Cityscape

January 15, 2021

Picture of SCC President Michael Gutierrez in a suit standing in front of a brick wall.

Welcome to the Spring 2021 Semester

Welcome to all the new Panthers joining us this spring for the first time and welcome back to all the students continuing to work toward their education goals at SCC!

I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that these last 10 months have challenged each of us like never before. It’s not just the switch to online learning, but changes in how we live our daily lives and in the tense divisiveness that’s spread across our nation. I want you to know that while we may not see each other in person this spring, you have hundreds of faculty and staff working every day to support you.

One of the scariest things to do as a new or even returning student is to ask for help. As a freshman in college, I remember thinking that I had to do everything myself. I wish someone had told me to ask for help, to join the study groups, to get tutoring and seek out campus groups and clubs that interested me and made me feel valued. I want to encourage you to do those exact things!

You have access to tutors, writing support, counselors, mental and physical wellness resources, cultural engagement centers, clubs, cohorts and so much more. You can find information about all of these student resources on the SCC website.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and have a great semester!

Michael Gutierrez

President

MLK Day

The Spring 2021 semester officially begins Saturday, Jan. 16.

SCC will be closed Monday, Jan. 18 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday; no synchronous classes will be held and all remote college offices will be closed.

SCC has long been a meeting point and participant in the annual MLK Day march that starts from the campus and goes to downtown Sacramento. This year will look a little different as the Sacramento NAACP and Black Lives Matter Sacramento will be hosting a Reclaim MLK Car Caravan and Parade. SCC will be a location for cars to gather and join the car caravan and parade as a local pick-up point. Check out the MLK Car Caravan flyer for more information or contact the organizers at sacnaacp@gmail.com

*Due to COVID-19 and for the health and safety of all participants, please follow all public health and safety guidelines. We strongly encourage participants to arrive and stay in their vehicles to protect yourself and others.

Get the Spring Semester Off to a Great Start

Get Your Textbooks

Start by looking up your textbooks by course section on the bookstore website. Free curbside pickup is now available! Select the free curbside pickup option when checking out online. You’ll receive an email letting you know when your items are available for pickup and what to do when you arrive. If you don’t need your textbooks right away, select free shipping when checking out. Your items will typically arrive within 4-7 days. Expedited shipping is also available for an additional cost. Need to pay with cash? Please call the bookstore to make an appointment.

Know Your Schedule

Some classes meet weekly online at specific days and times, while others don't and will be self-paced. Check your Spring schedule in eServices to make sure you know which of your classes meet up and put it on your calendar so you don't forget! If no days/times are listed or you see “TBD” or “1 AM - 1 AM”, that means there is no required weekly meeting for that class. Even if you don’t have a set meeting time, plan to check Canvas weekly and set aside time to do your weekly coursework. Note: Some instructors may start their classes on Saturday, while some will start on Tuesday. Be sure to regularly check Canvas starting Saturday to see when your class is live/published (to view, click on "Course" icon and select "All Courses").

Get Started with Canvas

All classes are online and use the Canvas learning system. If you are new to Canvas, check out these short Los Rios Canvas "how to" videos on the most requested features.

Additional Canvas resources:

Virtual Student Services

We have modified our student services to support students in an online/remote environment. You can access online tutoring, use the "Ask a Librarian" feature 24/7, meet with a member of the Financial Aid staff, and so much more. Explore available remote resources at SCC.

Technology for Remote Classes

Get help with your technology needs! Check out the Technology for Remote Classes webpage to learn about online learning through Canvas, how to download software like Microsoft and Adobe, plus find information about low-cost or free internet and wifi.

Basic Needs Resources

Get your basic needs met and find help for emergency needs! Check out the Basic Needs Resources webpage, which includes resources for financial assistance, housing, shelter, food, mental health and wellness, social services, and more.

Dates and Deadlines

Looking for the latest academic dates and deadlines?

Waitlists

Are you on a waitlist? The waitlist status of a class changes throughout the enrollment period, so you should regularly monitor your waitlist status. If your professor gives you a permission number to add the class, follow these Use Permission Number/Enroll from Waitlist instructions for eServices.

Tips for Online Classes

Since online classes don’t require you to meet in person, it can be easy to underestimate how much work they require. Avoid over-scheduling, know the expectations, and actively participate.
If you have a class that meets at specific days and times on Zoom, make sure to know your schedule and follow it. Log onto Zoom a little early so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Regularly check your email, Canvas online class portal, and communicate with your instructor and use the resources they provide.
Manage your time wisely and be aware of deadlines. Limit your social media use. Get online tutoring help early on and especially if you’re falling behind.
Create structure and routine with a regular study space that is comfortable and has minimal distractions.

Scholarships Update with piggy bank wearing grad cap

Scholarship Season Opens

Scholarship season opens today, Jan. 15, and runs until March 5. Students can choose from 184 scholarships worth thousands of dollars. Students must have completed at least 6 units at SCC as of Fall 2020 and be currently enrolled in a minimum of 6 units. Apply online today! Questions can be directed to Vicky Austin at AustinV@losrios.edu.

Scholarships Info

College Reopening Listening Session

Interested in learning more about next steps toward the reopening of campus? Have ideas you’d like to share? Join us for a listening session on Thursday, January 21 from 5:00-6:00pm via Zoom that will briefly highlight the purpose, timelines, communication plans, and key issues of our districtwide reopening plan. The primary focus of this session will be to capture your thoughts and ideas so that a comprehensive plan that takes into consideration the insight of all stakeholders is developed.