Students’ Teams chatter show enthusiasm to begin fall semester

By Diana Fedinec

Southwest Tennessee Community College’s senior leadership held its second virtual Town Hall – Student Edition on Aug. 18 to update students for fall semester. Classes start Aug. 24 with the reopening of two more campus locations – the Maxine A. Smith and Whitehaven centers – under the Back to Campus Plan - Phase II. 

President Dr. Tracy D. Hall welcomed students, inviting them to a new reimagined Southwest that has prepared for their safety and success during a pandemic. “We have worked really hard to reimagine Southwest by making sure that the business of the College continues, even during a pandemic,” Dr. Hall said. “We have to continue to live and make the most and best of our new normal.”

Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kendricks Hooker presented the College’s new teaching modalities and academic schedule, while Vice President of Student Affairs Jacqueline Faulkner discussed online student support services. Vice President of Finance and Administration Mike Neal reviewed the College’s campus access safety protocols and encouraged all students to take the Southwest Community Safety Pledge. Vice President of External Relations Cynthia Graham moderated the online forum.

A wide ranges of topics were covered, from admissions to advising to adjusting classes. Based on the excited chatter seen by all participants on the Teams platform, students were eager to start fall classes. Several of their questions revolved around registration, new student orientation and how to obtain laptops and book scholarships.

Before convening, Graham reminded students to access the College’s Back to Campus Plan website for additional information and helpful resources.

To listen to the Town Hall – Student Edition on demand, visit Southwest’s You Tube channel or click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSvByJWspbE&t=146s.