Hartnell Communications Regarding Coronavirus

As a precaution, Hartnell College is encouraging attendees at Panther Prep Day registration events on April 29-30 to be mindful of possible exposure to COVID-19 because of confirmed or suspected infection among a few of the employees who staffed the events. 

Panther Prep Day programs were held on Friday, April 29, at Hartnell’s King City and Soledad education centers and on Saturday, April 30, on the Main Campus in Salinas. A total of about 710 students and 105 employees took part.

For participants in Panther Prep, the primary risk of possible exposure is from extended time spent in classrooms preparing an educational plan and enrolling in classes for the Fall 2022 semester. 

The Centers for Disease Control and California Department of Public Health advises that anyone who has had close contact with infected individuals – 15 minutes or more in an enclosed area – should watch for COVID symptoms, such as fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, sore throat and headache.

Employees can receive a PCR test for COVID-19 every weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Main Campus (near the Welcome Kiosk, between buildings N and C), from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday and Wednesday on the Alisal Campus, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at the King City Education Center, and from 12:30-3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at the Soledad Education Center. You will be asked for your insurance card, but there is no additional charge.

Testing is also open to the public in Hartnell's Parking Lot 4 on the Main Campus every day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Information about other testing locations in Monterey County is available here

In addition, rapid antigen tests are available at Human Resources (Building D, Main Campus) and at all other campuses for any employees or students concerned about exposure. Please be reminded that 97% of our employees are vaccinated, and the college continues to recommend everyone wear masks and practice personal hygiene as preventative measures.

This Monday, a provider called CovidClinic began offering PCR testing for COVID-19 to Hartnell employees, students and the public Monday-Friday on Hartnell’s Main Campus and twice-weekly at the Alisal Campus and education centers in Castroville, Soledad and King City. 

The Main Campus testing clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located in the walkway between the Student Center (building C) and Merrill Hall (building N), near the Welcome Kiosk.

COVID testing will be offered every Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Alisal Campus and from 12:30-3 p.m. at the Castroville Education Center, and on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the King City Education Center and from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the Soledad Education Center

There is no fee, and no appointment is needed. However, individuals can pre-register and learn more about CovidClinic on this Hartnell-specific webpage

Virus Geeks will continue to operate its public COVID-19 testing site in Parking Lot 4 on the Main Campus every day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., although students and employees are encouraged to use the CovidClinic sites because they are free.

With support from the Hartnell Community College District Governing Board and in keeping with federal, state and county orders, Hartnell will lift its requirement for wearing of masks at all campus locations, beginning Monday, March 21. However, following public health recommendations, we strongly encourage everyone to continue wearing masks indoors.

As of February 25, the federal Centers for Disease Control has lifted its mask advisory, while continuing to recommend use of masks indoors for people considered at medium or high risk for COVID. The California Department of Public Health made that change effective for Californians at midnight on March 11, and the Monterey County Health Department has shared that same information on its website. Masks are still required on public transit and in healthcare settings, and they are strongly recommended for everyone in all indoor public settings, including schools.

Hartnell will comply with any changes in public health orders, including reinstatement of a mask requirement if necessary.

It's now been a full two years since our college instituted its mask policy at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. That was just one of the many steps we took – and continue to take -- to ensure safety, including upgraded air filtration and self-screening using the Titan app, as well as glass barriers in public reception areas.

Most importantly, we instituted a vaccination mandate at the start of the Spring 2022 semester, and it has received overwhelming compliance. We also have facilitated regular, and free COVID testing for a small number of individuals who have received approved religious or medical exemptions from vaccination and remains. We now have rapid antigen tests available at all campuses, and we soon will provide information on a mobile testing service that will rotate among the Alisal, Soledad, King City and Castroville locations.

I want to personally thank all of our students and employees for your cooperation in these efforts and for helping to provide as safe an environment as possible for everyone. I also ask that we all maintain the utmost respect for one another's personal decisions about mask wearing, as well as for individuals' requests with regard to their own health. The Board takes this issue so seriously that they plan to adopt a resolution in support of such respectful behavior at their next meeting on April 5.

