Community colleges and universities in the south suburbs, which have been teaching students remotely since the statewide shutdown of public and private schools, will continue online-only courses during the summer semester.
Joliet Junior College, Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, South Suburban College in South Holland and Governors State University in University Park recently announced plans to continue classes in an online format.
Depending on the school, the summer session begins just before or immediately after the Memorial Day weekend.
At Governors State, the main campus building will remain open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily for students who rely on the school for internet access to complete assignments, with social distancing guidelines remaining in place at least through the end of the state order.
The school has also set up a Wi-Fi hotspot that is accessible from the main building’s parking for use by students and staff, according to Zion Banks, a university spokeswoman.
For prospective students who might want to attend the four-year school, campus visits have not been possible, with virtual tours the only option, she said.
For students and staff, the sudden switch from in-classroom studies to remote learning has been a challenge, she said.
“It’s difficult not being on campus, but we know that if we stay away now, we can all be together later,” Banks said.
The school’s Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts performances attended by students as well as Southland residents, has canceled all planned events through Aug. 1. Moraine Valley’s Fine and Performing Arts Center has rescheduled to August any events that had been scheduled in May.
mnolan@tribpub.com
