As always, we hope you are staying healthy and in good spirits. Despite the disruptions that COVID-19 has introduced into our lives, the combined efforts of the MC staff, students, and faculty have made it possible for us to confidently move forward into the Spring term. We continue to monitor events and decisions are made keeping the safety of the community as our top priority. In compliance with the Governor’s state-wide “shelter in place” order, the following is an update on Morton College operations as of May 4, 2020:
Our institution will follow the guidance of our local and state authorities, maintaining remote operations until at least May 30, 2020. This means our campus will remain closed but will continue to operate remotely and virtually. Adjustments and notifications will be made as the situation evolves.
All three sessions of the Summer Semester will be offered in an online/remote format.
If you haven’t already, please familiarize yourself with the MC COVID-19 page. This page contains all communications to date regarding our plans and response to the pandemic, as well as links to many key resources like technology support, government services, and additional information for our college community. You may think of them as your “one stop shop” for all information related to the emergency measures we have taken and are taking in response to the coronavirus.
Remember to continue to log on to Blackboard frequently and to follow the directions from your instructor. If your class moved online and you have never had an online class before, please make sure to visit https://www.morton.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/What-Makes-a-Successful-Online-Learner1.pdf some suggestions and helpful links.
If you have problems or need help with resources log onto the Morton College Library Webpage and click on the ask a librarian link available Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Student Services, Library Resources, and Tutoring departments are available remotely through email and online/video enabled technology. Students can find additional information on remote services at https://www.morton.edu/covid-19-morton-college-response/.
This is a challenging time, but through it all, we are proud of the strength and resilience of our college community. Please reach out to the Institutional Advancement Office via email at institutional.advancement@morton.edu if you are in need of additional support.
Open Enrollment
All new and current students can now enroll for the Summer and Fall semesters.. For more information and to view the schedules please visit www.Morton.edu or email the Academic Advising Department at advising@morton.edu.
Placement Testing
Morton College is pleased to announce the return of placement testing during the COVID-19 campus closure. Students are able to schedule an exam appointment through their Academic Advisor. The Testing Center Staff will proctor the exam remotely using the Zoom video conferencing platform. Please note this remote testing initiative is a pilot program and will have limited capacity during the initial soft launch.
There are some eligibility requirements to participate in remote testing.
Students must have access to the following:
• Desktop or laptop computer with internet access (Chromebooks, tablets and phones are not suitable testing devices)
• Webcam
• Audio capability either with internal or external microphone
• Private testing area within their residence
• Computer must pass a system scan of the minimum hardware requirements for ACCUPLACER testing
Please contact your Academic Advisor to determine eligibility and schedule an exam.
Due to limited testing capacity, priority will be given to students requiring an exam for summer course registration at this time.
If you have any questions, please contact Academic Advising at advising@morton.edu or (708)656-8000, Ext. 2250.
Tutoring Center
Online tutoring is available for Writing, Math, Biology, HESI prep, and other STEM subjects. Please visit the Tutoring Center webpage to see the list of tutors you can email for help.
Commencement
The May commencement ceremony is postponed. Morton College is committed to recognizing your achievement in a time, date and place to be determined.
Student Emergency Fund
The fund aims to provide eligible students facing short-term, non-reoccurring financial emergencies with help in the form of grants that range from $100-$500. For questions contact studentemergencyfund@morton.edu.
Do you need a laptop for your classes? Complete an application for the Student Emergency Fund. Applications available athttps://www.morton.edu/financial-aid/student-emergency-fund/
Internet Access
Students who do not have internet connectivity at home may be eligible for a service below.
- Comcast COVID-19 response: offers free WiFi for 2 months to low-income families plus all Xfinity hot-spots are free to the public during this time.
- Charter Free Internet offer for 2 months
- AT&T COVID-19 response: offers open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low income families.
- Verizon COVID-19 response: no special offers, but following the FCC agreement.
- Sprint COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, provides unlimited data to existing customers, and, starting Tuesday, 3/17/2020, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
- T-Mobile COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers, and, coming soon, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
FCC agreement stating that providers will waive late fees, not cutoff service for lack of payment, and open hot-spots.
Please note that Morton College does not endorse one internet company over another, however, we want to share all information accessible to our students who may not have online access from home.\