From graduation and new programs to campus safety, these were some of the questions from students during the Titans Live webinar with SPC President Tonjua Williams on April 22. For an hour on Wednesday evening, President Williams hosted a virtual town hall updating students about the college and answering questions about an uncertain future due to the COVID-19 outbreak. More than 150 students, faculty, staff and board members, listened in to the latest news and provided innovative ideas to help move college learning forward.
President Williams kicked off the conversation by expressing her gratitude to students for their resilience in continuing to reach toward their academic goals and to SPC staff and faculty for their commitment to quickly pivoting and meeting the needs of the college family.
“Thank you for selecting SPC to serve you in your academic pursuits. Our students are our most valued treasure,” Williams said.
During the webinar, SPC Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Jamelle Conner moderated questions from students as they came in. President Williams and college leadership answered questions live and via chat.
As Spring 2020 classes are coming to an end, many expected graduates were anticipating crossing a stage in May. President Williams updated the viewers that the college plans to reschedule spring graduation, instead of hosting a virtual ceremony.
“We recently sent out a survey to more than 2,500 expected graduates to get your feedback on the type of ceremony you would prefer. We heard you loud and clear, and we’re working closely with Tropicana Field to reschedule the ceremony – hopefully in July.”
President Williams encouraged students to get ready to register for Summer and Fall. The college is anticipating opening campuses in the Fall Term, if it’s safe and with a new social distancing protocol in place.
Williams reinforced that safety and learning are the college’s top priorities.
During the Titans Live webinar, students expressed interest in expanding healthcare programs and offering new degrees. Williams shared that SPC is looking at future learning opportunities and making sure all programs lead to high-wage, in-demand careers.
As the college transitioned online, the SPC Foundation Emergency Fund served more than 300 students who were in great need, Williams shared with webinar participants. Recently, the college received funding from the CARES Act to support students, she also said. More information on how to apply for assistance will be available soon.
Also during the webinar, Williams expressed her desire to support vulnerable populations such as veteran and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students. She encouraged them to reach out to college leadership with any ideas to support their distance learning efforts. She also highlighted how SPC continues to be a Community of Care by:
- Donating 800 pounds of food to local organizations
- Donating more than 26,000 personal protective equipment
- Lending ventilators to Tampa Bay area hospitals
- Faculty members 3D printing face shields
- Lending more than 500 pieces of technology equipment to students and employees
“COVID-19 has certainly changed our lives forever, the way we work, live and play. But there’s a silver lining at the end of the rainbow. We’ll get through this together!”
For the latest college updates on the college’s response to the outbreak, visit spcollege.edu/spc-updates.