What you need to know for fall.
Update 7/30/21:
A message from Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D.
"From the beginning of the pandemic, we have been following the guidance of the CDC, California Department of Public Health and the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department on returning to campus. We intend to continue to follow that guidance as we prepare for students to return.
As we look forward to what is coming from our public health experts, we are doing our best to balance the need for students to be back on campus while creating a safe environment. Over the summer our facilities staff has changed out building filtration systems, installing the highest filtration system we can. We have also ordered additional portable air purifiers for offices and classroom spaces, stocked up on surgical masks and distributed hand sanitizer to every corner of the college.
Our local public health agency is now joining the CDC and the California Department of Public Health in recommending everyone wear masks while indoors, although that is not yet a mandate. Beginning on August 2 we will adopt indoor masking as a practice on our campuses. All students, faculty, staff and visitors will need to wear masks while indoors unless you are in an isolated work area (e.g., your office).
We are not yet implementing a vaccination mandate, but we are providing incentives for students to get vaccinated. As part of our participation in the White House COVID-19 College Vaccination Challenge, we are rolling out a cash bonus for enrolled students to get vaccinated. Any vaccinated student can show their vax certificate to receive a $250 debit card! We have also scheduled two vaccination clinics on campus prior to the start of the fall semester.
As we move toward and into the fall semester, we will continue to monitor the recommendations and mandates from local, state and federal sources."
Update 7/29/21:
Allan Hancock College has joined colleges and universities across the country to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by offering a $250 Visa gift card to every currently enrolled student who shows proof of any COVID-19 vaccination the fall 2021 semester as part of the White House COVID-10 College Vaccine Challenge! Gift cards will be provided on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Find out how you can join in the college's vaccination challenge and earn your free $250 gift card AND get information on upcoming vaccination clinics by visiting the Basic Needs webpage.
Update 7/2/21: We are so excited to see you back on campus this fall!
The Hancock administration, faculty, and staff are working together to determine how classrooms and student spaces will be used in the safest ways possible. The college is following the health and safety rules as set out by Cal/OSHA and other agencies (as required by state law, district collective bargaining agreements, and Board of Trustees policy). The college expects further guidance this month and will release more information as plans are finalized.
The majority of fall classes are scheduled to be held in-person; however, the fall class schedule includes many distance learning and Zoom courses as well.
At this time, the college is following local, state and federal safety guidance. COVID-19 safety protocols allow for all vaccinated persons to be on campus and indoors without masks. All unvaccinated individuals must wear a mask. Showing illness symptoms? Please do not come onto campus.
The college continues to map out safety guidelines for fall classes and information will be shared on this website, via emails to students, faculty, and staff, and on the college’s official social media pages.
Need help now?
We are staffed to serve you live online Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Zoom NOW with Welcome Center staff!
This is your one-stop shop for assistance - we are happy to help!
Resources for Students, Faculty, and Staff
The following FAQs and resources are subject to change as the fall 2021 semester approaches.
Will classes be in session for fall 2021?
Fall classes are scheduled to be face-to-face and in-person. Your safety remains a priority, so adjustments may be made to allow for appropriate social distancing. You will receive a notification if any changes are made.
How does emergency remote teaching (ERT) work?
ERT is like attending class from your home. ERT learning takes place in real time, which means you will interact with your instructor and classmates during your specific class times each week. It's live online learning! Your instructors may use video conferencing, teleconferencing, and/or live-streaming lectures. Instructors may use applications like Canvas, email, Zoom, Google Drive, etc. to communicate course materials, activities, and assessments.
How does distance learning (dl)/online teaching work?
DL-Online gives you the flexibility to complete your classes on your own time. DL-Online learning happens on a flexible schedule. Your class instruction will take place separate from your instructor with the assistance of technology. In other words, you can complete your class work on your own time as your schedule allows, while meeting the course deadlines. Instruction, which may include lectures, discussions, activities, assignments, quizzes, and exams, will take place online. Your instructors may include self-guided lessons, streaming video content, virtual libraries, posted lecture notes, and conversations on discussions boards.
Where can I learn about available resources for summer and fall semester?
Our resources are listed on this COVID-19 website just after this Student FAQ. Resources are offered to help with technology, food needs, tutoring, financial aid, library, bookstore, mental health services, student services, childcare, and more.
I am not sure i can afford college - what are my options?
We have many financial aid options available for you, regardless of your income or residency status! Hancock is dedicated to ensuring all our students can afford college. Please contact our Financial Aid office to find out what you qualify for. Call 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3200 or email at Finaid@hancockcollege.edu.
Are any services offered in-person?
Yes! Although we encourage students to access services remotely, we are still here for you in-person! Give us a call or send an email to find out what is open and when. You can access our contact information via our Department Contact list.
