THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of Vance-Granville Community College, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Desmarais announced that VGCC recently received $363,000 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law in March to assist American workers, families and businesses.

Funding of $500-$1,500 is available to VGCC students who were registered for in-person classes during the spring semester, received some form of financial aid and were adversely affected by COVID-19. If the pandemic negatively impacted a student’s work schedule, finances, childcare availability and/or personal health, among other areas, Desmarais said they are considered adversely affected.

The amount of funding an eligible VGCC student receives depends on the number of credit hours they were registered for in the spring. Desmarais reported the college has distributed $188,000 in federal CARES Act funding to date.

Desmarais also said that after “a high volume online summer semester that exceeded enrollment compared to last summer,” VGCC is turning its attention to the beginning of its fall semester on August 17.

For the fall, many courses will continue to be taught in an online format, with trade classes such as welding, carpentry and automotive returning for at least partial in-person instruction. “We are teaching what we can in an online format to reduce the number of people on campus at this time,” explained Desmarais.

Drive-up internet Wi-Fi hotspots will be available in VGCC’s parking lots, with access to college internet labs and devices available for registered students.

In addition to in-person tutoring by appointment, online tutoring and assistance with online learning will also be available.

As a safety precaution, the college will require the following measures:

• Masks are required to be worn in buildings and outside when around other people.
• A quick health screen will be required each day when arriving on campus.
• While on campus, keep at least six feet away from others to comply with social distancing.
• Please do not come to campus if you are feeling unwell, and let your advisor or faculty member know so you can stay caught up with assignments.

To learn more about VGCC, or to register for the fall semester, please visit the college’s official website at www.vgcc.edu.

To hear the interview with Desmarais in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.