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
March 9th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from the President
Current Status of Campus: Open with Remote Learning Beginning March 10
- 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 will move most classes online on Tuesday, March 10, following guidelines to limit large group gatherings.
- Campus services will remain open.
Remote Instruction Begins March 10
As announced on Friday, the majority of in-person classes will complete the quarter remotely starting Tuesday, March 10 through the end of winter quarter. All administrative offices and services will continue to operate on campus. Large campus events are canceled through March 25.
Laptops for Students and Employees
- A limited number of laptops and webcams are available to students to check out in the Library: https://www.shoreline.edu/elearning-services/laptop_checkout.aspx.
- e-Learning Services has extended their hours to provide support for online learning tools such as Canvas: Mon-Thurs 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Weekends 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Laptops are available for employees who will be working from home, or employees may choose to use their home computers. For priority support, please submit a ticket indicating you are already working from home.
Learning Support for Students
Most learning support will remain available to students, including the Library and its open computer labs; however, a few services will not be available or will have modified operations:
- Tutoring Services – open, with online options with peer tutors. Free online tutoring is also available to all students.
- Math Learning Center – closed, but with online options.
- Biology and Chemistry Learning Center – closed, but with online options.
- Physics Learning Center – closed, but with online options.
- Computer Science & Engineering Learning Center – closed, but with online options.
- Writing & Learning Studio – open with limited space available, with online options.
- VCT and Music Tech Labs – open with limited space available.
- Public Speaking Center – to be determined.
- ESL/ABE Study Center – open with limited hours.
Additional Hand Sanitizer Dispensers & Public Health Signage
Many new hand sanitizer stations and posters have been installed around high-traffic areas of the College to help remind everyone who is on campus to follow good personal health habits.
Free Breakfast for Students on Wednesdays in March
Between March 11-25, the Rotary Club of Shoreline has generously offered to provide free breakfast each Wednesday in the PUB (Building 9000) for any students who may still need to come to campus or who live on campus. Hot, pre-wrapped grab-and-go items will be available, first come first served, on March 11, 18, and 25 between 7:00-8:30 a.m. We appreciate this show of support from our local community members! Avanti Market, the Bookstore, and the rotation of food trucks will continue to provide food options for purchase.
When to Come to Campus
As a reminder, any students or employees who are feeling ill should stay home. 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.
Coping with Stress
When you hear about a disease outbreak like coronavirus, it is normal to feel anxious or experience stress. We want students and employees to know that resources are available to support you. Students are encouraged to reach out to the Counseling Center (206-546-4594) and employees are encouraged to reach out to the Washington State Employee Assistance Program.
I know these are unprecedented times and I want you to know our faculty and staff are working tirelessly to reduce our campus risk and continue student learning and support.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 6th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Message from President Roberts
Current Status of Campus: Open (with Plan to Move Classes Online)
- 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 will move most classes online on Tuesday, March 10, following guidelines to limit large group gatherings.
- All campus services will remain open.
Remote Instruction Begins March 10
Beginning Tuesday, March 10, the majority of classes will discontinue meeting in person and continue online for the remainder of the quarter (through March 25). Instructors have been asked to conduct classes and exams remotely, wherever possible, with some exceptions. Instructors will be contacting their students to make arrangements for online instruction or for continuing the course in person.
Exceptions
Some specialized and/or professional-technical classes may continue to meet in person, as they are either not feasible to deliver online or require the use of specialized equipment or facilities. Deans and faculty members are working together to determine which courses may still be in person.
Additional public health precautions will be taken in these instructional spaces, including sanitizing surfaces frequently, implementing social distancing measures such as seating students farther apart where possible.
On–Campus Technology Access Available
The computer lab in 4102 will remain open, with additional precautions taken to sanitize the space frequently. A limited number of laptops will be made available to loan to students for on campus instructional use. More information about this will be shared by Monday afternoon.
All Campus Services Available
All administrative offices and services, including Enrollment & Financial Aid Services, Advising, Library, Counseling Center, International Education, Student Accessibility Services, Veteran & Military Services, Benefits Hub, will continue to operate normally on campus during this time.
