CCSF Community Messages
OFFICIAL COLLEGE STATEMENT
Good
Afternoon CCSF Community,
I
hope this letter again finds you well. As we wrap up six weeks
in quarantine – and what a long six weeks it has been - I’d like
to kick things off by addressing the question on everyone’s
mind: what’s going to happen to shelter-in-place after May 3? We
know that the current guidelines and restrictions
developed by elected and public health officials will still
apply, such as leaving the house only when absolutely necessary,
wearing a mask, and staying 6 feet from others.
And unfortunately, the available health data
shows that we are not out of the woods yet. Even so, I am
working to convene a task force with leaders from each of our
constituency groups to begin planning what a gradual
return-to-work would look like. Again, the shelter-in-place
rules still apply, and likely will for the foreseeable future. I
know it’s difficult and frustrating, but absolutely essential in
order to protect one another. Thank you all for continuing to
do your part! This is literally about life and death.
And now, I’d like to turn for some
much-needed good news. At last night’s monthly Board of Trustees
meeting, the College made several important announcements:
-
We have just launched a virtual one-stop-shop for CCSF
students called the CCSF Virtual Campus. This is where
students can find everything from information about how to
request a Chromebook, virtual student services like academic
counseling, and resources like food and shelter. This new
virtual resource was made possible by the incredible
dedication and hard work of so many in our community,
including our amazing Student Affairs team. Please join me in
thanking them for their work!
-
As part of the CARES Act national recovery package, the
College will be receiving $3.5 million for distribution to
eligible full-time students. While we don’t yet have a
timeline for when we will receive this funding, please know
that once we receive it, we will work as quickly as possible
to distribute this critical funding to our students. We will
continue to provide weekly status updates.
- Please join us in welcoming Charmaine Curtis as our new Acting Senior Vice Chancellor, SVC of Facilities and Capital Planning. Charmaine has 30 years of Bay Area development experience, and will continue the critical construction and capital improvement work while we continue our search for a permanent SVC. The position closes on May 1, which is when we will begin the selection process for the permanent position. On his last day at CCSF, I’d also like to thank Dr. James Sohn for all his work improving our campus and centers around the City. We are grateful for all you’ve accomplished during your tenure here at City College.
In recognition of the College’s key role
ensuring the City’s workforce receives the necessary education,
workforce development, and job training to recover from the
difficult economic times ahead, I will be serving as a member
of the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force. I encourage
you to learn more about the role of the task force here, and I look forward to getting to work
on this initiative.
CCSF
Summer Term Schedule
As you all know, the
Summer 2020 schedule went live earlier this week. And given the
budget reality we have been living within for the last several
years, of course the offerings are not as robust as we – or our
community – would like. For example, given our limited
resources, our World Languages and Culture Department is unable
to offer American Sign Language (ASL) for the Summer term. That
difficult decision was made in part because ASL coursework has
not yet been converted to an online format, but also so that we
could instead offer classes like French, German, Spanish, and
Japanese. And while we wish we could offer every single class,
we simply do not have the resources to do so. We truly regret
that this has disappointed some in our community.
Even so, we’d like to remind the community
that even if a class is not being offered during a particular
term or semester, that does not mean the program has been
eliminated. Please be on the lookout for opportunities to take
ASL in future semesters.
The Financial Reality
While I hate to end this
letter on a sour note, I do need to address our budget reality.
Just as before the COVID-19 crisis started, we continue to face
a very difficult financial reality, not only as individuals, but
as an institution. This is only going to become more challenging
as funding from state and local sources begin to dwindle. But we
will do our best for our students with what we have. The budget
will continue to be one of my top priorities as Interim
Chancellor, and I want to thank our Participatory Governance
Budget and Enrollment Management Committees for continuing their
work together to make the most out of the funding we do
have.
This is a helpful
reminder that we are all in this together, and we will make it
to the other side - stronger than ever. Thank you for all you
continue to do for our students, for each other, and for our
community.
In
Gratitude,
Dianna R.
Gonzales
Interim Chancellor
Past Updates
OFFICIAL COLLEGE STATEMENT
To the CCSF Community,
I hope this note finds you well, and that everyone is taking extra care of themselves emotionally, physically, and mentally during this time. I know this is particularly difficult as we care for loved ones while also trying to study and work. But even during a pandemic, it is important that we all take time to find some levity and joy. There are some great ways to do this without even leaving your home. For example, in celebration of Golden Gate Park’s 150-year anniversary, SF Recreation and Parks has launched a weekly online concert series that will feature some of the park’s most popular live performances. If you have any other recommendations, please send a note to question@ccsf.edu, and we’ll continue sharing these suggestions – and others – with our community.
In COVID-19 related news, moments ago the City of San Francisco issued a new policy requiring everyone to wear face coverings when they leave their homes. Please see the attached document, which outlines these new requirements. There are a variety of videos available that demonstrate how to make masks out of homemade materials, which you can watch here. We encourage everyone to follow these guidelines to protect yourselves, and your community.
As the shelter-in-place continues, I'd like to remind everyone that we will not be resuming in-person instruction or delivery of student services for the duration of the Spring 2020 Semester. Summer courses will be those courses already geared for online instruction. We expect the Summer schedule to go live next week, and will send out a note to the community once it is available.
Please continue reading for some important news related to facilities, student services, and campus leases.
Facilities Access
We understand that there are very specific situations under which someone may need to come to campus. In this week’s Cabinet meeting, we again reiterated some procedures that must be followed before case-by-case campus access is granted. Below are some of these key points:
- STEP 1: No one is allowed on campus without prior approval from their Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC). If you need to access campus, you must send a note to your immediate supervisor, who will forward your request to the Division AVC.
- STEP 2: Your Division AVC will send your request to Associate Vice Chancellor Torrance Bynum, who will then work with Facilities and Campus Police to determine if your request can be accommodated. This is to ensure strict adherence to the health order issued by the City on March 31 (attached).
- STEP 3: Your AVC will let you know whether or not your request is approved. If access is granted, AVCs will work with you to ensure you follow appropriate health orders and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used.
- STEP 4: Facilities will provide you with an appointment time and an Administrator or Campus Police Officer will grant access at that time.
If these procedures are not followed, unfortunately you will not be provided campus access. This is to ensure the safety of you and your colleagues during the pandemic.
Student Services
We’d like to remind everyone that we are hard at work providing support to our students, even while our buildings are closed. This includes access to technological resources such as Chromebooks, which students can request through a form in the CCSF portal. I’d also like to highlight the medical and mental health services that are currently still available to our students. Our nurses are on standby to provide medical advice over the phone, and our mental health workers are also accessible to help students access critical community resources. Please read more about those services here, and be sure to fill out the appropriate forms to ensure your requests are accommodated as quickly as possible. We’re here to help!
We’d also like to share that beginning April 28, CCSF students currently receiving CalFresh benefits will be able to buy groceries online via Amazon and Walmart, and will receive free delivery on orders over $35. We hope this will help students stay home and keep healthy during the pandemic. For more information, please visit this link.
Leases
You may have heard that the College is discussing the Fort Mason and 1170 Market Street campus leases. As we’ve mentioned several times over the last several years, evaluating all of the College’s real estate is essential to balancing the budget, and that evaluation has been underway for quite some time. This item is currently scheduled to be discussed by the board at the upcoming April 23 meeting, but no decisions will be made at this time – nor have any been made. We will keep the community updated on any news related to the College’s facilities.
Just this week, this topic was discussed with the Academic Senate, AFT, LMC, Classified Senate, AAEC, at Cabinet, and at our monthly Participatory Governance Council meeting. This topic will continue to be discussed openly and extensively with all of our constituency groups.
Thank you all for all you continue to do in support of our students, our college, and the people of San Francisco. Please continue to be on the lookout for weekly notes from me each Friday, which will include important updates and news for the City College community. And, as always, we are available to address any questions and concerns at question@ccsf.edu.
In Gratitude,
Dianna
Dianna Gonzales
Interim Chancellor
City College of San Francisco
OFFICIAL COLLEGE STATEMENT
Dear CCSF Community,
As we approach nearly one month in shelter-in-place, I have to admit that I find myself struggling to adapt to the “new normal.” Even though we have so many ways to stay in touch – phone, video, text, you name it – it’s just not the same as being together. This social distancing is particularly notable as we enter the holiday season.
The first night of Passover was yesterday evening, and I know this was bittersweet for those who couldn’t celebrate with their families and loved ones. With Easter coming this Sunday and Ramadan beginning later this month, this feeling of disappointment will likely be experienced by even more members of our community. And while I know this is hard, I am hopeful that we will find new ways to acknowledge and celebrate these holidays with our loved ones, both near and far. I’d like to encourage everyone to keep checking in on each other, and to continue offering support however we can.
In that vein of connection, I’d like to update everyone on the Virtual Town Hall that the Board of Trustees and I hosted on Tuesday to answer questions from the College community. We’d like to thank everyone who joined and submitted their questions, which resulted in a discussion that ranged from the future format of CCSF coursework, to student support services, to bond construction activities. A recording of the meeting can be found here, and a list of all questions and responses will soon be posted here. We hope this discussion proved helpful, and we plan to host more of these meetings in the future.
