For many California Community College students, the sudden transition to fully online learning and support services was and still remains difficult. Many students had little to no experience with taking online courses prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and for some, access to a laptop and reliable internet connectivity remain barriers to their continued learning.
Despite these challenges, key system technology tools and resources are facilitating many students’ ability to quickly adapt to a new reality and continue their education.
“The COVID-19 pandemic definitely impacts our educational experience but our administration, staff, faculty and our Renegade students have dedicated their time and efforts into making this transition the best one we can have,” stated Samantha Gonzalez Pulido, Bakersfield College Student Government Association President, during the Chancellor’s Office April Virtual Town Hall. “Our learning and education are number one to us and the COVID-19 pandemic won't stop us from achieving our main goal, which is a college degree.”
Gabriela Rosas, a student at East Los Angeles College, has been using a number of system tools during her shift to a completely virtual community college experience: “My professors are conducting lectures through Zoom at the same times I would have been in class. One of my professors is using Pronto to communicate to students, and I use it to communicate with other classmates. I have used Cranium Cafe to schedule appointments with my counselor and the financial aid office.”
The Chancellor’s Office is continuing to expand system resources specifically designed to help students sustain their learning and receive supports online, including:
Resources for Online Learning
Additional Resources for Student Support
Chancellor's Office COVID-19 Updates
During an April webinar with student media representatives, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley stated, “We have the most resilient students in all of California higher education, so I have no doubt that, whatever happens to our students this semester, they will be prepared to transfer and will do great.”
Danny Thirakul, Statewide President for the Student Senate for California Community Colleges and a student at Sacramento City College, expressed his gratitude for the Chancellor’s Office guidance during colleges’ transitions: “We have done great as a system in reacting and making sure that we address our concerns little by little, making sure that everything is being touched on, making sure that services are being provided.”
The Chancellor’s Office is continually updating its website with information about COVID-19, including public health information, emergency planning resources and communications to colleges.
For more information on available student supports, visit the Student Resources page on the Chancellor’s Office website. Easily direct students to this page by providing them the URL stayenrolled.com.