Raritan Valley College Extends Spring Break Over Coronavirus

BRANCHBURG, NJ — Raritan Valley Community College is extending spring break for students for one additional week due to coronavirus concerns. This would extend the break through Friday, March 20.

The College will remain open during the extended break and faculty and staff will continue to report to the college to come up with a plan to continue teaching beyond March 20, RVCC President Michael McDonough said in an announcement on Thursday afternoon.

"While moving to an online environment is one option, it is not the only option. There are other virtual options, including Zoom and Shindig. There are low tech options, too, including phone conferencing. We will provide training and assistance, helping design robust continuity plans," McDonough said.

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On March 20, the College will decide whether to continue face-to-face classes at the Branchburg campus.

Students can still come to the College for services they need, including access to computers, advising, counseling, and tutoring. The RVCC Resource Center and Food Pantry will also be available to students.

However, facilities will be monitored to make sure spaces are occupied at no more than 50 percent of normal capacity. Computer labs will require at least one work station between students, and testing and tutoring centers will admit a limited number of students, McDonough said.

All student trips are cancelled for the month of March.

For those with questions, concerns, or suggestions the college has set up an email covid19@raritanval.edu.

Six new cases of the coronavirus were announced Thursday including a Bridgewater resident, which would be the first case in Somerset County. (See Related: Coronavirus: Bridgewater Resident Among 6 New NJ Cases)

The new cases bring the total number of cases statewide to 29 who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus in New Jersey as of 2:3o p.m. and health officials say the virus may be "community-spread" in the state. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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