Dear April
I want to share an update with you regarding SJCC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and our efforts to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones. I want to emphasize that the college is not closing. We are, however, moving as much of our instructional and non-instructional services to an online format as much as possible.
This is a long message but please read it closely as it has a lot of important information.
In-person Classes
Beginning Monday, March 16, we will move all in-person classes at the main campus and the Milpitas Extension to a remote learning online format until April 3. Your instructors have been working diligently over the past four days to make the transition and they will communicate to you how they plan to implement instruction online if you haven’t heard from them already.
We heard many concerns from students about the plan to continue lab instruction. We initially decided not to suspend in-person labs because of the potential of interrupting the completion of degrees and certificates. But, ultimately, we decided in the interest of encouraging social distancing and limiting community spread to suspend in-person labs.
As a result, we suspended all Science labs last Thursday and followed with the suspension of Career Education labs on Friday. The suspension of all in-person labs will continue until April 3. Please, keep in mind the following:
- Science and Career Education labs are being transitioned to online or other distance delivery modalities.
- Labs that need more time to become available online will not meet in person and will remain suspended until the instruction is available in a distance-learning format.
- Labs that are unable to be offered in an online format are suspended through April 3.
- Your instructor should contact you with information regarding your lab coursework.
If you have been taking online classes, they will continue as normal.
Non-instructional Student and Campus Services
In an added effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we will move all student services online, where possible. This means the majority of campus employees will provide services remotely.
Student-workers will maintain their schedules and will not experience any loss or reduction of pay due to the closure.
Keep in mind that offering some, if not most, services online, has never been done in the history of the campus. There will be disruptions and miscommunications. Our apologies in advance as we are trying to provide you the best service possible, under the circumstances.
Beginning on March 17 and continuing until April 3, we will close the following campus services and programs that will go online where possible:
The Jaguar Market, however, will be open on March 16 from 10 am to 4:30 pm (subject to change). Students will have the opportunity to shop at the market. Remember, only one bag of groceries will be allowed per student. The market will reopen on April 6.
Laptop & Chromebook Lending
Last week, I informed you we would have computer labs open and available to students. We had to cancel those plans in light of the entire campus closure. We will, however, proceed with the plan to lend laptop computers and Chromebooks to students.
The number of devices is limited and will be checked-out on a first-come, first-serve basis. The devices will be checked out at the Chavez Library on:
As you can imagine, the situation with COVID-19 is constantly changing, and we are making decisions based on the most current and accurate information available.
Our Current Students page has the latest information as it relates to SJCC, including links to many student and community resources, such as discounted internet service.
Speaking for all faculty, classified professionals, and administrators, our top priority is to safeguard your health while we work together to help you continue your educational journey.
I want to thank you for your patience and understanding. I hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy and I look forward to seeing you back on campus as soon as is safely possible. Go Jaguars!
Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng
SJCC President
