Coronavirus Updates

There's still time to register for fall classes at HCC. Online and in-person classes with convenient schedules and flexible start dates. We have reopened our campuses to serve students on a limited basis. Virtual services will remain available to assist you.

Visit Back to Campus to see more details on our health and safety protocols.

August 14: Update to the Community

I want to provide you all with a brief update before we start the fall semester this coming Monday. In spite of this being a chaotic time, I hope that we are all looking forward to an enthusiastic return to the classroom, be it online or in person. I was happy to meet with faculty yesterday during a virtual In Service and have been visiting the campuses over the past several weeks. Everyone has worked tremendously hard to prepare for the fall, and I have heard from our students that they are looking forward to a semblance of normalcy as they begin their classes.

Our campuses look different with the addition of social distancing reminders and the physical changes that were implemented to support us reopening our doors safely. As a reminder, masks are required while on campus or at any HCC facility. Masks with valves or vents are not allowed and neck gaiters are not recommended as there is some evidence about their lack of efficacy in stopping the spread of the virus.  There is COVID-related signage that has been placed throughout the campus and also COVID kiosks that contain additional masks, hand sanitizer and a temperature check station. Classrooms, labs, offices and public spaces have been supplied with hand sanitizer, and Plexiglass partitions have been added to high traffic areas. For faculty and staff, I encourage you to visit the helpful resources in our back to campus pages on the intranet. Students can find more information at Return to the Nest.

It has been widely communicated that the most important ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 are proper mask use, hand hygiene and effective social distancing. Enforcement of our policies and personal responsibility play a critical role in keeping our HCC community safe, and I pledge both my support and the support of my administration in ensuring that our policies are enforced. 

Let’s have a great fall semester, and I will hopefully see everyone soon. 

Ken Atwater, Ph.D.
College President

See Previous COVID-19 Updates

• Hillsborough County has a COVID-19 dashboard that tracks the spread of the coronavirus.
• Hillsborough County residents can now make appointments online for free COVID-19 coronavirus testing. Online appointments can be made at Hillsborough COVID-19 Testing. Residents can pick a day and time convenient to them at one of seven locations throughout the county. Though the tests are free, appointments are required. A doctor’s referral is not needed, and insurance is not required. 
• Hillsborough County is now accepting online applications for Rapid Response Recovery Program (R3) funds to assist in paying utility bills, rent and even mortgage payments. For information about how to apply for recovery funds, please see Hillsborough County Online Recovery Funds.