Art courtesy Ringling College: Computer Animation student Olivia Coucci's depiction of continued distance learning via video-conference.

But President Larry Thompson concedes there’s greater challenged keeping the wheels turning at an art school than at institutions build around lectures. How exactly do you teach a class on sculpture without an instructor and student in the same studio? Thompson assures it will be done.

“Our faculty and institutional technology have stepped up to the plate and come up with remarkable solutions so that students actually get their work done and their projects done,” Thompson tells SRQ.

After extending spring break for students while faculty innovated answers, the school since March 23 connected students through virtual means to its learning center, counselors and instructors. Access to 3-D rendering technology on one of the most wired art schools in the world gives Ringling the ability to create computerized lessons for even those students working in physical mediums.

Thompson acknowledged “glitches” would occur with classes, but maintained confidence those will be addressed quickly and effectively. He expressed confidence in area health providers should staff or students fall ill amid a global pandemic.

There’s still disciplines — Thompson mentions glass-blowing — where students may yet have to postpones shows and some instruction to a summer or fall term. But a priority has been placed on ensuring minimal disruption to the advancement of students in their coursework, especially those seniors graduating at the end of the Spring Semester.

Of course, the college must deal with a variety of administrative issues impacting students as well. Keeping financial aid service running smoothly remains as critical for many as keeping lines of communication open with instructors. Career services staff will incorporate Zoom technology to help students continue face-to-face counseling and to find post-collegiate jobs.

But Thompson said the campus, while not as vibrant as normal, still has some activities. Many officials and faculty members continue work there while honoring social distancing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. And then there are students on campus, many international and unable to return home for weeks amid a global pandemic, who continue to live on campus.

Art courtesy Ringling College: Computer Animation student Olivia Coucci's depiction of continued distance learning via video-conference.