San Mateo County Community College District to Move to Primarily Online and Distance Learning March 17 – April 5In-person classes are canceled March 12-16 in order to prepare

San Mateo, CA – Mike Claire, interim chancellor, San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD), announced today changes to instructional and business operations at the District’s three colleges: Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College.

All face-to-face classes are canceled from Thursday, March 12, through Monday, March 16. All online courses will continue as scheduled during this period. Faculty will use the class cancellation to prepare their transition to online and distance learning.

Classes will resume on March 17, with most classes meeting online and through distance learning modalities. Some exceptions will be made for courses that must be delivered in-person, such as labs, performing arts, and physical education. Online education and distance learning will continue from March 17 to April 5. This period may be adjusted based on changing circumstances.

“We are taking measures to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus in our community,” said Interim Chancellor Claire. “We are also committed to providing an outstanding education for our students despite these challenging circumstances.”

Currently, there are no confirmed coronavirus exposures on SMCCCD campuses. The District will follow the guidance of San Mateo County Health should any exposures occur.

Courses that are already being delivered online will continue without interruption. Courses being taught offsite (such as dual enrollment courses in high schools) will continue face-to-face, unless the host location closes. In that case, instructors will switch to online course delivery.

Per San Mateo County Health guidance, the District is also suspending nonessential gatherings. This includes:

  • All District/College-organized special events, performances, and meetings are suspended through April 5
  • Sports games will continue, but spectators will not be allowed at games through May 30, 2020
  • San Mateo Athletic Club will be closed to members beginning 9:30 pm on March 11 until further notice
  • Events being held by third-parties through rental agreements may proceed at the discretion of the event organizer (only SMCCCCD-organized events are canceled

Campuses and offices will remain open for faculty, staff, and administration, and employees will continue to report to work as normally scheduled. Offices will exercise social distancing protocols prescribed by public health officials. Libraries, tutoring spaces, and other student support offices will remain open to support students.

All COVID-19-related announcements and resources are available on the District emergency website: emergency.smccd.info.