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COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information for Students

The health of our students, faculty, staff and the community are our top priority. This situation has raised many questions; we have tried to answer many of them here. This page will be updated as we gather more information.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about covid-19 impact on students

Updated: 11/17/2020

For information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) specifically, please visit https://www.sdccd.edu/coronavirus/. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention also provides reliable up-to-date information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/

CARES Act Fund Grant

Q: What is the CARES Act Fund Grant?

A: The CARES Act provides emergency financial assistance to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.  

Q: What is San Diego City, Mesa and Miramar College planning to do with the CARES Act Fund?

A: San Diego City, Mesa and Miramar Colleges will use a portion of the CARES Act funds to provide grants directly to students. These funds are meant to help students pay expenses for technology, health care, child care, course materials, rent, food, moving or other expenses incurred this semester.

Q: How do I qualify for the CARES Act Fund Grant?

A: While we want to distribute these funds to as many students as possible, funding is limited. In addition, the federal government has imposed eligibility requirements to qualify for funding, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Must meet Title IV eligibility requirements as determined by completing a 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov.
  • Have attended at least one in-person class during the Fall 2020 term.
  • Have experienced financial hardship and expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q: How do I apply?

A: The current application window is closed, please check back as we open more opportunities

Classes and Registration

Q: When will classes resume on-campus?

A: We are closely monitoring the situation and guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as the San Diego County Public Health Office. 

City, Mesa, and Miramar Colleges, and Continuing Education will offer the vast majority of approximately 6,500 class sections in the fall 2020 semester online. The exception is hard-to-convert classes in programs that may require technical machinery, hands-on applied instruction, specific work or laboratory environments that may not be viable without some face-to-face instruction. Hard to convert classes offered in the fall 2020 may be, but are not limited to, those in industry sectors of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers in the State of California as outlined by Governor Gavin Newsom. Industry sectors include healthcare, transportation and logistics, energy, and communications and information technology.

Q: What is Canvas?

A: Canvas is an online "Learning Management System" (LMS) that provides classes with the ability to be conducted online.  For more questions about Canvas, please visit:https://www.sdccd.edu/about/departments-and-offices/instructional-services-division/online-learning-pathways-1/students/student%20resources.aspx

Q: Why can’t I log into Canvas if I am enrolled in the course?

A: Students missing valid email addresses in Campus Solutions are unable to log into their course on Canvas. Make sure you have a valid email address on file.  You can verify your email address through mySDCCD by following the tutorial here.

Q: My class is being held "asynchronous" what does that mean?

A: Asnychronous means that the class is not held at a particular time.  You may be required to complete certain tasks by a deadline established by your instructor.  Your instructor will provide expectations for asynchronous classes.

Q: What if I am not receiving emails from SDCCD?

A: To ensure that you are receiving all SDCCD updates, make sure that you have an email address on file. You can verify your email address through mySDCCD by following the tutorial here.

Q: My class is going online, but I do not have internet access, are there any resources for students?

A: We are gathering a list of resources that are being made available to students.  Please continue to check back here as this list expands:

Free Internet Service:

  • Several companies including Charter, Spectrum, and Comcast have announced plans to offer free internet service for 60 days to households with students as classes are moving online amid concerns about COVID-19. Beginning March 16 Charter Communications will make its internet and WiFi services available for free for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who don’t already have internet through the company.

  • WiFi hotspots will also be open for public. https://corporate.charter.com/newsroom/charter-to-offer-free-access-to-spectrum-broadband-and-wifi-for-60-days-for-new-K12-and-college-student-households-and-more
     
    Please contact the companies at the phone numbers below directly to arrange services if you are interested.

  • Xfinity WiFi Public Hotspots

    All Xfinity WiFi Public Hotspots are now open to everyone on the “xfinitywifi” SSID. Public hotspots can be found in small/medium businesses and outdoors in commercial areas. For more information on available public hotspots visit https://wifi.xfinity.com/.

Q: What if I don't feel comfortable or cannot take an online class?

A: If you do not feel comfortable taking an online class, you have a few options:

  • Contact your instructor regarding any concerns you may have, they may be willing to work with you to help you feel comfortable.
  • Visit Online Learning Pathways to discover tips and tricks to take classes online.
Q: I currently have, or will need, accommodations for my class, who should I contact?

