The academic year at Peninsula College is moving forward a week later than planned, and instruction will be online for the entire spring quarter.

College officials announced the shift to online classes on Thursday.

The quarter will start April 13 and end as planned on June 13.

Commencement is tentatively planned for June 20, with a decision about commencement details to be made closer to that date, college representatives said.

Faculty members are using this week to prepare for spring quarter instruction, including how to deliver lab and clinic elements of courses.

“We are at a critical point in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” college president Luke Robins said.

Noting Clallam and Jefferson county health officials’ recommendations to flatten the curve of the novel coronavirus outbreak, Robins said: “As a college community, we can do this by eliminating face-to-face work conditions where possible, observing appropriate social distancing when interacting with others, and continuing to observe universal precautions and enhanced cleaning protocols.

“We have an ethical responsibility to do whatever we can to help slow the spread of this pandemic, but we also want to continue to serve our students and our communities during this challenging time. We are continuing to process admissions applications and financial aid requests, and we are registering students.”

Robins wrote a recent email to PC students that said their academic success continues to be the top priority.

“The COVID-19 situation changes almost hourly, and I appreciate your patience as we prepare for a Spring Quarter unlike any we’ve ever experienced,” Robins wrote. “Please take good care, get plenty of rest, and keep an eye out for updates via social media, our website and email.”

For more information, call Pirate Central at 360-452-9277.

Resources for students included are included below.

PC resources

Textbooks can be ordered online at bookaneer.pencol.edu/Home. The site also includes information on rental returns. Free shipping within the state has been extended on all orders placed on the website.

For help placing an order, call 360-417-6440 and leave a message or email cwonsey@pencol.edu.

The college is working to limit or eliminate cash payments for the foreseeable future. Students can convert cash to cashiers checks for free at First Federal branches (students do not need to have an account).

To find the nearest branch, visit www.ourfirstfed.com/home/locations. Payments can then be mailed to: Peninsula College, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., Port Angeles, WA 98362.

A collaboration between the college’s Workforce Programs ABAWD Navigator and the school library has created a resource database to connect students and the community with supports from housing to health care. See bit.ly/2wrtpxf.

Financial aid for spring quarter was scheduled to disburse to eligible students’ billing accounts today. Financial aid refunds will be generated and sent to eligible students by Friday; paper checks may take a few days longer, PC officials said. Email financialaid@pencol.edu for more information.

The Pirate Pantry closed at the end of winter quarter, but it is open again this week, subject to health regulations. For a list of community food resources, visit bit.ly/2J28K5A.

Peninsula College’s Worker Retraining Program helps students with tuition, textbooks, childcare, transportation and more. Go to pencol.edu/worker-retraining for more information.