COVID-19 Updates and Resources
Updated Thursday, June 4, 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:
- Summer 2020 lecture classes are offered fully online.
- 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.
- 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.
- 40 buildings are closed to daily use to reduce utility costs and to ease custodial burden.
- The Children’s Centers are closed and will reopen on June 15 for a 6-week summer session.
- All athletic competitions and CPAC performances suspended.
- The Aquatics Center is closed until further notice.
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
Summer 2020 lecture classes are offered fully online. Tutoring services are also available online. DSPS students can contact their assigned
DSPS counselor for questions regarding accommodations.
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.
Grades
Click here for Spring 2020 Grading Options for students.
The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office through executive orders has instituted the following changes in response to 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 – 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.
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.
Withdrawal from Classes
Before making any decisions to drop courses, please contact your professor or a counselor for recommendations and guidance. A list of email contacts for services can be found by clicking here.
If you have an extraordinary situation impacting your course success, take some time to review the options available to you.
Incomplete Grade Option:
Incomplete academic work for unforeseeable, emergency, and justifiable reasons at the end of the term may result in an “I” symbol being entered in the student’s record. The condition for removal of the “I” shall be stated by the instructor in a written contract. The incomplete contract shall contain the conditions for removal of the “I” and the grade assigned in lieu of its removal. A copy of the incomplete contract must be given to the student with a copy on file with Enrollment Services (Admissions and Records). The contract remains on file until the assigned work has been completed and evaluated or when the time limit for completing the work has passed. The “I” must be made up before the end of the following regular semester, or it will be considered as an “F” grade. The “I” symbol shall not be used in calculating units attempted nor for grade points. Students may appeal for an extension of time due to extenuating circumstances.
Excused Withdrawal (EW):
Due to the existing state of emergency, an “EW” is acceptable when a student withdraws from a course(s) due to extraordinary reasons beyond their control. These withdrawals shall not be counted in progress probation and dismissal calculations. Nor shall it be counted towards the permitted number of withdrawals or counted as an enrollment attempt. A student may request an EW for only one course or all courses in a term depending on the reason for the request.
Canvas
Canvas is the Learning Management System (LMS) at Cuesta College.
- Click this link to access your course: https://cuesta.instructure.com/enroll/EYLW9R
- 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.
Cuesta College Student Tutorial (Zoom)
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.
This tutorial will provide you with critical information on how to use the system: https://www.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Qkc7KpkNSFOdlTwpZkGFlQ?zcid=1664&zcid=1642
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.
Student Success Centers / Tutoring
The Student Success Center is now 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.
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. Courses available online, including six-week short courses and certified training programs through ed2go, are still actively meeting.
The Aquatics Center is closed until further notice.
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).
Bookstore
Bookstore services are available online.
Children’s Centers
The Children’s Centers are closed and will reopen on June 15 for a 6-week summer session..
Food Pantry
Effective March 24, 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 SLO County Food Bank for updates on food resource availability in your neighborhood or call (805) 238-4664.
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 not required on campus until further notice.
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 have moved to phone and online delivery.
Counseling
Cuesta College Counselors are available to connect with students by Zoom, phone, or email. Click here to make an appointment.
Financial Aid
CARES Act Emergency Grant. The recently passed 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 now 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
All Cuesta College athletics and games for the remainder of the Spring 2020 season are canceled, and will be restored, per the recommendation of the CCCAA. Courses related to Athletics will be treated as other coursework, and students should check their emails for contact from their instructors.
The Aquatics Center is closed.
Events
On-campus events and gatherings are canceled until further notice. Click here for CPAC ticket refunds and events update.
Are all classes online now?
Summer 2020 lecture classes are offered fully online.
Cuesta College moved to online course delivery as of Mar. 19 and for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester.
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.
DSPS students can contact their assigned DSPS counselor for questions regarding accommodations.
What is the impact of COVID-19 to students?
Recognizing that the move to online instruction has been disruptive and challenging for community college districts and students in light of the uncertainty of the statewide emergency, the Board of Governors had granted additional authority to Chancellor Oakley.
- On March 20, through Executive Order 2020-01, Chancellor Oakley temporarily suspended the regulations of the Board of Governors regarding excused withdrawal with a refund.
- On March 27, through Executive Order 2020-02, Chancellor Oakley temporarily suspended the regulations of the Board of Governors regarding pass/no pass grading, repetition of courses, and non-evaluative grading symbols.
These changes are implemented to reduce negative impact of the uncertainty of the emergency and the required move to remote instruction. There has been no change of the CSU and UC requirement for transfer that major courses be awarded a letter grade.
What is Cuesta doing to minimize risk at its facilities?
Cuesta College 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.
For the most up-to-date information about symptoms, diagnosing and treatment, as well as local public health response, please visit the following websites:
- 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