COVID-19 Updates and Resources

Updated Friday, July 23, 2021

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 2021 lecture classes as well as most lab, activity, and performance courses are mostly online. Click here to register.
Difficult-to-convert labs, activities, and performance courses include in-person instruction on campus with strict hygiene protocols and safety modifications.
Please do not come to campus if you're sick or experiencing symptoms. Guidance for quarantine is based on vaccine, positive COVID-19 test, and exposure. Follow the guidance available by clicking here that best fits your situation.
With California’s reopening on June 15, Cuesta College will no longer require masks outdoors. Please see the latest email communication from the Superintendent / President as of 06/15/21.
Please click here for updated CDPH guidance on face coverings as of 06/15/21.
Please click here for CDC Guidance for Institutions of Higher Learning (colleges and universities) as of 06/04/21.
All community members age 12 and older are now eligible for the vaccine and we continue to encourage vaccination for our students and employees. The SLO County mass vaccine clinic at Cuesta College is now closed, however both 1st and 2nd dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments will continue to be available through My Turn and Vaccine Finder.
As of June 10, 2021, fully vaccinated, asymptomatic individuals are excluded from sentinel vaccine testing.
Please click here for COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People.
Please click here to stay informed about the COVID-19 vaccine in SLO County.
Student Services are available remotely via Zoom, email, and phone. Check out the Virtual Lobby here.
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 Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in the SLO Campus Library (3200) and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the NCC Campus Center (N1000/1100). Face masks or other face coverings are required.
Updated campus maps are available to find open buildings, temperature kiosk locations, and available bathrooms.
Cuesta College has completed the Business Readiness to Reopen COVID-19 Self-Evaluation & Certification.
Events and performing arts are available via virtual platforms.
Community Programs offerings can be viewed at https://www.cuesta.edu/communityprograms/.
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.

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 signature

Jill Stearns, Ph.D.
Superintendent/President

Please see below for further guidelines and updates.

+Toggle d8e337 AccordionInstructional Continuity

Instructional Continuity

Summer 2021 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 Summer 2021 session begins Jun. 14, and general registration is available by clicking here. A full list of classes is on the class finder.

Access to academic technology and resources are available Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in the SLO Campus Library (3200) and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the NCC Campus Center (N1000/1100).

With California’s reopening on June 15, Cuesta College will no longer require masks outdoors. Masks will continue to be required indoors in shared and public spaces, including classrooms. Individuals working alone in an office are not required to wear a mask, but should have one available.

Please click here for updated CDPH Guidance on face coverings through 06/14/21.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Community Programs

Please view Community Programs offerings by visiting https://www.cuesta.edu/communityprograms/.

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.

Financial Assistance

If you need access to emergency financial resources in order to complete your coursework, please click this link.

+Toggle d8e337 AccordionCampus & Student Services, Athletics, and Events

CAMPUS MAPS

Thank you for keeping Cuesta College safe! Check out the updated maps for both campuses to find open buildings, temperature kiosk locations, and available bathrooms.

Campus Services

Access to academic technology and resources are available Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in the SLO Campus Library (3200) and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the 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.

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.

Events

Events and performing arts will be available via virtual platforms.

+Toggle d8e337 AccordionFrequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and Cuesta College

Are all classes online now?

Summer 2021 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 Spring 2021 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?

For a list of open buildings, please visit the Safe Reopening Plan and updated campus maps.

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.

+Toggle d8e337 AccordionFrequently Asked Questions about COVID-19

For the most up-to-date information about symptoms, diagnosing and treatment, as well as local public health response, please visit the following websites:

COVID-19 Updates and Resources

Updated Friday, July 23, 2021

Message from the Superintendent / President:

Jill Stearns, Ph.D.Superintendent/President

Instructional Continuity

Canvas

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

Writing Help

Counseling Support

Community Programs

California Men’s Colony

Financial Assistance

CAMPUS MAPS

Campus Services

Bookstore

Children’s Centers

Food Pantry

Human Resources

Library / Learning Resource Centers

Library resources are accessible online.

Parking Permits

RTA Bus Service

Student Services

Counseling

Financial Aid

Student Life and Leadership

Student Success Centers / Tutoring

Athletics

Events

Cuesta College Home

Campus Maps

Resources

Jill Stearns, Ph.D.
Superintendent/President