Category: Announcements
April 6th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
Welcome to spring quarter! We are beginning this quarter differently than we anticipated at the start of this academic year, as the College is now operating remotely through May 4 in response to the COVID-19 emergency. And, as you may have heard, the Governor confirmed today that K-12 schools will not return to in-person instruction for the remainder of the school year, which impacts many families among our students and employees.
We know these changes are not easy, but please know the staff and faculty of the College are focused on helping you pursue your educational goals so you can move toward a positive future.
What are students and faculty doing to prepare for online instruction?
This week begins our online training for students and faculty. You received information on Friday about how to access the training in Canvas and many of you have already started or completed it today. Some students encountered issues accessing the training due to a technical error and we informed you that it should be corrected by tomorrow morning. If you have any issues with Canvas, please contact eLearning Services (elearning@shoreline.edu, 206-546-6966).
What College resources are available to students this spring?
- There is a new COVID Student Resource page on the website, which provides updated information and resources to help you navigate this quarter.
- The Counseling Center is available for remote appointments to help you manage any stress or anxiety you may be feeling right now.
- Free intramural wellness classes start on April 13 via zoom if you are looking for a way to exercise or meditate in between classes.
Should I wear a mask in public?
U.S. public health officials have recently updated their recommendations for wearing masks or cloth face coverings in public. If you choose to wear a mask, there are a few important tips to remember. While masks alone may not necessarily protect you from getting sick, they can be worn to help protect others. Wearing a mask should be done in conjunction with other precautions such as frequent hand washing and maintaining a 6-foot distance from others. Masks are dirty after being worn and they should be washed immediately after use (if reusable) and you should sanitize your hands after disposing of them.
What are some things I should remember while managing stress or anxiety?
Here are a few self-care tips to keep in mind as you enter this new quarter:
- You are not “studying from home,” you are “at your home, during a crisis, trying to study.”
- Your personal physical, mental, and emotional health is far more important than anything else right now.
- Be kind to yourself and try not to judge how you are coping based on how you see others coping.
- Your success will not be measured in the same way it was when things were normal.
As a college community, we have shown great resiliency during the unbridled challenges associated with our public health emergency and I’m so grateful to each of you. We still need to be aware of the toll these changes have on our lives. I hope you’ll explore these self-care strategies, as well as others, to sustain yourself as you complete your studies this quarter.
With care,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
April 3rd, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
With the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order extended through May 4, everyone – even people who are young and healthy – must stay home to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We should avoid non-essential contact with others; limit our trips to public places; keep a 6-foot distance from others when we are in public; and wash our hands with soap frequently and avoid touching our faces.
Where can students find information about what to expect for spring quarter, now that the campus is remote?
Please refer to the new Spring Quarter Student Resources web page to help you navigate the start of spring quarter, including how to reach our services, dates and deadlines, online learning resources, and more!
What do students need to do the first week of the quarter (April 6-10)?
Check your Shoreline email or Canvas to begin your mandatory online training on Monday, April 6 to get ready for a successful quarter online. Your class instruction will begin on Monday, April 13.
What should students do if they are facing new financial challenges related to COVID-19?
Keep in mind that Shoreline has many different funding options if you are facing financial hardship right now. We can help cover many expenses, including tuition, fees, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare, and emergency expenses. Please reach out to our Financial Aid office right away to see how we can help.
As we prepare for the start of our final quarter of the year, I hope you know there are dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators ready to inspire, teach, serve, and support you on Monday and throughout spring term. At Shoreline, when we come together as a community, good things happen for you, our students.
Have a restful weekend; spring quarter starts Monday!
With care,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
April 2nd, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
As you may have heard this afternoon, the Governor extended the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order in our state through May 4. This means that we should be remaining at home except when we need to do an essential activity, such as buying food or going to a doctor’s appointment.
With our spring classes already transitioned to online instruction and our campus operating remotely, we are well prepared to weather this storm a little longer so that we can all do our part to help reduce the spread of this virus. Here are a few updates to help you prepare for the start of spring quarter next week.
