FAQs on Joliet Junior College Operations

This page offers the latest details on academic, business, and general operations at Joliet Junior College amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Updates are routinely provided as details are finalized. View specific questions through the category drop down menus below. If you don’t see an answer to your question, contact the department through the phone number or email listed for that category.

View Timeline of COVID-19 Information Updates

View Restore JJC Plan - Operations and Safety Procedures

General Operations During COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Is the college closed due to COVID-19?

    JJC is closed in accordance with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's shelter-in-place mandate. Classes and student services remain available remotely as JJC employees work from home.

    With the announcement that the state would move to Phase 3 - Recovery of the Restore Illinois plan on June 1, we are sharing a map to indicate how the JJC will move through this plan, and what college operations are expected to look like within each phase. As has been the case through the pandemic, these plans may be modified if state or federal mandates change.

    Phase 3 involves limited employees on campus, and most work will continue remotely. This phase will impact JJC departments differently, and specific staffing details will be communicated to each area.

    According to the plan as it is presented, K-12 and higher education institutions can begin on-site instruction when their quadrant reaches Phase 4 - Revitalization. In the Restore JJC plan, you will see what high-level operations at the college will look like in phase 4.

    View Restore JJC Plan

  • Are summer 2020 courses online or in-person?

    JJC is offering online only classes throughout the summer 2020 semester.

  • Are fall 2020 courses online or in-person?

    All Fall 2020 lecture courses will be delivered online.

    This includes lecture courses that had been scheduled to be traditional face-to-face as well as lecture courses that had been scheduled to be hybrid.

    Courses scheduled with a combination of lecture and lab should be delivered in a hybrid format—lecture online and lab face-to-face.

    The face-to-face component would be contingent upon the State’s Restore Illinois plan and achievement of the Phase 4 standard. Until this standard is met, online lab simulations will be used in lieu of face-to-face labs. Details will be developed and finalized by departments, deans, and the Academic Affairs division.

    Lab-only courses will be delivered face-to face contingent upon the State’s Restore Illinois mandate and achievement of the Phase 4 standard.

    Until this standard is met, online lab simulations will be used in lieu of face-to-face labs. Details will be developed and finalized by departments, deans, and the Academic Affairs division.

  • Will there be a spring commencement ceremony?

    The August commencement, originally postponed from May 15, is postponed again, with a date still to be determined. The Graduation Committee will be working to make a recommendation to JJC administrators on how to proceed. 

  • When can I register for classes?

    Registration is open for the summer and fall 2020 semesters. Summer session dates are as follows:

    Session 1: 5-weeks, begins on Monday, May 25
    Session 2: 8-weeks, begins on Monday, June 1
    Session 3: 6-weeks, begins on Monday, June 29

    **The JJC Board of Trustees approved on April 29 a recommendation to waive summer course fees and summer lab fees for courses with a lab component being conducted entirely online. These fee waivers apply to the summer 2020 semester sessions only. Technology, student service, and capital assessment fees per credit hour still apply. The college had previously determined it will offer summer 2020 classes online only amid the COVID-19 pandemic.**

  • Is the college holding events, including sporting events?

    All internally and externally hosted events through July 30 are canceled. All NJCAA sports have been canceled for the spring, which includes JJC baseball and softball.

    Some offices may host virtual events during this time. Check www.jjc.edu/events or the college and department social media accounts to learn more.

  • Is the college conducting employment searches?

    Despite limited access to campus and working remotely, Joliet Junior College will continue to post job announcements and fill vacant or new positions at https://employment.jjc.edu/. 

    During this time job offers will still be offered, however, candidates will not be able to start in their new position until the college re-opens or unless approval is obtained by the hiring manager's respective Cabinet leader. 

    During this time, search committees will be conducting the interview process virtually.

  • Is the college conducting travel?

    All college-sponsored domestic and international travel is suspended through June 30. 

  • How do I connect with the college/ask questions?

    • JJC website and chat
    • Main Switchboard: 815-729-9020 (Open M-F 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Fri 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

COVID-19 Guidance and Student/Employee Cases

  • How many confirmed COVID-19 cases does JJC have?

    Number of  Joliet Junior College COVID-19 Cases
    Last updated: April 9
    Students Symptomatic but unconfirmed 1
      Confirmed  Cases 3
    Employees Symptomatic but unconfirmed 8
      Confirmed  Cases 0
      Total Confirmed Cases 3

     

    **The above figures represent the cumulative number of student and employee cases that have been communicated to JJC, and does not reflect how many may no longer be ill or include those who are not experiencing symptoms.