There were several topics discussed at the meeting that I’d like to highlight below, along with some more recent important policy decisions:
- Commencement: After careful thought and consideration, we made the difficult decision to cancel the commencement ceremony this year. We know how important this milestone is to our students and their families, which is why this was such a difficult decision to make. However, we felt it absolutely necessary in order to protect the health and safety of our College community.
Please know that this does not impact a student’s ability to graduate. We are still matriculating students, and degrees and certificates will be mailed out this fall, as they are every year. Additionally, the Student Affairs team will be sending out a survey to graduating students in the coming weeks to determine the best way to celebrate graduation later this year.
- Spring 2020 Classes: As with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and San Francisco State University (SFSU), we will not be resuming in-person classes or in-person student services for the duration of the Spring Semester. Rather than waiting to see when the shelter-in-place will be lifted, making this determination now allows us to continue coordinating with SFUSD and SFSU to plan the instructional program for the balance of the semester, and for Summer 2020.
- Summer 2020 Coursework: In line with the recommendation from the Enrollment Management Committee, we have determined that Summer 2020 classes will continue to be offered online. Classes for the Summer term are those that have been designed specifically for online instruction, and we are working on a detailed outreach plan to ensure we can reach as many students as possible in regards to the planned format. Priority registration for Summer opens April 20, general registration for continuing students opens May 4, and registration for new students opens May 6.
- Student Support: City College is working hard to secure technological resources for students. We are continually working to identify additional resources for students, who we know may be having difficulty accessing the tools necessary for this new way of learning.
- Faculty and staff are invited to submit technology requests on behalf of their students through the link included in yesterday’s CityNotes.
- Students can send an email to question@ccsf.edu with their name, student ID, and preferred phone number to be added to a waitlist to borrow a Chromebook.
- In partnership with the CCSF Foundation, we have just launched a fundraiser to help provide our students with the technological and financial resources they so desperately need. Please continue to check the CCSF website for additional updates on student resources.
- Fall 2020 Coursework: We have not yet made a determination regarding the format of Fall 2020 course offerings. As you know, the global health situation is continually evolving, changing quite literally from one hour to the next. We will continue to monitor guidance from public health officials, elected officials, and the California Community College system. We hope to be able to make an informed decision by this coming June.
As Robert Frost said in his poem A Servant of Servants, “The best way out is always through.” “Through” is incredibly uncomfortable and difficult - and boy, are we in the thick of it right now. But please know you are not alone. I want to thank you all for your continued hard work, sacrifice, and partnership during this difficult time. And while it might be hard to remember now, we will make it through - together.
As always, if you have any questions or find yourself in need of help, please send an email to question@ccsf.edu. We are also continually updating the COVID-19 section of the CCSF website with updated College policies and information, and encourage you to check for regular updates on the City and County of San Francisco’s website as well.
In gratitude,
Dianna
Dianna Gonzales
Interim Chancellor
City College of San Francisco
Building Access Canceled for Monday, April 6
Dear CCSF Community,
I hope this note finds you and your loved ones safe and well during this difficult time. I write to you today for the first time as Interim Chancellor of City College of San Francisco - and what an honor it is to do so. I have truly enjoyed serving the College for the last four years, and am committed to working with our stakeholders to maintain our forward progress while we continue the search for a permanent Chancellor.
As you may already know, the shelter-in-place was officially extended by the local nine Bay Area Counties through May 3, with additional restrictions established by the City of San Francisco. This order maintains the same initial guidance, such as staying at home except to perform essential activities, but also closed playgrounds, dog parks, and recreation facilities.
These next several weeks are even more important than ever to ensure we can “flatten the curve,” and prevent the spikes in COVID-19 cases that have been faced elsewhere across the country. In some welcome good news, there is evidence that California’s early efforts have been crucial in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is critical for this work to continue to prevent the jump in cases projected for later this month. But this is what we do: we protect one another, and we keep one another safe. Pulling together for each other in this way is an inspiration for all.
We know this May 3 extension may make it more challenging to conduct your work remotely. Because of this, we are providing restricted access to faculty and staff this coming Tuesday, April 7 and Wednesday, April 8 to retrieve the remainder of your work-related resources. Access will no longer be granted on Monday, April 6.
To keep everyone safe, we have established guidelines that everyone must follow in order to participate, outlined in the attached document. If you do not follow this process, unfortunately you will not be allowed to enter any campus building. This is absolutely essential to ensure everyone’s health and safety.
We are continuing to post the latest community updates related to COVID-19 on our website, and encourage you to check this frequently. Please also consider joining us this coming Tuesday, April 7 for a Virtual Town Hall being hosted by the CCSF Board of Trustees. If you’d like to have any of your questions answered, please submit them through this form by Monday, April 6 at 11:59pm. You are also always welcome to send a note to questions@ccsf.edu. We are here to help.
Thank you for all you are doing to help our students stay on the path towards academic success, and for supporting one another. Together, we will all get through this – stronger than ever.
Be well,
Dianna
Dianna Gonzales
Interim Chancellor, City College of San Francisco
Instruction and Student Services Resume on March 30th
Dear CCSF Community:
We hope this message finds you well. This is an unprecedented time, not only in the 85-year history of City College of San Francisco, but in higher education across the country. The faculty, classified staff, and administration have been hard at work over the last two weeks preparing for the transition to remote instruction and student services on March 30th. Although campus buildings remain closed until further notice, we look forward to continuing with teaching and learning. In this message we want to remind you about some items related to this transition.
Over 85% of our credit classes will resume on March 30th with modified remote instruction. The others will resume when we are able to return to face-to-face instruction, the timing of which is still being determined. In the meantime, students can log onto Canvas to get specific information about their particular courses. For more information about using Canvas, students can visit our online Remote Course Support Center. We are particularly thankful to our Office of Online Learning team, especially Cynthia Dewar, Carol Reitan, Alan Lin, Alex Hosmer, Lisa Yamashiro, Jen Kienzle and Nancy Webb.
In addition to moving course content onto Canvas, we have worked with the State Chancellor’s Office and individual companies to deploy services that help support remote learning. Highlights include providing home access to Adobe Creative Cloud software to over 1,800 students and implementing new software to better support instructor/student communication in Canvas.
Student services will resume remotely on March 30th as well. This includes Counseling, Admissions and Records, Financial Aid, Disabled Students Programs & Services and Veteran’s Services. Details including hours of service are available on the individual department’s websites and in this Resource Guide. Students can also access library services online and tutoring services in Canvas through NetTutor.
We know that students and other community members have specific questions about the College and this transition to remote instruction and student services. Many of the most frequently asked questions are answered on our Coronavirus/COVID-19 Update page. Please be sure to review that page regularly for updates. If you have questions that you don’t see there, please ask us at question@ccsf.edu.
We are continuing to plan for City College’s future. At tonight’s Board Meeting, the CCSF Board of Trustees is expected to approve a number of contracts related to the construction and revitalization of the City College infrastructure, including the new Diego Rivera Theatre, STEAM complex, Student Success Center, and renovations to the John Adams and Evans Centers.
City College and the rest of the higher education community are attempting an unprecedented transition in instruction and student services. We know that there may be some bumps along the way, but we also know that the last few weeks have shown that our faculty, staff, and students are resilient. We remain committed to providing outstanding educational opportunities for all of our students, now and in the future.
Sincerely,
Senior Vice Chancellors
Tom Boegel
Dianna Gonzales
James Sohn
OFFICIAL COLLEGE STATEMENT
CCSF UPDATE
On the COVID-19/Coronavirus Emergency
‘STAY AT HOME’ DIRECTIVE BY GOVERNOR NEWSOM
PLANS, RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
First Day of Spring
Dear CCSF Community:
I hope this first day of spring finds you and your loved ones healthy. Thanks to you, the college is coping with this unprecedented emergency as best we can.
Although, we in San Francisco have been under “shelter in place” since last Tuesday morning, the Governor’s announcement for all Californians to stay at home is a significant step to do all we can do to prevent the spread of the COVID-19/Coronavirus.
Some few CCSF employees will be formally designated as “essential”, such as our public safety officers. The senior vice chancellors have the delegated authority to designate in writing “essential” personnel for specific purposes that comply with the governor’s order. They will contact you if you are so designated. The others of us are to stay at home and see to our health and that of our families and loved ones.
Then the most important thing is to get off the line and take a break this weekend. This is the best thing we can do for the college. I know that we will all get to the other side of this together. The work you are doing is selfless and heroic.
Thanks and take care,
Mark
- CCSF INFORMATION RESOURCES AVAILABLE NOW. Please look to the sidebar of the CCSF COVID-19/Coronavirus web portal and click through the links for further information for specific communities, of students, staff, faculty and administrators. Look through this information and if you can’t find the answer you need, please email: question@ccsf.edu. You will receive a real response from a real person if you leave your contact information.
