Category: Announcements
March 23rd, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Current Status:
- The College is operating remotely (no in-person classes or services)
- Spring quarter begins April 6 with mandatory training for students to get ready 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
Message from the President
The past few weeks have been extremely difficult for all of us. With the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order issued today, I know you may have many questions about what this means for you. I also know many students have questions about how they will continue their education right now.
Although it can feel quite daunting and the future feels a little uncertain, one thing remains constant: Shoreline Community College is here for you, our students, and our communities. We remain committed to providing all students with an excellent education and the services that they deserve, even if we need to offer them in a different way. Here are a few questions we can answer today, and we will continue to share our best information with you each day.
Will the College continue operating?
Yes. Because the College has already shifted to remote classes and operations, we are able to continue operating, even during the statewide “stay at home” order. Spring quarter classes and services will continue online. The residence hall remains open for residents only. More information for will be shared this week.
What will spring classes look like?
Our faculty and staff have been working tirelessly to make all the necessary arrangements to shift all classes and operations remotely so that students can continue to receive the same quality education they’ve come to expect from Shoreline.
- Spring quarter will be fully online, starting on April 6 with support and mandatory training for students
- Instruction will begin online on April 13 (with very few hands-on classes held in person per the Governor’s recommendations)
- Students can refer to the online class schedule for details about each course
How do students access different services at Shoreline if the campus is not open?
Our services and offices are operating – we’re just not on the campus! All support services — including Advising, Enrollment Services & Financial Aid, Library, Workforce, Counseling, Multicultural Center — are available to students and the public via phone, email, and video appointments. To find a service:
What should students do if they don’t think they can afford school, particularly for spring quarter?
Many people are trying to figure out how to afford school at a time when they may be facing additional financial hardship due to a sudden loss of wages. Here are some of the ways Shoreline is helping students start and continue their education:
- Our Financial Aid office can help 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
What should a student or employee do if they feel ill or suspect they’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. If you are experiencing symptoms, please call your health provider or 911 first.
I’m feeling stressed and anxious right now. What can I do?
Our Counseling Center staff will start sharing a few tips each day for how we can manage our stress and anxiety during this time. Remember, students can access counseling appointments by calling the Counseling Center (206-546-4594) and employees can find help through the Employment Assistance Program. Here are today’s tips:
- Reestablish a routine – wake up, go to sleep, and perform daily activities at consistent times throughout your week.
- Eat, sleep, and exercise – even if you don’t feel like it.
- Acknowledge and accept your feelings and thoughts – sadness, grief, anger, and fear are normal reactions.
Please know that as this situation has continued to evolve, our College has been constantly thinking about our students and our employees, and the impact that this situation is having on everyone’s lives. I have seen that we, as colleagues, are also taking time to care for each other in order to be there for our students. I know this isn’t easy, but we’re in this together — and we’ll get through it together.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 20th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
A lot has happened in a few short weeks. I know both students and employees have been managing very difficult circumstances switching to remote classes and operations, and enduring the stress of this ongoing public health emergency. Final exams begin next week and we are nearing the completion of winter quarter. This is a successful milestone and I appreciate your grit and endurance. We’ve done this by coming together!
Completing Winter Quarter
- Our staff and services are available remotely, even throughout Spring Break (browse the Campus Directory to find contact information).
- Between March 23-27, the following are the only buildings students and the public may enter:
- PUB (Building 9000), Benefits Hub, Avanti Market – Weekdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Computer Lab (Library Building, Room 4102) – Weekdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- The Library has extended the due date for returning laptops, webcams, and books to April 6.
- Students with questions about their winter final exams or grades are encouraged to talk to their instructors via email or Canvas.
Looking Ahead to Spring Quarter
- Spring quarter begins Monday, April 6 with a plan for classes and services to be provided remotely (i.e. not taking place on the physical campus).
- The class schedule is being updated. Courses originally scheduled as hybrid, web-enhanced, or face-to-face will no longer show rooms, days, and times and will be listed as “Arranged.”
- Only a few hands-on classes, such as labs and clinicals, will continue to meet face-to-face, with strict cleaning and social distancing measures in place.
- Week 1 of the quarter will be a special training week for students and faculty to prepare for online learning. Class instruction will begin on April 13 (Week 2).
- Students who are veteran/military or international have been approved to take online classes.
