COVID-19 Updates and Resources
Updated Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Message from the Superintendent / President:
Cuesta College’s top priority is to maintain the well-being and health of our students and employees, while supporting student completion of their educational goals. Your patience is appreciated as we continue to navigate this rapidly evolving situation. We are in constant communication with public health experts and the chancellor’s office to ensure our campus is aligned with their recommendations. The COVID-19 emergency requires ongoing changes to our campus operations.
At this time:
- The Safe Reopening Plan Fall 2020 is now available to view.
- Please click here for the CDPH COVID-19 Industry Guidance for Institutions of Higher Education
- Cuesta College has completed the Business Readiness to Reopen COVID-19 Self-Evaluation & Certification.
- Fall 2020 lecture classes as well as most lab, activity, and performance courses will be fully online.
- Difficult-to-convert labs, activities, and performance courses will include in-person instruction on campus with strict hygiene protocols and safety modifications.
- The CCCAA announced that intercollegiate athletics for the 2020-21 academic year will shift to Spring 2021.
- Events and performing arts will be available via virtual platforms.
- Community Programs classes will be available online.
- A self-report system is available for individuals who may have been exposed to someone with coronavirus or are experiencing symptoms. While Cuesta College is currently not considered an exposure risk, we will continue to follow the SLO County Public Health Department’s authority on any self-reported or confirmed positive cases.
- Starting June 18, face coverings and masks are required in public spaces - particularly indoors or when physical distancing is not possible. Read more about the state mandate here.
- Please click here for CDC Considerations for Institutes of Higher Education.
- The 55th Commencement Ceremony is postponed to Dec. 18, 2020.
- Student Services are available remotely via Zoom, email, and phone.
- Financial aid and other resources are available to support your college enrollment. Click here for more info.
- Access to academic technology and resources are available 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday – Friday in the SLO Campus Library (3200) and NCC Campus Center (N1000/1100). Face masks or other face coverings are required on campus.
- 40 buildings are closed to daily use to reduce utility costs and to ease custodial burden.
Thank you for the great demonstration of care for each other. In this time of uncertainty, the acts of kindness and compassion are important to all – we are all in this together.
Jill Stearns, Ph.D.
Superintendent/President
Please see below for further guidelines and updates.
Instructional Continuity
Fall 2020 lecture classes as well as most lab, activity, and performance courses are fully online. Difficult-to-convert labs, activities, and performance courses will include in-person instruction on campus with strict safety and hygiene protocols.
The fall semester begins Aug. 17, and general registration is available by clicking here. A full list of classes is on the class finder; however, updates to the schedule will continue to be made through July 17. Lecture classes previously scheduled to be on campus are now entirely online. Students enrolled in a lab, activity, or performance class may still have a campus component and should continue to review the most up-to-date status of such courses on the class finder.
No action is required for students already registered for classes. Students who wish
to make changes to their class schedule, including adding classes, are advised to
wait until the schedule updates are complete on July 17 to ensure the most current
information regarding course options is available for their consideration.
Access to academic technology and resources are available 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday
– Friday in the SLO Campus Library (3200) and NCC Campus Center (N1000/1100). Face masks or other face coverings are required on campus.
Canvas
Canvas is the Learning Management System (LMS) at Cuesta College.
- Click this link to access your course.
- Log in using your MyCuesta credentials, accept the terms of use (if prompted), click "Enroll in Course" in the upper right-hand corner, then click "Go to Course" to get started.
The tutorials below provide helpful tips and resources to make your online experience successful.
- Canvas Quick Reference for Students
- Canvas Student Video Tutorials
- Canvas login for enrolled students
- Canvas System Requirements
- Setting your Canvas Notifications
If you need assistance, please reach out to Tech Support at support@instructure.com. When emailing make sure you include your course number, teacher name, identify the issue or link to the page or resource.
Zoom Tutorial
Zoom is an online live chat system that will allow you to connect with Enrollment Services (Admissions and Records), Counseling, DSPS, Financial Aid and Mental Health Counseling.
Please click here for a tutorial with information on how to use Zoom.
NetTutor
NetTutor tutorials that demonstrate the student experience interacting with live tutors using Pisces and getting feedback on a paper using the Paper Center. Go to the NetTutor YouTube Channel for more video tutorials. NetTutor supports tutoring 24 hours a day, every day in ESL, English and writing, FYE and College Success, Humanities, and Mathematics. Find tutoring for each subject area.
Grades
The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office through executive orders has instituted the following changes in response to the COVID-19 crisis:
- 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 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.
If you find yourself struggling in your coursework, please utilize the support resources outlined below. Assisting you to completion of your educational goal is our priority.
Student Success Centers / Tutoring
The Student Success Center is now on Canvas and all tutoring is available online using live Zoom sessions. DSPS students can contact their assigned DSPS counselor for questions regarding accommodations.