- STUDENT HOTLINE COMING SOON. While all employees, including student workers, will continue to be paid, our highest priority is to see to students in particular distress. Perhaps some do not have internet; perhaps others are homeless or without food; perhaps a student or a member of the family is ill. We are training right now to install a student hotline late next week so that any student in distress for any reason can speak to a human being directly and obtain assistance. More details on this forthcoming.
- RECONNECTING ON MONDAY, MARCH 30. As many of you return from Spring Break on Monday, March 30, you can look forward to online access to your teachers and your classes via Canvas, as well as remote online access to Counseling, Admissions, Registration, Financial Aid, the Book Store and the Student Health Center. CCSF has tapped into our talented faculty and staff this week to equip CCSF employees with the tools and training needed to serve students, faculty and staff.
For now, the most important thing is to take care of yourself and your families.
If you have any immediate questions, please email them to:
question@ccsf.edu
Thank you and be well,
Dr. Mark W. Rocha, Chancellor
OFFICIAL COLLEGE STATEMENT
CCSF UPDATE
On the COVID-19/Coronavirus Emergency
Dear CCSF Community:
You have my earnest wish that you and your family are healthy and adapting as best you can after this second day of the City’s “shelter in place”. Please take heart and know that we move toward the day when this emergency will be over. These extraordinary restrictive measures will have the effect of “flattening the curve” of the spread of coronavirus so that we can bring an end to this global pandemic as soon as possible.
I also want to say how proud I am of you for the way you are responding with characteristic humanity and care for each other. Thank you, CCSF!
Here I want to provide the highlights of the facts on the implementation of our plan to continue instruction and student services on March 30 via online, remote and modified methods:
- CCSF INFORMATION RESOURCES AVAILABLE NOW. Please look to the sidebar to the right of the COVID-19/Coronavirus landing page and click through the links for further information for specific communities, of students, staff, faculty and administrators. Look through this information and if you can’t find the answer you need, please email: question@ccsf.edu. You will receive a real response from a real person if you leave your contact information.
- SHELTER IN PLACE MEANS NO EMPLOYEE OR STUDENT MAY COME TO ANY CAMPUS OR CENTER UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED AS “ESSENTIAL”. The official exceptions granted by the state and the city include our public safety officers and staff in facilities and maintenance. All others who have not received this official designation from me or one of the senior vice chancellors may not meet or work at any campus or center.
- THOSE OF US (LIKE ME) WHO ARE OVER 65 HAVE BEEN DIRECTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO “SELF-ISOLATE”. We really need to be careful and cautious. Even those who believe themselves to be in generally good health may not be aware that they have an underlying condition. Believe me, I know how hard this is. But please stay home until we receive further guidance from the Department of Public Health.
- STUDENT HOTLINE COMING SOON. While all employees, including student workers, will continue to be paid, our highest priority is to see to students in particular distress. Perhaps some do not have internet; perhaps others are homeless or without food; perhaps a student or a member of the family is ill. We are training right now to install a student hotline late next week so that any student in distress for any reason can speak to a human being directly and obtain assistance. More details on this forthcoming.
- BOARD COMMITTEE MEETINGS WILL CONTINUE TOMORROW AS POSTED. However, these will be entirely remote zoom meetings. Please click here to find the agenda and zoom information:
Board of Trustees Meetings 2020
We will have more information tomorrow. For now, the most important thing is to take care of yourself and your families.
If you have any immediate questions, please email them to:
question@ccsf.edu
Thank you and be well,
Dr. Mark W. Rocha, Chancellor
OFFICIAL COLLEGE STATEMENT
CCSF UPDATE
On the COVID-19/Coronavirus Emergency
CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO ORDERS
“SHELTER IN PLACE”
EFFECTIVE, 12:01 AM, TUESDAY, MARCH 17
until
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER No. C19-07
PRESS RELEASE
Dear CCSF Community:
Moments ago, Mayor Breed announced an official order for all residents to “shelter in place”. This means that we are to stay home except to conduct essential tasks such as going to the grocery, pharmacy or bank.
The complete announcement and the Mayor’s executive order are attached. Please read them and act in accordance.
For CCSF, this means that all buildings and facilities will be closed effective at 5pm today. Facilities and public safety will continue essential operations as directed by Senior Vice Chancellor James Sohn.
All other faculty, staff and administrators are to prepare now to leave the building and not return until at least April 7.
We will update this message and have more detailed information later today. For now, the most important thing is to take care of yourself and your families.
If you have any immediate questions, please email them to Leslie Milloy: lmilloy@ccsf.edu
Thank you and be well,
Dr. Mark W. Rocha, Chancellor
OFFICIAL COLLEGE STATEMENT
Sunday, March 15, 2020
CCSF UPDATE
On the COVID-19/Coronavirus Emergency
Dear City College Faculty, Students, Classified Staff Members and Administrators:
cc: CCSF Foundation, Members and Partners of the Extended CCSF Community
I pray this finds you and your family and neighbors healthy and well and managing through this global emergency.
I write to you today not as Dr. Rocha nor as the Chancellor, but just plain old Mark. I am doing my best with my colleagues to manage the college through this emergency while I also do my best to manage my own fear and anxiety. Your responses to this COVID-19/Coronavirus emergency have been universally caring, supportive and understanding. This more than anything else gives rise to the certain hope that we will pull through together and get back on track. The 85- year history of City College of San Francisco is testimony to this fact.
The COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic is developing rapidly. Our first planning principle has been to protect the health of everyone in our community through maximum social distancing. Accordingly, I clarify and reiterate the following elements of our emergency plan:
- We are now under suspension of all face-to-face classes, meetings and events at ALL City College facilities. There will be no faculty-student classes or meetings, large or small.
- The San Francisco Department of Health has suspended ALL student clinical rotations at all San Francisco hospitals and healthcare facilities. This applies to all of our Allied Health and Nursing programs. Please stand by. We will have further information from Academic Affairs in the coming week about how these programs will move forward.
- As announced last Thursday, all employees will have access to buildings on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17, from 8 :00 AM – 5:00 PM. There will be no further building access after Tuesday until further notice. Therefore, please make every effort to use Monday and Tuesday to obtain what you need for continued instruction. Senior Vice Chancellors Tom Boegel and Dianna Gonzales will have further guidance for both teaching and non-teaching faculty in a separate memo.
- Classified staff and administrators will continue to work with their direct supervisors to prepare to work remotely for the duration of the emergency. As stated in the update of March 12th, Student Affairs will be rolling out information this week for how student services will continue virtually.
- Building and Grounds, Public Safety, Construction Teams will work with their supervisors this week on adjusted and augmented schedules.
- Administrative Affairs will provide further guidance on business continuity via virtual and remote methods.
- Board of Trustees Committee meetings and regular meetings will be held as scheduled, via Zoom, as permitted under Governor Newsom’s recent Brown Act waiver. Tomorrow we will have the agenda posted for the Board Committee meetings on Thursday, March 19th, along with details on the conduct of the meetings.
- Finally, please note that a short time ago Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, stated, “The worst is still in front of us.” Moreover, Governor Newsom announced moments ago, among other new measures, that all individuals over the age of 65 should self-isolate at home. Please be safe and take maximum precautions at this time. We may also expect that there will be additional restrictions and measures at both the federal, state and city levels as this state of emergency continues.
Perhaps most importantly we will be establishing this week a phone hotline/internet chatline so that any member of the college community can talk to a helpful person with a question, concern or even for practical advice and referrals. We want to know about anyone who is in distress for any reason so that we can help. It is always our City College instinct to help anyone in need. And in this case, we must also do so for the practical reason of reducing the spread of this coronavirus.
If you have any immediate questions, please email them to Leslie Milloy: lmilloy@ccsf.edu
Thank you and be well,
Mark Dr. Mark W. Rocha, Chancellor
City College of San Francisco
Building Access Plan for March 13-20 General FAQs
Dear City College Faculty, Classified Staff, Administrators and Students:
The most important thing is your health and safety. I hope you and your families are well.
We all feel deeply how we are in a very difficult moment of an unprecedented emergency. We will come out of this together and it will all be okay.
I feel this way because I see how well you have responded and participated in the plan to take care of our students. This truly is your finest hour and I thank you for it.
As we prepare to suspend both face-to-face classes and student services tonight until March 30, 2020, many plans have been implemented.
Over the week of March 23, faculty will be teaching online classes and working remotely to convert face-to-face classes to the online Canvas platform. Most staff members will be working remotely to develop student services process and run the operations of the College. Public Safety, Student Health Center employees and Facilities staff will continue to work onsite. Spring Break for most students and employees will be held March 23-29, 2020.
In order to keep you well-informed and help guide student, faculty and staff activities through March 20, we have developed a great deal of information that appears above, including the attached Building Access and Emergency Plan and updated FAQs. Please check the website for the latest updates beginning next week.
Thank you and take good care,
Mark
Dr. Mark W. Rocha, Chancellor
City College of San Francisco
Dear CCSF Community:
The most important thing is your health and safety.
