March 19, 2020

A Message from President Maloney about the Stay-at-Home Directive

Dear Students and Employees:

This evening, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statewide stay-at-home order in effect until further notice to address the acceleration of COVID-19 here in California. Earlier in the afternoon, Los Angeles County issued a similar order.

Taken together, these two directives represent the strongest action yet by public officials in the fight against this outbreak. In response, in consultation with the El Camino College Academic Senate President, and in communication with our employee bargaining units, El Camino College is taking the following steps:

- All classes have been suspended now through Monday, March 23. The new stay-at-home directive will be a major change for all of us, so this pause is designed to give students, faculty, and staff the necessary time to adjust, make plans with their families, and prepare for the challenges ahead.

- In keeping with these directives from the Governor, Los Angeles County and the State Chancellor’s Office, all face-to-face labs and activity classes that could not be converted to an online format are cancelled for the remainder of the Spring Semester.

- Lecture courses that have already moved to online delivery will resume on Tuesday, March 24, and all student services will be offered online starting that day as well.

- We’re gathering information for students who may wish to drop a class this spring. This information will be available online and distributed via email to students, faculty, and staff by Monday, March 23.

- Students and employees must not come to campus for the duration of the stay-at-home order. Only personnel necessary for critical functions will be allowed on campus. Vice Presidents will communicate with the required employees about their schedules and duties. The campus is also closed to members of the public as well. 

I know the last few days have been alarming, frustrating, and challenging. This is a test unlike any we’ve ever faced as a campus community. I am so very proud of the courage, patience, and flexibility I’ve seen demonstrated by students, faculty and our El Camino College staff. We have had to make some difficult decisions and tackle some tough problems, all with the primary goal of keeping our campus community healthy and safe. I know we will achieve that goal if we keep working together and watching out for each other. Take care of yourselves and be safe.

Sincerely,

Dena P. Maloney, Ed.D.
Superintendent/President
El Camino College