News

UA - Pulaski Tech operations to shift to online, remote methods for remainder of spring semester

University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College will shift to online or remote methods of operation starting Friday, March 30 through May 1, 2020. All face-to-face college instruction will be delivered online throughout the remainder of the semester. Online and hybrid classes will continue to meet as scheduled. Hybrids will operate on a fully online environment. Spring break is March 21- 29.

Student support is available at www.uaptc.edu/publichealth under the “student resources” link.

UA-PTC Chancellor Margaret Ellibee, in collaboration with UA System administration and state and local public health authorities, updated the college’s operational efforts in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Courses of study that are not supported by the online environment will schedule alternative delivery of course content as soon as possible. It is anticipated that the College will provide an intensive course of study in May for programs such as welding, automotive technology, aerospace technology, and allied health. Students should contact their instructors for details.

"UA-PTC is blessed to have a robust online learning environment where we can transition our regular curricula,” said Chancellor Margaret Ellibee. “We are grateful to our faculty and staff for stepping up to facilitate the transition, and most of all to our students for understanding the necessity to take this measure."

All UA-PTC Student Services are open, available, and accessible to students. These services include academic advising, admissions, financial aid, records and registration, student accounts, counseling and disability services, learning assistance center, adult education, Career Pathways, STEM Success, TRiO, and Veteran Services; however, all services are now provided exclusively through phone, email, or other virtual means. Students can continue to expect responses within 24 hours. For details about specific office functions and contact information, please see the UA-PTC website or the COVID-19 resources website.

Additional steps to protect the campus community include:

Events: While online course instruction will continue, all on-site events are canceled until further notice. UA-PTC’s Commencement Ceremony, originally scheduled for May 16, will be postponed until late summer or early fall.

On-site operations: All college operations and activities - other than essential operations - will be shifted to online or other remote means to the maximum extent possible, effective immediately.

All campus locations are closed to the public, including the Main Campus in North Little Rock, Little Rock – South Site, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute, Business and Industry Center, Aerospace Technology Center, and Saline County Adult Education Center. Likewise, all activities and events sponsored by private entities utilizing college facilities are cancelled through May 1.

Essential personnel: Certain college operations activities conducted by essential personnel will continue in person at this time. Employees in these areas will adhere to social distancing and other preventive measures at all times. College staff and contractors will continue to keep surfaces clean and disinfected.

Computer Labs: all on-campus computer labs are closed. The parking lots adjacent to the CHARTS building on Main Campus in North Little Rock will be the designated “Wi-Fi lot” where students may utilize the college’s wireless internet signal using college credentials. This service will remain available around the clock.

Community Education: non-credit personal enrichment, professional development, and other training classes offered through the UA-PTC Business and Industry Center are cancelled through May 1.

"We recognize that the hardships that many members of the campus community are facing are not evenly distributed, said Ellibee. “Some students may lack access to a computer at home, or internet access, or may have lost wages and are facing food insecurity. We want to address these kinds of issues proactively so our students can stay on track. Students having access issues should contact their instructors."

Please note that, given the fluidity of the situation, guidance from the CDC, Arkansas Department of Health and UA System may change rapidly. Any changes will be posted on the college's public health site at www.uaptc.edu/publichealth.