Dear Cuesta College Community,

Yesterday President Trump extended the federal social-distancing guidelines originally set to expire on March 31 to April 30, 2020. While we were hopeful that the county and state orders to shelter in place would be short, that has not come to fruition. Instead, we will continue to work remotely until it is safe to return to campus. An email is being prepared for students to provide detail that will assist them to successfully complete spring 2020 including support resources and withdrawal options. The email to students will be posted to the COVID-19 webpage, as will this one, to ensure that our entire campus community has access to the same information. 

The COVID-19 emergency requires ongoing changes to our campus operations. At this time:

  • Cuesta College courses will remain online through spring term, May 22, 2020.
  • Student Services will remain online until it is safe to return to campus.
  • 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).
  • Hours above will be extended to include Saturdays beginning April 18 – May 16 from noon to 4 p.m.
  • 40 buildings are being closed to daily use to reduce utility costs and to easy custodial burden.
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 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.

Our world of work shifted abruptly and you have been exceptional in rising to the challenge of working remotely. The COVID-19 webpage is updated daily to ensure the most recent information is available to you and to our students.

I appreciate the many ways you are meeting needs of students today – from your home!

Stay well and keep washing your hands,

Jill Signature

Jill Stearns, Ph.D.

Cuesta College Superintendent/President