The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) announced Friday that it is encouraging each of its 24 member institutions to develop a hybrid system for the upcoming fall semester that emphasizes combining online instruction with traditional on-campus classes.

The ACCS has issued a set of rules and guidelines, but each community college in Alabama is allowed to create a reopening plan specific for their institution.

“Alabama’s 24 community colleges have always been known for our flexibility when it comes to meeting the needs of our more than 174,000 students,” said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker in a release.

ACCS advised, “On-campus instruction is encouraged only for courses in which outcomes cannot be measured or achieved remotely.”

The organization listed “classes include those with a lab component or that are clinicals, preceptorships, and apprenticeships” as examples where in-person instruction would be required.

“Our colleges’ plans for the fall semester are focused on maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, faculty, and staff and ensuring that each of our students is able to meet their individual educational goals,” added Baker.

One hard and fast rule the System is requiring is that “[a]ll in-person, on-campus instruction and labs will be completed by Thanksgiving.”

“Any remaining instruction will be achieved remotely,” the release added.

The athletic association that regulates junior college athletics has pushed fall sports until the spring, with the exception of cross country.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95