Grossmont, Cuyamaca colleges temporarily shifting to online classes

Posted on: Mar 12, 2020 3:00:00 PM
In: District, Cuyamaca, Grossmont
Academics
Contact: Anne Krueger anne.krueger@gcccd.edu

Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges are cancelling in-person classes during the week of March 16-20 in response to the coronavirus outbreak, temporarily shifting to online instruction as a precautionary measure.

The East County colleges join several other colleges and universities throughout the state that are taking similar steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and San Diego County Public Health Services assure that the risk to the general public remains low, the colleges are taking the action to ensure the health and safety of students and employees at the campuses.

“We are taking these extraordinary measures out of an abundance of caution,” said Chancellor Lynn Neault. “We are doing everything we can to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees and the public, while ensuring that our student can complete their classes.”

All college and district operations will continue as normally scheduled during this period and non-instructional employees are expected to be on site during their regular work hours. Support staff will be available to assist students, and designated open computer labs will be available on campus for students who otherwise don’t have access to computers. Social distancing will be practiced as an additional precaution.

All student events for the next two weeks are cancelled, and intercollegiate athletics games are cancelled through March 29. Staff and student travel on district business outside of the state and country has been cancelled, and in-state travel is being reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Linda Cartwright, president of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board, said the board supports the steps being taken.

“We recognize the challenges imposed by these measures, and we regret any difficulties to students or faculty, but the health and safety of our campus communities is our utmost responsibility,” she said.

Classes are scheduled to resume on March 30 following the March 23-27 spring break, but college and district officials will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation to determine if additional measures need to be taken.

For the latest updates, go to the District’s COVID-19 web page.