BEATRICE - After online learning since March and no students on campus, some students will return beginning Wednesday, at Southeast Community College.
The campuses will be officially reopened to the public, next Monday, July 6th. Beatrice Campus Director Bob Morgan says it will be a gradual process.


"We will probably spend two or three weeks with a single entry point...whether it will be financial aid, admissions, or if they're there for a tour. The first two weeks, we're going to be a little bit cautious. It's an opportunity for us to open up slowly, for the month of July."


Prospective students have been able to take virtual tours of the campus via ZOOM, or the SCC website…which the college enhanced to highlight the tours. Morgan says a lot of adjustments have been made throughout the coronavirus pandemic.


"We've always had very strong distance learning programs...I think we learned for some of the higher hands-on skills classes, we really learned how to enhance them with online learning. We also figured out that we need to continue with hands-on learning".


When students return to campus, college officials said six-feet of social distancing will be in place. If that’s not practical, students will be asked to wear a mask. In public or commons areas, masks will be recommended. Morgan says college officials are continuing to work on the setup for campus housing and dining facilities.


"We've had some discussions and moved tables around. Typically it was buffet-style, but we've got that figured out....how we're going to serve. So when the students come back, we will have our housing open and our dining facility open".


Regular cleaning, room checks and taking temperatures will be part of the college experience. Only a few students are expected back on college campuses this week. Around August 10th, student athletes will start returning to campus. A new addition at Beatrice this year is a competitive soccer field for the expanded sport at SCC. Morgan says SCC will also be undertaking a unique process…..offering mini-laboratories for recent graduates or those about to complete their program.


"Maybe you really did not get the hands on experience you needed in diesel mechanic, ag, or in building. We're going to have mini-labs...that are voluntary. You already graduated or you've made it through that spring term. It's an opportunity for you to come in and actually spend two weeks in labs, polishing up on your skills. I think that's a great opportunity".


The first official day of the Fall Semester will be August 24th. Construction continues on the Beatrice Campus with a new classroom building. Completion has been delayed somewhat during the pandemic, but SCC officials hope to open it, in October….and transition classes to the new building. The college is also renovating the former Business Campus building in Beatrice, to be used by the college’s Agriculture Program.


Morgan expects some limitations on athletic programs, because of the pandemic. Guidance has just recently been released by the National Junior College Athletic Association.