Notifications around the college's operations; instructions for students, faculty, and staff; and changes concerning COVID-19.
COVID-19 Updates
Masks Required Indoors
As of August 19, 2021, the Coast Community College District (CCCD) Board of Trustees has announced a face covering mandate while indoors across all college campuses.
The hope is that with this abundance of caution, additional time is granted for the community to get vaccinated and slow the spread of COVID-19 variants. For information about getting vaccinated, visit Health Services.
Please wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and stay healthy.
2021 Updates
August 24, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate
The Coast Community College District (CCCD) Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for students, faculty, staff, managers, and trustees on August 24, 2021. Those with medical or religious exemptions will be required to participate in a to-be-developed testing program. With this Board action, the Coast District has begun implementing the mandate and is developing the testing protocols.
The mandate for faculty, staff, managers, and trustees is to be implemented as soon as possible. The mandate will be implemented in phases throughout the fall semester for students. Ability to attend in-person fall semester classes will not be impacted.
More information can be found on the CCCD's Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information page.
You can also submit questions, comments, and/or concerns.
-
8/19 - Masks Required Indoors
August 19, 2021
Masks Required Indoors
As of August 19, 2021, the Coast Community College District (CCCD) Board of Trustees has announced a face covering mandate while indoors across all college campuses.
Trustees have mandated the use of face coverings by all individuals while on campus or at District facilities, regardless of vaccination status, subject to the following: face coverings may be removed in rooms where only a single individual is present, face coverings may be removed when individuals are eating or drinking and appropriate spacing is maintained, and face coverings may be removed outdoors if efforts are taken to avoid close contact with others. Face covering alternatives are allowable in limited cases. -
7/14 - Public Education
July 14, 2021
COVID-19 Public Education Campaign
Coastline College is participating in the White House's We Can Do This Initiative: COVID-19 Public Education Campaign.
As part of the White House's efforts regarding COVID-19 education and information about vaccinations, a Student Corps has been formed. All students are welcome to participate and can sign up at COVID-19 Community Corps.
In addition, there is a Student Corps webinar with Dr. Fauci on Wednesday, July 14 at 2:30pm (PST). REGISTER HERE.
-
6/14 - Some Precautions Lifted
June 14, 2021
Coast District COVID-19 Information for June 15
Sent on behalf of the Chancellor
Dear Colleagues,
We are all anticipating a significant step towards normalcy tomorrow, June 15, as Governor Newsom lifts many of the precautions put in place during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the Coast District, this will have relatively little immediate impact. Our phased return plan does not officially begin assessment of current conditions until July 6. Further, CalOSHA withdrew its most recent revisions for new workplace standards. That means we remain under our current guidelines that have been in place for most of the year.
The combination of these factors maintains the status quo for the Coast District tomorrow and probably for a bit longer. That means face coverings are required on campus or in the District Office. All approved on-site activities should also maintain social distancing requirements and enhanced protections.
As we await updated state workplace guidance, please safely enjoy the additional normalcy at home and in your communities.
Be well,
John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
Chancellor -
5/13 - New Social Guidelines
May 13, 2021
Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities - large or small - without wearing a mask or physically distancing
Based on the latest science, we can say that anyone who is fully vaccinated can resume activities - indoor or outdoor - safely without a mask or physical distancing.
The science is clear: if you are fully vaccinated, you are protected, and you can start doing the things that you stopped doing because of the pandemic.
Over the past few weeks, cases have continued falling dramatically, and a growing number of studies have shown three big things:
- Our vaccines are working in the real world. Studies show them to be >90% effective in the real-world settings in preventing mild and severe disease, hospitalization, and death.
- Our vaccines have proven to be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 variants currently circulating in the country.
- If you're vaccinated, you're less likely to spread the virus. A growing body of evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people are less likely to have asymptomatic infection and to be able to transmit SARS-CoV-2 to others.
That means, for vaccinated people, life can begin to return to normal.
