Changes Take Effect Wednesday, March 18; Student Support Services will be Unavailable March 16-17
Santa Monica College (SMC) has announced that all classes—including those that generally require in-person instruction, wherever possible—will transition to a remote learning environment, effective Wednesday, March 18, to limit the potential transmission of COVID-19. There are currently no confirmed cases of the coronavirus at SMC.
In addition, SMC’s new Student Services Center will be closed and all counseling/support services unavailable March 16-17 to prepare a transition of those services to a remotely accessible environment. In a college-wide memo sent March 15, SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery also announced the following:
· SMC is a “Limited Access” Campus: Santa Monica College is implementing “limited access” to its main campus on 1900 Pico Boulevard as well as to its five satellite campuses. Out of an abundance of caution for the health and wellbeing of community members and SMC students and employees, all college campuses and facilities including exterior walkways and common areas are closed to the general public. The college will be open beginning March 18 to those students who make use of the limited services that will be available in-person—including Disabled Student Services—to “uphold its commitment to equity and access.” Information on social distancing and preventive measures will be emphasized, and heightened cleaning of surfaces within all SMC buildings continues to take place.
· Athletic Events/Practice Postponed Indefinitely: A March 11 press release announced the cancellation of Spring 2020 study abroad trips, nonessential travel, extra-curricular events and large gatherings, and the suspension of in-person classes and activities at SMC Emeritus (the program for older adults) until further notice. SMC is also now postponing all athletics events and team practice indefinitely, effective immediately. This action follows a March 12 announcement from the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA).
Santa Monica College has undertaken enhanced cleaning and prevention measures in these past few weeks. The college’s Emergency Operations Team has developed a COVID-19 specific Infectious Disease Outbreak Plan; SMC’s Health Services Center provided education, flu shots, and more; and a communications campaign was rolled out including social media posts and emails on COVID-19 prevention measures as well as a dedicated webpage which serves as a one-stop shop for resources and college information related to the coronavirus.
The college collaborates with public health agencies including the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and coordinates emergency response with local partners, including the City of Santa Monica. Please visit santamonica.gov/coronavirus for city-specific information. For more information on SMC’s response to the coronavirus, visit: smc.edu/coronavirus.