While today will be the last day of face-to-face classes and regular operations, please stay home if you have symptoms of any kind, if you think you may have been exposed or if you are at higher risk for COVID-19.
All face-to-face classes, meetings and events will be suspended today as of 10:00 PM, Thursday, March 12, 2020.
We will have updated and further detailed information by 4:00PM today on what to do starting tomorrow. In the meantime, please review the previous updates and FAQ’s.
Thank you and take care.
Dr. Mark W. Rocha, Chancellor
City College of San Francisco
School is open tomorrow, March 12, 2020. Classes will be in session and events will take place throughout the day and evening. Beginning Friday, March 13, 2020, face-to-face classes and College events will be suspended while online and tech-enabled classes will continue without interruption. Watch for a detailed communication for all students and employees Thursday afternoon. Thank you for your flexibility and stay well.
English Spanish Chinese
IMPORTANT CCSF ANNOUNCEMENT
COVID-19/Coronavirus Emergency
TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES AND MOVING UP OF SPRING BREAK TO THE WEEK OF MARCH 23rd
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees of City College of San Francisco has officially declared a state of emergency for the college, following the City of San Francisco’s official declaration of a state of emergency on February 26, 2020.
Accordingly, the CCSF Board of Trustees also announced a temporary suspension of face-to-face classes, meetings and events, effective at the end of the instructional day on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
CCSF will also move up its scheduled spring break from the week of March 30th to the week of March 23rd. This will enable the college to suspend normal operations while it completes an implementation plan to continue instruction through online and modified learning. The college will continue student services and administrative operations by working remotely and by providing services online.
Classes are scheduled to resume on Monday, March 30th, via modified and online learning formats. Classes will remain in these formats until the end of the semester and commencement on May 21, 2020; or until the current state of emergency is officially lifted by the Board of Trustees.
During the week of March 16th, there will be no CCSF classes or events. Faculty and staff, however, will remain in service for this week, either on campus or working remotely. Faculty and staff will use this week to prepare to deliver
instruction and services through modified and online learning and working remotely upon the resumption of the spring semester on Monday, March 30, 2020.
The week of March 23rd will be the CCSF spring break week in which classes and events are not scheduled.
Please note: The Cabinet will meet on Tuesday throughout the day with faculty, staff and student leaders to review this decision of the Board and to discuss implementation.
If you have any questions, please email:
Leslie Milloy, Chief of Staff, Chancellor’s Office
lmilloy@ccsf.edu
COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE FAQs
Documents
FAQs
Q: |
What is the plan for classes? |
A: |
From March 13-20, online classes will proceed, but face-to-face instruction is suspended. Spring Break has been moved to March 21-29 for all classes. Online classes and remote instruction for many classes will resume on March 30. Students can find out specific details for their classes by logging into Canvas. |
Q: |
Where can students find out more about using Canvas? |
A: |
Students can go to the CityOnline remote course support center for more information. |
Q: |
Will Canvas be able to handle the increased load? |
A: |
Canvas is hosted in the cloud, and has a 99.99% uptime. Even prior to the current situation we had set up Canvas to support all CCSF classes and students. |
Q: |
How does CCSF define Modified Learning? |
A: |
Modified Learning is defined as a class that is delivered remotely via Canvas, but was originally designed to be a face-to-face class. |
Q: |
What if I am scheduled to graduate and earn my degree, certificate or transfer in May 2020? |
A: |
Our highest priority for our students is to make sure that every student who is scheduled to graduate in May 2020 completes their current spring classes successfully. Step 1 is to file a petition to graduate. The deadline to do so has been extended to April 17. If you have not yet filed a petition, you can obtain the information here. If you want to make a counseling appointment or have any question at all, email completion@ccsf.edu. Counselors will be working during the next two weeks to identify our students who are on schedule to graduate. |
Q: |
What if students need to drop a class? Will they get a W? Will they owe money? |
A: |
Students will be able to drop classes without getting a W on their transcripts.
Students will see an EW grade on transcripts. An EW grade will have no impact on GPA, academic standing or repeat impacts.
Students can use the normal drop process through myRAM to drop.
The College will apply this to any student who dropped classes after the announcement of the suspension of face-to-face classes on March 9, 2020,
but NO LATER than May 8, 2020.
|
Q: |
What if students who had been getting a Free City grant drop a class? Will they owe money? |
A: |
Students will not owe money for any Free City grant money received, however, if a student drops classes it will impact future grant disbursements. |
Q: |
What if students who had been getting federal financial aid grant drop a class? Will they owe money? |
A: |
Normally, students that had been receiving federal financial aid that subsequently drop classes are required to pay back a portion of the aid they received. We are in contact with the Federal Department of Education and are seeking clarity about whether this general rule applies for this current situation. |
Q: |
If a student drops a class, will it count against repeatability or probation? |
A: |
Students that drop a class will not have a W on their transcript. It will not count against repeatability or towards probation. |
Q: |
Post 9/11 GI Bill Beneficiary – Monthly Housing Payments: What happens when a modality changes for enrollment terms due to COVID-19? |
A: |
Based on the new law, Post 9/11 GI Bill students who pursue resident courses converted to an online modality solely due to COVID 19 will continue to receive the MHA rate for resident training. The law only authorizes this special authority from March 1, 2020, to December 21, 2020. |
Q: |
Will student workers/lab aides experience any interruption or loss of pay? |
A: |
All employees, including student workers/lab aides, will be paid as usual without interruption. |
Q: |
What should students do if they're unable to participate in class during the week of March 30 due to prior Spring Break plans? |
A: |
Please contact your instructor, who will be flexible with deadlines. |
Q: |
If face-to-face classes are being offered in instructional locations outside of City College, will these classes continue with face-to-face instruction? |
A: |
Face-to-face instruction will continue as long as the third-party location site remains open. With the recent shelter-in-place order, there will be no classes at off-site locations between March 17 and May. |
Q: |
When can students access CCSF buildings? |
A: |
With the recent shelter-in-place order, students will not have access to CCSF buildings until May. |
Q: |
What additional resources are available to help people manage through this situation? |
A: |
Homeless and housing insecure students SF food pantry resources for food, medical and shelter chart: Glide Memorial 330 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 674-6000 Boxed Breakfast: 7am Boxed Dinner: 4pm St. Anthony 121 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 241-2600 Boxed Lunch: 11am Shelter Access: Call 311 to sign up for a 90-day shelter bed. 24 hour homeless drop-in shelters: Woman's Place (for those who identify as she/her) SFUSD will provide meals for children during school closure: Mental Health Counseling Please visit the San Francisco Department of Public Health Behavioral Health Services website for information on mental health counseling available for San Franciscans Please visit the CCSF Student Health Services website for a list of resources available in other counties. CCSF Credit students are also eligible for free mental health counseling through the CCSF Student Health Center Child Care Please visit the Children's Council of San Francisco website for more information about child care resources during the COVID-19 response. Health Care
Please visit the California COVID-19 Response website for information about Health Care resources related to COVID-19. CCSF Credit Students are eligible for nursing phone consultations through the CCSF Student Health Center. Please visit the CCSF Student Health Services website for more information. |
Q: |
What is the plan for classes? |
A: |
From March 13-20, online classes will proceed, but face-to-face instruction is suspended. Spring Break has been moved to March 21-29 for all classes. Online classes and remote instruction for many classes will resume on March 30. Students can find out specific details for their classes by logging into Canvas. |
Q: |
Where can students find out more about using Canvas? |
A: |
Students can go to the CityOnline remote course support center for more information. |
Q: |
Will Canvas be able to handle the increased load? |
A: |
Canvas is hosted in the cloud, and has a 99.99% uptime. Even prior to the current situation we had set up Canvas to support all CCSF classes and students. |
Q: |
How does CCSF define Modified Learning? |
A: |
Modified Learning is defined as a class that is delivered remotely via Canvas, but was originally designed to be a face-to-face class. |
Q: |
What if I am scheduled to graduate and earn my degree, certificate or transfer in May 2020? |
A: |
Our highest priority for our students is to make sure that every student who is scheduled to graduate in May 2020 completes their current spring classes successfully. Step 1 is to file a petition to graduate. The deadline to do so has been extended to April 17. If you have not yet filed a petition, you can obtain the information here. If you want to make a counseling appointment or have any question at all, email completion@ccsf.edu. Counselors will be working during the next two weeks to identify our students who are on schedule to graduate. |
Q: |
What if students need to drop a class? Will they get a W? Will they owe money? |
A: |
Students will be able to drop classes without getting a W on their transcripts.
Students will see an EW grade on transcripts. An EW grade will have no impact on GPA, academic standing or repeat impacts.
Students can use the normal drop process through myRAM to drop.