Since April 19th, anyone who is 16 years and older has been eligible for vaccination, and as of this week, Pfizer vaccine is also available to those 12 years and older.
We have a strong supply of vaccine. Anyone who wants to get a vaccine can get it.
- Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is faster and more convenient than ever.
- About 9 out of 10 Americans live within 5 miles of a COVID-19 vaccination site. In the coming weeks, two popular ride-sharing services will offer free rides to vaccination appointments until July 4.
- To find the site closest to you, visit vaccines.gov; text your ZIP code to 438829 (GETVAX); or call 1-800-232-0233
-
3/18 - CDC Guidelines
March 18, 2021
CDC Issues First Set of Guidelines on How Fully Vaccinated People Can Visit Safely with Others
Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued its first set of recommendations on activities that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely resume.
The new guidance - which is based on the latest science - includes recommendations for how and when a fully vaccinated individual can visit with other people who are fully vaccinated and with other people who are not vaccinated. This guidance represents a first step toward returning to everyday activities in our communities. CDC will update these recommendations as more people are vaccinated, rates of COVID-19 in the community change, and additional scientific evidence becomes available.
"We know that people want to get vaccinated so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy with the people they love," said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH. "There are some activities that fully vaccinated people can begin to resume now in their own homes. Everyone - even those who are vaccinated - should continue with all mitigation strategies when in public settings. As the science evolves and more people get vaccinated, we will continue to provide more guidance to help fully vaccinated people safely resume more activities."
CDC encourages people to get vaccinated with the first available FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and to help bring the pandemic to a close. The currently authorized vaccines by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are safe and highly effective at preventing serious COVID-19 illness, hospitalization, and death.
A growing body of scientific evidence also suggests that fully vaccinated people are less likely to have asymptomatic infection and are potentially less likely to transmit SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to other people. Therefore, fully vaccinated people can safely take fewer precautions in certain situations.
Specifically, CDC's guidance today recommends that fully vaccinated people can do the following:
- Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or staying 6 feet apart.
- Visit with unvaccinated people from one other household indoors without wearing masks or staying 6 feet apart if everyone in the other household is at low risk for severe disease.
- Refrain from quarantine and testing if they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 after contact with someone who has COVID-19.
A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last required dose of vaccine. Although vaccinations are accelerating, CDC estimates that just 9.2% of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine that the FDA has authorized for emergency use.
While the new guidance is a positive step, the vast majority of people need to be fully vaccinated before COVID-19 precautions can be lifted broadly. Until then, it is important that everyone continues to adhere to public health mitigation measures to protect the large number of people who remain unvaccinated.
CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people continue to take these COVID-19 precautions when in public, when visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple other households, and when around unvaccinated people who are at high risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19:
- Wear a well-fitted mask.
- Stay at least 6 feet from people you do not live with.
- Avoid medium- and large-sized in-person gatherings.
- Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Follow guidance issued by individual employers.
- Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations.
CDC has released resources to help people make informed decisions when they are fully vaccinated.
Guide for Vaccinated People
Recommended Scenarios
- Fully vaccinated people can safely visit each other.
- Fully vaccinated people can safely visit with low-risk unvaccinated people from one household at a time.
- Everyone should continue to wear masks and physically distance in public places for now.
Not Recommended Scenarios
- Fully vaccinated poeple can not safely visit with unvaccinated, higher-risk people.
- Fully vaccinated poeple can not safely visit with unvaccinated people from several households at once.
2020 Updates
-
6/25 - Pantry Update
June 25, 2020
Coastline's Food Pantry - New Info
Coastline College has partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank to create a pantry of non-perishable items for students who are experiencing food insecurity and are in need of immediate help. Student Services can also provide CalFresh Program information.
The Coastline Pantry is open for food pick up every Monday and Friday from 11am-1pm.
UPDATE
Beginning July 10, 2020, we will be offering fresh produce boxes for Friday pick up only.