- Students with questions about classwork or Canvas access should contact their instructors after Spring Break.
Preparedness at Home
Remember, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Stay home as much as possible and keep a 6-foot distance between you and other people when you do go out. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, cover your coughs and sneezes, and disinfect surfaces often.
Enjoy your much-deserved weekend!
Respectfully,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 19th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
The College was notified today that one of our nursing students tested positive for COVID-19 after working at a local Virginia Mason Medical Center. This is the first known case at the College. The student is now in isolation at home and is recovering, and the affected instructor and classmates are also self-quarantining as a precaution.
The College is actively following guidance from Public Health – Seattle & King County and we are in communication with affected students and faculty. All campus buildings have been receiving additional cleaning and the building that houses the nursing program will be deep cleaned this evening out of an abundance of caution.
We are focused on continuing to minimize any person-to-person spread of the virus on the campus with our continued remote operations and classes. We will share more updates as information becomes available.
What to Do if You Think You’ve Been Exposed
As a reminder, students or employees who think they may have had exposure to the COVID-19 virus or are feeling any symptoms are encouraged to stay home, fill out the College’s exposure report form, and contact a health care provider by phone or email for further guidance.
Parent-Child Center Closed March 20–April 24
As the number of children attending our onsite daycare facility has dwindled, the College will temporarily close the Parent-Child Center March 20–April 24 while the College continues to operate remotely. Any questions can be directed to Jocelyn Ramos, Parent-Child Center Manager.
Prevention Reminder
Remember, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Stay home as much as possible and maintain a 6-foot distance between you and other people when you do go out. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, cover your coughs and sneezes, and disinfect surfaces often.
Closing Out the Winter Quarter
As we near the end of winter quarter, I’m reflecting on how much has changed on our campus in a few short weeks. Our instructors have had to put so much thought into how to deliver their classes and final exams in an online format, students have had to quickly adjust, and staff have worked tirelessly to make all of our services and operations function remotely. I hope you all feel a sense of pride that our community has been able to be so resilient and flexible in this time of great change. May our students and faculty get well-deserved time to rest this Spring Break.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 18th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
During unsettling times like these with rapidly changing circumstances, we want you to know you can count on Shoreline to provide you with information that will support not only students’ educational goals, but also the well-being of our students and employees.
As our campus community completes winter quarter, whether teaching or learning, here are a few more resources to help you manage the uncertainty or sense of isolation you may be experiencing:
Emotional and Mental Health Resources
New Financial Relief Measures
- Gov. Inslee announced today several financial relief measures for businesses, workers, renters, and those who may be struggling to pay utility bills while dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak
Shared Leave for Employees
I’m so grateful the Board of Trustees unanimously approved an emergency policy change on March 18 to allow College employees to donate leave to other employees who have exhausted their accrued paid leave but are in need of additional leave time. This will greatly assist employees who may be facing unanticipated medical, quarantine, or childcare needs that prevent them from being able to telework at this time. Employees will receive more information about this in the coming days.
Spring Quarter Reminder
Spring quarter will begin on Monday, April 6, and will be delivered fully online (with very limited exceptions). The first week of the quarter will be a prep week for everyone to get ready for online learning, with actual instruction starting April 13. More details about prep week training will be forthcoming.
COVID-19 Web Page
Our COVID-19 web page has been updated and reorganized to accommodate the changing information needs for the campus and the public. Please check the site regularly for continued updates.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 17th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
Today’s update is brief, as the level of information has not changed dramatically from yesterday – that is a good thing. We want to reassure our campus community that we will continue to provide updated information, so you can successfully complete winter quarter and launch into spring term.
We are experiencing an extraordinary public health emergency that has required us to respond rapidly. As a College, we have responded with students at the heart of our decisions, and with gratitude to our employees who provide exceptional teaching and support services to students during a very challenging time.
We Are Here for Students: How to Reach Us
Although our classes and services are remote, our staff is available to enroll, advise, support, and answer questions – via the website, phone, email, and video appointments. Please visit the College website to search for the department you are looking for, or you can refer to the Contact page, or the Campus Directory.
