When Santa Monica College (SMC) made the decision that the spring semester was going to be completely remote through the summer, some international students made the decision to travel back to their home countries whereas others decided to stay. International students in the United States now lead an uncertain future as SMC among other schools, announced the fall semester will be online and the US borders are still closed due to COVID-19.
Read MoreThe SMC Nursing Program will continue virtually during Fall and the clinical classes that were previously cancelled during spring, will resume gradually. Incoming applicants will remain on hold until further notice, as safety is prioritized amid pandemic. Both the administration and students face unprecedented challenges.
Read MoreA question on many California State University (CSU) transfer and current students' minds about what is going to happen for the fall semester was answered on Tuesday, May 12. CSU Chancellor Timothy White announced that CSU institutions will be holding most of their fall classes online and keeping nearly all their classrooms closed, with a few exceptions.
Read MoreCalifornia Community Colleges (CCC) filed a federal lawsuit this past Monday against the Department of Education and Secretary of Education Betsy Devos over the eligibility requirements of receiving emergency funds provided to educational institutions through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Read MoreAfter nearly a month of lighting up shores from Baja California to Santa Cruz, the bioluminescent waves have faded. The phenomenon, which drew national media attention, entertained thousands of people eager to see the rare spectacle despite California’s beaches being closed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Along several beaches, some local police gave up trying to enforce beach closures due to the large crowds.
Read MoreThe first saliva at-home test for COVID-19 has been approved by the FDA, as it becomes available online to many states throughout the country including California. Rutgers Clinical Genomics Laboratory is able to return results after approximately 48 hours by the time received. Tests are available through Vault Health company online, as it offers its virtual medical supervision.
Read MoreThe true reality of Santa Monica College’s (SMC) future as a remote learning environment showed its face at the college’s Board of Trustees meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, which was held via Zoom. The discussion of possible technological shortfalls, severance of academic programs, and reopening development plans only scratched the surface of SMC’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) response.
Read MoreCARES ACT, $12 million emergency relief money for Santa Monica College, will distribute $6 million to students affected by the pandemic and the rest for institutional support. Primarily pell grant students qualify, while undocumented and international students are left out. Administration sends out surveys necessary to determine if a student qualifies. Students can reapply for financial aid if income has been affected due to COVID-19.
Read MoreThe board members of Associated Students (AS) unanimously approved and sponsored the “Expressing Solidarity for Jewish Students at Santa Monica College” resolution at their Zoom-hosted board meeting on Monday. This approval comes after a week’s worth of impassioned criticism and support of the resolution from Santa Monica College (SMC) students and members of the public.
Read MoreCalifornia’s four steps to reopen include the retail industry and manufacturing, while gyms, hair and nail salons will follow later. Offices that are able to work virtually, will continue to do so in an attempt of maintaining social distancing. Fourth step is the end of "Safe at Home" measures, while people fear for their financial situation during this process.
Read MoreSanta Monica College (SMC) announced on Thursday, April 30, that classes throughout the Fall semester would continue to be held online as part of the college’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic gripping the nation.
Read MorePresident Donald Trump recently announced he would halt all U.S. funding of the World Health Organization (WHO), a specialized agency of the United Nations and the leading international health organization, pending a review of its coronavirus response by his administration.
Read MoreOn March 19, Santa Monica College (SMC) faculty received an email with the subject line “Proctorio -- test proctoring software now available” from Interim Dean of Instructional Services, Jason Beardsley. The email explained that an online software known as Proctorio had become available to all SMC faculty that use Canvas, in an effort to “enhance academic integrity by monitoring each student’s behavior during an exam.”
Read MoreBiden warns Americans to not drink bleach after Trump’s disinfectant suggestion at his brief went viral; the COVID-19 “hoax” gets clarification. Beach trips and outdoor activities may result in citations in Santa Monica as they are prohibited during heat wave this weekend due to the pandemic. Millions of Americans are being examined for coronavirus, while being reminded of prevention, symptoms and what to do if you are feeling sick.
Read MoreMultiple members of Congress are under scrutiny over stock transactions made just before the coronavirus outbreak here in America.
Read MoreAnxiety and fear grow in hospitals around Los Angeles as the nation's healthcare system is overwhelmed by coronavirus victims. Medical professionals across the United States are experiencing a critical shortage of protective supplies and are unable to protect themselves from the virus when providing patient care.
Read MoreDespite the widespread closures of public spaces due to the coronavirus pandemic, businesses deemed essential have remained open. This includes public transportation, even in face of a significant decrease in demand. Those who depend on public transportation have routes that may now be disrupted due to the rising health concerns. Additionally, walking doesn't seem to be a viable alternative for the majority of people in LA, particularly those with a long commute to work.
Read MoreAs America finally begins coming to grips with the new reality of the coronavirus winter, the 2020 presidential election pushes on.
Read MoreAll Santa Monica College (SMC) clubs were thought to have been canceled due to the coronavirus. However, a few clubs have made efforts to resume digitally.
Read MoreWith closure of dine-in restaurants throughout California, the demand for takeout services has increased. Third party ordering platforms such as "Grubhub," "Postmates," and "DoorDash" have quickly grown in popularity due to current circumstances. Major food delivery apps have assisted owners during this transition to help generate income and keep business afloat.
Read More