The College will apply this to any student who dropped classes after the announcement of the suspension of face-to-face classes on March 9, 2020,
but NO LATER than May 8, 2020.
|
Q: |
What if students who had been getting a Free City grant drop a class? Will they owe money? |
A: |
Students will not owe money for any Free City grant money received, however, if a student drops classes it will impact future grant disbursements. |
Q: |
What if students who had been getting federal financial aid grant drop a class? Will they owe money? |
A: |
Normally, students that had been receiving federal financial aid that subsequently drop classes are required to pay back a portion of the aid they received. We are in contact with the Federal Department of Education and are seeking clarity about whether this general rule applies for this current situation. |
Q: |
If a student drops a class, will it count against repeatability or probation? |
A: |
Students that drop a class will not have a W on their transcript. It will not count against repeatability or towards probation. |
Q: |
Will veteran students see an impact to their benefits with classes moving to a remote online format? |
A: |
The VA will continue to pay benefits regardless of the fact that the program has changed from resident training to online training. Also, students will continue to receive the same monthly housing allowance payments that they received for resident training until January 1, 2021, or until the school resumes normal operations of resident training. |
Q: |
Will student workers/lab aides experience any interruption or loss of pay? |
A: |
All employees, including student workers/lab aides, will be paid as usual without interruption. |
Q: |
What should students do if they're unable to participate in class during the week of March 30 due to prior Spring Break plans? |
A: |
Please contact your instructor, who will be flexible with deadlines. |
Q: |
If face-to-face classes are being offered in instructional locations outside of City College, will these classes continue with face-to-face instruction? |
A: |
Face-to-face instruction will continue as long as the third-party location site remains open. With the recent shelter-in-place order, there will be no classes at off-site locations between March 17 and May. |
Q: |
When can students access CCSF buildings? |
A: |
With the recent shelter-in-place order, students will not have access to CCSF buildings until May. |
Q: |
When can faculty & staff access CCSF buildings? |
A: |
With the recent shelter-in-place order, faculty and staff will not have access to CCSF buildings between March 17 and May unless directed by their supervising SVC. |
Q: |
How do I convert my classes to Canvas? What kind of technical and instructional support will be provided? |
A: |
Faculty should go to the CityOnline remote course support center for more information. |
Q: |
What should faculty do if they are unable to participate in class or work during the week of March 30 due to prior Spring Break plans? |
A: |
Per the March 11 District/AFT agreement, faculty unable to take on faculty duties/work during the week of March 30 may opt during the Mar. 30 week to: 1. Assign activities to be completed by students remotely, OR 2. Follow procedure for engaging a substitute instructor In either case, faculty will notify their Department Chair of their plans. |
Q: |
What should faculty who are scheduled to teach at an off-site location do if they are unable to continue in-person instruction while face-to-face instruction at CCSF locations is suspended? |
A: |
Per the March 11 District/AFT agreement, faculty will notify their department chair if they are unable to continue in-person instruction, and will work with their Chair to provide continuity of instruction. |
Q: |
With all travel suspended, how do employees handle reimbursement of non-refundable fees? |
A: |
Employees should first contact airlines, hotels, and conferences to attempt to get refunds for any expenses already incurred. Employees can submit travel claims for any expenses that cannot be refunded. |
Q: |
What's happening with the submission of midterm grades? |
A: |
The deadline for submitting midterm grades is still April 8th. |
Q: |
What additional resources are available to help people manage through this situation? |
A: |
Homeless and housing insecure students SF food pantry resources for food, medical and shelter chart: Glide Memorial 330 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 674-6000 Boxed Breakfast: 7am Boxed Dinner: 4pm St. Anthony 121 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 241-2600 Boxed Lunch: 11am Shelter Access: Call 311 to sign up for a 90-day shelter bed. 24 hour homeless drop-in shelters: Woman's Place (for those who identify as she/her) SFUSD will provide meals for children during school closure: Mental Health Counseling Please visit the San Francisco Department of Public Health Behavioral Health Services website for information on mental health counseling available for San Franciscans Please visit the CCSF Student Health Services website for a list of resources available in other counties. CCSF Credit students are also eligible for free mental health counseling through the CCSF Student Health Center Child Care Please visit the Children's Council of San Francisco website for more information about child care resources during the COVID-19 response. Health Care
Please visit the California COVID-19 Response website for information about Health Care resources related to COVID-19. CCSF Credit Students are eligible for nursing phone consultations through the CCSF Student Health Center. Please visit the CCSF Student Health Services website for more information. |
Q: |
What is the plan for classes? |
A: |
From March 13-20, online classes will proceed, but face-to-face instruction is suspended. Spring Break has been moved to March 21-29 for all classes. Online classes and remote instruction for many classes will resume on March 30. Students can find out specific details for their classes by logging into Canvas. |
Q: |
What if I am scheduled to graduate and earn my degree, certificate or transfer in May 2020? |
A: |
Our highest priority for our students is to make sure that every student who is scheduled to graduate in May 2020 completes their current spring classes successfully. Step 1 is to file a petition to graduate. The deadline to do so has been extended to April 17. If you have not yet filed a petition, you can obtain the information here. If you want to make a counseling appointment or have any question at all, email completion@ccsf.edu Counselors will be working during the next two weeks to identify our students who are on schedule to graduate. |
Q: |
What if students need to drop a class? Will they get a W? Will they owe money? |
A: |
Students will be able to drop classes without getting a W on their transcripts.
Students will see an EW grade on transcripts. An EW grade will have no impact on GPA, academic standing or repeat impacts.
Students can use the normal drop process through myRAM to drop.
The College will apply this to any student who dropped classes after the announcement of the suspension of face-to-face classes on March 9, 2020,
but NO LATER than May 8, 2020.
|
Q: |
What if students who had been getting a Free City grant drop a class? Will they owe money? |
A: |
Students will not owe money for any Free City grant money received, however, if a student drops classes it will impact future grant disbursements. |
Q: |
What if students who had been getting federal financial aid grant drop a class? Will they owe money? |
A: |
Normally, students that had been receiving federal financial aid that subsequently drop classes are required to pay back a portion of the aid they received. We are in contact with the Federal Department of Education and are seeking clarity about whether this general rule applies for this current situation. |
Q: |
When can faculty & staff access CCSF buildings? |
A: |
With the recent shelter-in-place order, faculty and staff will not have access to CCSF buildings between March 17 and May unless directed by their supervising SVC. |
Q: |
How can classified staff choose their preferred Spring Break week? |
A: |
You may inform your supervisor by 5:00pm Friday, March 13 which Spring Break week you’d like to take: March 23-27 or March 30 - April 3. Otherwise your break shall default to March 30 - April 3. |
Q: |
With all travel suspended, how do employees handle reimbursement of non-refundable fees? |
A: |
Employees should first contact airlines, hotels, and conferences to attempt to get refunds for any expenses already incurred. Employees can submit travel claims for any expenses that cannot be refunded. |
Q: |
What additional resources are available to help people manage through this situation? |
A: |
Homeless and housing insecure students SF food pantry resources for food, medical and shelter chart: Glide Memorial 330 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 674-6000 Boxed Breakfast: 7am Boxed Dinner: 4pm St. Anthony 121 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 241-2600 Boxed Lunch: 11am Shelter Access: Call 311 to sign up for a 90-day shelter bed. 24 hour homeless drop-in shelters: Woman's Place (for those who identify as she/her) SFUSD will provide meals for children during school closure: Mental Health Counseling Please visit the San Francisco Department of Public Health Behavioral Health Services website for information on mental health counseling available for San Franciscans Please visit the CCSF Student Health Services website for a list of resources available in other counties. CCSF Credit students are also eligible for free mental health counseling through the CCSF Student Health Center Child Care Please visit the Children's Council of San Francisco website for more information about child care resources during the COVID-19 response. Health Care
Please visit the California COVID-19 Response website for information about Health Care resources related to COVID-19. CCSF Credit Students are eligible for nursing phone consultations through the CCSF Student Health Center. Please visit the CCSF Student Health Services website for more information. |
Q: |
What is the plan for classes? |
A: |
From March 13-20, online classes will proceed, but face-to-face instruction is suspended. Spring Break has been moved to March 21-29 for all classes. Online classes and remote instruction for many classes will resume on March 30. Students can find out specific details for their classes by logging into Canvas. |
Q: |
How does CCSF define Modified Learning? |
A: |
Modified Learning is defined as a class that is delivered remotely via Canvas, but was originally designed to be a face-to-face class. |
Q: |
Will student workers/lab aides experience any interruption or loss of pay? |
A: |
All employees, including student workers/lab aides, will be paid as usual without interruption. |
Q: |
If face-to-face classes are being offered in instructional locations outside of City College, will these classes continue with face-to-face instruction? |
A: |
Face-to-face instruction will continue as long as the third-party location site remains open. With the recent shelter-in-place order, there will be no classes at off-site locations between March 17 and May. |
Q: |
When can students access CCSF buildings? |
A: |
With the recent shelter-in-place order, students will not have access to CCSF buildings until May. |
Q: |
When can faculty & staff access CCSF buildings? |
A: |
With the recent shelter-in-place order, faculty and staff will not have access to CCSF buildings between March 17 and May unless directed by their supervising SVC. |
Q: |
What additional resources are available to help people manage through this situation? |
A: |
Homeless and housing insecure students SF food pantry resources for food, medical and shelter chart: Glide Memorial 330 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 674-6000 Boxed Breakfast: 7am Boxed Dinner: 4pm St. Anthony 121 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 241-2600 Boxed Lunch: 11am Shelter Access: Call 311 to sign up for a 90-day shelter bed. 24 hour homeless drop-in shelters: Woman's Place (for those who identify as she/her) SFUSD will provide meals for children during school closure: Mental Health Counseling Please visit the San Francisco Department of Public Health Behavioral Health Services website for information on mental health counseling available for San Franciscans Please visit the CCSF Student Health Services website for a list of resources available in other counties. CCSF Credit students are also eligible for free mental health counseling through the CCSF Student Health Center Child Care Please visit the Children's Council of San Francisco website for more information about child care resources during the COVID-19 response. Health Care
Please visit the California COVID-19 Response website for information about Health Care resources related to COVID-19. CCSF Credit Students are eligible for nursing phone consultations through the CCSF Student Health Center. Please visit the CCSF Student Health Services website for more information. |
Q: |
What is the plan for classes? |
A: |
From March 13-20, online classes will proceed, but face-to-face instruction is suspended. Spring Break has been moved to March 21-29 for all classes. Online classes and remote instruction for many classes will resume on March 30. Students can find out specific details for their classes by logging into Canvas. |
Q: |
Will Canvas be able to handle the increased load? |
A: |
Canvas is hosted in the cloud, and has a 99.99% uptime. Even prior to the current situation we had set up Canvas to support all CCSF classes and students. |
Q: |
What if I am scheduled to graduate and earn my degree, certificate or transfer in May 2020? |
A: |
Our highest priority for our students is to make sure that every student who is scheduled to graduate in May 2020 completes their current spring classes successfully. Step 1 is to file a petition to graduate. The deadline to do so has been extended to April 17. If you have not yet filed a petition, you can obtain the information here. If you want to make a counseling appointment or have any question at all, email completion@ccsf.edu Counselors will be working during the next two weeks to identify our students who are on schedule to graduate. |
Q: |
What if students need to drop a class? Will they get a W? Will they owe money? |
A: |
Students will be able to drop classes without getting a W on their transcripts.
