NWTC plans for in-person courses to resume for fall

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a hands-on learning College and this will remain the focus as much as possible this fall. That is the message from NWTC President Dr. Jeff Rafn during the first of College’s community forum series.

“Students come to NWTC because they want that hands-on real-world experience,” Rafn said. “Everyone at the College is doing everything they can to ensure our students will continue to receive a high-quality hands-on education during this pandemic.”

Rafn shared with community members the College plans to hold in-person courses for the fall semester while maintaining physical distancing and other health and safety requirements.

Hands-on and lab-based program classes will meet on campus for the hands-on portion of the course.

Most general education classes will be delivered in a blended format, a mix of in-person and remote learning. Remote learning may include web conferencing or independent study. Rafn said students should expect to spend at least one day a week on campus for general education courses.

“NWTC is charting a path to continue preparing the skilled workforce of Northeast Wisconsin, one that recognizes the needs of our community and our students, faculty and staff,” Rafn said.

The College has implemented recommended cleaning standards throughout all campuses and locations.

Rafn said a majority of summer courses do have not a hands-on or lab component. Therefore, most classes will be delivered remotely when the summer semester begins on June 5.

Students will notice differences around campus when they return this fall. Plexiglass will be added in the bookstore and all student facing departments. Access around campus will be limited. The Commons, gym and Campus Buzz will remain closed until further notice.

Public access to campus facilities such as the library may be limited.

Rafn did express these plans are all subject to change depending on health guidelines and recommendations.

During the session, Rafn also shared exciting news about a new program for students this summer and fall, No-Risk Enrollment, where students can experience College classes with no risk for one week.

If within the first week, the student decides the course or program delivery mode is not right for them, they can drop the course and will not owe anything.

With No-Risk Enrollment all students (current and new) can enroll and attend class the week of August 17 – 21, 2020 without paying tuition and fees.

“We want to students to know we are here and empower them to continue towards their career goals,” NWTC President Dr. Jeff Rafn said.

In addition, the College is also waiving the $30 application fee for anyone who applies before August 1, 2020.

Members of the NWTC community and the public are invited to participate in three remaining live community forums by visiting nwtc.edu/emergency. A link to the forums will be posted on the morning of each session.

Rafn will devote time to answer questions. The College is asking questions to be submitted in advance to ensure all questions are answered. Email questions ahead of time to [email protected]. Questions can also be submitted using the chat or [Q&A] feature during each session.

Next Virtual Community Forum date:

May 29 at 10:00 a.m.

For those who are unable to watch the community forums live, links will be made available NWTC.edu afterward for streaming at any time.