DCC Announces Plans For the Fall Semester

POUGHKEEPSIE – With new health and safety guidelines and protocols in place, Dutchess Community College anticipates returning to on-campus teaching and learning, reopening its residence hall, resuming dining services, and expanding access to other campus spaces and facilities this fall.

In his first official communication to the DCC community as the College’s president, Dr. Peter Grant Jordan, reflected on the commitment that will be needed to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment this fall.

“We’ve all learned a lot over the past year,” he said. “And it is these lessons that will continue to inform and guide our reopening plan. Our success at remaining a safe and healthy campus community this fall relies on each of us doing our part.”

Jordan also announced that the DCC campus would reopen to visitors on Monday, Aug. 16. While the College’s new aviation maintenance technician program begins on Aug. 16, the first day of classes for all other students is Aug. 23.

According to DCC’s fall guidelines and per SUNY direction, when the FDA approves at least one COVID-19 vaccination, all DCC students will need to be fully vaccinated to attend in-person classes and/or use any on-campus service or resource, including the Fitness Center. Once the FDA approval is granted, students will have 7 days to begin the vaccination process. Faculty and staff are also highly encouraged to get vaccinated before the fall semester begins.

All students will be required to wear masks in campus buildings. Faculty and staff who engage with students directly are also required to wear masks. Visitors must wear masks and meet the DCC health screening assessment.