We ask that most students and employees not come to the physical campus unless required for essential tasks or limited instructional purposes. The following buildings are accessible through the end of winter quarter:
- The PUB (Building 9000) – Open weekdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for access to Avanti Market and the Benefits Hub
- Computer Lab (Library Building, Room 4102) – Open weekdays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. for computer and printer access, and between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for laptop checkout and library assistance
- Residence Hall (7000 Campus Living) – Open only to residents
- Parent-Child Center – Open with normal operating hours
Spring Quarter Begins with Training on April 6 and Instruction on April 13
Spring quarter will begin as planned on Monday, April 6, and will be delivered fully online (with very limited exceptions). However, the first week of the quarter will be a prep week for students and faculty to get ready for online learning. Actual instruction will not start until April 13 for all courses. The quarter will conclude on June 19, with the last days of instruction and final exams combined into a single week. Please watch for more details in the coming days. Students can register for spring classes now.
Free and Reduced Cost Options for Home Internet
Several companies are making their Internet connection free or more easily available. Contact your mobile phone or home Internet provider to see what they are offering. Here are two resources:
- Comcast – Free use of their public Wi-Fi hotspots and temporary free home Internet to some low-income customers
- T-Mobile – Additional free hotspot/tethering data to allow customers to use their smartphones as a hotspot at home
Preparedness at Home
As we continue to monitor the nation’s response to the pandemic, we encourage students and employees to consider their preparedness at home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends having two weeks’ worth of food and medicine on hand in case of an emergency. Visit https://www.ready.gov/kit to learn more about how to build a preparedness kit for your home.
March 18 Board of Trustees Meeting
In accordance with the Governor Inslee’s recent executive order, the Wednesday, March 18 Board of Trustees meeting will be held as a special online meeting at 4:30 p.m. There will be no study session at 3:30 p.m. Please view the official March 18 Board of Trustees Meeting Notice to learn how to submit public comments by email and how to view the live meeting via a special website link.
As a college community we hold close the values of learning, service, and support of each other. We will continue to persevere as we face this public health emergency together.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 16th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
As information about the federal and state response to COIVD-19 continues to evolve rapidly, I deeply appreciate your flexibility and care for each other as we all continue to navigate these uncharted waters together. Here is what we know as of today.
The College has successfully shifted to remote classes and operations. Our caring faculty and staff remain available to serve students and the public, and we encourage everyone to reach out to us with questions!
How to Reach Us
Although our classes and services are remote, our staff is available to enroll, advise, support, and answer questions – via the website, phone, email, and video appointments. Please visit the College website to search for the department you are looking for, or you can refer to the Contact page, or the Campus Directory.
Spring Quarter Begins April 6
We know many of you are eager to know what will happen in spring quarter. At this time, we will start the spring quarter term as planned on Monday, April 6, with a few key updates:
- Classes will be primarily online – The plan is to deliver instruction online, even for face-to-face classes (with some very limited exceptions that we will share out soon).
- Prep week – The quarter will include a special prep week during April 6-10 for students and faculty to prepare for online learning, with special technology support and training to make sure everyone is ready to learn and teach remotely. Normal course instruction will begin on April 13.
- Campus services – The College’s operations will likely continue remotely, and staff will be available by phone, email, and video appointments.
- April 24 – The Employee Day of Learning planned for April 24 has been canceled and the day may be used in ways that support our students and employees as we move through the impact of this public health emergency. Details will be confirmed in the coming days.
- June 16-19 – The College will conclude spring quarter as scheduled. Finals Week will be a combination of the last week of instruction and final exams. This will ensure that the term is a full 10 weeks.
- June 20 – Commencement will take place, currently as planned.
Spring registration is now open, and we understand students will still have many questions about how they will be supported in a fully online learning environment. Please know we are working to tailor our instruction and services to ensure that all students – including those with federally mandated face-to-face instructional requirements (such as veteran/military students and international students) – will be able to be successful. Please watch for more updates about spring quarter in the coming days.
Limited Services on Campus
With a few exceptions, we are asking that most students and employees not come to the physical campus unless required for essential tasks or limited instructional purposes.
The only open entrance to campus is through the main entrance and Safety & Security officers are stationed near the front of campus to help direct any visitors. An administrator-in-charge (AIC) will continue to be on campus each day, and any changes to the AIC will be communicated to employees via email.