All visitors must complete a Summer Pantry Order Form if you want to continue service. You only need to complete the form once through August 21, 2020 and choose either a Monday or Friday pick up day. Produce boxes are not available on Mondays.
We are prepared to serve our pantry students on Thursday, July 2nd instead of Friday, July 3rd which is the Independence Day Holiday. We will also be distributing groceries on Monday, July 6th.
Free pantry items are subject to availability; one bag per student per week.
Please text Maureen Schaller at 714-241-6004 or email her at mschaller@coastline.edu if you have any questions or want to change your pick up day.
Order and Pick Up Instructions - NEW
- Complete this Summer Pantry Order Form.
- Arrive at College Center Front Entrance and text Maureen Schaller at 714-241-6004 when you arrive.
- Maureen will text you the sign-in form. Please follow the link and complete the form.
- Once the sign-in form is received, Maureen will deliver the bag to you, following 6 feet social distancing guidelines.
In addition, here are local resources to assist and support your needs:
For more information, contact Student Services at (714) 241-6004 or email Maureen Schaller.
-
6/18 - Fall Registration
June 18, 2020
Coastline College Now Open for Fall Registration
Orange County, CA, June 18, 2020 - Coastline College announces that most of its classes will remain online for the fall 2020 semester, due to the continued threat of COVID-19. Colleges and universities still face unprecedented changes in methods of instruction as institutions of higher learning develop a new path forward in education. Coastline College however, for over 40 years, has provided high quality educational opportunities where its students live and work while providing outstanding support for those students at a distance - 80% of which are online. Coastline College has long been recognized to effectively deliver innovative hybrid and online instruction while employing a digital learning environment. This fall Coastline is taking that innovation a step further:
Coastline ONLINE – Students have the flexibility of working on their coursework on days and times which are convenient for them and are not required to be online or at any location at a specific time or date.
Coastline LIVEONLINE – Students are required to attend class sessions online on the days and times listed in the schedule of classes.
Face-to-Face – The College only has a few classes which will meet on campus (mostly science labs).
"Coastline College has decided to continue to offer the substantial majority of our credit courses online for the Fall 2020 semester," states Vince Rodriguez, Vice President of Instruction.
Services offered by the Online Library and Student Services Center will continue to take place online, and the classes being offered face-to-face or through a combination of in-person and online could transition exclusively online if public health restrictions are re-imposed in the event of a resurgence of COVID-19.
The schedule of classes can be found at coastline.edu. Coastline’s fall semester begins on August 25. Current Coastline students can register electronically via www.coastline.edu/apply. For more information on the courses available, fees, and registration, contact the Coastline Admissions Office.
-
5/12 - Virtual Commencement
May 12, 2020
Coast Colleges' Graduates to be Celebrated During Virtual Commencements
The Coast Community College District is announcing that its three Colleges - Coastline, Golden West, and Orange Coast - will recognize the achievements of the resilient Class of 2020 through three virtual commencements. This is a first for the Coast Colleges, made necessary by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Even at a distance, each College has found a way to honor our graduates and all those who support them," said District Chancellor John Weispfenning. "We are celebrating our newest alumni as they prepare to build the future of Orange County and beyond."
Commencements are often the largest event of an academic year. It is an experience shared with friends, mentors, and loved ones. The virtual commencements will seek to preserve as much of that spirit as possible.
The Coastline College 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony will be Friday, May 29. Graduates will have the opportunity to submit a photo or video and quote to be shown when their name is read. Graduates, friends, and family will also have the opportunity to participate interactively via social media. Commencement participants will receive a care package complete with a commemorative tassel and stole. All 2020 graduates will have the opportunity to participate in next year's in-person commencement celebration.
"You will face many choices in the days ahead. Plans made months ago may not be your best option in this new world of ours," recorded Chancellor Weispfenning in a video message to the graduates. "Know, without doubt, that your College and the Coast District are there, mentoring as needed, continuing your education as needed, and always cheering you on."
