Dear Chargers:
We are writing to you during spring break to respond to the questions you have sent us about what to expect for the remainder of the semester. Thank you for your patience as we've moved to this emergency remote format.
We are aware this has been a challenging time and hope this week brings you rest and finds you and your family in good health.
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Remote Instruction Extended Through May
Because of the state-mandated directives requiring continued social distancing to flatten the COVID-19 curve, Cypress College has decided to continue our current remote instruction through the end of the semester (May 22). We did not make this decision lightly, but felt this decision would allow you to plan for the rest of the semester. 90% percent of our courses are currently being taught through Canvas or in a Zoom meeting format; for those of you attempting to complete a course that has been suspended due to clinical or lab restrictions that require an in-person meeting structure, please work with your instructor who will help you prepare for how you will complete your course once the state-mandated shelter in place directive is lifted.
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Commencement Live!
With social distancing making it impossible to conduct the traditional on-campus commencement you all deserve, most of our surrounding colleges and high schools have cancelled, or postponed indefinitely, their graduation ceremonies. Cypress College, however, is committed to celebrating your accomplishments on May 22, as planned, and so our Commencement 2020 will move to a live-streamed event. Although we understand this may be disappointing to some of you, we assure you that we have a meaningful and high-energy celebration planned. In addition, all students will also be offered the opportunity to participate in any future live commencement the college will offer. All graduating scholars will be notified of the specific details regarding how you will be honored, how your family and loved ones can be part of this celebration, and of the special 2020 commencement gift that will be provided. Please click this link to see an example of our plans for Cypress 2020. We will continue to update you regarding our plans for Commencement 2020!
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Excused Withdrawals
Some of you have asked about withdrawing from class because of the challenges you are facing due to the shift to online and remote instruction. We understand your challenges and the stress you may be feeling, but we also don't want you to throw away the 10 weeks of instruction you have already accomplished. If you need to withdraw due to COVID-19 circumstances, we're here for you, but there may also be unintended consequences for those of you receiving financial aid. If you wish to withdraw with a refund, please consult first with your instructor to see if we can provide you support to keep on going, a financial aid representative to be sure you are making an informed decision, and/or a counselor to be sure we can help you stay on track when you are ready. to return. This is an important decision, and we are here to help you make the best one for your life and education. Click here for more information.
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Town Hall Recap
Almost 200 students participated in our recent Town Hall meetings, sponsored by your Associated Students and campus leaders. Our goal was to provide important information regarding the resources available to you in this new learning environment. If you missed these Town Halls, the Monday and Tuesday videos, along with accompanying slides, are available on the Coronavirus web page linked at the icon under "Updates."
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Parking Lot WiFi
Free Wifi is now available to all students in Lot 1. Additional WiFi hotspots have been added by the college, and are accessible only to those who are enrolled at Cypress College. 12% of you who responded to our survey said you did not have reliable wifi at home and 30% told us you did not have a quiet place to study. Although we are aware coming to campus and staying in your vehicle is not the ideal situation, we are committed to providing this service for those who need technology support. If you wish to access this free wifi, we are asking that you stay in your car and practice social distancing at all times. We have provided over 50 laptops to students who have voiced a need. If you still need a laptop or other device to help you complete this semester's coursework, please respond to the survey link here.
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Emergency Funding for Those in Need
The Cypress College Foundation has distributed 31 emergency grants to students in need. We are continuing to raise funds to support our students in need, so please respond to our survey if you are struggling with loss of income, tuition, textbooks, technology, or other challenges that we might help you address. In addition, many of you have asked about reimbursement of your parking fees, instructional fees, and other student fees. We are working through all these details and will be issuing an announcement when you return from spring break regarding potential pro-rated reimbursements. We are here for you!
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We're Here for You
Did you know... our Student Services group is essentially 100% online to serve you. When the campus closed in mid-March, our Student Services team kept right at work. Using Cranium Café, staff began meeting virtually with students to provide needed support. Cypress College was in full swing with Counseling and Admissions & Records available. All services have been fully implemented since Friday, March 20. This makes Cypress College unique among neighboring peer institutions. So, if you need any support at all, check out our live student services.
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Buen Cypress, my fellow Chargers. We Take This Journey Together.
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