Coronavirus prompts MJC to extend campus closures. Online instruction carries on
Modesto Junior College announced Thursday that its online-only instruction will last through the spring semester and into at least part of the summer.
The coronavirus emergency forced the decision to keep the east and west campuses closed, MJC President James Houpis said in a news release.
The college first planned to close through March 31 to reduce the human contact that can spread COVID-19. The plan now is to stick with online instruction through the May 2 end of the spring semester, and for at least part of the summer session from May 4 to Aug. 15. The May 1 commencement ceremony is postponed to an undetermined date.
Houpis had separate messages for students, instructors and other staff members in a post Thursday on the MJC website.
“There is no possible way that I could grasp the magnitude of what everyone is going through,” he told students. “For many of you, a semester in its ‘normal’ form is difficult to navigate with all of life’s challenges. Please know, your persistence and resilience is inspiring.”
The news came the same day that K-12 public schools in Stanislaus County extended their campus closures to early May. These students will be taught remotely until classes resume May 4.
California State University, Stanislaus, is online through the May 22 end of the spring semester. Columbia College in Tuolumne County is online until further notice.
This story was originally published March 27, 2020 at 5:11 AM.