Students will see an EW grade on transcripts. An EW grade will have no impact on GPA, academic standing or repeat impacts.
Students can use the normal drop process through myRAM to drop.
The College will apply this to any student who dropped classes after the announcement of the suspension of face-to-face classes on March 9, 2020,
but NO LATER than May 8, 2020.
|
Q: |
When can students access CCSF buildings? |
A: |
With the recent shelter-in-place order, students will not have access to CCSF buildings until May. |
Q: |
When can faculty & staff access CCSF buildings? |
A: |
With the recent shelter-in-place order, faculty and staff will not have access to CCSF buildings between March 17 and May unless directed by their supervising SVC. |
Questions and Responses
Board of Trustees Town Hall
Current as of: April 10, 2020
The City College of San Francisco Board of Trustees and Interim Chancellor received a number of questions to address during the April 7 Virtual Town Hall, available in its entirety here. These questions have been organized by topic into different sections*. Each section begins with the list of questions, followed by the answers. This document is current as of April 10, 2020. Please continue to check the CCSF website for important community updates.
Thank you for your support as we continue working together to secure a bright future for our community.
* Please note that all questions were left in the form in which they were originally received.
I. Questions Related to Class Offerings and Online Learning
Question 1
We will need short-term, emergency, completion classes and new classes to meet the staggering unemployment figures in our region and assist in re-tooling and training in new technologies and for available jobs. We will also need innovative ways for students to catch up (especially in hands-on and CTE labs). How will the Office of Instruction work with our CTE Depts to ensure that we have the space and the budget to respond to the needs of the newly unemployed and employers in need of a skilled workforce? Other colleges are planning for summer sessions, over-lapping sessions, extended semesters, fast track classes and classes tied to labor needs. We have a stagnant schedule with no room for innovation and a decrease in course offerings just as unemployment and training needs are at the highest. The BACCC and our CTE Depts. want to respond, but the current "downsize offerings" message is out of step with regional movement.
Question 2
Can you please address plans for the upcoming Summer session? Specifically, when will it be held, will there be a reduction in the number of classes from last summer (and which areas) and will it be conducted online or in-person? Thank you.
Question 3
What planning is occurring regarding fall semester and the possible need to continue a 'shelter in place' and conduct learning online?
Question 4
Do you think by fall 2020 we are going to use Zoom to take classes? Because I really don’t like it.
Question 5
Students are losing housing/employment in the midst of this crisis. The future is very uncertain for our community at this point and sheltering in place could be extended or resume. Will CCSF move to an online only summer schedule for 2020 to enable students to avoid commuting/travel costs, allow student parents to care for their children who will be home and still attend classes, and give students the spare time they need to search for new employment/housing/ get settled etc.?
Question 6
I'm concerned about the quality of CCSF online courses during the shutdown. I am taking a lecture class this semester, which has now become an online class. But since this shift there is no more lecture, even though it should be possible to broadcast a lecture remotely. Because the material for this course is quite complex, the lack of lectures has made it quite difficult to continue. Will future online classes include a lecture component if the previous in-person version of the class included a lecture?
Question 7
Students learn differently. Don’t matter the circumstances. This can effect a students ability to comply with requirements because the face to face classes where cancelled. What procedures are being taken if student fail the class because the face to face class was converted to a online class structure and has to comply to online grading? Will students be faced with paying the class fees because of this?
Question 8
What kind of assurances can the administration provide that the college values the students in the Evans Center programs as much as they do those students in other centers who wish to attend four year schools. The perception of many of the Evans faculty is that at present, our students' goals and desires to create a stable life for themselves and their families is given short shrift.
Question 9
What is the plan for developing the Fall schedule? Please give a timeline of when key decisions will be made, who will make any decisions about cuts, and when those decisions will be made.
Question 10
I have always advocated in PDC that City faculty should be technologically agile. This crisis has placed severe demands on the Ed Tech staff. Do we have plans to increase training staff (not teaching faculty) to ramp up and get all faculty to develop technological (virtual, digital) independence and resilience? Thanks.
Question 11
How will this effect classes for the upcoming semester? Will in-person courses be moved to online?
Question 12
After the last recession City College had over 100,000 enrolled students. Over the last two years, due to budget concerns, City College has reduced faculty, classified staff, and decreased its class offering and services. The current pandemic will likely result in an economic recession, driving even more people to the college in need of our services. What are your plans to position the college to meet these demands?
Question 13
How might City College support students who don't have laptops, WiFi, and/or digital literacy? Thank you! We are in the process of procuring Chromebooks and securing wifi access for students through the State Chancellor’s office, categorical and other funds. Students can be registered on a list through question@ccsf.edu beginning April 7.
Question 14
When are we getting resources for students ? Why does a student have to go through faculty for a laptop? You guys get million of dollars to help the students but won’t help them out.
Question 15
Will CCSF be providing noncredit students with computers?
Answers To Questions 1 - 15
We are living in unprecedented times, and the public health and political realities that we live within can be drastically different from one hour to the next. This requires us to remain flexible and nimble as we chart our course moving forward.
For that reason, it will be difficult to provide concrete answers to some of the questions submitted for discussion. We appreciate the community’s patience as we work to find the best possible solutions that will ensure our students can continue working towards their academic goals, and that we can continue to provide the wrap-around services that are so critical to helping students achieve them.
We’d like to start by addressing questions related to the format of future instruction.
As previously mentioned, things are continually changing – and changing quickly. We are following the most recent guidance issued by public health officials, elected officials, and leaders within the California Community College system. So – what does this mean for classes at CCSF? The College has recently announced that Summer 2020
coursework will be offered in an online format. We plan to make a determination about the format of Fall coursework by June. You can find more information in a statement released by Interim Chancellor Dianna Gonzales here.
In terms of what is in store for the Summer and Fall 2020 schedules, we are continuing on the fiscal path we have outlined clearly over the last year.
The College must balance its budget, increase its reserves, and continue its work towards closing the budget deficit. This is going to be even more challenging given the anticipated reduction in revenue from local, state, and federal sources. The City of San Francisco alone is projecting a $1.7 billion deficit. This means we are going to have to double down on our work bringing our spending in line with our revenue.
In addition to reducing spending across all areas of our budget, we will also need to continue our work adjusting the College’s schedule of classes. This means directing the College’s limited resources towards offering classes that lead to a degree or transfer; and adding or expanding programs that provide students with the education and training needed to enter new and growing professions.
We are also well aware that when the economy suffers, enrollment at community colleges tends to increase. Therefore, we will also take into consideration those in our community who have lost their employment because of COVID-19.
We look forward to being able to share more information as we make further progress towards developing our Fall 2020 schedule, and anticipate publishing this schedule in early May.
We know the transition of face-to-face learning to an online format was difficult for some. Unfortunately, there was simply no other option - and we had to do our best within the limited time frame we had to make this transition.
