Posted: October 30, 2020Written by: Ritchie Bermudez

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cuesta College’s lecture classes and student support programs for the Spring 2021 semester will continue to be delivered entirely online to maintain the campus community’s health and safety. A small percentage of difficult-to-convert courses with a laboratory component or activities that require in-person meetings will be held on campus with strict safety protocols, including daily health screenings, the wearing of masks, and physical distancing.

“We look forward to the full return to campus, but we will continue our current protocols to prioritize the wellbeing of our campus community and to provide a safe learning environment,” said Dr. Jill Stearns, Cuesta College Superintendent / President. “We want to ensure that our students are fully supported as they complete their educational goals.”

Cuesta College continues to plan for an extended duration of the coronavirus pandemic in collaboration with local and state public health agencies and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. A mostly online spring semester follows the implementation of the Fall 2020 Safe Reopening Plan, which is available on the COVID-19 resource webpage at cuesta.edu/covid-19/index.html.

To ensure student success, expanded online support for programs and services is available through the Virtual Lobby on the college webpage. Cuesta College staff are available on Zoom to answer questions regarding admissions & enrollment services, counseling, financial aid, technology, tutoring, and more.

Financial aid is available for students experiencing pandemic-related financial hardships. Students may apply for one-time grants through Federal CARES Funds and the Cuesta Assistance for Student Emergencies Fund. Additionally, students can start planning for the 2021-22 school year by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or a California Dream Act application. Scholarships available through the Cuesta College Foundation include the Cuesta Promise, providing two fee-free years at Cuesta College for every recent SLO County high school graduate, as well as general scholarships for all students.  

The spring semester starts Jan. 19, 2021. A full list of classes is available beginning Oct. 30 at bit.ly/cuesta-classes. General registration begins Nov. 23 at bit.ly/cuestaregistration.