FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ......................................................... November 3, 2020

 Photo Caption: Starting on Nov. 4, most Otero Junior College students will transition to all remote learning for the remainder of Fall Semester. Some Career and Technical Education programs will continue their hands-on learning experiences on campus.

OJC to Finish Fall Semester Remotely

LA JUNTA — Out of an abundance of caution, the Otero Junior College administration has made the decision to transition to remote learning beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 3, with full implementation by Wednesday, Nov. 4 for the rest of Fall Semester.

Although a majority of the courses offered this semester were remote learning courses, OJC decided that it would be prudent to move the rest of the on-campus classes to remote as well, due to the recent uptick in COVID cases in Otero County. The original plan was to move most courses to remote learning after the Thanksgiving Break. The OJC administration wants to continue to protect the health and safety of its students, faculty, staff and the community.

OJC President, Tim Alvarez, stated, “In order to minimize community spread and maintain the health and safety of our faculty staff and students we have decided to finish out Fall Semester remotely but strongly. This was anticipated; our recovery plans included this course of action as a plan b. Because of all our planning students will not miss a beat and will still be able to receive a quality education and satisfy all of our learning objectives.”

Six programs will continue to meet in-person due to regulations from their accrediting bodies. These programs are Agriculture Business Management (ABM), Cosmetology, Law Enforcement Training Academy, Medical Laboratory Technician, Nursing and Welding.

The OJC campus will continue to be open and most business and college operations will continue as normal, including student work-study positions.  Some offices are transitioning to face-to-face appointment-only through Nov.16, those include Student Services, Financial Aid, Learning Commons and TRiO.

For additional questions, please contact Dean of Students, Gary Addington at 719-384-6859.

For More Information:

719-384-6822  |  sarah.petramala@ojc.edu

 https://www.ojc.edu/about/policies/emergency/default.aspx

About Otero Junior College

Founded in 1941, Otero Junior College is located on an attractive 40-acre campus on the southern edge of La Junta, Colorado. The mission of Otero Junior College is to provide a quality higher education that is accessible, transforms lives, expands employment opportunities, enriches communities, promotes individual and global cultural diversity, and fosters economic development.

Otero Junior College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is member of the Colorado Community College System. OJC offers Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees for students who plan to transfer on to four-year bachelor degree programs. The College also offers numerous workforce ready degrees and certificates that prepare students to enter the workforce within one or two years.

Otero is a full-service campus offering on-campus student housing and dining services. Students have the opportunity to receive both an outstanding academic education and experience the amenities of a large university with 12 intercollegiate athletic sports and numerous student-life clubs, organizations and events.

Sarah.Petramala@ojc.edu | www.ojc.edu