-
5/6 - Army Recruitment
May 6, 2020
Army Recruitment Messages
Coastline students may receive text messages regarding army recruitment. Service recruiters have access to student records at the school in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 114-95 SEC 8025 (every Student Succeed Act). Students may contact the Admissions Office and request to not have their information released.
-
4/27 - P/NP Grading Option
April 27, 2020
Spring 2020 Pass/NoPass Grading Option
Coastline College has extended the deadline to select a Pass/NoPass grading option to May 8 at 11:59pm for 16-week (full term) and second 8-week course(s) due to COVID-19 pandemic. Students selecting this option will receive a P for Pass (Satisfactory Completion) or NP for No Pass (Unsatisfactory Completion) grade symbol at the end of the semester instead of a letter grade (A-F). Once the Pass/No Pass grading option deadline has passed, the grade option cannot be reversed.
Before selecting this option, students are strongly advised to consult with a counselor. Generally, it is not recommended that students select the P/NP option for major courses as well as various CSU/IGETC requirements.
Please contact the Transfer Center at (714) 241-6171 or transfercenter@coastline.edu or Counseling Office at (714)-241-6162 or counselingdept@coastline.edu to ensure you discuss your transfer goals when making the decision to change to the P/NP grading option. Some universities will not allow transfer credit for classes taken on a Pass/No Pass basis. If a student discovers after the deadline has passed that their transfer institution will not allow for a Pass grading symbol, the student will not be able to change it back to the letter grade after May 8 has passed. There are no exceptions to the deadline.
Please refer to the course Catalog Grading Options section for additional information. Please note, this option is only available for courses with the Pass/No Pass option. A course labeled as "letter grade only" in the course catalog is not available for this option.
Ready to request the P/NP option? Fill out the Spring 2020 P/NP Form.
Please note: Incomplete forms or requests received after the deadline (Friday, May 8, 2020 at 11:59pm) and/or sent from personal email addresses will NOT be honored.
-
4/23 - Biotech Students & PPE
April 23, 2020
Coastline Biotechnology Students Create PPE to Fight COVID-19
The increased demand of personal protective equipment (PPE) have put thousands of requests on back order. In the effort to help protect medical professionals and our loved ones from COVID-19, Coastline College Biotechnology students, with the supervision of Dr. Tanya Hoerer, have established a goal to create protective masks and face shields for local clinics, first responders and hospitals.
These students hope to generate a sizable supply of protective gear to donate and make an immediate impact while resources are being replenished. Currently, the program has three printers in operation but are looking to expand to at-home efforts, due to campus closures from Governor Newsom's executive order.
If you would like to make a donation to support Coastline students who are making an impact, know you're also helping local first responders as they fight for our communities. Funds raised for the PPE will support building materials, machinery, packaging and printing.
-
4/20 - Coastline Pantry
April 20, 2020
ACCESS TO FOOD
Coastline College has partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank to create a pantry of non-perishable items for students who are experiencing food insecurity and are in need of immediate help. Student Services can also provide CalFresh Program information.
The Coastline Pantry is open for grocery pick up every Monday and Friday from 11am-1pm.
Free pantry items are subject to availability; one bag per student per week.
UPDATE: You only need to complete the pantry form once through the end of June 2020 and choose either a Monday or Friday pick up day.
Please text Maureen Schaller at 714-241-6004 or email her at mschaller@coastline.edu if you have any questions or want to change your pick up day.
Order and Pick Up Instructions:
- Complete this Google Form.
- Arrive at College Center Front Entrance and call Maureen Schaller at 714-241-6004 when you arrive.
- Maureen will deliver the bag to you, following 6 feet social distancing guidelines.
In addition, here are local resources to assist and support your needs:
For more information, contact Student Services at 714-241-6004 or email: mschaller@coastline.edu
-
4/3 - Computer Check-out
April 3, 2020
CHECK OUT A FREE COMPUTER! Deadline Extended!
