College creative arts contest canceled amid Coronavirus concerns

Organizers for the 39th Annual Creative Arts Contest have decided to cancel the event to adhere to current guidelines recommended by the CDC of eliminating gatherings of 20 people or more, according to Ismael Martinez, public relations and social media specialist who oversees the contest.

"After reviewing the CDC's latest recommendations, as well as input from college officials, the difficult decision was made to cancel the 2020 event altogether," Martinez said. "We discussed possibly continuing with the contest, and canceling the awards ceremony. However, in trying to keep with the objective of creating social distancing, we felt that canceling would be the best course of action."

According to Martinez, on top of trying to eliminate social interaction continuing with the contest would also place an added stress to college faculty and staff in trying to fulfill contest responsibilities while having to adjust to new teaching schedules due to moving the majority of the student body to online instruction.

Currently, SWTJC campuses and buildings, including SWTJC dormitories, are closed to students until March 23. However, the Library will be open for those students needing access to computers.

Classes will resume on Monday, March 23, through remote teaching and learning. Students should not return to campuses for classes. Students will receive instructions through email, texting, and alerts via Face book, Twitter, and the SWTJC website on how to continue classes and receive support remotely.