    Be advised that students have not been on campus since March 13, the last day before spring break, and effective March 29 JJC moved all its classes online for the remainder of the spring semester. Most of JJC’s 1,500 plus employees are currently working from home. When essential employees come to campus, we have continued to take steps above and beyond CDC social distancing guidelines.

  • Why should I self-report my symptoms or confirmed COVID-19 case to JJC?

    The college has and will continue to encourage students and employees to follow self-reporting guidelines. Even as students take classes and employees work remotely, it is important that the college know if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, in order to properly assist you and inform others who you may have come into contact with. JJC will maintain the privacy of these individuals, per HIPPA guidelines.

    We also ask our entire campus community to continue to abide by shelter in place mandates and social distancing techniques to support the health and well-being of our community.

  • How does self-reporting work?

    For students that have tested positive for COVID-19, or may need to self-quarantine for any reason, we request that you contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities at 815-280-2761 or deanofstudents@jjc.edu.

    For employees that have tested positive for COVID-19, or may need to self-quarantine for any reason, we request you contact Human Resources at 815-280-2266 or hr@jjc.edu.

College Offices and Student Support Services

Current students can browse office information below, as well as access our online student support services database in the MyJJC Portal, a one-stop shop for JJC’s remote services.

Admissions and Recruitment

Adult Education and Literacy Services

Bookstore

  • Connect with Bookstore/ask questions

  • What services do they provide?

    The JJC Bookstore equips students with new, used and digital course materials as well as provides JJC-themed merchandise and other materials.

    The JJC Bookstore will be operating as an online shop through August 9, 2020 or later should circumstances require us to do so. All orders will ship directly to you due to the campus closure.

    Please place you orders at bookstore.jjc.edu. The JJC Bookstore accepts financial aid, job grants/vouchers, checks, and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express) as payment. Please carefully review your order options and terms and conditions when placing your order.

  • When can I return a rented textbook?

    Spring 2020 textbook rental return date is now May 22, 2020. Please use the book return bin outside the entrance of Building A-Main Campus Center. Tuck a copy of your rental reminder email, or the JJC Bookstore rental postcard, snugly into the book for proper check-in. You may also write your full name and contact email on a piece paper if the reminder email and postcard are not available.

    For students who are unable to come to campus, you may mail the rental book back to JJC Bookstore, Rm A-1012, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431. Make sure any mailed item is postmarked by May 22, 2020.

    The JJC Bookstore will waive late fees through May 28, 2020. Any rental books not returned by, or not properly identified, by May 28, 2020 will be charged to the credit card on file and will include additional charges including a $10 late fee per rental, sales tax, and the difference between the retail price minus the original rental charge.

  • Can you help me access textbook course materials?

    Summer 2020 course materials will be available for purchase online on May 15, 2020.

    Fall 2020 course materials will be available on July 20, 2020.

    Our textbook look-up tool at bookstore.jjc.edu/college will allow you to view prices and format choices for your materials before purchasing. You may also compare JJC prices with other online retailers by using our free online comparison tool at jjc.verbacompare.com. For students who prefer e-books, browse our digital partner’s summer e-book store jjc.redshelf.com. E-books can provide students up to 60% off retail print prices.

    For information about Digital Access please visit bookstore.jjc.edu/digital-access. You can also find additional information at bookstore.jjc.edu/customer-service.

  • How does the COVID-19 pandemic affect Book Buy Back and refunds?

    Since we are not able to buy back books while the physical store is closed under the state mandate, you may want to consider online options rather than wait for the bookstore to reopen. Buyback will be conducted online through August 31, 2020, or later should circumstances require us to do so.

    Please visit our wholesale buyback partners at jjcbookstore.valorebooks.com, nebook.com/virtualsellback and onlinebuyback.mbsbooks.com. The JJC Bookstore is not operating these third-party sites and is not responsible for transactions including rental books accidently sold at virtual buyback.

    Our full refund policy is available on our customer service page.

    While the physical campus is closed, please contact the bookstore if you believe you have an item that is within the refund policy period. The JJC Bookstore can verify eligibility and discuss options to complete the refund. You may email bookstore@jjc.edu with the ISBN/SKU and title/name of the item in question along with the purchase date. Please include the course number and section.

     

Career Services

Disability Services

Dual Credit

Financial Aid/Veterans Resources

International Students Services

Library

Lifelong Learning and Kids College

Mental Health and Wellness

  • Connect with Mental Health and Wellness officials/ask questions

  • What services do they provide?

    Available through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities is culturally sensitive individual and group counseling, case management, and outreach services to meet the mental health needs of students.  Counseling services are free to current enrolled credited students and confidential, except certain rare confidentiality limitations. 

  • How does Individual or Group Counseling work?