The 7000 Campus Living residence hall, Parent-Child Center, Parent-Education Cooperative Preschools, and Dental Hygiene Clinic will also continue to remain open.
When to Come to Campus
As a reminder, any students or employees who are feeling ill should stay home. 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.
Please remember to continue following good personal health habits such as washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, wiping down surfaces, and staying home if you are ill or at higher risk. These are important steps we can all take now to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 5th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Here are a few updates for today regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) information. I hope you will continue to check the COVID-19 web page for additional information as it becomes available.
Current Status of Campus: Open
At this time, there are no known cases of COVID-19 on our campus. Following guidance from health authorities, the campus is open but with limited events.
When to Come to Campus
Students or employees who are feeling ill should stay home. Students or employees who are considered higher risk (60 years and older, have underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems, or are pregnant) may choose to stay home and, if so, should immediately contact their instructors or supervisors to make alternate arrangements.
Large Events Canceled
To help limit the risk and spread of the virus, following new guidance issued by Public Health – Seattle & King County, the College is canceling all large events through the end of winter quarter (March 25).
Residence Hall Entry Restricted
Access to the 7000 Campus Living Lobby and Great Room are now restricted to building residents (and their escorted guests) until further notice. Non-residents who need access to the building should contact the Leasing Office at 206–542–3381.
Preventing the Spread of Illness
We know that the best line of defense is prevention. Remember to continue following personal habits such as washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, wiping down surfaces, and staying home if you are ill or at higher risk.
Emergency Alert Signup
Should the campus need to close at any time in the future, we would send messages through email, text, phone, the website, and social media. Visit www.shoreline.edu/connect now to make sure your cell phone and other communication preferences are correct, so you don’t miss any urgent Rave Alert messages in the future.
I understand this is a challenging time for all of us, and I am grateful for your flexibility as we move through this public health issue together.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
March 4th, 2020 by pio@shoreline.edu
Greetings,
In light of rapidly changing news about the coronavirus (COVID-19), the College will be providing daily updates via email and the website about the status of this public health concern on Shoreline’s campus. Please check www.shoreline.edu/covid19.aspx regularly for all of the latest updates.
Current Status of the Campus
At this time, there are no known cases of COVID-19 on our campus. Following guidance from health authorities, the campus is open as usual.
Our custodial crew is doing additional daily cleaning of high-touch areas on campus, including tables, desks, door handles, handrails, etc.
Our shuttle service will change effective March 5th: the interior of the vans will be wiped down with disinfectant after each round trip, each day that it is in service. The shuttles will stop at the Sears Lot and Aurora Avenue every 30-45 minutes, rather than every 15 minutes, to allow time for the cleaning. The vans will also be cleaned after each grocery shuttle run. To accommodate any additional parking needs, the Greenwood Parking Lot will be opened. Students who wish to park there will not need to purchase a parking pass through the end of the quarter.
Updated King County Guidance
The College’s Communicable Disease Task Force is actively monitoring guidance from CDC, the Department of Health, and Public Health – Seattle & King County. We are reviewing the latest information released from King County this afternoon about large gatherings and working from home. We will follow up with more information tomorrow about how these recommendations may impact the College.
When Would the Campus Close?
The College would close the physical campus if a confirmed case of COVID-19 was documented on our campus (which has not yet happened).
If someone on campus is found to have the virus, we would activate our coordinated emergency response plan. The campus would shut down for cleaning and we would consult with health officials about when it would be safe to reopen. Students and employees would be notified immediately via email, text, phone, website, and social media, and would receive information about how to continue their studies or work remotely. We are crafting protocols for how to shift nearly all face-to-face classes to online instruction should the campus need to close temporarily.
If You Think You May Have Been Exposed to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, the College has created a new form where you can self-report your concerns. A Shoreline employee who is a health professional will follow up with you to provide resources on what to do next. Using this form will help the College track and follow-up with any potential exposure on our campus.
Prevention Measures
Remember, the best action we can all take right now is to maintain good personal health habits, such as hand washing, frequently disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and staying home if we feel ill. As a reminder, U.S. health officials do not currently recommend that the general population wear face masks, but we understand that some people may choose to wear them either for personal or cultural reasons.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President
Posted in Announcements Tagged with: covid
