ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Dr. Kate Douglas, interim president at Monroe Community College, is getting ready for the new semester to begin on January 25. However just like in the fall, not many will walk the halls.

“There’s nothing like the excitement of new students, new course work, a fresh new notebook to open up. This time it is going to be virtual for about 75% of our students, but we’re all excited,” said Dr. Douglas.

What You Need To Know

  • Dr. Kate Douglas says MCC will continue to promote social distancing by encouraging students to use the Circle In app, allowing students to form study groups virtually

  • Students can earn points using the app for gift cards and other rewards

  • MCC will also offer a new model of learning called Hiflex

  • A small number of students can still have in-person learning, but that same lecture will also be simulcast online and recorded to listen to later

Douglas says they will continue to promote social distancing by encouraging students to use the Circle In app.

This will allows students to form study groups virtually.

The added bonus is that students can earn points using the app for gift cards and other rewards.

“We know for many students, it’s not their preference to continue to learn remotely but here at MCC, we’ve listened to students. We’ve looked for additional resources and we’ve been able to support their success,” said Dr. Douglas.

MCC will also offer a new model of learning called Hiflex.

Dr. Douglas says this means that a small number of students can still have in-person learning, but that same lecture will also be simulcast online and recorded to listen to later.

“As a college, we have to look to the future, because that is where we are preparing our students for. Technology is everywhere in the future not only in education but in business and in industry. So by expanding how we teach, not only do we meet more students' needs but we also prepare them for the future they will find after MCC,” said Dr. Douglas.

Dr. Douglas says MCC will also do away with spring break, but the good news is the semester will end two weeks earlier than normal.