Coastline College has Chromebooks available for check out to assist students who do not have a device to complete online or virtual face-to-face classes. Our limited number of devices will be available based on need. Coastline is offering an emergencycomputerloanprogramduring this time period.
If you are in need of a computer loan during this period, please complete and submit the Technology Access Form . Pickups will take place Monday, April 6th from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. To support social distancing guidelines, the computer check-outs will require an appointment and pick-up from the Fountain Valley Student Services Center.
If you do not have internet access at home, Coastline will work with you to help you get and stay connected.
Questions? Please contact:
Leighia Fleming, Director of Equity and Title IX
-
3/20 - Free eTextbooks
March 20, 2020
FREE ACCESS TO eTEXTBOOKS
During COVID-19 many textbook publishers are making eTextbooks available for free (for a limited time) to help students who can no longer visit college libraries to use the Textbook Reserve Collection. See if your textbook is available through these providers:
Bonus! Check out this great LibGuide with Step-by-Step directions on how to access these eTextbooks.
Free access to eTextbooks courtesy of VitalSource Helps, a coalition of leading textbook publishers including Cengage Learning, Elsevier, Macmillan Learning, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, Pearson Education, Sage Publishing, and others. This is a completely free resource to all Coastline students, but requires the use of a college email address. Some RESTRICTIONS APPLY. Please see the end of this message for links to direct assistance from VitalSource.
What is VitalSource Helps?
VitalSource Helps is a program designed to support students who may have lost access to course materials due to a campus moving to distance-learning to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This program is made possible by the leading publishers and resellers in US higher education. The program offers free access to an expansive catalog of etexts thorough May 25, 2020, to students and instructors at impacted 2 and 4-year non-profit institutions in the US. A complete list of eligible institutions is available here.
Who is eligible for the VitalSource Helps program?
Students meeting the following criteria are eligible to access free ebooks as part of VitalSource Helps:
- Attend a 2-year or 4-year institution on a semester academic calendar. A complete list of eligible institutions is available here
- Be enrolled in course (s) that began prior to March 16, 2020
- Use an institution-provided email address
How do students access VitalSource Helps content?
To get started, students should visit bookshelf.vitalsource.com. Before students can begin searching for and reading ebooks, they will need to log-in or create a Bookshelf account with their institution-provided email address.
It is important to note that, while students at your institution may use Bookshelf today as part of an Inclusive Access program, they may access content via an LMS integration that does not require an email address, or their account may be linked to their personal email address. To access VitalSource Helps content, students must use their institution-provided email address.
For students accessing Bookshelf for the first time
Here are instructions on creating a Bookshelf account that you can share with students and instructors. Once students create an account with an institution-provided email address, they should log in and click on the "Explore" tab in the upper left corner of the screen.
For Assistance
Send VitalSource Support a Message
-
3/18 - Financial Aid FAQ
March 18, 2020
FINANCIAL AID FAQ
COVID-19 Information - Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Aid
- Q: Coastline is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, will I be able to finish the term and keep my federal student aid?
A: Yes, you will be able to finish the term and keep your financial aid as long as you follow your teacher's or professor's instructions.
- Q: I am a work-study student. Since Coastline does not allow students to be on campus, will I still get paid for the hours I am unable to work for my Federal Work-Study job?
A: As Coastline continues to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, all students are not allowed to be on campus for the rest of the spring semester. As a result, you will continue to be paid according to your existing scheduled work hours, until your work-study award is exhausted or further notice whichever comes first. The timesheet should be submitted to your supervisor as scheduled.
- Q: Both my parents can't go to work because of coronavirus closure, and they don't get paid if they don't work. This means my financial need has increased. Can I get more financial aid?
A: On a case-by-case basis, the Financial Aid Administrator has the authority to use their professional judgment to adjust your mom's or dad's (or both) income on your FAFSA. You may get more financial aid as a result. You need to contact Coastline Financial Aid Office for more details.
