Dyersburg State welcomes students back to the classroom this fall with flexible instructional model

Special to the State Gazette

Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) has announced that classes for the upcoming fall semester will begin Aug. 24. All students will attend their first week of classes online or via Zoom teleconferencing to allow faculty time to communicate class delivery methods to students, and to acclimate them to new health and safety measures before returning to the classroom. Instructors will contact their students prior to the first week of class with details on how to attend virtually via Zoom. Additional information will be forthcoming by the instructor. Students can still enroll for classes for the fall semester through Aug. 25.

Fall semester classes will be delivered using a flexible instructional model, which includes a combination of in-person and Zoom instruction; a hybrid model with the lecture online and the lab in-person; and traditional online instruction using eLearn (D2L/Desire to Learn). These flexible teaching models will allow the College to follow social distancing and capacity limit recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention to prevent the spread of COVID-19. More information regarding DSCC’s return to classroom plan can be found at dscc.edu/coronavirus.

“Attending the first week of class via Zoom will allow instructors to assess their classroom and communicate plans with their students,” stated Dr. Jan Reid-Bunch, vice president for the College. “More than 50 percent of our full-time faculty plan to return to the classroom this fall and will teach using a combination of in-person and Zoom delivery methods. This is to ensure that strict safety measures are in place to keep everyone healthy.”

Guidelines for keeping the DSCC community safe and healthy include face mask requirements; daily temperature checks and health screenings before entering buildings; additional cleaning by DSCC custodial staff; daily protocols for disinfecting desks, frequently-touched items and equipment; and limiting building entrances and exits in order to promote social distancing.

Wearing a face mask will be required inside and outside DSCC premises, per the DSCC Policy for COVID-19: Use of Face Mask. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to wear their own face mask as long as it is two-ply and it covers the nose and mouth. Disposable face masks will be available at each entrance for those who need one. All persons must follow the recommended guideline of maintaining social distancing of at least 6-feet from others. Seating areas such as those in classrooms, computer labs, tutoring centers, and places where students receive assistance will be marked or adjusted for social distancing. Self-monitoring of COVID-19 symptoms and frequent hand washing is required.

DSCC health and safety guidelines are aligned with the recommendations set forth by the CDC, the Tennessee Department of Health; the State of Tennessee’s reopening commitment in the Tennessee Pledge; and the Guidelines for Higher Education.

The college invested in three Clorox Total 360 Electrostatic Sprayers, which allow for thorough disinfecting and sanitizing of large areas such as classrooms and labs. Health screening kiosks will be placed in designated building entrances to assist in checking temperatures and acrylic barriers have been installed in close contact areas. The college will adhere to reduced capacity limits in social situations to prevent high-spread scenarios.


“Our number one priority is to keep our students, faculty and staff safe and healthy,” stated Dr. Karen Bowyer, president of DSCC. “Although many of our plans have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope that the guidelines put in place will allow our students to not only feel safe, but to remain healthy as we go back to the classroom this fall.”

The college will continue to offer both in-person and virtual assistance for advising, registration, financial aid, testing, tutoring, mental health counseling and other student support services throughout the semester. Students with disabilities who need accommodations, per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), should contact Sherry Baker, counselor and ADA coordinator, at 731-286-3242 or sdbaker@dscc.edu. 

WellVia medical consultation is available 24/7 virtually or by phone to all DSCC students and is provided by a national network of Board Certified State Licensed doctors offering non-emergent consultations for a flat fee of $40. Students can access this service through the WellVia app or online at mywellvia.com/dyersburgstatecc.


Advising appointments can be made online at dscc.edu/appointment. Students who have applied are encouraged to check their MyDSCC portal to make sure they are not missing any requirements for admission such as official high school transcripts and ACT scores.

At this time, only students, applicants and their parents are permitted on-site in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep the college community safe. Others needing assistance should contact each location for information on how they can be served virtually or through a scheduled appointment at 731-286-3240 (Dyersburg), 731-855-1419 (Trenton), or 901-475-3100 (Covington).

The college has developed guidelines to adapt and continue classes in case mandates are put in place to close buildings due to increased COVID-19 cases in the community or state. All students will have the opportunity to complete their courses through the end of the fall semester. Technology will be provided as needed and all support services including tutoring, advising and testing will continue. Notification of changes in operation due to pandemics, emergencies or weather will be announced via MyDSCC email, the college’s Facebook and Twitter pages, and the College’s emergency communication system, RAVE. Students are encouraged to log in to RAVE before classes begin and add their contact information in order to receive instant notifications.

For more information on DSCC’s reopening plan, student resources and updates regarding operational plans, please visit dscc.edu/coronavirus.