To the College Community:

As you may know, the State of New Jersey has implemented a multi-stage approach to reopen and recover from COVID-19.  New Jersey has been in Stage Two since June 15, 2020, and, while in Stage Two, activities on campus are limited.  Therefore, we will begin the spring 2021 semester by continuing to offer most academic instruction, except for a limited number of on-campus programs and laboratories, either remotely or online.  However, should the State of New Jersey move beyond Stage Two, Ocean County College will be prepared to offer more in-person instruction mid-semester.

As students build their spring schedules, they should bear in mind that courses currently designated as hybrid could possibly involve more in-person instruction later in the semester.  If New Jersey moves beyond Stage Two, any in-person component added to a hybrid course will be clearly communicated by the instructor of each course.

Meanwhile, in accordance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 155, Ocean County College will continue to abide by Ocean County College’s Restart Plan for the Fall 2020 semester, COVID-19 – The Road Back.

The spring 2021 schedule contains a number of on-campus laboratories for courses that require significant hands-on instruction, such as Nursing, Chemistry, Physics, Forensic Science, Fine Arts, TV Studio Production, and Continuing and Professional Education allied health programs.  The College’s Restart Plan includes detailed information on the precautions that will be taken to keep students and staff safe and healthy when they return to campus for these programs only.

The Restart Plan is posted on the OCC website.  Appendix A, Safety Information Plan and Protocols for Students, is of significant importance.  This document outlines the facilities modifications, enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes, personal protective equipment, and other precautions, all of which will minimize the risk of transmission for any illness.  In addition to required employee training, all employees, students, and visitors are required to complete a questionnaire each time they intend to be on campus.  There are also temperature checks in designated buildings that will be required as part of the daily check-in process.  Except for personnel assigned to work on campus, all other employees will continue to perform their responsibilities remotely until further notice.

As has been the case since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the basis of all College decisions is first and foremost the health and safety of all our students, faculty, and staff.  Our plan for the spring 2021 semester continues to demonstrate our long-standing deep concern for all our colleagues and students and our commitment to academic excellence at Ocean County College.

Jon H. Larson, Ph.D.
President