Talks about adapting to the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic were forefront at the monthly Flint Hills Technical College Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, followed by discussions of tuition changes.
Flint Hills Technical College is following the guidelines and recommendations set forth by Kansas state officials by canceling in-house classes until further notice and moving education efforts to an online environment. FHTC President, Dr. Dean Hollenbeck says all programs that are already online will see no changes and hybrid programs – courses that blend online and in-house classwork – should be able to make a smooth transition to completely-online classes. It will be courses like the technical and automotive programs, which require a physical and interactive learning environment, where FHTC will need to adapt the most to ensure quality education.
Also just recently announced was the postponement of the 2020 Flint Hills Technical College Night of Inspiration Gala benefit auction. Following Governor Laura Kelly and President Donald Trump’s separate COVID-19 addresses to their respective audiences, the decision was made to postpone the Gala to Jul. 31. FHTC Vice-President of Advancement Mike Crouch says changes will need to be made for a later date.
An action item of tuition changes was approved prior to coronavirus discussions. There will be minimal changes to certain fees, but not to tuition, says Dr. Hollenbeck.
Dr. Hollenbeck does not predict there to be any severe financial consequences to FHTC for the near future but says that may change as the coronavirus continues to unfold. All upcoming events for FHTC have been canceled for the time being. More information can be found online at fhtc.edu.
