back to campus over the coming months. We know that for many students, success happens best in an in-person setting and for some programs, it is a must to provide the proper hands-on experience and personal interactions. Ultimately, our goal is to enable our students’ success while providing them the safest, most accommodating learning environment.”
Ivy Tech, one of the nation’s largest providers of online education for more than a decade, will continue to offer online courses giving Hoosiers options on how to easily access affordable, quality higher education. The College will also continue to expand its “Learn Anywhere” model that was designed for working adults and launched as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students who enroll in a “Learn Anywhere” course choose face-to-face, virtual, or online learning formats for each class session based on their needs on a given day.
The next spring session begins on March 22 and Ivy Tech expects about 25 percent of courses being offered in-person. The majority of the community college’s summer courses begin June 7 with the number of face-to-face courses increasing further. The first fall session at Ivy Tech starts Wednesday, August 18.
“While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges around every corner, the continued commitment and innovation of our faculty and staff has allowed us to rethink and restructure how we deliver higher education,” Ivy Tech Provost Kara Monroe said. “Ivy Tech’s history of using advanced educational technology to provide high-quality, online instruction, combined with faculty and staff dedicated to the success of traditional and adult learners, has helped the College to convert quickly to learning formats that allow our students to prioritize learning and personal safety. These adjustments combined with our ability to bring the majority of our courses back to campus gives students a variety of options to achieve their educational goals with the support of our dedicated and committed faculty and staff.”
The community college continues to serve a diverse student body of more than 150,000 at more than 40 locations, including 18 campuses, and through dual credit in more than 300 high schools across Indiana. Ivy Tech students have the same goal in mind – to earn a credential that enables the student to obtain a high-wage, high-value career upon completion at Ivy Tech or after transferring from Ivy Tech to a four-year institution.
“Transfer is one of the important roles our community college plays to serve Indiana’s thousands of bachelor degree-seeking students. We recognize that many families are still uncomfortable with the residential college environment and experience during this pandemic. Instead of considering an educational break or a delay, students should consider enrolling in a community college,” Ellspermann said. “Ivy Tech’s affordable tuition, guaranteed transfer to Indiana four-year partners, flexible learning options, and personalized instruction make it the perfect place as a guest or transfer student.”
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degree and short-term certificate programs, and trainings that align to the needs of the community. The College also offers courses and associate degree programs that seamlessly transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a Bachelor’s degree.