How to access online tutoring:
- Click here: https://cuesta.instructure.com/enroll/8LN4AP
- Sign in to Canvas
- Select “Enroll in Course” (no fees apply – it just adds it to your Canvas dashboard)
- Select “Go to Course”
Click here for additional information and instructions.
Writing Help
Please click here for online tutoring support, and refer to the Writing Center webpage for updates.
Community Programs
Community Programs in-person classes are suspended until further notice. These include Community Education, Aquatics, and Recreation Programs. Fall 2020 courses will be available online.
The Aquatics Center is closed, with the exception of select academic/athletic (credit) offerings for registered students.
California Men’s Colony
Cuesta College classes at the California Men's Colony (CMC) have moved to "correspondence course" format. Printed course material will be delivered to CMC staff.
Counseling Support
If you need to speak to an academic counselor, you may access a counselor, via Zoom, telephone or email. For more information, please click this link.
Financial Assistance
If you need access to emergency financial resources in order to complete your coursework, please click this link.
Campus Services
Access to academic technology and resources are available 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday – Friday in the SLO Campus Library (3200) and NCC Campus Center (N1000/1100). Face masks or other face coverings are required.
Bookstore
Bookstore services are available online.
Children’s Centers
Starting June 15, the Children’s Centers are open for a 6-week summer session..
Food Pantry
The Cougar Food Pantry is available Monday – Friday, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., on both campuses in the following locations:
- SLO Campus: Library, Building 3200
- NC Campus: Cuesta College Police, N1021, Campus Center 1st Floor – please call (805) 546-3205 for assistance
Please check the SLO County Food Bank for updates on food resource availability in your neighborhood or call (805) 238-4664.
Human Resources
For Cuesta College employees, human resources and payroll are available by appointment only.
Library / Learning Resource Centers
Library resources are accessible online.
The Library & Learning Resource Center on the North County Campus is closed. Computers are available for students in the SLO Campus Library and the NCC Campus Center.
Parking Permits
Parking permits are required and must be properly displayed on all vehicles parked on campus property, including parking lots and roadways, when classes are in session. Parking permit enforcement begins the second week of each semester, and will begin on June 22 for the summer session.
RTA Bus Service
Effective March 16, SLORTA is operating on a Saturday schedule. Route 14 is not running. Route 12 will operate a call stop for Cuesta College. To schedule a pick up, call (805) 541-2228 15 minutes prior to pick up time. See schedules at https://www.slorta.org
Student Services
Cuesta College student support services are available by phone and online.
Counseling
Cuesta College Counselors can connect with students by Zoom, phone, or email. Click here to make an appointment.
Financial Aid
CARES Act Emergency Grant. The federal CARES Act includes funds for students to help with immediate needs related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Student Emergency Funds Available. Cuesta College is accepting applications for one-time grants to students who are experiencing pandemic-related financial hardships.
The Financial Aid Department is available by email at finaid@cuesta.edu, phone at (805) 546-3143, or live video chat (Zoom). For quick questions, try the “Ask Cougie” chatbot on the webpage in the bottom right hand corner.
Student Life and Leadership
All student club meetings on campus and field trips are canceled. Clubs are encouraged to use online resources to conduct business remotely. To hold a virtual meeting or activity, please complete the online request form at least 3 days before the meeting/activity to get proper approvals from club advisors. For questions, please email studentlife@cuesta.edu.
Student Success Centers / Tutoring
The Student Success Center is on Canvas and all tutoring is available online using live Zoom sessions.
How to access online tutoring:
- Click here: https://cuesta.instructure.com/enroll/8LN4AP
- Sign in to Canvas
- Select “Enroll in Course” (no fees apply – it just adds it to your Canvas dashboard)
- Select “Go to Course”
Click here for additional information and instructions.
Athletics
The CCCAA Board of Directors announced the approval of a contingency plan that shifts all intercollegiate athletics for the 2020-21 academic year to the spring season.
The Spring 2021 season will be broken up into two sessions, with several sports beginning in February and ending in April, and a second group of sports beginning in April and ending in June. There will be a reduced number of games and any type of championship would end at the Regional level.
The Aquatics Center is closed, with the exception of select academic/athletic offerings for registered students.
Events
Events and performing arts will be available via virtual platforms.
Are all classes online now?
Fall 2020 lecture classes as well as most lab, activity, and performance courses are fully online. Difficult-to-convert labs, activities, and performance courses will include in-person instruction on campus with strict safety and hygiene protocols.
All full- and part-time office hours are held online. Computers are available in the Learning Resource Centers (LRC) in SLO and the Campus Center in North County during regular hours. Face masks or other face coverings are required on campus.
