Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) has announced they are planning to incorporate a “new normal” when fall classes resume on Aug. 25. This will include the return to most face-to-face classes at all 12 DMACC campuses and learning centers. “2020 was a difficult and painful year for our students, faculty and staff,” says President, Rob Denson. “While I’m proud of what everyone has accomplished during the pandemic, we’re eager to see our students on campus again. With thousands of COVID-19 vaccines being administered and more on the way, we’re confident the College can begin near normal operations this fall.” Additional proactive steps, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and area public health agencies will be implemented. These include continued evaluations of HVAC systems college-wide along with the installation of higher-capacity air filters; continuing to require masks at all DMACC locations; and ensuring the faculty and staff have had access to a COVID-19 vaccine and that at least two weeks have transpired for it to take full effect. Denson adds he has heard from a number of students who expressed difficulty with online only instruction. “Online is excellent, but isn’t for everyone and we know that students of all ages have decided to wait until in-class instruction returns,” Denson says. “It’s important to give students their choice of learning modality.” Plans are also underway for DMACC to deliver Student Services in person while maintaining a virtual experience. All preparations will be based on the latest and best pandemic and health practices, meaning their initial plans could change, depending on the state of the pandemic this summer and fall.