WHAT IF I NEED A PLACE TO STUDY?
The Santa Maria campus currently has student study spaces open during the day upstairs in Building K. Please contact Student Services by calling 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3650 or emailing at studentsrvs@hancockcollege.edu with questions about available times and locations.
The Lompoc Valley Center currently does not have designated study spaces.
what is being done to ensure on-campus services are safe?
The college has taken many steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff on campus. These include:
- All faculty, staff, and students must be symptom free (no fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.) to be on campus. Signage is posted to inform all campus visitors.
- Face coverings must be worn in all District buildings for faculty, staff, administrators, students, and the general public. Those entering buildings without a face covering will be denied entry or provided a face covering. This will be enforced in all District locations, and proper signage will aid in enforcement.
- Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided to all District employees as needed.
- All employees and students will be required to maintain a physical/social distance
of no less than six (6) feet apart at all times. Markers on the floor will provide students with additional guidance on physical/social
distancing.
- District buildings will have single points of entry and exit to promote safe movement through the building.
- All desks that service students and/or the general public will have with a physical barrier to further enforce physical/social distancing.
- High touch surfaces will be sanitized repeatedly throughout the day.
are there changes being made to grading policies?
The college is encouraging all students to stay enrolled in their classes and to not drop classes without speaking to a counselor first. If you have concerns about being able to complete your coursework, degree, or certificate, please contact a counselor at 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3293 or email counseling@hancockcollege.edu.
You may change a grading option for a course that has a Pass/No Pass grading option.
In order to select this option, you must be officially enrolled in the course. You
may select a Pass/No Pass option by selecting the Pass/No Pass option from the drop-down
box and select the Submit Changes button. If this feature does not work properly,
and you do not receive verification that your submission was successful, you may print
the Pass/No Pass Option form, complete it, and submit it to the Admissions and Records office by the Pass/No Pass
deadline. Each course has a specific deadline. To verify the deadline, visit Class Search to review which deadlines are specific for your Course Reference Number (CRN).
Be aware that the Pass/No Pass option is not reversible for any reason and after submitting
this option, you may not change your mind at a later date and request a letter grade.
You may submit the form in person during normal business hours, via email at admissions_help@hancockcollege.edu or via U.S. Mail.
Under specific circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for Excused Withdrawal (EW). If you have circumstances that are beyond your control and would like to hear more about the EW option, please contact an AHC counselor or the Admissions and Records office and ask if this option is possible for you. The grade of Excused Withdrawal does not count in units attempted, nor is it calculated in your grade point average, but it may affect your financial aid.
Students who receive the grade of EW are eligible to repeat the course in future semesters. It does not fulfill a prerequisite for any course.
It is important to schedule an appointment with a counselor to answer any questions you may have regarding these grading options. Please call 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3293, or email Counseling at counseling@hancockcollege.edu for assistance. You can meet with a counselor by visiting the Counseling webpage.
who can i contact if i have general questions about the college?
If you have general questions about the college, please call Public Affairs & Communications at 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3382.
AHC Virtual Welcome Center
The Welcome Center is staffed to serve students Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The one-stop Welcome Center is a place where you can connect with Hancock staff virtually. All Student Services departments have staff available to answer questions. The Welcome Center is a first stop because our staff can direct you to the department(s) that will best answer your specific questions.
BOOKSTORE
AHC bookstores are open with amended hours for each location.
See Bookstore website for current hours in Santa Maria and Lompoc
Call for appointment if you need to visit either location outside of these hours.
Students who need to shop in-person to purchase art supplies, ceramics, or general supplies can enter the store in limited numbers.
Students who are unable to shop during operating bookstore hours or have special needs can contact the bookstore to make an appointment.
Books can be returned in-person while the bookstore is open. Online orders are processed daily in preparation for fall classes.
ADMISSIONS & RECORDS
Admissions & Records is open via phone, email, and in-person services in bldg. A and at the Lompoc Valley Center. Please call 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3248 or email Admissions & Records at admissions_help@hancockcollege.edu for assistance.
You can speak with an Admissions & Records staff person by visiting the Admissions and Records webpage.
CAMPUS GRAPHICS
Students can have materials printed by submitting print files (PDF, Word, PowerPoint) to the Campus Graphics webpage.
When submitting work to be printed by Campus Graphics, please provide the information requested. When the print job has been completed, the student will be notified of a pickup date and time. Campus Graphics staff will place the printed job on a table on the outside glass front door of bldg. H, Room 102. Students are asked to stay back 10 feet from Campus Graphics staff.
Printed work for LVC students can be picked up at LVC campus security. If no one is in the office please call ext. 5652 or 3652. Please allow 2-3 business days for LVC student printing service.
