Greetings!
I want to share the latest update with you regarding SJCC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
San Jose-Evergreen Community College District (SJECCD) Chancellor Byron D. Clift Breland has determined that the remaining spring 2020 semester will continue through online instruction only. All other campus and district services and operations will continue to be offered remotely as well.
The safety of our students, employees, and the broader community remains our highest priority and is the reason we have taken this unprecedented but necessary step.
At this time, we plan to return to traditional instruction and services for the summer term, but we will continue to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to offer summer term remotely if necessary.
Traditional Commencement Ceremonies Suspended
One aspect that made this decision difficult is that the continued suspension of in-person activities also means that we will not be holding traditional commencement ceremonies this spring.
Please know that we are working diligently to identify alternative options for commencement so that we will still be able to celebrate with our students at the end of the term and any student who graduates this year will be able to return and participate in commencement next year.
Student Emergency Funds
I understand that many of our students have lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet. To help students meet financial emergencies, the SJECCD Foundation has established a Student Emergency Needs Fund which will provide up to $500 in one-time grants to students who qualify (click the button below to start the application).
Laptop & Chromebook Lending
We have lent our entire supply of Chromebooks to students. However, we are working hard to acquire more Chromebooks and laptops that students can borrow. Please fill out the request form below to add your name to the queue and when a device becomes available you will be notified.
Changes in Grading Policy
The California Community College Chancellor has issued an executive order that changes grading policy in the following ways:
- Allowing students to retake any course attempted during the pandemic; colleges must disregard the previous grade when computing a GPA once the course has been completed.
- Waiving the deadline – which had already passed – for selecting a pass or no pass option instead of a letter grade. Students should, however, be aware that the University of California and California State University systems require courses for a major to be completed with a letter grade.
- “No pass” grades will not be considered in probation and dismissal procedures. Students intending to complete a course under the current situation, rather than withdraw, will not be negatively affected should they ultimately be unable to successfully complete the course.
Virtual Town Hall
I want to emphasize that the college remains open with online instruction and services. I know you must have many questions and concerns. That's why I will be holding a virtual town hall on Tuesday, March 31 via Zoom. I will do my best to answer any of your questions and address your concerns. If you miss the live event, we will have a recording available (see information below).
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.
In closing, I want to thank you for hanging in there and for remaining dedicated to your educational journey under these most difficult circumstances. We're all in this together and we'll all get through it together. Go Jaguars!
Sincerely,
Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng
SJCC President