PA College Magazine - Fall 2021 - 2

ON THE
PULSE
TEACHING
& LEARNING
A 'New Normal' on Campus
As more adults received COVID-19
vaccines this past spring, and our
communities finally began to see
an ebbing in the rate of coronavirus
infections, PA College was able to lift
some of our on-campus safety measures
during our two summer sessions. In
keeping with the policy of our affiliated
health system, Penn Medicine Lancaster
General Health, masks continue to be
required by all students and employees,
but we did gradually eliminate social
distancing requirements and restored
our classrooms to full capacity.
In order to further embrace our " new
normal " and safely kick off our 2021-22
academic year, all PA College students,
faculty, and staff were required to be
fully vaccinated by the start of the fall
semester on August 14. This semester
also marks the welcome return of other
important campus resources, including
the Seraph Foundation Learning
Commons, computer labs, dining
services, and the fitness center, as well
as the College Resource & Activities
Fair hosted by Campus Life & Student
Engagement.
While we had hoped that the opening
of our 2021-22 academic year would also
mark the lifting of our mask requirement,
when this issue went to press, the rise
RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM
GARNERS HONOR
For the second year, PA College's
Respiratory Care program has been
honored with the Distinguished
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Credentialing Success Award from the
Commission on Accreditation for
Respiratory Care. The award is based
on a rolling three-year average of
factors including test scores, student
retention, and student/employer
satisfaction and recognizes the
2
PACOLLEGE.EDU
College's success in preparing students
for high achievement academically and
professionally.
" The Respiratory Care program
prepares graduates for the credentialing
process and a rewarding career in
respiratory care. Our learning approach
has been critical in training our future
health care workers, " says Jim Christie,
Program Chair for Respiratory Care.
" Our students are learning core
competencies through interactive,
hands-on experiences led by highly
experienced faculty, a state-of-the-art
simulation facility, interdisciplinary
exercises that model the dynamics
of a hospital, and real-life skills
development through our clinical
affiliates. " n
of infections due to the COVID-19
Delta variant prompted us to exercise
continued caution and stay masked up
on campus.
Nevertheless, 17 months after the
pandemic prompted our campus closure,
and the switch to online learning and
remote work, it was important for our
entire campus community to come
together as one. On August 13, students,
faculty, and staff enjoyed a college-wide
celebration of our resiliency over the
past months and of our optimism for a
strong future together. n
http://www.PACOLLEGE.EDU
PA College Magazine - Fall 2021

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