- Q: I am currently attending my classes at Garden Grove campus, but due to coronavirus, all my classes are now moved online, am I going to get less financial aid?
A: No. If your classes have been moved to an online format, you must continue to participate in the course work and follow your teacher's or professor's instructions to remain eligible for financial aid.
- Q: How do I contact the financial aid office since students are not allowed to be on campus?
A: The Financial Aid Office continues to serve our students via email, phone, or face to face online via Zoom. If you need to contact the Financial Aid Office, email them at financialaid@coastline.edu or contact them at (714) 241-6239. Your email or phone message will be responded by a financial aid staff within 24 to 48 hours (excluding weekend and holidays).
- Q: My company has closed because of COVID-19. I'm not making any money and can't pay my student loan bill. Can I stop making payments until I'm working again?
A: If you're having trouble making payments, contact your loan servicer as soon as possible. You can easily avoid the consequences of delinquency or default by staying in touch with your servicer.
Your loan servicer can provide information about deferment or forbearance options that allow you to temporarily stop making payments on your loans. You may also be able to change to a different repayment plan that would give you a lower monthly payment.
- Q: I'm currently on an income-driven repayment plan. I'm making a lot less money because of the coronavirus outbreak and don't know when my income will return to the same level. What can I do?
A: If you've had a significant change in income, you can ask to have your monthly payment recalculated at any time. Your loan servicer can provide more information.
- Q: I took out student loans at Coastline and recently graduated, my loan repayment has just started, but due to coronavirus outbreak and closure at work, I am unable to make a payment. I don't want to be delinquent on my student loans. What should I do?
A: Coastline College has teamed up with ECMC Solutions to provide you with a resource to help you manage your federal student loan debt and answer any question you may have about your student loans. The resources provided by ECMC are free of charge. Contact ECMC by phone at 1-877-331-3262 or visit their website at www.ecmsolutions.org to connect through email or webchat with one of their counselors. You can also contact the Coastline Financial Aid as well.
- Q: Coastline is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, will I be able to finish the term and keep my federal student aid?
-
3/16 - Free WiFi
March 16, 2020
Free WiFi for College Students!
Given our students will be directly or indirectly affected by COVID-19 in the coming weeks, and with the knowledge that Americans rely on high-speed broadband, beginning on Monday, March 16th, for 60 days Charter commits to the following, which goes above and beyond the commitments made to the FCC:
- Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and / or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.
- Charter will partner with school districts to ensure local communities are aware of these tools to help students learn remotely.
- For eligible low-income households without school-aged children, Charter continues to offer Spectrum Internet Assist, a low-cost broadband program delivering speeds of 30 Mbps.
- Charter will open its Wi-Fi hotspots across our footprint for public use.
- Spectrum does not have data caps or hidden fees.
- Charter will not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
- Charter will waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic
Please share with your residents, school districts, and community partners that can benefit from this program, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
-
3/15 - Classes Suspended
March 15, 2020
Coastline College Suspends Classes Starting March 16, 2020
While there have not been any confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Coastline College or in the Coast Community College District, all classes, including online, are suspended beginning March 16 through March 20 out of an abundance of caution. Spring Break, the week of March 23 through March 27, will occur as originally scheduled. (With the exception of the Military Contract Education program, which will continue as scheduled.)
Campuses and facilities are closed to students and the general public effective immediately. These steps are being taken to protect the health and welfare of students, employees, and the community out of an abundance of caution.
"Reducing the number of interactions occurring at our Colleges and Centers is a necessary response to this public health crisis," said Coast District Chancellor John Weispfenning. "The focused work of our faculty and staff this week will also allow us to prepare many in-person classes for alternative delivery in the case of an extended emergency."
The suspension of classes will allow faculty to get the training and preparation they need to transition to online instruction for students.
Staff and management will be working to finalize continuity plans and support faculty efforts to move classes online. Social distancing practices will be encouraged for students and the remaining faculty and staff.
