President Brand discusses block plan benefits on IPR

Cornell College President Jonathan Brand spoke about the benefits of the block plan during a global pandemic with Iowa Public Radio’s “River to River” host Ben Keifer May 21.

“The block plan, which I like to say is incredible in times of health and prosperity, turns out to be incredible during a global pandemic because it is built upon that very flexibility that people want,” Brand said. “We had something that we’ve been doing for 42 years and suddenly had this moment to leverage every benefit it offers.”

He explained that the college was able to rapidly extend its eight-block calendar to a 10-block year so that no matter what happens with the pandemic, students can still graduate on time. 

The episode, titled “The Future of Higher Education,” also includes Hawkeye Community College President Todd Holcomb. President Brand’s interview begins at 12:40.