The following buildings will remain accessible through the end of winter quarter:
- The PUB (Building 9000) – Open weekdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. through March 27 for access to Avanti Market and the Benefits Hub
- Computer Lab (Library Building, Room 4102) – Open weekdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. through March 27 for student computer access, laptop checkout, and library assistance; and for employee laptop checkout and TSS support
- Residence Hall (7000 Campus Living) – Open only to residents
- Parent-Child Center – Open with normal operating hours
March 18 Board of Trustees Meeting
In accordance with the Governor Inslee’s recent executive order, the Wednesday, March 18 Board of Trustees meeting will be held as a special online meeting at 4:30 p.m. There will be no study session at 3:30 p.m. Please view the official March 18 Board of Trustees Meeting Notice to learn how to submit public comments by email and how to view the live meeting via a special website link.
Preparedness at Home
As we continue to monitor the nation’s response to the pandemic, we encourage students and employees to consider their preparedness at home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends having two weeks’ worth of food and medicine on hand in case of an emergency. Visit https://www.ready.gov/kit to learn more about how to build a preparedness kit for your home.
In this challenging time, we will continue to ask for your grace and understanding as we plan for the continuity of our operations amid quickly changing public health guidance.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 13th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
We want to assure everyone that the College is taking proactive and thoughtful action to safely conduct our operations and ensure students continue learning and receive support services. The College has decided to move operations online as of March 16. Although our services will be moving remotely, our caring staff is available to enroll, advise, support, and answer questions – via phone, email, and/or video appointments.
Status of Campus: Remote Operations as of March 16
- At this time, there are no known cases of COVID-19 on our campus.
- The College will begin to operate remotely as of March 16.
- Most classes continue online through March 25.
- Spring quarter registration is now open. Students can apply, browse classes, register, and pay tuition online.
Remote Operations as of Monday, March 16
The College has developed online strategies to ensure that students can successfully access support services and complete their courses. You are encouraged to visit the College website to find email and phone contact information.
The following limited services will still be available on the physical campus (taking appropriate precautions for social distancing and disinfecting):
- The PUB (Building 9000) – Open weekdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. through March 27 for access to Avanti Market and the Benefits Hub
- Computer Lab (Library Building, Room 4102) – Open for student computer access, laptop checkout, and library assistance; and for employee laptop checkout and TSS support
- Building 2100 – Limited to automotive students and faculty
- Building 2300 – Limited to nursing students and faculty
- Building 2500 – Limited to manufacturing students and faculty and Dental Hygiene Clinic
- Building 2900 – Limited to students in lab classes
- 7000 Campus Living Residence Hall – Open only to residents
- Parent-Child Center – Open
- Dental Health Clinic – Open through March 18, then closed through the end of winter quarter
A small number of employees will continue to come to campus for limited essential tasks, but only as specifically directed by their supervisor. Food trucks will pause their visits to campus as of March 16.
Planning for Spring Quarter
As you may know, Governor Inslee announced today that he is requiring colleges to operate remotely for the next several weeks, which will affect how we operate and provide classes in spring quarter. The College is working on plans now for continuity of instructional and service operations for spring quarter and will share more information on Monday, March 16.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 12th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
In light of Gov. Inslee’s announcement that local school districts will be closed March 17-April 24, some important updates about our College are below. We continue to closely monitor the rapid developments unfolding yesterday and today, as we support to our students in completing the rest of their quarter online.
Status of Campus: Open with Plan to Shift to Remote Operations as of March 16
- At this time, there are no known cases of COVID-19 on our campus.
- The campus is operating with most services available remotely as of March 16.
- Most classes continue online through March 25.
- Large, in-person campus events are canceled through March 25.
- Spring classes begin April 6 and registration is now open. You can apply, browse classes, register, and pay tuition online.
Remote Operations as of Monday, March 16
In order to minimize the COVID-19 exposure risk on campus while continuing to operate the College, we will shift to minimal in-person services as of Monday, March 16.
This means the College will continue to operate but most services will be available remotely – via phone, email, and video conference appointments. Some employees will continue to come to campus for limited essential tasks and will work with their supervisors to coordinate this. Additional information will be shared on Friday, March 13.
Access to Student Services
Students needing to connect with any services on campus should reach out via phone or email, and staff can also arrange appointments via video conferencing. Additional information about individual services that may still be will be shared shortly.
Planning for Spring Quarter
I know many of you have questions about what will happen in spring quarter, which begins April 6. We are currently working on a continuity of operations plan for spring quarter and will immediately share out any decisions or changes related to that as they become available.
