Stan State students will return from Spring Break to all virtual/remote instruction and support services.
With a strong emphasis on health and safety while promoting social distancing measures, the University priority has been transitioning all courses to virtual and remote learning to allow students to continue making progress toward their degrees. Faculty took advantage of the Spring Break and two additional days to prepare for the transition.
Following the guidance of the Governor’s stay-at-home order, the University began transitioning to virtual modalities and operations on March 17. President Junn sent a message to the campus community reassuring and recognizing the strength, hope, adaptability and commitment displayed by all members of the Warrior family during this time.
To the students, President Junn said, “…thank you for your bravery, flexibility, maturity and initiative in taking on so many changes and finding positive ways to cope, negotiate and find a balance as you move forward in your dreams to finish your degree.” She shared her gratitude for everyone’s willingness to work together and acknowledged the anxiety and stress many have been feeling and added, “You are indeed a Warrior, and you make us proud!”
The campus responded aggressively and swiftly to COVID-19. The campus’ Infectious Disease Response Team began communicating about COVID-19 in January with the Stan State Emergency Operations Center opening at a Level 1 in February. To ensure students were equipped to participate in remote learning, laptops/Chromebooks and WiFi hotspots were made available for checkout to students without personal computers in early March.
Many of the University’s recent actions and efforts are highlighted below, although this list does not reflect the numerous acts of kindness, selflessness and appreciation shown by Stan State faculty, staff and students. Visit our COVID-19 website for comprehensive coverage of campus efforts and communications.
Health and Wellness
- The Student Health Center remains open. Students are encouraged to call ahead for an appointment first in advance.
- Psychological Counseling Services remains open to assist students during this time.
- Students can still receive up to 10 items a week from the Warrior Food Pantry depending on our ability to stock food.
- Recent funding to the Campus Cares Fund from donors will help offset the financial hardship our students may face during this time.
- Disinfecting and sanitization of work areas, as well as frequently touched areas and surfaces, continues.
- Procurement of hard-to-get resources is taking place through state vendors and contacts, allowing the University to obtain necessary PPE and sanitizing resources.
Academics
- Universitywide transition to virtual/remote learning, enabled by an intensive preparation period of online workshops and peer mentoring by faculty with strong experience with the technologies.
- Universitywide transition to virtual/remote student support in critical areas, including tutoring, supplemental instruction, advising, career mentoring and more.
- Development of online resources to facilitate teaching and learning — available at our Instructional Continuity website.
- Build-up and expansion of key information technology resources to enable virtual teaching, learning and support.
- Hundreds of laptops and hotspots checked out to students.
- The University Library is offering virtual services. Please see the University Library COVID-19 Guide for updates on services and resources.
Employment
- Identified essential personnel, critical functions and critical spaces on campus to remain open. Transitioned most employees to working remotely.
- Ensured those 65 or older, or those with health risks, do not come to campus and can telecommute if possible.
- Moved many processes related to employment online, with many others still being refined.
- Worked closely with faculty and staff to ensure they have the equipment needed to telecommute.
Facilities and On-Campus Housing
- Cancelled/postponed all activities and events as the situation evolved.
- Limited access to campus facilities by students, faculty and staff for essential functions only.
- Rental fee and meal plan adjustments have been offered for students who live on campus and chose to leave the area for the remainder of the semester.
- On-campus housing remains open for students who do not have the option to leave.
- Adapted on-campus dining to reduce the possible spread while continuing to feed students.
Travel
- Suspended all University-related international and non-essential domestic travel.
- Worked closely with students and faculty who were travelling abroad to arrange their safe return home and provide guidelines and advice on self-isolation.
- Travel and competition have been suspended for all intercollegiate and club athletic teams.
Other
- Encouraged students to return home for the remainder of the semester, if possible.
- Developed plans to issue a variety of refunds/adjustments for students — parking, housing, dining.
- Implemented oversight of emergency expense tracking across campus to document for federal, state and local entities.
- Provided ongoing updates to the campus community about important changes. Developed an evolving COVID-19 website with resources and updates.
- Repeated important public education messages, including social distancing and how to prevent the spread of infection.
- Held regular meetings with leadership at Stanislaus County Office of Education, San Joaquin County Office of Education, Stanislaus County Health Services Agency, San Joaquin Public Health Services, Merced College, Modesto Junior College, San Joaquin Delta College and K-12 school districts in the six-county service region.
- Stayed in close contact with CSU leadership at various levels, and quickly updated campus guidelines to match new CSU guidance.