BY Evelyn Mares
J-101 Staff Writer
Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez tells LACCD students campuses are only in phase one of four in plan to reopen class rooms.
A Town Hall was organized by students of the Associated Student Organization (ASO) to voice the students’ concerns during this pandemic.
Nia Smith, ASO secretary of Los Angeles Trade Tech, Briana Garnica is ASO president for La Mission College and Max Jordan president at West LA reach out to students hearing their concerns.
Rodriguez said, “Eighteen online courses were available since March 16, but now 95% of courses now reopen online March 30th (remote/online).The reason for it not being 100% fully online or remotely is due to the fact some courses are difficult and unsure on how to transition the softwares solution for the courses.”
“Since March 30 courses have opened and almost 10,000 staff and faculty are working from home for the students,” He said.
As of this moment, orders to open college campuses need to pass four stages. Colleges would have to pass the state department, local county, county and the health department. As of this moment, campuses are still in stage one. The health and safety are the priority for the students, staff and faculty. The reason why college courses are still being offered is because school is considered essential. Courses will be available online or remotely for summer and fall for the meantime.
During this time, California Community Colleges filed a lawsuit over the implementation of the emergency COVID-19 student assistance.
The federal government provided through the CARES Act Remedy relief financial assistance to the multiple agencies through the United States Department of Education is providing recourse to colleges. A lawsuit was filed by our State Chancellor office in Sacramento because of the requirements for eligibility under the CARES Act were unconstitutional by the interpretation of the Department of Education.
The CARES Act leaves out a big portion of student veterans, those without a high school diploma, undocumented students, and incoming students. State aid is used to help people who don’t qualify for financial aid for assistance financially through the equity and access fund from students. Additional funding will be sent directly to students who apply for FAFSA.
When colleges do decide to open there, will be regulations and guidelines from the county public health department that colleges would have to follow. For example, if this 6 feet is still a necessity for students in a class that has 30 classmates, there would only be 11 or 12 students allowed in the class to keep everyone safe.
Students still have the opportunity to withdraw a class even after the drop deadline. According to one of the speakers Ryan Corner,PHD, “the excuse withdrawal can happen all the way through the end of the semester provided by the state guideline.
“It would not be done by the student online portal but you would have to fill out a petition and have a certain process.” To the students who request to pass/no pass for any courses, it is recommended to talk to a counselor if planning to transfer to a UC. Since the CSU has waived the pass/ no pass but not the UC.