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BSC open for Fall semester

Published: Jun 23 2020
BSC open for Fall semester - Photo
Bismarck State College will be open for business this fall welcoming students back to the classrooms and the residence halls.
 
“Our staff and faculty are working diligently to ensure that we offer an outstanding and exceptionally safe campus experience to our students this fall and moving forward,” says BSC President Larry C. Skogen.

Classroom accommodations include technological investments allowing adaptable hybrid classes that will minimize the number of students gathered together, faculty training and socially distanced seating arrangements in gathering areas.

Students living on campus have staggered move-in dates and will be asked to abide by social distancing and hygiene recommendations. The college also has isolation plans in place should a student test positive for the virus. 

Across campus screening stations at building entrances check students, employees and guests for high temperatures and virus symptoms, and masks are recommended when social distance cannot be maintained. Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures have been implemented. 

According to Skogen, the college’s return plan is updated regularly in response to changes in the COVID-19 response guidelines issued by the CDC and the state of North Dakota.

The college has been fully operational as a virtual campus since mid-March when classes moved online. Most employees worked from home over the past months providing student services via video, telephone and email. Beginning June 15, BSC employees directly involved with students began returning to campus, and others are scheduled to return by early August. But not all employees will be back on campus full time.  

“The pandemic has allowed us to rethink how our employees work, as well as how we do right by students. It’s likely more employees will work from home moving forward – we are looking at the opportunities this time brings to do our work better,” says BSC Chief Human Resources Officer Angie Friez.
 
Student service areas will continue to offer all virtual campus connection points (email, phone and/or video conferencing) while adding face-to-face options back in.
 
The virtual offerings remain important. The college is holding a virtual open house Wednesday, June 24, in which prospective students can see the campus, hear from leaders, faculty, and current students, as well as engage live online with BSC Admissions representatives. 

“We’re excited that we can provide students a look at BSC from the comfort of their couch,” says BSC Dean of Enrollment Karen Erickson. “While we are anxious to return to visiting with our prospective students in person, I know our virtual events can help students and their parents understand the great experience available to students here at BSC.”

For more information about the open house visit bismarckstate.edu/VirtualOpenHouse.

For more information about BSC’s return to campus plan go to bismarckstate.edu/ReturnToCampus.