However, we are committed to providing quality instruction and student support services during this emergency situation. To that end, we have implemented a variety of policies and identified a number of supportive services to best help our students succeed during this time. For example, we are currently working with internal stakeholders and external partners to gauge the technology needs of our community, and to secure the resources – such as laptops and free WiFi access – that some within our community need.
If you are a student in need of this type of support, please send an email to question@ccsf.edu. Please know that as soon as we have more information about these available services, we will share it widely within the community. In the meantime, please check the CCSF website for the most up-to-date information regarding these supportive services, academic policies, and more.
II. Questions related to employment
Question 16
I would like to know what will be the options for classified staff that cannot work remotely. Will they get paid somehow, should apply for unemployment or CCSF will offer other alternatives and if so, since when they will be effective?
Question 17
Sending warmth and positive auras to ALL the members of BT. I hear a lot news about the UC systems laying-off staff that fall into a "career" category/classifications; respectfully will CCSF come to that point due the deficit that the college is already experiencing long before COVID-19? What are the long-range plans for future months to come...unemployments? Yikes, that will be down and under for the community-at-large!! Do we have a HOTLINE or some type of e-blast for administrators and/or staff to check-in with our valuable customers/community: the 30,000 or so students' well- being? I’m continue to have faith N hope! Thx & be well.
Question 18
If/when the shelter in place is lifted, what measures will the BOT take to protect specific employee populations that are high risk for Covid-19 (respiratory issues, pregnancy, etc.) to allow them the option to continue working from home, now that it is proven we can be effective remotely?
Question 19
How can we ensure our staff stay employed?
Question 20
Back in December all administrators were given pink slips, allowing for restructuring to be put in place starting July 1. What skill-sets or restructuring do you see needed moving forward, especially within the finance area, where there is no CFO, our highest finance person is 3 levels down from the Interim Chancellor, our budget monitor is 4 levels down and we have clearly shown that we are unable to plan, project, monitor, and properly execute?
Answers To Questions 16 - 20
Many of you have written with concerns about the future of employment at City College. The Board is committed to continuing the employment and pay for all employees, including our student workers.
Classified employees whose functions cannot be performed remotely but are designated as essential by the area Senior Vice Chancellor have worked with Facilities and the Campus Police Department to provide access to the campus, consistent with the social distancing protocols.
All classified staff should work with their immediate supervisor to identify work assignments during this time. Work assignments can be professional development activities through online resources or other assignments that benefit the college and employee.
If and when we are called back to campus, we are ensuring that any of those in identified risks groups have the appropriate protections to ensure their safety.
We have already modified our work processes to effectively work remotely, and to the extent it makes sense, we will continue with those modified practices for members of our community who cannot safely return to work in person.
The health and safety of our students and employees are paramount. Anyone needing an accommodation should work with their immediate supervisor and the ADA Compliance Officer.
III. Questions related to facilities (Bond / Balboa / Real Estate)
Question 21
How will the Board share priorities and include constituents (students, faculty, staff, neighbors, public) in the planning for use of recent voter approved bond funds?
Question 22
Do the Board and Chancellor Gonzales agree with Mark Rocha's statement that CCSF should use its real estate holdings to balance its budget? Can you describe in detail what that means?
Question 23
According to the college website the board of trustees, in closed session has been approving some major construction contracts since the initial shelter in place caused by the Corona crisis. With a possible major recession on the way would it not be a good Idea to put all projects on hold, until a clearer Idea of how stable the economy is and probably get much better bang for the taxpayer buck, through much lower future contract bids and transparency?
Question 24
Are you going to demand to have the PUC Reservoir Property, which is public property currently used by CCSF, transferred to CCSF, or will you allow it to be used by a for-profit private developer who plans to build housing that is predominantly unaffordable to most members of the CCSF Community?
Answers to Questions 21 - 24
Questions regarding the future of our real estate holdings will be answered once we have a long-term Interim Chancellor in place.
As mentioned during the Town Hall, The Balboa Reservoir was on the agenda for discussion at the Thursday, April 9 Planning Commission hearing, which people were encouraged to attend. A full recording of that meeting, along with meeting minutes, can be found here. You can also find information about future meetings on their website.
Also mentioned during the meeting, anyone interested in the Balboa project is invited to attend the monthly Balboa Reservoir and Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings. You can learn more on the committee’s website, here.
In terms of bond spending, the Facilities team regularly provides information and consultation to the Participatory Governance Council, the Facilities Committee, the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, and the Facilities Oversight Committee every month. More information about this can be found on the Facilities section of the CCSF website.
At the moment, in line with City policy, bond construction has been put on pause. However, work related to planning, design, and permitting continues.
IV. Graduation
Question 25
What is CCSF doing about graduation
Question 26
What’s gonna happen with the graduation? Postponed?
ANSWER to Question 25
We have received several questions related to Commencement. After much thought and discussion involving Associate Vice Chancellors and Senior Vice Chancellors, we have determined that in order to ensure the health and safety of our community, there will be no commencement ceremony this coming May.
However, Student Affairs is sending out a survey to graduating students to determine when and how to offer a replacement ceremony.
We are continuing to process graduation applications, and all students who are eligible to receive a degree will receive their diplomas in the mail this fall, as they do every year.
V. Chancellor Search / Dr. Rocha Departure
Question 26
Since the Governor has directed Californians to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus do you see this possible as a distraction or perhaps slowdown the search for a valuable candidates to be able to functionally lead our College?
Question 27
Since the accreditation crisis, we have seen a number of chancellors at the college with different leadership styles. Yet one common theme, especially during the years that the Board was disempowered under the state-imposed STWEP, is that major changes have come from the top without the input of those working day in day out with students in our classes, programs and services, as well as from the deans and department chairs who are held to account. How will you ensure both transparency and shared decision making under our Interim Chancellors and in the hiring the future Chancellor?
Question 28
Explain thoroughly the abrupt departure of former Chancellor Rocha. He has avoided all consequence of his slash-and-burn approach to our college’s funding, and this buy-off is very ugly stuff.
Question 29
How are we going to prevent corruption and incompetence from our next chancellor?
Question 30
The departure of Chancellor Rocha was quite abrupt for most employees of the district, especially considering the current health crisis in the city and the world at large. This also comes on the heels of a series of emails stating the district was facing a potential $13 million budget deficit. What is being done to stabilize the college with respect to leadership(not just keeping the boat afloat but moving it forward), fiscal responsibility, internal infrastructure (having a plan in place and the necessary items to implement it) and to provide transparency in the decision-making process (having classified and faculty leadership at the decision-making table with Management/Administration and sharing information about that process with the district employees from the beginning to the end)?
Answer To Questions 26-30
We will not be able to share any additional information regarding the departure of former Chancellor Dr. Mark Rocha. The only information we can share has already been posted publicly. We are continuing our work to identify a long-term interim and permanent chancellor.
In regards to the Chancellor search, the shelter-in-place will not impact our ability to conduct an extensive search, or to engage our community during this process. We will be sharing more details about this process with the community in the near future.
VI. Budget
Question 31
Will the Trustees insist that a monthly accounting of ALL accounts - restricted and unrestricted - be presented at each board of trustees meeting with a summary page explaining anomalies, as well as the dashboard that you have been asking for? When are the Trustees going to stand your ground, insist on best financial monitoring be practiced, and require proper oversight of the funds?
ANSWER
The Board and administration have taken steps to ensure proper and timely fiscal oversight is occurring. The budget is developed through an extensive, transparent internal governance process through a Participatory Governance Committee. Members of this committee include faculty, students, staff, and administrators who meet regularly to “understand, discuss, evaluate and make recommendations on the District’s annual budget, budget processes, and budget procedures.” The minutes from all of these meetings are posted online. We encourage you to read more about the committee’s description and purpose here.
Additionally, the Board of Trustees holds monthly, publicly-noticed Budget and Audit Committee hearings, during which the College presents on budget development and the institution’s financial standings. This information is also reported out at the full Board of Trustees meeting, hosted at the end of each month. You can find more information about all of these meetings, including past discussions, here.
VII. Questions related to Dean Lystrup / Conflict of Interest
Question 32:
What are the BOT rules against conflict of interest and nepotism that could impact acting and future Chancellor and family reporting relationships? Are reporting relationship under review now?
Question 33:
Under California's Conflicts of Interest Act, "an Individual or entity from whom the official has received income or promised income...(or) official's finances...as well as those of [their] immediate family)," and under San Francisco's Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code section 3.200(c), “public officers and employees must not...participate in decisions related to their own character or conduct of that or their family members.” Meaning even though California doesn’t prohibit Diana Gonzales from employing her son Noah Lystrup, like in the District of Columbia, this disqualifies both Gonzales and Lystrup from performing several duties associated with their position. For example, Noah Lystrup as the Dean or Student Engagement and Wellness would need to excuse himself from providing any advice, or interfering in anyway to the appointment of students to the hiring committee—the committee that will ultimately decide who our long-term chancellor will be. And Interim Chancellor Gonzales will not be able to oversee any employment related request coming from Dean Lystrup. And with many other possible restrictions, with the liability of possible administrative, civil or even criminal penalties, it’s going to be like walking through a minefield for all governing bodies, including the Board of Trustees.
