The HyFlex Program’s Valuable Malleability
by Olivia Ogonowsky
Cape Cod Community College (4Cs) has genuinely broadened learning to fit students’ educational needs. The fall semester of 2021 at 4Cs is now offering a new program called “HyFlex,” which allows students to side with their preferential mode for class attendance. This a new program at the college, holding out two sections for students to select for the current semester: the on-campus grounds section and a virtual section via Zoom.
Given the relatively fresh impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the new deviant strands of it such as the Delta-variant, this approach offers flexibility and relief for students struggling to maintain balance between their personal lives and life in enrollment as a 4Cs student.
“The idea for HyFlex,” said Professor Tom Shaefer of the Language and Literature Department, “is that students who sign up to be in-person can choose to “flex” to remote learning on days when they need to or cannot make it to campus. The idea is that if you have a flat tire, car won’t start, lack transportation, need to stay home because of sickness (you or someone else), need to be home for your kids, whatever it might be…you have the option to “flex” home and not miss class. We’re hoping it will give those who live far away or have different life circumstances the access to college they never felt possible before.”
Tom Schaefer
Students who are involved in full employment or partial employment as well as dual-enrollment students have the HyFlex modeled classes or remote class options to work with life rather than to circumvent the stationary, immovable responsibilities. Education can easily be incorporated into students’ busy schedules. “I think the Hyflex classes are a great opportunity for those that are not ready or feel safe for in-person classes,” said Autumn Campinha, a full-time Junior at 4Cs and Elementary Education major. “It allows those to get the ‘in class’ approach while being in their own, safe environment.”
“Being a dual-enrollment student,” said Charlotte Peak, “the online learning has made it a lot more flexible and easy for me in terms of schedule, and it seems to take the pressure off of being in a stressful environment. That being said, I do think overall there are more benefits, one being that it ensures everybody is safe.” At 4Cs, these different course options provide students the benefit of discovery around the type of learner that suits them as well as the comfort of classroom settings.
4C’s Office of Admissions, located in the Nickerson Administration Building, is the place for students to visit for the chance to pick which classes work and the subsequent registration of said classes. The drop/add window for students to receive a full refund closed for absent or additional courses closed on September 13, but there is still the opportunity to pick the better section for the circumstantial hardships that are very much present. The HyFlex arrangement seems to create an academic atmosphere for mental refreshments, as students are supported and encouraged to confidently pick 4Cs’ online classes, face-to-face classes, remote classes, hybrid classes, or attend the new HyFlex courses. It is a format that has centered the underlying understanding and constant consideration of the student body’s wellbeing.
Categories: Around Campus, Student Life