A Message from Dr. Barbara Gaba - October 20, 2020

October 20, 2020

Dear College Community:

As we approach the halfway mark of the Fall semester, I wanted to update you on a few good things happening on the College campus and online. First, I hope everyone is settling in this semester and you are taking care of each other as we look to the future with hope beyond COVID-19. It is most important that your families remain healthy and safe.

Our faculty continue to provide mostly online and remote instruction; the staff continues to provide student services remotely and in-person. While we understand that hands-on instruction is needed for some of our programs (culinary, nursing and aviation), our goal continues to limit the population density on our campuses to protect our students, faculty, and staff.

Support for Students
Staff continues to work remotely and in-person at all three campuses. The Mays Landing Campus continues to be open for student services (counseling, advising, registration, financial aid, and Bursar) five days a week, 9 am-4:30 pm, with Worthington Atlantic City Campus open Mondays and Wednesdays and the Cape May County Campus open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 am-4:30 pm.

Student clubs have just begun. Click here for more information about how to join a club or how to start a club. Thank you to faculty and staff who have volunteered to be a club advisor.

We care about our students and do not want lack of food to prevent students from attending and being productive in class. Non-perishable food and beverages continue to be available at all three campuses at our food pantries. Thanks to the generosity of faculty, staff, and our community, we have been able to stock the pantries. We are here when students need us.

Additionally, I am pleased and thankful that a curbside fresh food drive was held recently. Many thanks to the ACCCEA for their contribution to this event. Also, a “turkey in a box” is being planned prior to Thanksgiving. For more information about this program, where food pick-up is available, and any other questions about food assistance, please email foodpantry@atlanticcape.edu.

Our students’ success is our priority. To assist students with remote/online learning, a loaner laptop program was implemented. Additionally, we added computer cameras and Internet hot spots, which are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please email techloan@atlanticcape.edu for more information.

CARES Act Funding
I reported several months ago that $1.98 million was awarded to the college for students through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. We awarded $1,961,450 to 1,809 students. We continue to reach out to students who are in need.

Winter and Spring Registration Dates
The plans for the Winter and Spring semesters are being finalized. Registration begins November 16, which is just one month away. I hope that students will see their counselor or advisor in person, or make a virtual appointment to plan the next steps. It is a good time to plan now before final exams begin.

Classes for the Spring semester will continue to be offered mostly remotely and online. While there will be several classes offered at each campus in-person, we will continue to limit population density on campus to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Final Thoughts
It is not easy for students, faculty, or staff to balance school, work activities, and/or family responsibilities. Please continue to be healthy and safe. While these continue to be challenging times, through it all, we continue to be Atlantic Cape Strong!

“The road to success is always under construction.”

~ Lily Tomlin

Sincerely,

Dr. Barbara Gaba

president@atlanticcape.edu