What should students do on Monday, April 6, the first day of the quarter?
All students will take a mandatory eLearning training during the first week of the quarter called “Getting Ready for Online Learning” to help them be successful in a fully online environment. The training is designed to help both students who are new to online learning and those who have taken an online class before. Students will spend at least 5 hours in the training and will receive an email on Friday, April 3 with instructions about how to complete it throughout the week.
Between April 6-9, staff in our eLearning Services and Technology Support Services will also offer daily video chat support sessions and will have extended service hours from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. to help students with their questions.
What if students don’t have access to a computer or the internet?
- Laptops – We have laptops for students who need them! Students may borrow a laptop for the entire spring quarter on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority consideration for students who do not otherwise have a device to access online classes. Laptops will be mailed to student addresses when they email elearning@shoreline.edu and provide the following information: First and last name; Student ID number; Whether you need a laptop or webcam; Mailing address; Proof of registration in a spring 2020 class.
- Internet Access – Students in need of internet access may find several free and low-cost options by contacting their mobile phone or home internet provider. For example, Comcast has made their Wi-Fi hotspots free and is offering temporary free home access to some low-income customers. T-Mobile is supplying free data to allow customers to use their phones as an internet hotspot.
How do students order textbooks if the Bookstore is not open?
All textbook and course materials may be ordered online at the Follett Bookstore website. The Bookstore is offering free shipping on all orders except those delivered to the states of Alaska, Hawaii, and international countries.
Is there a New Student Orientation for spring quarter?
Yes, our orientation has moved online! Students who are new to Shoreline this quarter are invited to visit the New Student Orientation web page, which will lead them through a self-paced Orientation module online. The first week of the quarter is a perfect time for new students to go through the Orientation so they learn what resources are available to support them at Shoreline. (Please note that new international students already attended a separate virtual orientation for spring quarter and do not need to complete this one).
What else could I be doing to help my community while I am staying home?
Just because we have to stay apart doesn’t mean we can’t stand together. Now, more than ever, we need to count on each other for help, support, and understanding. No matter who you are, what you do as an individual impacts the health of the entire community, and what we do as a community impacts all of us as individuals. You should:
- Stay connected. Staying physically apart does not mean losing connections to family, friends, and community. Set up calls with those you regularly see in person. Call, email, and text friends and acquaintances to ask how they’re doing and how you can help.
- Support local businesses. If desired, order meals for delivery or pick-up. Look for small businesses that can ship online orders for the things you need.
- Be a good neighbor. Put together an email list for your apartment building, neighborhood, and friends and family. It makes it easier for people to contact and support each other.
Although we are staying at home longer, please remember you are not alone. All college students and employees in our state are going through this unique and unparalleled experience. We are all in this together, and we’ll get through this together.
With care,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
April 1st, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
It may be Spring Break, but our caring staff is still here for you each day! Though our campus buildings are closed through at least April 24, we are working hard each day to prepare for a new quarter. Here are today’s updates:
How will I access services at the College in spring quarter?
Our staff is ready to support you remotely! We are available to students and the public during business hours via phone, email, and video appointments.
To contact other campus departments, you can:
Does the federal government’s stimulus package provide any relief for college students?
In a spot of positive news, the recently passed federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) provides budgetary relief to higher education institutions through the Education Stabilization Fund. Shoreline Community College, along with colleges and universities across the nation, will receive some direct financial support for students who are having difficulties paying for tuition, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, or childcare. Some funding will also be available to support college operations during this crisis. More information about these funds, including how students can access this aid, will be shared in the coming week as we learn more.
What are some ways I can stay connected to my family and friends while social distancing?
As we continue to “stay home, stay healthy,” many people are finding creative ways to connect socially through technology while staying physically apart. Setting up video calls, using social media, and playing multi-player video games can help you reduce stress and connect with friends and loved ones from afar. Some social platforms like Houseparty have gained popularity in recent weeks, as they allow users to video chat and play games together. However, with all technology, the safety and privacy of different online tools varies widely, so we need to be smart about investigating apps before downloading, setting strong passwords, and adjusting privacy settings to ensure that our chats and games are secure.
