ELLISVILLE – On June 17, 2020, at the Jones College Board of Trustees’ monthly meeting, a newly modified academic calendar was approved. In an effort to proactively protect students and employees from the impact of a potential fall wave of COVID-19, Jones College will start its fall semester early, Monday, August 10, 2020, with classes finishing before Thanksgiving, on Friday, November 20, 2020.
“It is of the utmost importance to protect our students, employees and visitors at Jones College to the best of our abilities. We believe that by adapting our 2020-2021 Academic Calendar to begin and end earlier than is traditional, we are providing the best option possible for on-campus learning and living,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith.
Additionally, to ensure a safe campus environment, Jones College’s Office of 
Instructional Affairs is offering a new option for students known as Hyflex. This new format provides options that best suit individual student’s needs. Dr. Fineé Ruffin, Chief Marketing Officer at Jones College, explained Hyflex classes provide components of hybrid learning in a flexible course structure that gives students the option of attending sessions in the classroom, participating online, or taking part in both. This combination learning option gives students the flexibility they need during these uncertain times with COVID-19.
“The Office of Instructional Affairs is working hard to address higher education demands in a new educational landscape. Expanding our hybrid course model into the Hyflex model allows students to make healthy choices while continuing toward their goal of college completion,” said Ruffin.
Faculty members have prepared each face-to-face course to have a matching online component to address a variety of needs. Also, Jones will continue to offer fully online courses that are facilitated through the Mississippi Virtual Community College (MSVCC). The MSVCC courses meet fully online and offer students endless opportunities for easy scheduling and limited personal contact requirements. The Jones College MSVCC online courses begin Monday, August 24, 2020, and end Friday, December 11, 2020.
“In addition to beginning the semester, early and ending early, students will continue to access Student Services both in-person and virtually. Services include advisement, tutoring, counseling and the Jones College mobile health clinic will also be available,” said Ruffin.
In fact, campus health and safety have always been important at Jones College. However, with the uncertainty of the upcoming cold and flu season in addition to COVID-19’s global impact, Jones is addressing the issue head-on. To help students, employees and visitors understand and adhere to CDC standards, signage showing how to reduce the spread of diseases will be posted throughout campus including bathrooms and campus entrances. These messages will serve as reminders for individuals to wash hands often, wear a mask, and maintain a physical distance of six feet from others.
Additionally, all employees, students and visitors will be required to participate in daily health checks. These health checks involve daily temperature readings and a brief health questionnaire. For those impacted by COVID-19, a campus-related contact screening will be required. Individuals will also be asked to refrain from community meeting spaces.
This fall, students will have flexible tuition finance options at Jones. The college is committed to offering affordable tuition with flexible payment options and no upfront costs for enrollment. Students can discuss tuition and financial aid with their academic counselor through text, email or virtual appointments.
Prospective students can learn more about Jones College through the virtual summer orientation offered this summer through their Jones College Canvas Learning System online tool facilitated by the Office of Student Affairs. For more information on fall classes check out the following link, https://www.jcjc.edu/fall