ACM Outlook: Plans for Fall '21

One thing that has not changed during COVID-19 and our plans for fall 2021 and beyond is our commitment to providing quality instruction. We’ve added new technologies to enhance in-person and remote learning to deepen the connections we have with our students and the connections they have with one another. We plan to continue to offer multiple ways for students to learn this fall – ways that will appeal to our students and meet their education and job training needs.

Starting Monday, August 16, 2021, everyone is required to mask up indoors in the presence of others at all ACM locations. This mandate applies to vaccinated and unvaccinated ACM employees, students, and visitors alike. The following health and safety protocols should be followed:

• It's critical that masks be worn correctly.  The CDC's guidance about face masks can be found here. 
• Masking indoors is required at all ACM locations no matter your vaccination status and is highly recommended in crowded outdoor settings.
• Everyone should maintain social distance of at least 3 feet (the length of a shopping cart) in crowded indoor and outdoor settings.
• Everyone should continue to self-monitor for symptoms of illness, sign attestations, and adhere to recommended CDC protocols. If exposed, show symptoms, or test positive for COVID-19, you must notify the College to implement the necessary steps to protect yourself and the campus community. Contact will be made by the appropriate Covid Command Team Intake Official. Cooperation with that information gathering process, and the following of all directions given by the Intake Official is very important for the safety of everyone.
• Sign-in procedures for contact tracing are required for all.

All students and employees are required to self-monitor for symptoms of illness, no matter their vaccination status, and to sign an attestation before coming to campus and starting work, attending each class, visiting offices, or using college services. Signing an attestation must be a true and accurate statement that you are asymptomatic. Any false attestations could prompt disciplinary action.  

Hand sanitizer is available in all buildings. ACM campuses and education sites undergo intensive cleaning and sanitation regularly. This includes the use of special cleaning chemicals and an ultraviolet (UV) sanitation cart for high touch areas like computer labs. 

The Maryland Governor and the Maryland Higher Education Commission have not mandated that community college employees and students be required to get vaccinated against COVID-19. We will continue to monitor State and Federal guidelines and make changes if deemed necessary. 

Allegany College of Maryland, however, has encouraged its entire ACM family to get vaccinated. The college will require that its Willowbrook Woods on-campus housing residents show proof of vaccination for the 2021-2022 academic year.

As an institution, we’re hopeful that our employees and students will pursue vaccination, although it will not be required for the Fall 2021 semester. 

Options for Fall Learning

Fall semester Full-Term courses begin on Monday, August 23, and Delayed start courses begin on Tuesday, September 14. All classes will end on Friday, December 10, 2021. 

In-person (face-to-face) instruction remains our number one instructional delivery method. In addition to face-to-face instruction, ACM will offer five other instructional modes for the Fall '21 semester. Your class schedule may be a mix of these different methods.

• F2F or Face-to-Face Instruction
  Our traditional class offering 
  
  

• F2FA or Face-to-Face Instruction with Alternating Schedule
  Your class will be divided into two groups. You’ll be in an ACM classroom with your group for one class period while the other group watches the course livestreamed. The next time the class meets, the rotation flips. Your group will watch the course livestreamed while the other group attends class.

• Online Instruction
  You’ll take your class online from your residence. You may be required to take exams in-person depending on your instructor.

• Blended or Hybrid Instruction
  You’ll be in an ACM classroom 30-79% of the time and participate in online instruction or coursework activities the rest of the time.

• Flex Instruction
  You choose whether you want to learn through face-to-face instruction in an ACM classroom, by watching a livestream of your class in session, or viewing a recording of your class at a time convenient to you.

• Distance Learning or Telecourses
  You’ll be in a distance learning classroom at one of our two campuses for instruction. The course instructor will teach face-to-face from one location with video connection at the other location.

Meetings & Appointments

You’re welcome on campus during business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (summer hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday from June 1 thru August 6) to meet with faculty and staff. We recommend making an appointment to ensure you are able to receive services intended while visiting campus. Phone and virtual appointments continue to be available through popular platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and GoToMeeting.

To set up an in-person or virtual appointment, you can search our college directory or visit department pages.

Willowbrook Woods

ACM’s on-campus student housing, Willowbrook Woods, is accepting applications for the Fall 2021 semester. The college will require that its Willowbrook Woods on-campus housing residents show proof of vaccination for the 2021-2022 academic year.

 

New Student Orientation

New students are encouraged to participate in a student orientation session. Sessions will be held in person and virtually for the Fall 2021 semester. Questions about student orientation should be directed to the Director of Student Life. 

 

Cafeteria

Metz Café is complying with State of Maryland and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mandates for food service including social distancing, occupancy levels, face coverings, and other mitigation protocols. Students can order online for quick pick up. Rotating daily specials are offered as well as prepared grab-no-go meals Monday through Friday. 

 

Athletics

The ACM Athletics Department is following guidelines provided by the NJCAA and MDJUCO.  

 

Campus Store

Books for the fall semester will be available for purchase on August 1st. Students may place orders online 24/7. Orders can be shipped directly to students homes or picked up at the Cumberland or Bedford County Campus. A Pick-Up Window has been installed at the Cumberland Campus to allow for social distancing and quick pick up. Students may also visit the Campus Store during walk-in hours. 

 

Continuing Education and Workforce Development

The Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development will release its fall course catalog in August. Questions about course offerings may be directed to the Office of CE Registration at 301-784-5341.

 

Health Clinics

All ACM health clinics have reopened. More information on hours and current procedures can be found by visiting the clinics' webpages: Dental Hygiene, Massage Therapy, and Nurse Managed Wellness Clinic.  

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