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NMC tweaking reopening plan
The Northern Marianas College is currently working on plans to reopen its campus come fall semester. As a first step, that means creating a Healthy Fall 2020 Task Force.
According to NMC interim president Frankie Eliptico, the Healthy Fall 2020 Task Force will be tasked to develop a plan that will allow for the safe reopening of the campus in the fall semester.
“With deliberate planning and preparation, we are optimistic that we will be able to welcome employees and students back to the campus this fall semester in a gradual, phased manner,” he said.
The task force, Eliptico added, has already begun meeting. Among the action plans the task force is considering is mixing classes—online and in person.
The college plans to start the fall semester in August, but Eliptico said there is no definite date yet. “There are a lot of things under consideration,” he added. “Information from the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. and the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force will guide us throughout the summer. …The health and safety of our students and employees continue to be the top priority, and because of this, our campus’ reopening plans will be guided by information from the governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, CHCC, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and other health agencies.”
The task force is also looking at the possibility of requiring employees and students to be tested before returning to school, as well as giving masks and providing other materials to enhance safety upon the opening of the campus.
NMC is also considering installing Plexiglas shields at the cashier and during other activities that involve face-to-face interaction.
NMC will start its summer semester in June but the institution will continue to practice distance education.
