(COLUMBIA, Tenn. –  March 18, 2020) - - -As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Columbia State Community College is temporarily transitioning to online classes starting Monday, March 23. All college campuses will be closed, and faculty and staff will be working virtually to conduct regular college business and provide services to students.

In addition, all college events are canceled for the immediate future. 

College officials have continually monitored the latest news and recommendations from public health officials and the Tennessee Board of Regents. In addition, the College has convened a COVID-19 Task Force and Advisory Group to review information and make decisions to best protect the health and safety of all students, faculty and staff.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “This is not a step taken lightly, but one that allows us to provide the continuation of studies during this challenging time. We will continue to provide the quality of instruction for which we are known, as well as to maintain services and support for students throughout this time.”

Students will attend online/alternate courses and will receive instructions from their professors regarding the specific changes for each class. Students should continue to check their Columbia State email regularly for important updates.

“We know our students will have questions as we make this transition,” said Smith. “We are committed to working with them to help them through this process.”

In an effort to assist students with this transition, the college has developed a Student Resources Center webpage to connect students to valuable resources such as free online tutoring, instructions on accessing the online platform, as well as information on special offers for free internet service from local broadband companies. This page will continue to be updated over the coming days. Students should visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/StudentResources to learn more.

The college will continue to monitor the status of the coronavirus and recommendations from public health officials in an effort to determine when on-ground classes will resume. At this time, a decision has not been made regarding the college’s spring graduation.

We urge our students, faculty, and staff, as well as our community, to follow all public health guidelines released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Tennessee Department of Health. 

For additional Columbia State information and continuing updates, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Coronavirus