IRSC Responds to Coronavirus

March 30, 2020 Suzanne Seldes

College Moves to Remote Instruction and Student Services, Suspends Large Public Events

Indian River State College resumed its regularly scheduled online classes on March 23 and transitioned face-to-face and hybrid classes to fully online formats, meeting a goal to take nearly all instruction online by March 30. The College has also moved fast and effectively to make a variety of student services accessible to remote learners. Virtual tutors will be available in math, biology/AP, chemistry/physics, English and reading, and the IRSC libraries have launched real-time research labs and "chat with a librarian" services. Information about these services and more are updated regularly on the Remote Access Resources for Students page.

Health and wellness resources were made available online to address student and staff questions with regard to healthy practices, including how to maintain good mental health during times that require social distancing. The College food pantry, Pioneer Pantry, has made accommodations to continue to serve students in need.

“The College has never faced a challenge of this magnitude before,” shares IRSC President Dr. Edwin Massey. “In this most uncertain time, the commitment of our faculty, staff and administration to sustained operations is unparalleled. They have proven to be flexible, innovative, and above all else, dedicated to the success of our students.”

The College has also postponed, canceled or moved events online in observance of the latest guidelines by the CDC. Summer registration has moved to April 6 to give students and instructors more time to adjust to the recent changes necessitated by the Coronavirus outbreak. All IRSC athletic events, planetarium shows, fine arts performances, and public pool hours have been suspended indefinitely, and the IRSC Child Development Center is closed until further notice. Staff is presently contacting fine arts patrons about the cancellations. In lieu of a refund, ticket holders can opt to donate the value of their tickets to the College; a large portion of season ticketing revenue goes toward student scholarships.

Spring Commencement ceremonies have been postponed until further notice. Graduates who have paid their $50 fee will be refunded. Diplomas will be mailed to all graduates. The College is evaluating alternative means to celebrate our spring graduates, and working to ensure graduates who want to take part in Commencement exercises have a future opportunity to do so.

The College will maintain operations remotely with limited services on site until further notice. Visit https://www.irsc.edu/coronavirus-update.html for regular updates.