Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:
In these extraordinary circumstances, the response from you – our students, faculty, and staff – has been inspiring. The creative solutions, the dedication to finding workarounds, and the commitment from all of you have been most rewarding. You have shared your expertise and enthusiasm. Thank you for rising to meet the challenges we are facing.
We continue to keep abreast on the coronavirus and federal and state news. We promise to communicate regularly. In case you missed it, here’s a link to my recent Covid-19 video update. Please read on for the latest developments.
Campus Closed through May 16: I have extended the closures of SFCC main campus, Santa Fe Higher Education Center, William C. Witter Fitness Education Center and Kids Campus for the remainder of the spring semester, through May 16.
Commencement Postponed: We are sadly disappointed to have to postpone Commencement, as many of you will be as well. We will let you know the date as soon as it is safe for us to once again congregate and celebrate together.
Join the Conversation on Facebook: We have created a special Facebook group, SFCC – In This Together, where our community can share photos, videos, links, and questions. Participate in (or eavesdrop) on the great discussions; many are healing, cathartic and can bring a smile. Invite your friends and colleagues to join the conversation – all voices are welcome.
Governing Board Meeting on Monday, March 30, 2 p.m.: SFCC’s Governing Board will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, March 30, at 2 p.m. Board meetings are open to the public. However, because of the current public health emergency and campus closure, the meeting will not be held in person. You can ‘attend’ the meeting on SFCC’s YouTube channel. If you would like to submit a public comment, please send it to Audrey Lucero at audrey.lucero@sfcc.edu at least 24 hours before the meeting. Comments will be read aloud during the meeting.
Students
Credit Courses: Online courses and courses that have been moved online will continue; as announced previously, no in-person classes will be held. Classes that can’t transition to online will be extended into the summer semester.
Graduates: We have extended the deadline to submit your petition to graduate to Friday, May 15, 2020.
Refunds for Classes: If you have had to drop a course due to coronavirus issues, you will receive a tuition and fees credit that will be available to you in the 2020-2021 academic year. Unfortunately, this late in the semester SFCC cannot offer refunds for tuition or fees (SFCC Policy 3-9 Credit and Noncredit Course Refund). However, you can request tuition and fees credits to attend classes in the coming academic year. Please contact the Financial Aid Office (financialaid@sfcc.edu, 505-428-1268) to verify that this will not affect your financial aid.
Technology: The Office of Information Technology (505-428-1222) continues to seek ways to support you. SFCC Wi-Fi internet access is available in the SFCC parking lot during daylight hours. Computer Charity in Santa Fe offers low-cost or free computers for veterans and low-income customers. They also have low-cost laptops and desktop computers available for purchase for anyone. Xfinity has opened free Wi-Fi hotspots for anyone who needs one and is offering two months of internet access at no charge for those who qualify.
Student Employees: Student workers will continue to be paid through the end of the term, May 16, 2020.
Financial Support: The SFCC Foundation is developing a Student Emergency Assistance Fund to help you finish your studies should you need short-term assistance due to a job loss or other obstacle.
Faculty & Staff
Soft Freeze on Hiring: In light of the current coronavirus conditions that are creating financial uncertainties, SFCC is implementing a “soft freeze” on hiring, effective immediately. All hiring is being suspended until further notice. For questions about positions that are now in the application review/interview process, essential positions, grant-funded positions, or other concerns, contact Vice President for Finance Nick Telles with questions or concerns.
It is heartening to know that we are all collaborating with and supporting one another as we negotiate our way together in a time of deep concern. Thank you for all you are doing.
Sincerely,
Becky Rowley, Ph.D.
President
