Academics
Fall Semester Begins During Pandemic
RALEIGH, N.C. (August 17, 2020) - Wake Tech students started a much different fall semester today with smaller class sizes, safety precautions, and social distancing rules. As the academic year gets underway, Wake Tech is focused on the safety of students, faculty, and staff while helping students continue to pursue their academic success during the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 21,000 degree-seeking students will be taking hybrid – a combination of seated and online classes – or fully online classes this fall. On-campus courses, including labs for hands-on skilled trades and health sciences programs, will be offered at reduced capacity to maintain social distancing.
The college has a fall reopening plan called “Learn Well: Wake Tech’s Plan for Safety and Progress During the Pandemic,” that includes comprehensive Safety Guidelines and Protocols to help keep students, employees, and campus visitors safe and healthy.
Masks will be mandatory in public places including classrooms, lobbies and hallways. There will be social distancing measures both inside and outside of buildings and frequent cleaning in high-touch areas. Buildings and classrooms will operate at 1/3 to 1/2 normal capacity.
Signage supporting social distancing requirements is posted on all campuses. Building entrances have been reduced to one or two, where Health Ambassadors will be checking to make sure everyone is wearing a mask. Students who have concerns about wearing a mask will be referred to Disability Support Services or the college Ombuds.
Students who arrive early are asked to remain in their car until ten minutes before their class begins.
Wake Tech will be limiting all events and student activities on campuses. Fall sports – volleyball, soccer, and fall golf – are canceled and winter sports (basketball) will be evaluated at a later date. Fall graduation will be virtual.
Since students will be spending less time on campus, all college wide student fees will be waived, including student activity, campus access, and technology fees. The move will save the average student about 15% on their fall bill. Individual course fees will still apply.
Wake Tech has established a Virtual Support Center for students to access admissions, advising, financial aid, career and employment resources, and other services. Limited services are available on campus, as are bookstores and cashier’s windows, although students are encouraged to order their books and pay their bill online. Students are also encouraged to access libraries, tutoring, e-learning support and other academic resources online, although on-campus resources will be available by appointment. Faculty will hold office hours virtually.
Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls says keeping everyone safe during the pandemic is key.
“As we get through the health side of this crisis, things will look a little more normal,” Ralls said. “But for now, safety and health is the priority.”
Wake Tech has added three new programs to the college curriculum that begin this fall:
- Mammography certificate
- Medical Sonography associate in applied science (AAS) degree
- Electroneurodiagnostic Technology (EDT) AAS degree