Looking forward to starting spring quarter together!
With care,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 31st, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Current Status of Campus:
- The College is operating remotely (services are available by phone and email)
- Spring quarter begins April 6 with training for students and faculty to prepare for online learning
- Instruction begins on April 13 and will be fully online (with few exceptions)
- Visit www.shoreline.edu/COVID19.aspx for regular updates
Here is some information I hope is useful to you as we continue to navigate this public health emergency together. Each day, I am amazed at how our students, faculty, and staff are adapting in remarkable ways to respond to and stay safe from this pandemic. Thank you for your resilience in this extraordinary time.
Can students and the general public come to campus?
At this time, the physical campus is closed, except to our resident hall students. Students and community members are invited to connect with our caring staff via phone and email instead. Please let us know how we can serve you! We’d love to hear from you.
How is Shoreline helping students afford classes right now?
- For spring quarter, the tuition payment deadline has been extended to April 13 and no student parking fees will be charged for the quarter.
- The online class fee has been waived for students who signed up for in-person classes which will now be delivered remotely this quarter.
- Our Financial Aid office helps students navigate federal and state loans, grants, and scholarships – and they can help review existing aid packages to see if students may qualify for more aid if their income has changed since they first applied.
- Our Foundation office has emergency grants for students in financial crisis, as well as quarterly and annual scholarships to help pay for tuition, books, and fees (annual deadline is April 16).
- Our Benefits Hub connects students with financial resources, food, transportation, and housing support.
- The Employment Security Department has adopted some emergency rules to relieve workers whose employment has been disrupted by the virus, which may provide some relief to students and their families.
Remember, the quarter starts April 6 and class instruction begins April 13. You will receive more details later this week about how to complete your April 6-10 training for online learning.
With care,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 30th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
As we welcome the springtime sun and rain, here are a few updates to keep you in the know in preparation for our spring quarter together.
What support will students have for online learning in spring quarter?
- Laptops – Students may borrow a laptop for the entire spring quarter on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority consideration for students who do not otherwise have a device to access online classes. Laptops will be mailed to student addresses when they email elearning@shoreline.edu and provide the following information: First and last name; Student ID number; Whether you need a laptop or webcam; Mailing address; Proof of registration in a spring 2020 class.
- Internet Access – Students in need of internet access may find several free and low-cost options by contacting their mobile phone or home internet provider. For example, Comcast has made their Wi-Fi hotspots free and is offering temporary free home access to some low-income customers. T-Mobile is providing free data to allow customers to use their phones as an internet hotspot.
- Online Training – Details about students’ “Getting Ready for Online Learning” training April 6-11 will be shared later this week.
Can students take placement tests online?
Placement testing will continue in spring quarter – remotely! For placement in English classes, students may use Directed Self-Placement. For placement in math classes, students may take the ALEKS math assessment using Honorlock Proctoring. ALEKS assessment is available 24/7 with the use of a webcam, with no scheduling required. For general placement questions, please visit www.shoreline.edu/placement.
How can I stay physically active if I’m supposed to stay home?
One aspect of keeping a positive mental attitude is regular physical exercise. While most gym facilities are closed, there are plenty of ways to stay active during this pandemic. If you have an internet connection, many workout videos and free fitness training resources are online for all levels of exercise, such as Darebee. Or consider taking your fitness into the fresh air with a walk in your neighborhood, a hike or jog on a new path, or bike ride by the lake.
Even though we are staying home, let’s stay active to stay healthy!
With care,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 27th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
Thank you for all you are doing to keep yourself, your family, and our community safe and healthy. I know you have had to be very patient and flexible as you faced an inordinate amount of change in such a short time this quarter. Now as we begin to turn our attention to a new quarter — one that will yet again call for us to remain adaptable — I want you to know how grateful I am to each of you for your resilience and persistence in the face of uncertainty.
