San Jacinto College transitioning to altered operations during COVID-19

The College has moved to online and hybrid course delivery as part of altered operations necessitated by the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The San Jacinto College Board of Trustees approved the resolution in a special meeting on March 17, 2020.

The altered operations began Monday, March 23, 2020, including:

• All general education courses are being delivered online for the remainder of the spring semester.
• All technical courses are being delivered as possible, with an extension of the end of term planned to allow for necessary in-person instruction and testing. 
• College staff are working remotely as of Friday, March 20, 2020.
• All College facilities are closed. No visitors and no students other than those with appointments who have completed the screening process are allowed.

“We understand that this is an unprecedented situation for our region, our state, and our country,” said Marie Flickinger, chair of the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees. “The health and safety of our students, employees, and community is most important. The board is amazed at the work completed by the faculty, staff, and administrators who have worked tirelessly this week to ensure that we have a plan in place to help our students complete this semester and to keep College operations running in this altered operations period.”

The College has set up sanjac.edu/coronavirus to keep students, employees, and the community informed during this altered operations period. Additional information may also be distributed to students through Blackboard.

The resolution remains in effect until it is rescinded by the board of trustees.

San Jacinto College Foundation launches fundraiser to assist students in need

During these unprecedented circumstances, the San Jacinto College Foundation invites the community to participate in its 2020 Gala with a Twist fundraiser, assisting students by providing vital resources. 

For this year’s campaign, 100 percent of proceeds will benefit San Jac students with immediate needs. Donations will offset the cost of tuition, books, food, clothing, transportation, and child care for student recipients who have found themselves in unexpected circumstances and need urgent assistance, particularly during these uncertain times.

“Fortunately, this year’s gala was planned as an online campaign, so we’ve been able to continue our efforts amidst the evolving COVID-19 situation, which is directly impacting so many of our students in complex ways,” said Ruth Keenan, the foundation’s executive director. “Taking a break from our traditional dinner event allows us to eliminate costs and focus on what matters most—helping our students succeed.”

The foundation serves more than 30,000 students each year and has awarded more than 12,000 scholarships over the past decade to help San Jac students reach their educational goals. 

Community members wishing to contribute to this year’s Gala with a Twist fundraiser can learn more about the campaign and can donate at sanjac.edu/twist or by calling 281-998-6104.

San Jacinto College launches Bachelor of Science in Nursing

San Jacinto College is launching a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) program this fall at the Central Campus.

As San Jac’s first baccalaureate degree, the program will give the working registered nurse a convenient, cost-effective pathway to marketability and professional growth.

The application period for the first cohort is open now through June 30, 2020.

The hybrid program will combine in-person and distance learning in an eight-week course format, with classes costing the same low tuition rate as San Jac’s other credit courses.

In 2010, the Institute of Medicine recommended that 80 percent of RNs hold a BSN degree by 2020. In 2017, the Texas Legislature authorized community colleges to offer workforce-related bachelor’s degree programs, including BSN.

Dr. Rhonda Bell, Central Campus dean of health and natural sciences, said the program answers the call of area workforce needs while fitting RNs’ busy schedules.

“We’re nurses. We know how it is to juggle families, school, and work. From the very beginning, we made sure not to lose that vision,” Dr. Bell said. “We want the nurses in this community to have the opportunity to return to school, but we also want the school to meet them where they are.”

Although the BSN program is designed for one-year completion, students interested in part-time status should contact the department chair.

The program has received all required approvals from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Board of Nursing, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

For prerequisites, admission requirements, and other information, visit www.sanjac.edu/bsn or email [email protected].