-
3/11 - Letter from President
March 11, 2020
Instructional Changes in Response to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Dear Coastline Student:
Coastline College has been closely monitoring the rapidly changing Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and understand the fear and uncertainty that this health crisis has created in our community. The Orange County Health Care Agency assures us that risk to the general public, and our campus is still low. As a precautionary measure, we are taking proactive steps to slow the transmission of the virus and to reduce the potential of people being infected.
Coastline College remains open, and we have activated a response to limit the spread of the virus as the safety of our students and employees is our top priority.
Coastline College is working on transitioning onsite face-to-face classes to remote learning, including online. This process will begin on March 16th for certain classes. Most classes will transition to remote learning on March 30, after Spring Break. We recognize that for some labs and activity classes, this will not be possible and ask that you check your college email for communication from your instructor. You will be receiving communication from your faculty members regarding your specific classes and method being utilized. On-line and other forms of distance learning classes will continue as scheduled.
I also want to share with you the steps that we have taken to protect our campus. The Coast Community College District has formed a COVID-19 Response Task Force comprised of experts from across the District. This week the Task Force updated and published a Districtwide Emergency Response Plan, outlining how we will respond to this health threat. Members of the Task Force are in constant close communication with local and statewide healthcare agencies. However, we understand that the situation continues to move rapidly. All of this planning is fluid, and as new developments arise, we are responding to them.
I encourage everyone on our campus to continue to practice good health hygiene, such as hand washing and limiting close contact with others, such as handshaking. If you are feeling sick, even if symptoms are mild, stay home. Staying home will be in your health's best interest as well as those of your teachers and fellow classmates.
Flexibility in Class Attendance
We are working with our faculty on attendance flexibility during this time, to ensure minimal disruption to your academic experience. Please inform your instructor if you cannot attend your classes due to illness.
Travel Restrictions
As you consider travel over the spring break holiday, please exercise caution regarding travel health advisories. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and OC Health Care Agency released new guidance on travel. Individuals who are at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 should avoid crowds and non-essential air travel. These are older adults (ages 60 and higher) as well as people who have serious, chronic medical conditions (like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease). If you are over 60 or have a serious, chronic medical condition, I encourage you to follow this guidance.
The California Department of Public Health also advises that individuals who have a travel history over the course of the last 14 days to an area identified by the CDC as having a Level 3 Travel Health Notice (China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea as of March 10) should avoid coming to campus and stay home until the 14-day period concludes.
College Events
The College is assessing what events may be booked, rescheduled, conducted electronically, or canceled. The assessment includes whether or not the event experience can be offered in an alternative way; if social-distancing and other preventative procedures can be successfully implemented; and what guidance is offered by public-health officials. Please know that we are following guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on mass gatherings.
Student Support Services
The College will continue to provide student support services in person and on-line with heightened awareness around social distancing and other preventive health measures.
If you're new to online learning tools, we can help! Contact the Distance Learning department at dlearning@coastline.edu or 714-241-6216.
Coastline students in the Orange County Area have access to health services. Health Services on the Coastline Webpage has information about this service and other health information.
Continued Communication
We have developed a multi-channel communication strategy that includes links to additional information, updates, and resources available on campus and from the District. For more information, please visit the District website.
In closing, Coastline College continues to remain open and is committed to providing you the same high-quality education and student service through this time of change and uncertainty. If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact us at 877-241-6328
Thank you for your flexibility and support as we take these urgent steps to protect our students, faculty and staff, and families. We will continue to keep you informed as the situation develops.
Sincerely,
Loretta P. Adrian, Ph.D.
3D Printers in Action
Coastline students are applying the skills they learned in 3D printing to make PPE (personal protective equipment) using designs approved and tested by NIH (National Institute of Health). They are just beginning production and identifying recipients in need. You can support their efforts by making a donation and help fight the spread of COVID-19.