Message from Dr. Barbara Gaba - August 24, 2020
08/24/2020
August 24, 2020
Dear College Community:
We are ready to begin the Fall 2020 semester next Monday, August 31. We are ready for students whether taking classes online, remotely or in a hybrid model with limited face-to-face instruction. We know these are challenging and unusual times for everyone due to COVID-19, but “starting a new semester brings excitement and optimism for a fresh start”. The most important thing is that you and your families are healthy and safe.
It is our goal to deliver the best possible learning experience for every student at Atlantic Cape, which, under the current circumstances, will be mostly virtual. We have been perfecting and investing in our online learning experience for nearly 25 years and we are well prepared to help you succeed in a mostly-online environment this semester.
I want to share with you some new things we are doing to enhance the student experience for the Fall semester while we navigate COVID-19.
Visiting the Campuses In-Person
For the safety of students, faculty, and staff, we continue to limit the number of students on our campuses, and offer most classes online or remotely. Limited in-person instruction will take place in our Nursing skills labs, the Academy of Culinary Arts, and the Aviation program.
If you come on our campuses, we have implemented all the necessary CDC guidelines. Physical health and safety measures are visible around our campuses, including installation of plexiglass, as well as social distancing initiatives in public spaces and in classrooms, disinfectant stations, and signage posted on all of our campuses reminding everyone of their responsibilities to keep each other healthy. Face coverings/masks and social distancing are required while on campus. Additionally, before entering a campus, all employees, students, and visitors are required to complete a Daily Health Assessment form before services are provided.
Student Success Starts Here!
Student success is our priority. We have instituted many things to assist students while attending Atlantic Cape. Please click here to preview the many resources we have available for students. The highlights are as follows:
- Website-The “Welcome Back” page on our website houses all safety requirements for being on campus and how to get the most from your College experience.
- Mobile App-This free, useful tool provides access to the registration tools, which has never been easier. Information about the new Mobile App, Atlantic Cape Connect can be found here.
Student Support Services
By appointment, Advising/Counseling is available. For Financial Aid services contact finaid@atlanticcape.edu, and click here for Testing appointments and information.
In-person Advising/Counseling, Registration, Financial Aid, Testing and Bursar services are available in addition to the online services. Click here for more information on in-person appointments for services.
In-person services are available with the following schedule:
- Mays Landing Campus: Monday - Friday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.*
- Worthington Atlantic City Campus: Mondays & Wednesdays 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.*
- Cape May County Campus: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.*
*Please note the Mays Landing Campus will be open for in-person assistance until 6 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through September 2. The Atlantic City Campus will be open until 6 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays through September 2. The Cape May County Campus will be open until 6pm September 15 through October 1.
Financial Aid is Available- All high school seniors, first-time college students, and students that did not receive state financial aid in Academic Year 2019-20 must submit their financial aid application (FASFA) by September 15. Tuition-Free College is available for students whose adjusted gross income is between $0-$65,000. There is other assistance available. Please contact Financial Aid if you have any questions about financial resources for college at finaid@atlanticcape.edu.
Virtual Student Orientation- the College’s Virtual Orientation is open to all students. For more than 50 years, the Student Orientation was only conducted in person. Our first virtual, interactive orientation, "Go2Orientation" is a new platform that provides students with a self-paced, ADA accessible program that fosters engagement and connection on-demand. Students also have access to over 50 student success workshops and videos. Videos and workshops are available with captioning in English and Spanish.
Academic Support Services
Being Successful in Remote Learning- Learn what it takes to be successful online and remotely. This academic orientation is available via live Zoom and is available for students on August 25 at noon, and August 31 at 3:30 pm. Zoom links to attend these sessions are available on our College’s website.
Library and Tutoring Services- the College’s online library and tutoring services are available 24/7. A limited in-person schedule will be available for students at the Mays Landing Campus only, Monday-Friday when classes begin on August 31. More information on our library can be found and will be updated with operating hours shortly.
Science Support- Plans are underway to offer assistance for students in remote science courses seven (7) days a week. Sciencehelp@atlanticcape.edu has been set up to offer students an additional method for seeking assistance.
Assistance for Students
The Laptop Loaner Program- Due to its popularity in the Spring semester, the program is being continued for students who qualify, with the addition of home internet service through Comcast Internet Essentials. This will ensure that students who do not have a computer and/or internet at home will have the technology they need to succeed this semester. Students may email name, student ID, email and phone number to techloan@atlanticcape.edu to request this assistance.
Food Pantry- Based on a recent survey to students, we know that many students have challenges while attending College, including food insecurity. We want you to know that you are not alone. The Food Pantries located at our three campuses will be open on a limited basis. The hours will soon be listed on Blackboard at the start of the semester. Thanks to the generous donations of faculty, staff, and the Foundation, we will continue to staff the Food Pantries and a limited number of Shop-Rite gift cards are also available. If you would like to donate, or if you are in need of assistance, please contact pantry@atlanticcape.edu.
Message to the Community
Lastly, in an effort to keep the community informed about our college, click here to read the commentary I have written that appeared in The Press of Atlantic City on Friday, August 21.. As I stated in the article, “I am very proud that our college serves all students.” While we understand that students may be reluctant to start or return to college due to these unprecedented times, I am confident that students have made the right choice to begin their educational journey here. We are Atlantic Cape Strong!
Atlantic Cape is ready and committed to assisting each student to achieve his or her goals. Registration is open – in-person (with a mask, of course) or online – by visiting atlanticcape.edu/register. Classes start on August 31 with late start classes beginning on September 21.
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
~ Arthur Ash
Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara Gaba