Written by Phillip Drake
FRCC has received a $4 million grant that would help bring students back to Front Range Community College following the aftermath of the pandemic, said Campus Vice President, Jean Runyon.
Runyon discussed the details of the grant in a recent press conference with the FRCC Reporter staff.
The lower enrollment numbers, she said, were due to the pandemic -- a five percent decrease from the pre-COVID fall.
She said the $4 million grant will target students that have not re-enrolled due to financial instability. The grant, which she called a “fight for what you started fund,” will support an array of students struggling to pay for tuition and bills: it will be applied to those in need this coming spring.
In conjunction with this, Runyon said continued efforts to reach drop-outs has resulted in the creation of a student enrollment task force, which is currently being deployed.
Its job is to reach affected students and work with them -- adjusting to their needs, she said.
She said compromises such as shorter class times, and more work-friendly schedules will be offered to those considering a return.
Runyon also addressed several other developments at the school: future COVID-19 protocols, diversity, and gender-neutral bathrooms.
Starting next semester, students and staff will be required to show proof of vaccination, or otherwise must undergo weekly testing to ensure negative results for the virus.
She said this change is due in part to the rising number of cases throughout the state and country.
However, Runyon said FRCC’s database shows that 70 percent to 80 percent of the students and staff have received the vaccine.
The mask mandate, Runyon said, is anticipated to remain through the spring semester.