    Individual counseling:

    Individual counseling is a personal opportunity to receive support and experience growth during challenging times in life. It is a process through which students work with a trained counselor—in a safe, caring, and confidential environment—to explore their feelings, beliefs, or behaviors, identify aspects of their lives that they would like to change, better understand themselves and others, set personal goals, and work toward desired change. Enrolled credited students can get up to 10 free counseling sessions. Call 815-280-2936 or email mentalhealthservices@jjc.edu.

    Group counseling:

    Group counseling is not available at this time due to COVID-19 restrictions. This service allows students to realize that they are not alone in their type of life challenge. To be involved in a group of peers who are in a similar place not only increases one’s understanding of the struggles around the topic but also the variety in the possible solutions available. Typically, groups have eight to ten participants, one or two group leaders, and revolve around a common topic like stress, anxiety, resilience and diversity. Enrolled JJC students can get up to 10 free counseling sessions.

  • What is Case Management?

    The case manager works to address the needs of students who struggle with mental health and wellness, relationship conflicts, personality and social adjustment issues, physical health and nutrition, trauma recovery and victim advocacy. The case manager serves as an advocate for student success. The case manager is responsible for the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities referrals, as well as the Behavioral Intervention Team for students at-risk with mental health crisis and social support needs through interventions and connection to follow-up services.

Office of Multicultural Student Affairs – Oficina de Estudiantes Multiculturales

Professional Development and Career Training

Project Achieve-TRIO

  • Connect with Project Achieve/ask questions

  • What services do they provide?

    Project Achieve - TRIO are comprised of TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) and Educational Talent Search (ETS). It serves JJC and Joliet Central High School/Joliet Community with services that increase the retention and graduation rates for students that are from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in relation to First-generation, low-income, and/or documented disabilities.

  • What is the Student Support Services program?

    The academic student support services program is designed to identify and select qualified undergraduate students who, with support, will complete a baccalaureate program.  Awarded to serve 200 eligible JJC students with Academic and personal advising, academic and non-academic workshops, financial and economic literacy, tutoring in math, English, science, and computer science, transfer support, mentoring, four-year college and university visits, multicultural events, financial aid and scholarships. Apply online here.

Registration and Records

Scholarships

Student Accounts and Payments

Student Advising Center

Testing Services

  • Connect with Testing Services/ask questions

  • What services do they provide?

    Testing Services offers testing to JJC students and community members.

  • What is the current status of placement testing services?

    In conjunction with JJC’s transition of all student services to online, we are excited to provide students with remote placement testing options for English, math, and reading testing. JJC's Testing Services team is committed to helping all current and prospective students meet their placement testing and registration needs during this unprecedented time. 

  • How do I schedule a virtual placement test?

    To request a remote ALEKS or Accuplacer placement test with one of our proctors, please follow this link to fill out a  Virtual Placement Testing Request form.

    Please note, all students wanting virtual placement testing must have a JJC application on file and a current JJC student ID number. In order to request a placement appointment, the following information is needed to securely verify student information, current placement eligibility, and additional placement measures:

    • First and Last Name
    • JJC ID Number 
    • JJC Email Address

    Once the Virtual Placement Testing Request Form is completed, a Testing Services staff member will contact the student with additional information and scheduling procedures within 1-2 business days.

    For additional information or to reach a Testing Services staff member please email testingservices@jjc.edu or call 815-280-2261 (leave a voice message for a call back).  For the most up-to-date remote placement testing information please visit jjc.edu/placement.

  • Are you offering JJC course testing?

    Will not administer on-campus make-up, iCampus, or other JJC course testing for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester.  We are working with all College areas to support student placement for the Summer and Fall semesters. Please continue to check the JJC website for updated information.

  • Are you offering certification and program entrance testing?

    With the exception of TEAS, all non-JJC testing, including CNA, GED, HiSET, Constitution, and others have been suspended through July 31.  Please check the Testing Services website for updates. 

    TEAS Testing:

    JJC's Testing Services team is committed to helping all students and community members meet their TEAS testing needs during this unprecedented time.  To remain consistent with the College's mission of transitioning all student services online, we are excited to provide students with remote TEAS testing options for our Nursing and Allied Health programs.

    ATI TEAS has partnered with Proctorio to provide a virtual testing solution for students looking to take the TEAS test remotely. The first step in preparing to take the TEAS assessment remotely is to create an ATI account. Go to www.atitesting.com. 

    For more information on the TEAS remote test, JJC’s Nursing and Allied Health programs, and student resources, including a student overview video and Quick Start guide, please visit the Testing Services webpage.

Transfer Services

Tutoring and Learning Center

Veterans Resource Center

Direct Contacts for Additional Questions