A: Please contact the DSPS office on campus.  They will be able to assist your need for accommodations. For more information, please visit:https://www.sdccd.edu/about/departments-and-offices/student-services-department/dsps/index.aspx

Q: What about study abroad?

A: San Diego Community College District has cancelled all study abroad classes (including summer study abroad programs) due to the health and well-being of students and the community.

Paying for Classes and Refunds

Q: I continue to receive an error when processing my payment online, what should I do?

A: The following recommended settings are for devices/browsers that most commonly experience errors when processing payments online.  Please identify and follow the instructions that correspond to your device/browser, then try to complete your payment again.

Note:

1) Chrome is NOT the recommended browser for online payments and

2) Apple iPads currently are not compatible with processing payments online through our credit card processing company, TouchNet.

Follow the four steps below:

1) Completely close out all open browsers.

2) Open a new browsing window. 

3) Clear your internet and browsing history (cache).

4) Select your device from the following choices and follow corresponding instructions:

 

Apple/Mac, Safari

  1. Safari > Preferences > Privacy
  2. Prevent cross-site tracking = disable (uncheck box)
  3. Block all cookies = disable (uncheck box)

       

Apple/iPhone, Safari

  1. Settings > Safari
  2. Block Pop-ups = disable (left position)
  3. Prevent Cross-Site Tracking = disable (left position)
  4. Block All Cookies = disable (left position)

 

Chromebook or Other Device, Chrome

1) Settings >Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data

  • Allow all cookies = enable/select (check button)
  • Send a "Do Not Track" request with your browsing traffic = disable (move button to left position)

2) Settings >Privacy and security > Security

  • Under Safe Browsing:
  • Standard Protection = enable/select (check button)

3) Settings >Privacy and security > Site Settings

  • Under Pop-ups and redirects:
  • Blocked (recommended) = enable (move button to right position) and then description will change to “Allowed”
Restore your settings to the initial configuration when done with the payment process.

If you verified your device/browser configuration and still cannot process your payment, you may submit a ticket to the mySDCCD Support Desk:mySDCCD Support Desk

 

Q: Why am I being charged the health fees during campus closures?

A: Health Services is available to students for remote services (e.g. telemedicine) for health and mental health care during the college closures due to COVID-19.  Please refer to your college’s Health Services website or contact your college’s Health Services by phone during business hours for more information.

City College Health Services

(619) 388-3450

Mesa College Health Services

(619) 388-2774

Miramar College Health Services

(619) 388-7881

Q: I cannot continue my class(es) online, will I get a refund for my classes?

A: The refund deadline for semester-length (primary term) classes have been extended to May 8, 2020.  Students with the EW grade will be given a refund of enrollment fees and non‐resident tuition.  

There will not be a refund of the student health/accident fees, student representation fees, dosimetry fees, golf fees, Associated Student membership, bus passes* or parking permits for classes that have already begun.

*MTS is still operating all routes to provide essential trips for the entire community. Although trips to school may not be necessary any longer, the entire MTS system is available for students who have purchased semester passes. At this time, MTS is not issuing refunds.  Fall 2020 Bus Pass Notice

Q: Will I be dropped from classes that I have not yet paid for?

A: Students will not be dropped for non-payment for Summer 2020.  Students with an outstanding balance will have a hold placed on their account, preventing further enrollment and the awarding of a degree/certificate. 

Q: How do I obtain my 1098-T Tax form?

A: Follow the instructions below to obtain your 1098T tax form. 

  1. Log into mySDCCD at: https://myportal.sdccd.edu.
  2. Click the “College Student Dashboard”
  3. On the left navigation, click “My Finances”
  4. Click “View 1098-T Tax Form”
  5. On the “General” tab, under the “Tax Year” column, click the year.  In a separate window, a PDF version of the 1098-T Tax form will be displayed, which can be downloaded and printed.

IMPORTANT:  If you use a pop-up blocker, you will have to disable it to display your 1098-T Tax form.

Refer to the1098-T FAQs for additional information. You may also email etax@sdccd.edu with questions.

Q: How do I obtain my receipt for a payment I made online?

A: Receipts for online credit card payments are only generated by TouchNet.  Your receipt was emailed to your email address on record at the time of payment. 

Q: How do I delete a saved payment method in TouchNet?

A: When you access TouchNet through the SDCCD student portal or log in to TouchNet directly, there is a section on the right titled “My Profile Setup”. In that section, click on “Payment Profile”.  Next to your saved payment method you can click on Edit, then click Delete.  If you are in a Payment Plan and signed up for automatic payments, you are required to maintain at least one saved payment method in your account.

