KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Klamath Community College is rolling out its plan for the fall, which includes both online and in-person classes when the term begins on September 28. The college's Board of Trustees approved the plan earlier this month.

We are working to offer students the greatest level of choice and flexibility feasible to ensure student access is equitable, while minimizing risks to students, staff, and faculty,” said KCC President Dr. Roberto Gutierrez. “Although we continue to have in-person campus services, we still recommend that our students and the community contact us remotely when possible.”

According to KCC, the approved plan includes guidance for students, staff, and faculty for on-campus activities. The campus remains open to students, prospective students, and employees, but has been closed for public events and gatherings.

Following state public health guidelines, face coverings will be required for all students and staff on campus when classes start, unless an exemption outlined by the Oregon Health Authority is met. Students and employees who would like to request an exemption should contact the college’s human resources department or visit the college’s COVID-19 information page on the KCC website.

“Average class sizes for face-to-face lecture will be between 15 and 20 students; average class sizes for labs will be 12-14 students,” said Jamie Jennings, KCC vice president of academic affairs. “Our faculty is also prepared to teach everything online, except career and technical education and labs, if state mandates change or health and safety considerations arise.”

KCC's admissions and financial aid offices are currently open, but anyone visiting the campus must adhere to physical distancing and face covering guidelines.

The college says that safety precautions for fall instruction include:

• Face coverings are required in public spaces, classrooms, and labs.
• Establish a minimum of 35 square feet per person when determining room capacity, calculated based only on usable classroom space.
• Modify the physical layout of classrooms to permit students to maintain at least 35 square feet of distance between one another and the instructor(s). This may include changes to traffic flow, desk, or chair arrangements, or maximum capacity.
• Physical barriers are acceptable instead of, or in addition to, 35 square feet or more of spacing between people.
• Require face coverings in all classrooms and laboratory settings for both students and instructors. Physical barriers are acceptable instead of, or in addition to, 35 square feet or more of spacing between people.
• Develop a plan for maintaining instructional continuity should an instructor become ill, or if exposure to the virus occurs in an in-person classroom.
• Students can request remote access to most KCC fall term courses. Contact Student Services or your instructor to learn about delivery options for your courses.