DSPS students can contact their assigned DSPS counselor for questions regarding accommodations.
What is Cuesta doing to minimize risk at its facilities?
The Safe Reopening Plan Fall 2020 is now available to view online. Cuesta College has also completed the Business Readiness to Reopen COVID-19 Self-Evaluation & Certification.
Our disinfecting protocol aligns with CDC recommendations. We use quaternary disinfectants, alcohol, and bleach which are recommended for stopping the spread of Covid-19.
We disinfect all areas that people touch including: door handles, doors, tops of tables and desks, walls, dispensers, mirrors, light switches, hand rails, all floors, and restrooms. Our custodial employees are trained in the use of all disinfectants to kill blood-born pathogens, germs and viruses.
What does it mean if a building is closed to daily use?
Employees may access closed buildings to retrieve personal belongings, items needed to complete remote work, or access your computer. If you access a closed building outside of the current campus hours (M-F, 8 am – 5 pm) please send a quick email to Cuesta Police (ccpd@cuesta.edu) letting them know your name, where you are, and how long you plan to stay.
- The HVAC is off in these buildings except where required, e.g. preserve animal life.
- Some or all of the restrooms in a building may be locked and “out of order”. Any closed restrooms will have a sign on the door directing you to the nearest open restroom. Please respect these closures.
- Please remove any food waste, from your work area as you exit.
- Personal workspaces in closed buildings will not be subject to regular cleaning. You are encouraged to sterilize work surfaces on your own as needed.
Faculty are encouraged to communicate with their Chair regarding instructional needs (classrooms, labs, equipment) as we strive to consolidate into common spaces thereby allowing our custodial staff to clean and disinfect on a regular basis.
What should I do if I suspect that I have been exposed?
If you are experiencing a combination of COVID-19 symptoms described on the Student Health Center webpage, please call your health provider. For general inquiries and additional information, you are encouraged to call the SLO County Public Health Department 24 hour line (805) 788-2903 or visit SLO County Public Health website.
Cuesta has an Exposure Reporting Form online if you suspect you may have been exposed to someone with coronavirus (COVID-19) or are experiencing symptoms of the virus.
Cuesta College employees who report possible exposure to COVID-19 should:
- Work from home
- Make note of date of possible exposure
- Contact Human Resources for FFCRA Reporting
- hr@cuesta.edu
- (805) 546-3129
- Track 14 days from date of possible exposure as a quarantine period
When can I return to campus after being exposed to COVID-19?
Please click here for guidelines on when you can return to campus.
For the most up-to-date information about symptoms, diagnosing and treatment, as well as local public health response, please visit the following websites:
- August 6: Email from the Superintendent / President - Safe Reopening Plan Fall 2020
- July 6: Press Release - Fall 2020 Semester Updates
- July 2: Email from Academic Affairs - Fall 2020 Update
- June 29: Email from the Superintendent / President - COVID-19 Update, Fall 2020
- June 9: Email from the Superintendent / President - COVID-19 Update
- May 22: Email from the Superintendent / President - Congratulations, graduates!
- May 13: Email from the Superintendent / President - 2020 Commencement
- May 13: Press Release - 2020 Commencement
- May 11: Email from Student Services - Updated Student Grading Options
- May 5: Email from Student Services - Student Grading Options
- May 5: Email from Student Services - Applications for Support Funds
- April 30: Email from Community Programs - Summer Youth Programs
- April 20: Email from the Superintendent / President
- April 17: Press Release
- April 10: Email from the Superintendent / President
- April 7: Email from Community Programs - Summer Program Registration
- April 7: Email from Community Programs
- April 3: Email from the Superintendent / President
- April 2: Email from Student Services
- April 2: Update on Coronavirus Cases
- April 1: Press Release
- March 31: Email from Student Services
- March 30: Email from the Superintendent / President
- March 27: Email from Community Programs
- March 26: Update on Coronavirus Case
- March 25: Email from Student Services
- March 25: Email from the Superintendent / President
- March 24: Email from the CPAC
- March 24: Email from Community Programs
- March 23: Email from Student Services
- March 23: Email from Student Services
- March 20: Email from the Superintendent / President
- March 20: Email from the Superintendent / President
- March 18: Resolution No. 04-20
- March 18: Campus State of Emergency
- March 17: Email from Student Services
- March 16: Email from the Superintendent / President
- March 13: Email from the Superintendent / President
- March 13: Press Release
- March 13: Email from the Superintendent / President
- March 13: Email from Student Services
- March 13: Press Release
- March 13: Email from the Superintendent / President
- March 12: Cancellation of events
- March 12: Email from the Superintendent / President
- March 11: Email from Student Services
- March 10: Email from the Superintendent / President
- March 3: Email from Student Services
- March 2: Email from Student Services