Q: Is there a Payment Plan option available?

A: The enrollment period for Summer 2020 Payment Plans has passed and they are no longer available. Fall 2020 Payment Plan enrollment will be available for eligible students from 6/22/2020 to 8/21/2020. 

financial aid

Q: Do I need to renew my FAFSA for next year?

A: The 2020-2021 FAFSA is available for renewal at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Q: How can I be assisted with my financial aid questions?

A: As campuses are closed, students must have a financial aid password established prior to any release of information via email. We will continue to update this as information changes.

If you do not have a password set up you will have to submit the password form with a copy of your state or government issued ID.

Q: Does an Excused Withdrawal (EW) affect my financial aid eligibility?

A: Excused Withdrawal is still considered when calculating Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). The EW may impact your completion percentage and attempted unit standards when SAP is calculated for the next aid year. If you are a current financial aid student on probation due to not meeting SAP initially campuses may give special consideration to not become ineligible.

Q: How will dropping / withdrawing from courses affect my financial aid?

A: Dropping or withdrawing from classes may or may not affect you immediately or in the future.

  • May need to repay portion of financial aid disbursed if withdraw from all classes. You will receive a notification if this applies to you.
  • Please note this may impact Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in a future aid year.

Q: How will my enrollment be reported to NSLDS if my enrollment is disrupted due to closure of campus because of the Coronavirus?

A: Reporting will continue to be sent to NSLDS. Institutions can enter into temporary consortium agreements with other institutions to allow students to complete and transfer in coursework from another institution, but be awarded credit at their home institution.

Q: Can I still get financial aid if all of my classes become online?

A: Yes. However, if you enroll in all online classes and your home or mailing address reflects any of these states, a registration hold will be placed on your account and or dropped from your classes if already enrolled prior to address update. You will not be eligible for financial aid.

Check here for an up to date list of restricted states and territories.

Q: Will the processing time for my financial aid be impacted because of campus closure?

A: Processing times will be impacted during campus closure. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

Q: Will I still be able to get a disbursement?

A: Yes, current disbursement schedules can be found on your campus financial aid website.

Q: I submitted my 2020-2021 financial aid application. How will I know if they received it?

A: Notifications will be sent the beginning of April to all students whose applications we have received. Your student portal will be updated with 2020 – 2021 aid year information once we receive your financial aid application.

Q: Will my loan continue to accrue interest?

A: After President Trump’s announcement of freezing interest on federal student loans as part of the National Emergency Declaration, we are waiting on more information and guidance on details of who will be eligible.

Q: The college has closed and I am a Federal Work Study Student and my on-campus job is not available, do I still get paid?

A: Yes, students that started their jobs and are not currently allowed to work due to campus closure can still get paid.  Please contact your FWS coordinator if you have any questions.

services for students

Q: I need to turn in a form/petition, how can I do this?

A: Students can submit most forms/petitions online at https://www.sdccd.edu/students/forms-and-documents.aspx Please be sure to read the instructions on the page prior to submitting your form.

New Forms

Two new forms have been created to support grading flexibility due to COVID-19.

  • Petition for P/NP for Courses Not Approved – this form will be completed by a student and counselor when a student chooses to select a P/NP grade option for courses not approved for P/NP. The form will be processed using the new online format (see above).
  • Assignment of In Progress – this form will be completed by an instructor when assigning the IP grade for hard to convert courses that will not complete by the end of the Spring semester.

Q: Will mySDCCD still be available?

A: Yes, mySDCCD is still available and accessible at http://my.sdccd.edu

Q: Will I be able to go to the campuses if I need help in person?

A: No, due to the health and safety of our students, staff, faculty and overall community, we will be closing down the campuses and the District Office as per recommendations and orders from state and county authorities.

Q. I have a question about pre-requisites, who can I contact?

A. Please email prerequinquiry@sdccd.edu

Q: Will Counseling services still be available?

A: E-Counseling services may be available at your campus.  Please contact your counseling office for more questions.

Q: I need to contact Evaluations regarding my graduation, transfer, or transcript evaluation?

A: You can contact evaluations by emailing evaluators@sdccd.edu

Q: How do I order transcripts?

A: You can order transcripts online via mySDCCD.  Transcript processing will still continue.  You can also email tinquiry@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.

