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
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