ANSWER
The College has developed an updated nepotism policy, consistent with the policy developed by the City and County of San Francisco. This policy has and will be followed, without exception.
It is worth noting that Chancellor Gonzales was not involved in the hiring of Dean Lystrup, and Dean Lystrup will not have any involvement in the appointment or selection of a new long-term Interim or permanent Chancellor.
VIII. OLAD / Non-Credit / Ft. Mason
Question 34
Will Fort Mason continue as an art Campus for OLAD students under a long term lease?
Question 35
Regarding Ft. Mason: Please sign a long term lease and restore the art program at Ft. Mason. This place is a gem and we'll never get it back once we lose it. Our budget problems will get better with time. Let's preserve this very special program for the people of San Francisco.
Question 36
What is your vision for the future of the Fort Mason Campus which serves the Art Community with closes in drawing painting, ceramics, sculpture etc., and what is your vision for older adults students who are served by the superb facilities at Fort Mason?
Question 37
How will they help in saving the senior classes at Fort Mason?
Question 38
Will the new leadership at CCSF realign/return its mission back to making our community college serve the wider community of San Francisco again, by restoring Older Adult Education and vocational training, and honoring the long arts tradition at Fort Mason, by renewing the lease for at least the next 5 years?
Question 39
Will you restore the discriminatory cuts of senior OLAD life-long learning art classes at Fort Mason?
Question 40
When you look at CCSF as a whole, how you see non-credit in relation to that whole? What role does it play (for the school, the students, the community, the City) and what is your vision for the future of non-credit at CCSF? Speak to the mission statement that although personal enrichment programs and resources are consistent with the College’s primary mission, they are provided as resources allow.
Question 41
Is there a plan to reinstate the adult extension classes at Ft Mason? If not, why not?
Question 42
For what reason was the Older Adults Department reduced by almost 90 % when it has successfully offered life-long learning to thousands of our San Francisco seniors for decades, and has provided the college with funding from its high enrollment?
Question 43
I would like to request that you keep fort mason for art classes
Question 44
Will you commit to continuing the arts program at Fort Mason?
Question 45
The campus at Fort Mason is critically important to the San Francisco community. I wanted to know what the plans are to keep this open after the quarantine is lifted? Thank You
Question 46
How does CCSF plan to reverse the age discrimination of the previous chancellor where a majority of the classes cancelled where OLAD classes?
Question 47
Will OLAD classes that were cancelled last year (e.g., life sculpture and drawing) be allowed to operate through CCSF Extension (they tried but we're denied)? If not, why not?
Answer to Questions 34 - 47
As we’ve said many times before, the College must prioritize offering coursework that helps students graduate and transfer, and to close the achievement gap for students of color.
Even so, we know how important these classes are to our older adult community. In recognition of this, earlier this year we began exploring the possibility of working with community partners to find new ways to continue serving the City's older adult population.
However, given the current pandemic and resulting economic reality, the landscape has changed significantly since these discussions first began. The question of Older Adult Learning will need to be revisited once a new, long-term Interim Chancellor is in place this coming July.
It is worth noting that whether or not to continue offering classes at Fort Mason is part of a much larger discussion surrounding the College’s real estate holdings and activities, which will also take place once a new long-term Interim has been appointed.
IX. Additional Questions
Question 48
What will the Trustees do to ensure that students are actually being put first – included in the important decisions like finding a new Chancellor and that he Balboa Reservoir should be given to CCSF?
ANSWER
Students will continue be included as part of hiring committees, and all other hiring committee members are committed to making students-first decisions. Questions regarding the Balboa Reservoir project have been answered above.
Question 49
How soon will the very popular and unique Metal Arts and Jewelry Program (within the CCSF Art Department) open? The fully equipped Department is rusting and we need to get back to the benches and learning important professional skills.
ANSWER
As the College has said many times before, the College must prioritize offering coursework that helps students graduate and transfer, and which close the achievement gap for students of color. The future of jewelry and other programming will have to be based on the future public health situation and economic reality. These types of decisions will be made in partnership with the College’s long-term interim Chancellor, who will begin this coming July.
Question 50
I teach ceramics at CCSF. These are very popular classes that the students find extremely hard to get into. Many students dropped when the school was closed, but they are hoping to be able to re-register when school opens again. Can we give priority to the students that needed to drop? They really got cheated out of a full semester of work in the studio.
ANSWER
This is a policy that is currently being discussed by College leadership.
Question 51
Regarding Public Safety, will there be a hiring of a QUALIFIED Public Safety Chief any time soon seeing how Public Safety needs leadership and stability? please answer through a public forum such as during the actual town hall meeting? Greatly appreciate it.
ANSWER
Recruitment for this position is underway, and will follow established procedures.
Question 52
Could you please update the organization charts for the various divisions of the college? The charts currently posted on the website are quite out-of-date. It can be very difficult to ascertain who is in charge of which division, who reports to whom, which positions have been eliminated, and which remain vacant. Perhaps at the town hall, you could introduce the major administrators and the scope of their work to begin to establish some definition. Then each major administrator could be charged with updating and publishing their org chart. Thank you!
ANSWER
Yes, we are working to update these and will notify the community when these updates have been completed.
Question 53
How can my students or any community members (other than faculty and staff) ask a question for this meaningful Town Hall Meeting? They do not have access to this form and they are very anxious to ask their questions.
ANSWER
The College gave the community extensive time to submit their questions and comments via an online form. They were also invited to submit public comment up to 30 minutes before the meeting to publicomment@ccsf.edu.
Question 54
THIS IS MORE A QUESTION FOR THE INTERIM CHANCELLOR. The last Audit.
Corrective actions to take in response to the Eide Bailly audit came out as bullet points that seem to offer a neat summary of goals pursued by your predecessor and former boss: (please ignore the numerals) 1. ONE--Reduce over the next two years the number of full-time equivalent faculty who are currently compensated not to teach from the current 100 FTEF to 75 FTEF, an annual savings of nearly $4M. 2. TWO—Identify programs for discontinuance and teach-out, without layoff of any regular full time tenured or tenure-track faculty. 3. THREE--Explore partnerships and funding opportunities for non-credit lifelong learning and enrichment courses. 4. 5. These involve getting more work from full-time faculty and reducing or eliminating part-time faculty, whose assignments were already reduced last November so that they lost their health care. 6. FOUR--Continue the student-centered restructuring of the academic program begun in 2018 that aligns the class schedule with the top priorities of CCSF mission statement of graduation, transfer, workforce certificate completion and basic skills. This tends to narrow educational opportunities for students and push City College further towards a junior college model 7. FIVE--Develop and implement a real estate plan in 2020 that will assess the revenue options for current CCSF-owned campus properties to reduce costs and secure funding for reserves and efforts to build enrollment. Why is leveraging real estate such a priority for the College, to the point where three of the campuses are identified by Mr. Sohn as being expendable, especially while expanding online offerings—that's another of the bullet points?
Answer:
All of these issues will be discussed in partnership with the new long-term interim chancellor, who will begin this coming July.
Other Resources
Visit the San Francisco Department of Public Health web site for the latest updates related to COVID-19.
Home Page
https://www.sfdph.org
Coronavirus Updates
https://www.sfdph.org/dph/alerts/coronavirus.asp
Tools to receive important alerts from the city.
Home Page
https://sfdem.org/
City Alerts Page
https://sfdem.org/get-city-alerts
Coronavirus Update Alerts
Text COVID19SF to 888-777
Citywide informational website.
Home Page
https://sf.gov/
Coronavirus Updates
https://sf.gov/coronavirus
San Francisco COVID-19 Data Tracker
https://datasf.org/covid19
City Services
https://sf.gov/city-services-during-coronavirus-outbreak
Homeless and Housing Insecure Students
SF food pantry resources for food, medical and shelter chart:
http://www.freeprintshop.org/
Hot food:
Glide Memorial
330 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 674-6000
Boxed Breakfast: 7am
Boxed Dinner: 4pm
St. Anthony
121 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 241-2600
Boxed Lunch: 11am
Shelter Access:
Call 311 to sign up for a 90-day shelter bed.
24 hour homeless drop-in shelters:
MSC South
525 5th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 597-7960
Woman's Place (for those who identify as she/her)
211 13th St. San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 293-7360
SFUSD will provide meals for children during school closure:
For more information, please visit https://www.sfusd.edu/services/health-wellness/nutrition-school-meals
Mental Health Counseling
Please visit the San Francisco Department of Public Health Behavioral Health Services website for information on mental health counseling available for San Franciscans
Please visit the CCSF Student Health Services website for a list of resources available in other counties. CCSF Credit students are also eligible for free mental health counseling through the CCSF Student Health Center.
Child Care
Please visit the Children's Council of San Francisco website for more information about child care resources during the COVID-19 response.
Health Care
Please visit the California COVID-19 Response website for information about Health Care resources related to COVID-19.
CCSF Credit Students are eligible for nursing phone consultations through the CCSF Student Health Center. Please visit the CCSF Student Health Services website for more information.