From Monday, May 18, 2020, to Friday, June 26, 2020, students of the Dominica State College with suspended semester two classes will continue the semester online, on Orbund. The college will provide students with internet access, printed packages, and free printing services between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. Also, students will have access to the internet in selected schools in their communities-as sanctioned by the Ministry of Education.

A survey conducted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that over 25% of Dominica State College’s pupils do not have an internet connection at home. These findings drove the institution to suspend several classes and to create a plan that combines safety with access to online course content.

“We at Dominica State College invest in our students’ success, and as a result, we needed to devise a plan to increase the possibility of 100% completion of our courses this semester in the face of COVID-19. This led to what we coined as Plan B. We have organized an internet cafe setting at the college to facilitate our students who can come to us; on an appointment basis. Our students can also get free printing at the college, and hard copy course work packages can be prepared. In all of this, we are ensuring we adhere to the MOH guidelines because the health of our students and staff is very important to us,” said Dr. Hermancia Eugene-Zamore, Dean, Academic Affairs.

Public Schools on the island except for schools in Delices, Laplaine, Morne Jaune, and Grand Fond will provide college students with internet access. “The college is extremely pleased that the Ministry of Education has graciously agreed to allow Dominica State College students access to public schools across the country with internet capacity. This will support our students who were without services at home to now have the opportunity to complete their courses online and end the semester on a successful note,” said Dr. Donald Peters, President, Dominica State College. To use this service, students must: wear their school uniform or display their identification card at the school, wear a face mask on the school compound, and present themselves to the school’s office upon arrival for directions.

Dominica State College continues to adhere to the COVID-19 guidance put forward by the Ministry of Health as they take the following actions:

• Only ten students will be allowed in a room to access the internet.
• Hands will be sanitized before entering and after leaving the rooms.
• Only one student will be allowed in an office.
• Students must wear a face mask on campus.
• Cleaners will sanitize internet rooms after each rotation.
• Students who are sick or exhibiting any flu-like symptoms will not be allowed on campus.
• There will be no gathering of students. All must remain 6ft apart.
• Signs will be placed around campus
• Students must leave campus after receiving a service.
• Without the school uniform, students will not be allowed on campus.

The institution extends gratitude to the dedicated lecturers who overcame hurdles to ensure the successful conclusion of semester two. They also encourage all students to follow the guidelines for their safety and that of others on campus.