State Center Community College District announced on March 14 that most in-person classes will be cancelled from Monday, March 16 through Thursday, March 19 due to precautionary measures in response to the ongoing spread of COVID-19.

Faculty and staff will work to transition in-person classes to online classes during this week-long cancellation—expecting online classes to begin on Friday, March 20.

“However, there will be some courses that we know cannot migrate that will be meeting March 16 through March 19. Those include labs, Career Technical Education courses, nursing and child development practicum classes. The goal of this planning effort is to allow for greater social distance, as recommended,” said SCCCD in a press release.

President Carole Goldsmith clarified Friday morning that the Ram Pantry, Child Care Facilities, Financial Aid, Student Services, Library, Health Center and Psych Services will remain open during the week of cancelled classes

She also offered more information about short-term classes set to begin next week during the cancellation.

“At this time, we are delaying the beginning of the second 9-week short-term classes by one week. The second 9-week short-term classes will begin March 23,” Goldsmith said.

This cancellation comes after California State University, Fresno announced the cancellation of their in-person classes on March 13 and efforts from the state government to deter events with 250 or more people.

Staff and faculty received a similar email to the press release Friday morning outlining these temporary measures, saying this cautionary week may be extended further depending on the continuing severity of the virus.

“We currently anticipate the conclusion of alternative delivery of instruction and resumption of regular operations on Monday, April 27; however, that may change depending upon the status of the situation and recommendations of our health agencies,” said the district.

SCCCD Trustee Annalisa Perea tweeted an update late Thursday night to a frustrated student concerned with classes at FCC continuing when other colleges across the state, including CSU Fresno, have closed.

“The temporary suspension of in-person classes at these colleges begin Monday. SCCCD has a special board meeting scheduled for tomorrow [Friday] to take action as it relates to this very subject,” Perea said. She agreed with the student that efficiency is key and said more may be coming.

The Rampage will continue to update the situation as it develops.