While the COVID-19 shelter in place is in effect, all printing is free to AHC students.
CircleIn
CircleIn is an easy-to-use studying app and website that is available to all Allan Hancock students.
CircleIn allows students and their classmates to gather, collaborate, and help one another with homework and testing. Students are also able to earn rewards and become eligible for scholarships for studying and collaborating on CircleIn.
Learn more and download the app at http://students.CircleInapp.com.
FINANCIAL AID
Financial Aid is open via phone, email, and in-person services in bldg. A and at the Lompoc Valley Center.
For questions, call 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3200 or email Finaid@hancockcollege.edu.
EOPS, CALWORKS, CARE, & NEXTUP
The EOPS, CalWORKs, CARE, and NextUp programs are open via phone, email, and in-person visits in bldg. A and at the Lompoc Valley Center. Counselors and specialists in these programs are available - contact information is provided in the links above.
THE HANCOCK PROMISE
Promise students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units in fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters. If a Promise student needs to drop an English or math class, they need to register for an English or math class the following semester. For more information on the Hancock Promise, call 1-805-347-7550 or email promise@hancockcollege.edu.
BOOKS FOR BULLDOGS
Books for Bulldogs is a free service that allows currently enrolled AHC students to borrow textbooks for an entire semester. Check out this flyer for a one-stop-shop on all of our free book resources!
For more information, email ahcbooksforbulldogs@hancockcollege.edu, call 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3683 or 3500, or visit the Books for Bulldogs FAQs for more details.
BASIC NEEDS
The Basic Needs Program helps students who face a basic necessity insecurity. Students can apply for emergency funds to help with essential food, housing, medical, or transportation expenses. For questions, call 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3011 or email basicneeds@hancockcollege.edu.
FOOD PLANNING
AHC Lunch Locker & Food Resources
Tips for Food Planning and Resources
Emergency Food Distribution Program
USDA Meals 4 Kids Site Finder
CalFresh Grocery Assistance Program
Aunt Bertha Food Resources & Services Finder
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Allan Hancock College Financial Aid Office
CARES Act Funding
Application for Student Emergency Fund
Income Benefits for College Students
COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program
San Luis Obispo County Recover
Family Service Agency
United Way of Santa Barbara County Rental Assistance Grants
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
Santa Barbara County Public Health Department
Santa Barbara County 2-1-1
California Department of Public Health
Centers for Disease Control
California Community Colleges Health & Wellness Program
Wellness Central
Each Mind Matters
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Chancellor's Office COVID-19 Information
California Community College Athletic Association
Families First Coronavirus Relief Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights (English)
Families First Coronavirus Relief Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights (Spanish)
access to college services
The college plans to continue all services. For the health and safety of students and staff, these may shift to remote and online modalities, or change the way students access each service.
Use the college's email and phone directory to contact Hancock services and programs.
TUTORIAL SERVICES
The Tutorial Center, Writing Center, Math Center, and MESA/STEM are offering tutoring remotely with faculty and/or student tutors.
counseling
Counseling is open via phone, email, and in-person services in bldg. A. For questions, call 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3293 or email at counseling@hancockcollege.edu.
You can speak with a counselor by visiting the Counseling webpage.
learning assistance program (lap)
In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) has transitioned to serving students in-person and virtually.
Students can make an appointment to meet via phone or video conference by calling the Santa Maria or LVC office. Students remain eligible for all of the same accommodations previously approved by their counselor.
Students can continue to get equipment, assistive technology, and software for course access.
LAP services are available to provide assistance through various methods, including telephone, email, and/or video-conferencing.
Students wishing to "see" their counselor through video-conferencing are able to do so by using Zoom. This can be accessed via a smart phone or a computer. Visit the LAP webpage for more information.
aim center
AIM Center services will be provided remotely. Please email aim@hancockcollege.edu, or coordinator Mayte Solis at msolis@hancockcollege.edu, or visit the AIM Center webpage for more information.
LIBRARY
The libraries at our Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center are available for walk-in service. See available walk-in hours for both locations below. Please make sure to wear a mask and follow all social distancing guidelines.
Santa Maria campus
Monday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday-Sunday: Closed
Lompoc Valley Center
Tuesday: 1-6 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Users can still access the many digital resources of the library 24/7, including article databases, e-books, streaming films, and the library catalog.
Visit the library's COVID-19 Resources webpage for additional helpful links.
calculator rental program
The Math Center provides an opportunity for 100-level math students to rent a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator throughout a semester for a small fee. You can request a calculator by filling out this form.
On-Campus Study Sites
View this flyer to see study areas for students to access on the Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center.
