FORT PIERCE — Indian River State College (IRSC) will be returning to pre-COVID operational capacity beginning with the Fall 2021 semester. In addition to expanding classroom occupancy, the college will resume full in-person participation throughout its performing arts and athletics programs, planetarium shows, and foundation events, other community and social activities, and in general spaces of student engagement. The announcement comes at a time when higher education institutions across the nation — including the entirety of the Florida State University System — have publicized similar arrangements.

“IRSC is looking forward to welcoming back more students on our campuses with the start of the new academic year,” shares Dr. Timothy Moore, IRSC President. “We intend to increase classroom occupancy to more typical levels and provide the robust face-to-face learning and social experiences that so many students are yearning for while offering a wide range of online courses and complete degree programs for students who prefer that modality.”

In anticipation of returning to normalcy, IRSC has invested in creating additional social spaces where students can safely engage with each other and with faculty and staff. A new outdoor café area adjacent to the Koblegard Student Union on Massey Campus in Fort Pierce is one such example.

IRSC will continue to offer vaccination opportunities to its students and employees, track COVID cases, and maintain heightened levels of cleaning and sanitizing. In alignment with Governor DeSantis’s recent executive orders, the college has already moved to a mask-recommended position.

The fall semester at IRSC begins on Aug. 18. To apply or register for classes, visit irsc.edu or stop by the Student Success Centers at any of the five IRSC campuses. The college offers more than 100 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, applied technology diplomas, and career training and apprenticeship programs that lead to professional licensure and certification.

For information on upcoming performing arts performances, shows at the Hallstrom Planetarium, athletics schedules, forthcoming Foundation events, and more, visit irsc.edu.