YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Today, Young Harris College announced a phased plan to return to classes. The plan is informed by and complies with current best practice recommendations, Gov. Kemp’s executive orders and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The College notes the plan may be changed as a result of new information, orders and guidance. Please click here to view the full plan.
Phase 1 begins on the first day of classes, Monday, Aug. 17, and will last a minimum of two weeks. Phase 1 restrictions include social distancing, reduced capacity in instructional spaces, increased sanitation with disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizing stations, use of face coverings in the library and instructional spaces, immediate reporting of COVID-19 symptoms and continued use of videoconferencing for office hours.
At the president’s discretion, the College will move into Phase 2 of the return-to-class plan, followed by Phase 3. As the phased plan progresses, the restrictions will become more relaxed. YHC will conduct regular evaluations of progress, including collecting and reviewing data on the impact of restrictions, soliciting feedback from students and faculty, and reviewing all new guidance.
As a result of ongoing community transmission, the College may not be able to reach Phase 3 by the end of the fall semester. It may also be necessary to reinstitute certain restrictions or return to an earlier phase if conditions warrant this. Any such changes will be communicated to the entire College community as soon as such decisions are made by the president.
In addition to more details about each phase of returning to class, the plan includes details about the process for instructors to request an exemption from returning to in-person classes and continuing to teach via distance learning instead. Additionally, the plan notes that dual enrollment students and instructors involved with classes offered off campus through Young Harris Early College will be subject to the rules of the partner school system.
YHC’s president and members of the Pandemic Recovery Task Force continue to review all available information and work with partner organizations, including the Georgia Department of Public Health and Union General Hospital System, to develop additional protocols. The Task Force will continue to release topic-specific plans as protocols are reviewed and finalized. The College community should expect at least three more plan releases related to move-in, residence halls and dining facilities. Additional plans may also be released as necessary.
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science and Technology; and Professional Studies. More than 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Peach Belt Conference. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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