Support Services Make QCC Stand Out in the Online World

In colleges and universities across the country, in-person classes have transitioned to online learning and remote instruction due to the coronavirus/COVID-19. For those students looking to make a decision on their higher education this fall, Quinsigamond Community College is one that should be at the top of the list. Online learning is nothing new to the faculty and staff at QCC, nor is the support mechanisms the College has in place to make sure students succeed.

From the onset of this heath crisis, QCC transitioned completely to remote instruction, with each course tailored to meet the needs of its students. Support services are a key component to student success and the College has made sure support services that were “on the ground,” continued to function online and remotely.

QCC’s tutoring services have transitioned online, and students can easily get support in whatever class they may need additional guidance in, so they can be successful in their studies. Now that students are doing their schoolwork from home there are many distractions, which can cause students to disconnect from their college studies. This is where QCC support services and professors can assist, by encouraging and supporting students to stay engaged with online class sessions or discussion boards. The QCC mentoring program has also moved online, giving students a way to continue with their community mentors, get the encouragement and support needed to gain an understanding of workplace expectations, and help increase the likelihood of finding a rewarding career. 

Another great way to be a part of the QCC community is through the College’s robust Student Life. The Student Government Association has set up a Student Community Engagement Portal to help students stay connected with their peers. QCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Zeta Theta Chapter Honor Society has also moved online with online meetings, games and social service projects.

The transition to online learning can often stress the limits of low-income students, who may not have access to computers or Internet in order to continue with their studies. QCC has set up a Student Emergency Fund, which among its many uses, has been used to purchase laptops for students who cannot afford them.This type of financial support ensures that no student is left behind now or in the future. The fund is also being used to help continue to support the QCC Food Pantry and Resource Center. Students in need have been able to reach out online and fill out a food pantry and intake form for support and assistance. Each week college staff have been making sure food insecure students can have safe access to food, by delivering it right to their cars when they pull up to campus.

 “While the delivery of support services at QCC may have changed, our comprehensive services have not changed. We continue to do what we do best, helping our students succeed and giving them the tools so they can reach their full potential and have an amazing future,” said QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja.