COVID-19
Resources and Information

Will classes be in session for spring 2021?

Yes! Most classes have transitioned to Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) format.

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, live-chatting, and/or live-streaming lectures. Instructors may use applications like Canvas, email, ConexED, 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 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.

how long will the majority of classes and services be remote?

The college will continue this modality through the spring semester, and will closely monitor recommendations from Santa Barbara County Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control as we make plans for future semesters.

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 or via Cranium Café.

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. The deadline for spring 2021 Term 3 classes is Mar. 10. The deadline for spring 2021 semester-length and Term 4 classes is May 12. 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 chat with a counselor by visiting the Online 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, chat, 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 chat with an Admissions & Records staff person by visiting the Online 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, chat, and in-person services in bldg. A and at the Lompoc Valley Center.

If you wish to "see" your Financial Aid representative via video-conferencing, you are able to do so by using Cranium Café. 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, chat, 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 2020 and spring 2021 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 flier 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, and MESA/STEM are offering tutoring remotely with faculty and/or student tutors using Cranium Café, which is accessible through the myHancock portal.

counseling

Counseling is open via phone, email, chat, and in-person services in bldg. A. For questions, call 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3293 or email at counseling@hancockcollege.edu.

You can chat with a counselor by visiting the Online Counseling webpage.

SuccessNet Counseling Support

math center

The Math Center is conducting tutoring sessions via Zoom. Visit the Math Center webpage for more information.

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, online chat, and/or video-conferencing.

Students wishing to "see" their counselor through video-conferencing are able to do so by using Cranium Café or Zoom. Both can be accessed via a smart phone or a computer. We encourage you to find a method that fits your needs. 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 Allan Hancock College library is physically closed for the time being. Users can still access the many digital resources of the library 24/7, including article databases, e-books, streaming films, and the library catalog.

• If you have an item out from the library (including books and laptops), the due date will be extended to the end of the semester. If you have a hotspot, the service will *not* be turned off. If you have any items out, you can hold on to them until the library reopens. No late fees will be assessed during this time. 

• Books for Bulldogs has moved! It is now administered by the library, so check the library catalog for copies of your course's textbook that may be available to check out; visit the Books for Bulldogs webpage for more information. If the library cannot find a copy of your textbook, specific sections of texts can also be requested via our digitization request form. Contact the library via chat, lrc-staff@hancockcollege.edu or fill out the digitization request form and someone will be in touch with you shortly.
• Course Reserves/Textbooks: In addition to taking over the Books for Bulldogs program, the library is working on obtaining Kindles with e-books, working to partner with publishers to get access to e-book Course Reserves, and the library is continuing its digitization request program. We appreciate your patience as we sort all of this out.

• Request Research Assistance: You can continue to ask the librarians chat questions via the library homepage, as well as email. You can also fill out the virtual research consultation form to set up a more in-depth research meeting with a librarian (over the phone or over video-conference software). Expanded early morning and late night chat hours will be offered on the following days and times: Monday through Thursday: 6 a.m.-midnight; Friday through Saturday: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday: 8 a.m.-midnight.
  
• There is now an online library orientation. Check it out on the Library Services page. Here are the direct links to the three modules of the online orientation: Module 1 ("An Unexpected Loan"); Module 2 ("A Morbid Taste for Books"); and Module 3 ("The Librarian Always Cites Twice"). You can request a live Zoom orientation by visiting the "Schedule a Library Orientation" page. We can also pre-record an orientation and share the link with you for a later viewing.
  

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 flier to see study areas for students to access on the Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center.

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.

The support hours schedule will take place every week through the end of fall semester.

Tuesdays: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., East side of the ARC, SM
Wednesdays: 4-6 p.m., East side of the ARC, SM
Thursdays: 5-7 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

Comcast has free Wi-Fi available throughout Santa Barbara County. Visit the Xfinity Wi-Fi webpage to find a hotspot location.

You can find more information from Comcast here.

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

All of the library’s hot spots have been loaned. Check back here to find out when additional hot spots become available.

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), 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 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 WiFi enabled devices for up to 10 hours on a single charge with no contract required.

• Comcast Internet Essentials Free 60-Day Internet for Low-Income Families: Visit the website for more information and details on how to register. Call 855-846-8376 for English or 855-765-6995 for Spanish.

• Sonic Three Free Months of Internet and Telephone Service: During the COVID-19 outbreak, Sonic is offering three months of free internet access and unlimited nationwide home telephone service to households with K-12, college students, or senior citizens 60 or older.

• California Connects: Affordable Broadband Mobile Internet: California Connects is an affordable broadband mobile internet program for the California Community Colleges. For $19.99 per month*, California community college students, faculty and staff can connect up to 10 devices to the California Connects mobile hotpot anytime and anywhere in the United States to study, work, create and stay connected. Service can be canceled and reactivated anytime without penalty. (*Please note: initial one-time device cost is not included in the monthly service cost).

cranium café

Cranium Café is a “one stop shop,” allowing you to schedule appointments with nearly anyone on campus — including Community Education (ESL, Basic Skills and Citizenship) – via phone, email, live chat, or video chat. Access Cranium Café through your myHancock portal.

Laptop Loaning Program

Do you need to borrow a laptop this semester? Fill out a Student Computer Request form to get started. Submitting these forms do not guarantee a laptop will be available. Once you have submitted your form, you will get an application confirmation email, and a second email with pick-up information. Laptops will be distributed to eligible students per college supply.

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.

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, online chat, and/or video-conferencing. Students wishing to "see" their counselor or a nurse through video-conferencing are able to do so by using Cranium Café.

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. 520 (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.

paycheck delivery

Employees who pick up their paychecks will receive them by mail. Direct deposit will continue.

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).