SMC Limits In-Person Classes Due To Coronavirus Concerns

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica College said Thursday they are joining the list of Southern California campuses making the transition to largely online classes in order to limit the potential transmission of the new coronavirus.

Santa Monica College transitioned to temporary remote instruction Wednesday, the statement said. There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus at SMC.

"Santa Monica College has been monitoring the COVID-19 crisis constantly, ever since it first broke out," SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery said. "The college has had to weigh a vast set of considerations—first and foremost, the safety and wellbeing of our students and employees, but also upholding our educational mission of equity and open access in this time of uncertainty. These latest changes were carefully considered keeping all these factors in mind, and to ensure that no student would be left behind in the transition to remote learning modalities."

Student Services, computer labs, the library, and other resources will remain open. Select courses that require in-person instruction, some performing arts, lab, and physical education courses, will continue to meet on campus as scheduled, according to the statement.

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The college administered a survey to students Thursday to assess their technology and support needs. Many students lack technology resources and SMC seeks to ensure that no students are left behind during this transition, the statement said.

Classes will be canceled Friday, March 13 through Tuesday, March 17 at SMC to provide time for faculty members, staff, and students to prepare for the transition to remote teaching and learning modalities. Santa Monica College remains open for business and most college operations will continue during this time.

The school has also canceled non-essential travel, large gatherings, extra-curricular activities, and spring study-abroad trips to Costa Rica, Helsinki, and Tallinn "out of an abundance of caution for the wellbeing and health of its students, faculty and staff," the statement said.

Other Southern California universities transitioning to online instruction include Cal State Dominguez Hills, Chapman, Pepperdine, Cal State Long Beach, Coast Community College District schools, Cal State Fullerton, UCLA and USC.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Santa Monica College is at 1900 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405.