Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) is adding more on-campus seats for the fall semester as COVID transmission rates continue to decrease.
“On-campus courses have been filling more quickly than our online courses, which sends a strong signal that students are ready to get back to normal,” RCBC President Dr. Michael A. Cioce said in a prepared statement. “Celebrating graduation on campus in May in front of thousands of smiling faces provided us all with energy, enthusiasm and excitement for a broader return. I cannot wait to see our classrooms filled again.”
The college will increase the number of seats while remaining in compliance with all relevant state and federal guidance.
Student Government Association President Christina Scillieri said many students are looking forward to more on-campus activity in the fall.
“We appreciate the extra effort made by our instructors over the past year to support us online and many students are thrilled to build upon that spirit with more on-campus classes and Student Life activities this fall,” Scillieri said in the statement. “I can’t wait to be back on campus to engage with fellow students in ways that support our vibrant learning community.”
The college initially planned to run courses with 50% of classroom capacity until guidance from the state prompted the college’s COVID task force, which includes representation from Public Safety, Health Sciences, Faculty, Facilities, Academic Leadership and most administrative areas of the college, to recommend an expansion.
To help students transition for the fall, the college will hold a special virtual Return to RCBC Info Session at 6 p.m. June 17. To register, visit https://rcbc.edu/events/rcbc-information-session-4
The college also scheduled a special registration/orientation VIB (Very Important Baron) event on June 22 and 23 for certain second-year students who will be taking their first on-campus course this fall.
The college’s broad return to campus kicked off in May with five graduation ceremonies held over three days with participation from the classes of 2020 and 2021. Cumulatively, among the on-site attendees and live stream and virtual ceremonies played on social media, RCBC set a college record with 15,000 people viewing commencement this year, according to the statement.