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