For more information about outgoing transcripts visit: https://www.sdccd.edu/students/transcripts/index.aspx

For more information about sending transcripts to San Diego City, Mesa or Miramar College email: tinquiry@sdccd.edu

Q: Are all campus events cancelled?

A: Yes, currently all campus events have been cancelled until further notice. No decision has been made regarding Commencement.

graduation and transferring

Q: How will COVID-19 affect my ability to transfer?

California State University (CSU)

The California State University System (CSU) is providing some flexibility for Fall 2020 transfers. 

  • CSU Campuses will accept a “Pass” for transferable college courses completed in Spring, Summer or Fall 2020 to satisfy: The Golden Four (English Language, Oral Communications, Critical Thinking, and Mathematics/Quantitative reasoning; all other General Education and prerequisites for the major.
  • CSU will clear admission for upper-division transfer applicants with 48 semester transferable units who have completed English Language and Mathematics/Quantitative reasoning by the start of Fall 2020 (including courses taken in summer 2020).
  • CSU requests that community colleges that can provide transcripts by July 15, 2020, do so; however, CSU campuses will continue to accept transcripts through the Fall 2020 term. CSU campuses will not rescind conditional offers of admission based upon the receipt of transcripts.

Full details and on-going updates may be found: https://www2.calstate.edu/apply

University of California (UC)

The University of California System (UC) is providing some flexibility for Fall 2020 admitted students. 

  • The UC system will accept a “Pass”: A-G courses completed in Spring 2020, and exclude from 14 unit maximum if taken Spring, Summer or Fall 2020 for junior level students.
  • The UC system will permit students to complete coursework in Summer 2020 to meet the 60 unit transfer requirement.
  • The UC system requests that transcripts be submitted by July 1, 2020 if possible. If not, students must send an email to AskUC@ucop.edu with the date the transcript is expected to be available.

Full details and on-going updates may be found:  https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/response-covid-19.html

 

Q: Will there still be a commencement ceremony?

A: The City, Mesa, Miramar, and Continuing Education commencements, which were scheduled to take place in late May and early June, are being postponed due to the prohibition against large group assemblies and due to the need for us to give timely notice to the vendors who provide the academic regalia and other items for these events.

Q: I only have a few classes remaining for graduation/transfer and they are being cancelled, what can I do?

A: We recommend that you speak with a Counselor to discuss your options.

Title ix

Q: Will the Title IX Office still be open?
A: Yes, the Title IX Office and other campus support services will remain open and available to assist students at this time.
In the event of a campus/district closure, the Title IX Office will continue to review incoming reports and respond appropriately.

Q: Who can I reach out to if I need to report a Title IX related incident?

A: You can still report an incident to the Title IX Office using the online reporting form Title IX Complaint Form, or contacting the Title IX Office by phone at 619-388-6660.  We will be reviewing reports as they come in and responding within 48 hours.

If you have an urgent question or concern regarding Title IX, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at scarter001@sdccd.edu.

If you are in an emergency situation, please contact 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

Q: Who can I contact if I, or someone I know, needs support because of experienced sexual violence or intimate partner violence and needs support?

A: If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence or intimate partner violence, contact the Campus Advocate at 619-541-5970 or mbutler@ccssd.org for resources and assistance. The Campus Advocate is a confidential resource for both students and employees, and any details relating to your incident will not be reported to the District without your consent.

You can find additional information and resources in the Intimate Partner Violence Resource Guide.

Q: I’m currently involved in an open case with the Title IX Office. Are these concerns still being reviewed and addressed by the Title IX Coordinator?

A: Yes, the Title IX Office will continue to review and investigate current cases and to new reports of Title IX incidents. The Title IX Coordinator will continue to respond to concerns in a timely manner; however, there may be delays in the review and investigation process during this time.

San Diego promise program

 

Q: Can I still submit a Promise application?

A: The Fall 2020 application window has closed, students are advised to visit the San Diego Promise Program webpage: https://www.sdccd.edu/about/departments-and-offices/student-services-department/promise/future-promise-students.aspx

For questions or concerns, please contact our Outreach offices:

City College, First Year Services

Mesa College, Outreach

Miramar College, Outreach

619-388-3998

619-388-2230

619-388-7357

sdpromisecity@sdccd.edu

sdpromisemesa@sdccd.edu  

sdpromisemiramar@sdccd.edu 

 
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