ECC Reopens Rocky Mount Campus Library

The Rocky Mount campus library opened this week to current students who need access to technology. The library and computer stations are sanitized regularly. Plexiglass partitions have been installed at the circulation area, social distancing procedures are in place, and face masks are strongly encouraged. Shown is library staff member Dorothy Burress.

This week, Edgecombe Community College opened the Rocky Mount campus library to current students who need technology or internet access to complete summer coursework.

While College officials continue to monitor the coronavirus pandemic and plan for fall semester, students enrolled in summer classes expressed an immediate need for technology.

The online summer semester began May 18. Students received a survey early in the semester requesting feedback on their needs in order to complete their coursework.

According to Michael Jordan, vice president of student services, about 200 students responded to the survey, and a majority of their concerns were tied to technology – students either lacked a device or did not have reliable access to the internet.

“To better serve our students taking summer classes, we decided to open the Rocky Mount campus library to current students who need access to computers or the internet,” he explains.

“We will continue to provide virtual tutoring services and other virtual support services, but technology was a pressing need for a number of students.”

The Rocky Mount library in the Barnes Building is open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Students must have an ECC ID or a photo ID and summer schedule to enter the building.

College officials opened the Rocky Mount library because a majority of students who indicated a need for technology live near the Rocky Mount campus.

The library and computer stations are sanitized regularly. Social distancing procedures are in place, and face masks are strongly encouraged.

An additional effort is underway to meet students’ needs for devices. Thanks to the generosity of two anonymous donors, the College purchased fifty Chromebooks in May to distribute to students who lack technology. With ten Chromebooks distributed and more waiting to be picked up, there are more available for use. Students can request a Chromebook through the Student Assistance Form available through the Student Success Center or by contacting successcenter@edgecombe.edu.

ECC continues to be closed to the public until further notice. A majority of employees are working remotely.

As the College looks to reopening in phases, efforts are underway to achieve the right balance between protecting public health and meeting ECC’s educational mission. A special task force of faculty and staff has been assembled to help tackle the issues, concerns, and needs for an eventual return to campus.

Committee members are working to establish a plan that will optimize teaching and learning while utilizing appropriate health protections and social distancing protocols set forth by the CDC and the NC Department of Health and Human Services.

In the meantime, planning is underway to honor ECC spring and summer graduates during a special graduation ceremony on Friday, August 7.