I hope you had a good first week of classes! While the semester just started, I wanted to make sure I updated you on some of the updated resources we have available this semester, from food distribution events to mental health resources and tutoring to free campus wireless internet.

 

You have made an important decision to continue your education during this difficult time. Please know that we are dedicated to making sure you're successful this semester.

 

For students enrolled in on-campus classes, our District will no longer require temperature checks when you arrive on campus. Instead, we ask that you review the daily student COVID-19 checklist before coming to campus for class. The checklist will help you check for symptoms so we can reduce the possibility of transmission as much as possible. All campus visitors must wear a mask and - to the best of your ability - practice physical distancing of six-feet distance with others outside of your household.

 

Please note that only students enrolled in classes with on-campus meetings and essential employees are permitted on campus at this time; all campus offices are closed for in-person services. To contact a campus office, please refer to the Virtual Campus website.

 

In the event you are diagnosed, exposed or isolated due to COVID-19, please complete the Student Health & Wellness COVID-19 intake form. Once submitted, a Grossmont College Health & Wellness Center nurse will contact you for further information.

 

Additionally, the state of California has created a new service that will notify you of your eligibility to get a COVID-19 vaccination in San Diego County. Please visit MyTurn.CA.gov to sign up for an email or text message alert for when it's "your turn" to get a COVID-19 vaccination.

 

Did you know we offer free online tutoring to all students? The Tutoring Center offers free drop-in math tutoring, subject-specific tutoring by appointment, subject study sessions, and NetTutor access on evenings and weekends. No matter your schedule, there's an opportunity to get the academic support you need to be successful! Schedule a tutoring appointment, learn about our virtual tutoring offerings, and much more on the Tutoring Center appointment website.

 

If you need help navigating our resources and services, looking for tips on how to be a successful college student, or want to learn more about time management and organizational skills, you should contact our Success Coaches. Our Success Coaches are here to help and they can connect you with resources on campus and in the community. Learn more about our Success Coaches or schedule an appointment with them online.

 

The start of the semester is always stressful, but with COVID-19 pandemic underway, it may feel overwhelming. Grossmont College Health and Wellness has several trained mental health counselors and other resources available to help with your mental well-being.

 

Counselors are available for appointments from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Fridays. All appointments are free for currently registered students.

 

Our Health and Wellness team also hosts regular Wellness Wednesdays and Feel Good Fridays virtual events. You can learn more about these activities and other resources on the Health and Wellness Instagram account @health_wellness_grossmont.

 

Each Wednesday, Gizmo's Kitchen, the college's food pantry, hosts its free fresh meal distribution. Currently enrolled students can sign up for each week's distribution event. Interested students must pre-qualify to participate. Fresh meal distributions take place from noon - 1 p.m., Wednesdays, at the flagpole near Bldg. 10. This is a contactless event and participants must remain in their vehicle.

 

Gizmo's Kitchen also hosts a monthly drive-through food distribution in partnership with the San Diego Food Bank. Currently enrolled students can sign up for each monthly distribution event online. This semester's events take place from noon - 2 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month: Feb. 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, and June 15.

 

This monthly drive-through event is only for currently enrolled students and/or employees of Grossmont College. This is a contactless event and all participants must stay in their vehicle at all times. You will be asked to show your Grossmont college ID, but if you do not have one due to the shutdown, event organizers will verify you in other ways.

 

The Library is currently accepting student requests for library materials - including hotspots with free internet service. To check out a free wifi hotspot this semester, please complete this Request Form. Filled requests will be confirmed by email, with pickup instructions included. The next tentative distribution date will be from noon - 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 17, at the Parking Structure. For more information or questions, please email Library staff at grossmont.libcirc@gcccd.edu.

 

Additionally, Grossmont College continues to provide free wireless internet access from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, to all students in Lot 4 on the north side of campus near the tennis courts and Bldg. 80. To access free wireless internet in Lot 4, use:

 

SSID Network: GRS-LOT4

Password: Earns-2021-degree

 

Please park in unmarked spaces (no parking permit required for spring 2021), at least one space away from other vehicles, and closest to Bldg. 80 and 80B for the strongest signal. Please note that there is no building, bathroom, or power access available at this time. For the health and safety of all users, please remain in your vehicle and only with members of your same household.

 

Thank you for joining us this spring semester!

 

Best,

Aaron Starck

Interim Vice President of Student Services

Grossmont College