Here are a few updates to help you as you move into the weekend and week ahead.
How are instructors handling winter quarter grading for students whose academic performance was affected by COVID-19?
As instructors finalize grades for winter quarter, we want you to know that we understand this has been a complicated term for many of you. We are here to support you. I invite you to contact your instructor if you have any questions about grading or options for completing winter courses.
Will any important academic dates be adjusted in spring quarter?
Yes, all academic dates have been extended by one week to provide additional flexibility for students this quarter. The online Academic Calendar and the “Important Dates” pdf have been updated to reflect these revisions.
Is Shoreline doing anything to help address the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in our state’s health care system?
This week, our amazing faculty and staff collected over 30,000 pieces of PPE to donate to healthcare workers who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. Thank you to all who helped rally resources from our campus at this time of great need! Read more about it on our news blog.
What should I do if I feel ill or suspect I’ve been exposed to the virus?
If you are experiencing symptoms, please call your health provider or 911. Students and employees are asked to complete the College’s exposure report form so we can provide guidance about what to do next.
I hope you have a good weekend; it is well deserved.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 26th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
Today marks our first full day of spring break. I hope this presents a time for you to slow down a bit and practice some self-care. In the coming weeks, it is likely that more of us will either know someone with COVID-19 or have colleagues, friends, or family members who know people with the virus. Now more than ever, it’s vital to show compassion to those either directly or indirectly affected by this virus. Remember to take care of yourself and check in with others who may be dealing with many difficult emotions right now.
Here are a few reminders about how to stay safe and help reduce the spread of this virus in our community.
Do younger people need to worry about contracting COVID-19?
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that it’s not only people above the age of 60 or who have pre-existing health conditions who are at risk of contracting the novel coronavirus. Millennials and Generation Z (those aged 8-40) are able to spread and contract the illness too. Among the first cases in the US, one in five patients who was hospitalized was aged 20-44. This is why it’s important for everyone — even people who are young and healthy — to stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19. Remember, we should:
- Stay at home and avoid all non-essential contact with others
- Limit trips for groceries, gas, and other essentials
- If we must go out, stay at least 6 feet away from others at all times
What should I do if I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed?
Here are more tips from our Counseling Center to help you as you navigate this stressful time:
- Understand what you can, and cannot, control. You can control your attitude, your own kindness and grace, and your behavior. You cannot control the actions of others, predicting what will happen, or how long this will last.
- Seek additional help. Individuals who feel an overwhelming nervousness, a lingering sadness, or other prolonged reactions that adversely affect their job, school studies, or relationships should consult with a trained and experienced mental health professional.
What should I do if I feel ill or suspect I’ve been exposed to the virus?
If you are experiencing symptoms, please call your health provider or 911. Students and employees are asked to complete the College’s exposure report form so we can provide guidance about what to do next.
Stay well by staying home!
Sincerely,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 25th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
Today marks the end of winter quarter and the start of spring break — we made it through this challenging time together. At midnight, the Governor’s “stay at home, stay healthy” order officially goes into effect for at least the next two weeks. Most businesses will be closed statewide and each of us can do our part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home, except for essential needs.
Here is some additional information to help you get through this period of rapidly changing news about the virus.
Can students and the general public still come to campus?
At this time, the physical campus is closed to the public except to our resident hall students. We ask that students and community members connect with us via phone and email instead.
How do students access the food pantry if the Benefits Hub is not open on campus?
While the campus food pantry is not available right now, you can make a phone appointment with the Benefits Hub to find out if you qualify for food assistance benefits. We also encourage those in need of food to consider these resources:
- Hopelink sites are closed, but you can still pick up food
- UDistrict Food Bank has made some changes but is still available for food pick-up
- City of Seattle/Safeway has a food voucher program for families in need
- Amazon is now accepting SNAP benefits for Amazon Fresh and Prime Pantry
Can prospective nursing students drop off their application materials on campus?