When to Come to Campus
Students or employees who are feeling ill should stay home. If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms or suspect you may have been exposed to someone with the virus, please complete the exposure report form so the College can provide you with guidance about next steps.
Students or employees who are considered “higher risk “(60 years and older, have underlying medical conditions, or are pregnant) may choose to stay home. Non-instructional employees who wish to do so must work with their supervisors to make alternate arrangements and/or confirm the intent to take leave.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 11th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
As this public health situation continues to develop rapidly, I want to acknowledge that this is a stressful time for all of us and I am so grateful for the hard work of our faculty and staff to ensure our students continue learning and our campus continues safely operating. I also want to acknowledge the impact many people will be feeling from recent tough decisions our local school districts have had to make to effectively address this outbreak.
Status of Campus: Open with Remote Learning
- At this time, there are no known cases of COVID-19 on our campus. (Public Health does not currently recommend that college campuses close unless there is a confirmed case.)
- The campus is open with most classes online through March 25.
- Campus services are available.
- Large campus events are canceled through March 25.
- Shuttle service has been reduced to every 30-45 minutes. No parking pass required in the Greenwood Parking Lot.
- Spring classes begin April 6 and registration is now open. You can apply, browse classes, register, and pay tuition online.
Impact of School District Closures
Employees who are impacted by recent school district closures in our surrounding community should work with their supervisors to telework or take leave, as needed. Students who are impacted by the school district closures should work with their instructors around any alternate arrangements needed. As a reminder, the Parent-Child Center remains open at this time.
Learning Support Centers
Many of our learning support services continue to be available to students, including the Library and its open computer labs; however, a few services have modified or remote operations:
Financial Support for Students
We recognize COVID-19 may be negatively impacting students financially due to loss of wages, additional health care costs, or other issues. Here are some ways students can receive assistance:
When to Come to Campus
Students or employees who are feeling ill should stay home. If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms or suspect you may have been exposed to someone with the virus, please complete the exposure report form so the College can provide you with guidance about next steps.
Students or employees who are considered “higher risk “(60 years and older, have underlying medical conditions, or are pregnant) may choose to stay home. Non-instructional employees who wish to do so must work with their supervisors to make alternate arrangements and/or confirm the intent to take leave.
We will continue to provide updates daily to share any new developments.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 10th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
Current Status of Campus: Open with Remote Learning
- At this time, there are no known cases of COVID-19 on our campus. Public Health – Seattle & King County is not currently recommending that college campuses close unless there is a confirmed case.
- The campus remains open but has moved most classes online as of March 10.
- Campus services are available, including the Dental Hygiene Clinic and Parent-Child Center.
- Large campus events are canceled through March 25 (see College Calendar for updates).
Online Support for Students and Employees
Spring Quarter Classes
Spring classes begin April 6 and registration for new and continuing students is open! We continue to closely monitor information from public health agencies and will let students and the community know if the way we deliver our classes in the spring will need to change due to the COVID-19 outbreak. International students with questions about spring registration should reach out now to International Education.
The College is committed to ensuring all students are able to achieve their educational goals even in the midst of this public health concern.
Financial Resources for Students
We recognize COVID-19 may be negatively impacting students financially due to loss of wages, additional health care costs, or other issues. Here are some ways students can receive assistance:
When to Come to Campus
As a reminder, any students or employees who are feeling ill should stay home. If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms or suspect you may have been exposed to someone with the virus, please complete the exposure report form, so the College can provide you with guidance about next steps.
Students or employees who are considered higher risk (60 years and older, have underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems, or are pregnant) may also choose to stay home, noting that non-instructional employees who wish to do so are being asked to contact their supervisors to make alternate arrangements and/or confirm the intent to take leave.
Living Our Values
Be aware of stigma related to COVID-19 and stand against it. The risk of novel coronavirus is not at all connected with race, ethnicity or nationality; yet in some places the fear of the spread of the disease has resulted in incidents of bias and harassment against certain groups of people, including those of Asian heritage. As stated in Shoreline’s Community Standard, the College does not tolerate any hateful, violent, or discriminatory actions.
Please know Shoreline Community College is taking the utmost care to ensure safety on campus and closely follow guidance from public health agencies. We appreciate your continued flexibility in the face of so much rapidly changing information.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
