Schools
Bergen Community College Moves Fall Courses Online
The college will also freeze tuition, and is discussing ways to support international students after a new ICE policy was release Monday.
PARAMUS, NJ — Bergen Community College will be moving almost all fall courses online as the state reevaluates coronavirus protocols.
The college announced the decision on Wednesday, which includes a tuition freeze in addition to the mass transition to online courses.
There are some exceptions to the rule, however, as a limited number of practice-based classes will be offered in person, such as those for health professions.
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For these courses, the college will "deploy numerous safety measures," which includes reduced class sizes, socially distanced seating and enhanced cleaning protocols.
No classes will be offered at the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack, and only paramedic science program practicals will take place at Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst.
Find out what's happening in Paramusfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"In working with a taskforce of two-dozen faculty, staff and students, we reviewed the latest guidelines from public health agencies, the state and county before finalizing our plans for safety, instruction and support," said Interim President Tony Ross. "This preparation has positioned the College to offer the same renowned Bergen quality students would receive in a traditional campus environment."
The fall semester begins on Sept. 2, and registration is currently underway.
For International Students
A Monday ruling released by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made it harder for international students to stay enrolled without in-person classes.
"The U.S. Department of State will not issue visas to students enrolled in schools and/or programs that are fully online for the fall semester nor will U.S. Customs and Border Protection permit these students to enter the United States," ICE said in announcing the policy.
Bergen Community College said they are aware of the ruling, and have "begun discussions about how to support these students and provide in-person or hybrid-model classes for them."
Plans for this will be released once they are finalized, the college says.
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