Following updated guidance from Governor Inslee, Shoreline Community College will begin to operate remotely as of March 16 to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the community. Most classes already shifted online on March 10.
At this time, there are no known cases of COVID-19 on the campus, but the College is taking proactive and thoughtful action to safely conduct operations and ensure students continue learning and receive support services.
“Although our services will be moving remotely, our caring faculty and staff continue to be available to enroll, advise, support, and answer questions – online, by phone, email, and video appointments,” said President Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D. “The health and well-being of our campus community is our top priority, and we want to do what we can to reduce the spread of this virus, while ensuring students can continue their education.”
All Campus Services Available Online
The College has developed online strategies to ensure students can access the same services they would find on the physical campus, while employees work from home. A small number of employees will continue to come to campus for limited essential tasks, but the public is asked to refrain from coming to campus and reach out by phone and email instead.
A very limited number of services will still be available on the physical campus such as specialized lab courses, the residence hall, the Parent-Child Center, and the Benefits Hub (where students can access food, transportation and housing assistance, and special emergency funds from the College’s Foundation). The College will take appropriate precautions for social distancing and disinfecting in these spaces.
Emergency Response Planning
The College’s Communicable Disease Task Force was activated in early February as soon as the College began to learn about the COVID-19 outbreak. The College used its Incident Command System (ICS), meeting daily to monitor recommendations from public health agencies, implement an evolving COVID-19 response plan, and provide updates to the campus and community via the website each day.
“We know this is a very challenging and stressful time for our students and our employees,” said President Roberts. “That’s why we’ve been very thoughtful about anticipating multiple ways we may need to pivot in response to this rapidly developing situation. I’m so grateful to our faculty and staff for working tirelessly to shift our on-campus classes and services online in a short amount of time, without leaving anyone behind.”
Spring Quarter
With Governor Inslee’s announcement requiring colleges to operate remotely for the next several weeks, this will impact the way Shoreline operates and provides classes in spring quarter, which begins in April. The College is working on plans now for continuity of instructional and service operations for spring quarter and will share more information the week of March 16.
In the meantime, registration for spring quarter is open and students can apply for financial aid, meet with advisors, sign up for classes, and pay tuition – all online.
Visit www.shoreline.edu for the latest updates about the College’s COVID-19 response.