Northampton Community College has announced its plans to open for the fall semester on Aug. 24, offering classes in a variety of flexible formats that include on campus, online and as hybrid courses (combination of onsite and online). These formats are designed to give students more control of their learning, while placing an emphasis on health and safety practices to prevent spread of COVID-19.

Some online courses will meet regularly at set scheduled times each week, while others are self-paced with weekly milestones, allowing students to access classes online whenever best suits their schedules.

Important student services, such as tutoring, counseling, and other functions, will be offered both onsite and online this fall.

A detailed overview of the fall course formats is available on the NCC website.

“We are eager to welcome students back for the fall semester,” said NCC President Dr. Mark Erickson. “But our first priority remains the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and the community. To that end, we will continue to comply with all appropriate health and safety guidelines as well as promote aggressive wellness plans and enhanced sanitation efforts to reduce health risks.”

In addition, the college is reopening its residential halls which offer on campus living options for students. To address health and safety needs, the halls will be operating at reduced capacity, with all students placed into single rooms.

The college’s community and continuing education program, which offers non-credit classes to area residents for personal enrichment, is also offering fall courses. Photography, cooking and fitness classes are now accepting students, as are programs providing specialized training in cybersecurity, healthcare and OSHA outreach. NCC’s newly expanded Fab Lab will also be offering a variety of hands-on learning experiences, from guitar building, woodturning, 3D printing and robotics. Those interested can visit northampton.edu/lifelearn to view and sign up for fall programs.

For more information, or to register for fall classes, visit northampton.edu.