Linn-Benton Community College Announces Rebounding Plan for Safe Delivery of Fall 2020 Courses

Students can stay on track this fall term at Linn-Benton Community College, completing their courses with the flexibility and safety they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The LBCC Board of Education approved a plan – called the “LBCC Rebounding Plan” – for college goers and staff that will include several options, while following the guidance of state and local authorities, and protecting the health and safety of the college community.

Flexible Fall Course Delivery
Most of LBCC’s lecture-based classes will be held remotely this fall, and the college has developed both synchronous (class meeting online together at a set time) or asynchronous (students meet on their own schedules) options. Several hybrid or on-campus options will be available in some programs. The majority of lab sessions (those classes requiring work with tools, machinery and specialized equipment), will be held on campus. These labs have been pre- approved by state and local health authorities, and the college is adhering to strict physical distancing, face covering, and cleaning protocols.

Additionally, clinicals and practicums required in LBCC’s healthcare programs will be offered in-person at clinical sites, and will follow each designated site’s protocols.

Offering Support for Students
Core student support services, such as advising, financial aid, admissions, tutoring, emergency assistance and more, will be provided remotely for fall term. Knowing that this essential component poses new challenges to students who are typically served face-to-face, staff have instituted new strategies.

"We know this is a hard time for students and we’re working hard to make sure we are doing everything we can to make it easier," said Leslie Hammond, Dean of Academic Foundations.

We have shored up staff to be ready to answer questions, guide students, solve problems, and help students get a good start to the year.”

Ensuring a Safe Learning Community
Since March, the college has worked diligently to ensure staff are following the latest health and safety protocols issued by executive orders and the advice of public health experts, including the following examples:

Following Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) General Guidance for Employers on COVID-19
Encouraging students, staff, faculty, and other community members to follow OHA’s Public Guidance and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public guidance on COVID-19
Implementing measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 within buildings and between campuses and the campus setting, such as appropriate cleaning and disinfecting procedures.
Permitting remote instruction/telework or making other reasonable accommodations for students and employees who are at higher risk or for those who are living with someone who is at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19
Providing accommodations for students, faculty, or staff as requested through the LBCC Center for Accessibility Resources
Requiring the use of face coverings and physical distancing as specified in the college’s COVID-19 Temporary Administrative Rules
Following the relevant OHA guidance for the respective sector for college-operated retail establishments, restaurants, recreational sports, events or other functions
Working with the local public health departments to ensure they are able to effectively respond to and control outbreaks through sharing of information when appropriate
As various changes to regional, state, and federal guidelines occur, LB is prepared to quickly adapt and to clearly and consistently communicate new requirements to staff and students as we move through the 2020-21 academic year.

"We encourage everyone who is thinking about enrolling this fall to make a commitment to a brighter future and to not let the pandemic stand in the way of their dreams," said Jennifer Boehmer, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. "LBCC is offering a safe, quality choice at about half the cost of a university. And we absolutely are committed to our students’ success."