BORROWING a LAPTOP
Students can borrow a laptop from the Santa Maria campus or Lompoc Valley Center libraries. Hold requests can be submitted through the library catalog starting Tuesday, August 3. Fill out the Laptop Request Form to start the process.
Visit our "Using The Library" webpage for additional information about the laptop lending program.
Please check your @my.hancockcollege.edu email address for any updates.
Support Hours for Students
Students, faculty, and staff can take advantage of talking in-person with an ITS tech during our open support hours. It’s like the Apple Store, without matching shirts.
During the summer, in-person support for Allan Hancock College laptops is available:
Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., East side of the ARC, SM
Thursdays: 4-7 p.m., East side of the library, LVC
canvas
Canvas is a web-based course management system. The purple Canvas button is located at the top right of the Hancock webpage, or go directly to the Canvas link.
Students can download the Canvas app on a cell phone or laptop.
New to using Canvas? Learn how to get started with these short, helpful how-to videos.
internet access
The federal government has a new grant program that can provide assistance with the cost of home internet or the purchase of a computer. For information, see the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit.
computer access
The Open Access Computer Lab is open to students by appointment only. To make an appointment, please call 805-922-6922 ext. 3260.
An Emergency Computer Lab is open at the Lompoc Valley Center in room 2-121. Call ext. 6507 for more details.
Hotspot & Wi-Fi Access
Hotspots are available at the library. Visit the library's Technology webpage for more information.
Wi-Fi is available in every building on the Santa Maria, and Lompoc Valley Center campuses. In addition, we have outdoor Wi-Fi available in a few areas on the Santa Maria campus. You can connect on the patio between the library and the Student Center, in the parking lot outside of the gym (bldg. N), in front of bldg. S, and in the parking lot near Humanities (bldg. C). See image below:
The Lompoc Valley Center currently does not have designated outdoor Wi-Fi spaces.
COLLEGEBUYS
CollegeBuys is a website that offers discounts on a wide-range of hardware and software products to help students complete their education.
ASSISTANCE WITH ZOOM & ONLINE LEARNING
Student Guide to Participating in Zoom Meetings
Student Guide to Joining Zoom Meetings
Tools to Assist With Online Learning
internet resources
- California Connects Mobile Internet:
California Connects includes a mobile hotspot that lets you stay connected to the internet in school, at home, and on the go. The new mobile hotspot service, powered by Sprint, offers nationwide 4G LTE connectivity and allows users to connect up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices for up to 10 hours on a single charge with no contract required.
student health services
In continuing efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Student Health Services has transitioned to serving students both in-person and in a virtual setting. Prescriptions and health items can be picked up in-person by appointment.
Mental health counselors and nursing services are available to serve students via telephone, email, and/or video-conferencing. We encourage students to find the method that fits your needs.
Visit the Student Health Services webpage for more information or call the Student Health Services Hotline at 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3212 (Santa Maria campus) or 1-805-922-6966 ext. 5207 (Lompoc Valley Center).
Staffing
Reductions in force is not anticipated during this crisis. The college has traditionally budgeted conservatively, recognizing California’s history of large budget swings. During the Great Recession, the college managed to weather the budget crisis with no layoffs or furloughs. We did that by working collaboratively, just as we are doing during this crisis.
support
The District has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided through Anthem. This free, 24-hour service is available to staff and dependents. Services can be accessed by calling 1-800-999-7222 or on online using “SISC” as the employer code.
part-time employees
Part-time, hourly employees may continue working if they are fulfilling essential functions.
campus access
The Academic Resource Center on the Santa Maria campus is open by appointment only for computer use, as well as buildings A and B.
communication with students
In addition to directly emailing students, faculty should post messages and announcements on Canvas.
course materials
Faculty can provide course materials digitally through Canvas.
Faculty can also submit print work to Campus Graphics via the online submission website. Simply fill out the quick copy or print work order and use the department/dean FOAP that was issued to you when you registered with Campus Graphics.
students on campus
No student should come to any college sites unless otherwise notified by a college administrator. Full-time faculty are expected to be available remotely during their regularly scheduled office hours.
support
The District has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided through Anthem. This free, 24-hour service is available to staff and dependents. Services can be accessed by calling 1-800-999-7222 or on online using “SISC” as the employer code.
part-time faculty
Course offerings are based on student demand. Community colleges historically see enrollment increases during down economies. We won't know the future staffing levels needed until students begin to enroll for the next semester.
basic needs
Employees experiencing any difficulty as a result of COVID-19 should contact Human Resources. In addition to paid sick leave or other personal balances, employees may be eligible to receive catastrophic and other leaves where applicable.
As of April 1, 2020, employees may also be eligible for emergency paid sick time under Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).