Applicants applying for fall admission to the Nursing program should mail their application materials (due April 3) to campus, and not drop them off in person, as the physical campus is closed. Please address application materials to Shoreline Community College, Attn: Nursing Department, 16101 Greenwood Avenue N., Shoreline, WA 98133.
How do students order textbooks if the Bookstore is not open?
All textbook and course materials may be ordered online at the Bookstore website. The Follett Bookstore is offering free shipping on orders except to the states of Alaska, Hawaii, and international countries.
Will parking fees be collected for spring if classes and operations are remote?
Students (and administrative employees) who normally pay for quarterly parking permits will not be required to do so while the College is operating remotely. Any students who have already paid for a spring permit will be issued a refund.
What should I do if I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed?
Here are some new tips from our Counseling Center to help you as you navigate this stressful time:
- Keep your distance but find ways to connect with others via phone, video chat, and social media.
- Do what makes you feel calmer: take deep relaxing breaths, sit in a quiet space, read meditate, listen to music, journal, go for a walk.
- Practice self-compassion, being kind and compassionate to yourself, much like you would for a friend a family member.
What should I do if I feel ill or suspect I’ve been exposed to the virus?
Students and employees should complete the College’s exposure report form so we can provide guidance about what to do next.
Let’s all continue to take good care of ourselves and each other during this time, following appropriate social distancing measures, of course. And remember to check the College’s COVID-19 web page frequently for updates.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 24th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
As we reach the end of winter quarter, none of us could have imagined the events that have unfolded in the past few months. As students, faculty, and staff, we have all been impacted in different ways, personally, professionally, and educationally. You may be wrestling with feelings of stress, uncertainty, fatigue, and perhaps a sense of loss. Looking back, I hope you can also reflect on how quickly and successfully you’ve adapted in the face of such changing situation. And I hope you know that the College will continue to be there for you.
As we continue to closely follow new public health guidance, here are some additional questions I want to try to answer for you.
What do fully remote operations look like and how long will it last?
Fully remote operations means the College is open but the physical campus is not. To comply with the Governor’s “Stay at home, stay healthy” order, the College will have fully remote operations March 25-April 7. We may need to extend that date if the State order is extended.
Students, the public, and almost all employees are asked to refrain from visiting campus during this time. Only a limited number of pre-approved employees will be on campus for essential duties (a list of these individuals will be shared with all employees shortly). Staff is available to students by phone, email, and arranged video appointments.
When are checked-out materials and laptops due at the Library?
Due to remote operations, continuing students who checked out library materials and laptops in winter quarter may be keep these until June 19. However, if students will not be enrolled for spring quarter, we ask that you wait for the campus to reopen. You may then return all items to the Computer Lab (Room 4102) by April 10.
Are any academic dates or deadlines changing in spring quarter?
All spring academic calendar dates will be extended by one week. For example, students wishing to add a class will have until April 17 to do so (instead of April 10). We hope this provides some added flexibility for students. The academic calendar will be updated this week to reflect these changes.
As a reminder, the Foundation’s annual scholarship applications are due on April 16. Quarterly scholarships and emergency grants are still available for spring quarter, if students need immediate help to pay for tuition, books, and fees. Learn more.
What is social distancing?
We can all work together to slow the spread of COVID-19 by taking some simple actions to prevent individuals and groups from sharing germs:
- Stay at home and avoid all non-essential contact with others
- Limit trips for groceries, gas and other essentials
- If you must go out, stay at least 6 feet away from others at all times
What should I do if I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed?
Here are three new tips from our Counseling Center staff to help you navigate this stressful time:
- Talk to friends and family about how you are feeling or thinking.
- Do something you enjoy.
- Seek trusted sources of information but avoid information overload. Think critically as you follow news reports and verify information you receive from social media or loved ones.
What should I do if I feel ill or suspect I’ve been exposed to the virus?
Students and employees should complete the College’s exposure report form so we can provide guidance about what to do next.
I truly hope you will find time to renew before spring quarter begins on April 6. It is important to find time to pause and take care to stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