Rapid antigen tests for COVID-19, which provide immediate results, are now available at each Hartnell campus location. The district's intent is for these tests to be used by:

  1.    Employees required to test twice weekly and students required to test weekly (because of exemption status) and do not have a viable optionfor no-cost testing. (Individuals assigned to manage test distribution at each college site -- Main Campus, Alisal Campus and the three education centers -- are listed below.)
  2. Employees and students who may want or need reassurance about their COVID-19 status. (Distribution will be based on the discretion of on-site managers.)

Please note: Employees who have a positive antigen test must still complete a PCR test to confirm that result. Also, a negative antigen test does not rule out COVID-19. It should be considered in the context of an individual's recent exposures, health history and the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

Hartnell Site Contacts for Rapid Antigen Tests

********************************************************************************************************

Site

Storage Building

Storage Room

 

Contact Name

Contact Phone #

Alisal

Building A

AC-A108

AC-A111

Lluvia Del Rio

Belen Gonzales

755-6985

759-6077

Castroville

CEC

CEC-126

Lourdes Sanchez (Day)

Joel Thompson (Eve)

755-6960

770-6106

King City

KCC

2nd floor

KCC-212

Eva Pelayo

386-7126

Soledad

SEC

SEC-101

Ana Gonzalez

755-6719

Main - HR

Building D

MC-D108

Linda Beam

Cristina Zavala

Louann Raras

Miriam Contreras

755-6706

Main – Public Safety

Building T

MC-T

Daniel Scott

770-7013

 

 

 

 

 

 

Questions or additional information should be directed to Belen Gonzales at Covid@hartnell.edu or 831-759-6077.

Esto es un recordatorio de que Hartnell tendrá una clínica de vacunación COVID-19 sin costo para los empleados y estudiantes de 3-6 p.m. mañana, 25 de febrero.
 
Tenga en cuenta que la ubicación se ha cambiado a la rotonda adyacente a la estructura de estacionamiento en el Campus Principal, no al Centro de Estudiantes.
 
La clínica será atendida por la Asociación de Enfermeras Visitantes, en colaboración con la Fundación Comunitaria del Condado de Monterey y la Escuela de Salud Pública de la UC Berkeley. Se administrará la vacuna Moderna. No se requiere cita ni preinscripción.

Esta es una oportunidad para que los estudiantes que recibieron una exención médica temporal para una sola dosis reciban una segunda dosis, como se requiere para cumplir con el mandato de la universidad para la vacunación completa de los estudiantes y empleados.

Nota importante: Los estudiantes cuya primera dosis fue la vacuna Pfizer deben buscar una clínica que administre la vacuna Pfizer.

También se insta a los estudiantes y empleados que reúnan los requisitos para recibir una dosis de refuerzo de la vacuna a que aprovechen esta oportunidad. Pueden recibir la vacuna Moderna como refuerzo independientemente de si sus vacunas anteriores fueron las de Pfizer, Moderna o Johnson & Johnson.

Se anima a todo el mundo a recibir un refuerzo tan pronto como sea posible. El refuerzo puede permitir a los individuos venir al campus a pesar de haber estado en contacto cercano con COVID-19, siempre y cuando no estén experimentando síntomas.


PRUEBA RÁPIDA DE PCR EL 25 DE FEBRERO

La clínica de vacunación del 25 de febrero en el campus principal de Hartnell incluirá una furgoneta móvil para la prueba de PCR rápida y los resultados de la prueba en el sitio -- auto hisopo, con resultados en una hora. La furgoneta de pruebas estará estacionada en el círculo adyacente a la estructura de estacionamiento.

Las pruebas de PCR continúan siendo ofrecidas por Virus Geeks de 9 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. diariamente en el Campus Principal en el estacionamiento #4, fuera de la calle West Alisal, al lado de las canchas de tenis. Los estudiantes y empleados de Hartnell tienen prioridad en este lugar, pero por favor regístrese antes de llegar.

La información sobre otros sitios de prueba está disponible aquí.

NOTIFICACIÓN DE EXPOSICIÓN O INFECCIÓN POR COVID

Antes de entrar en el campus, por favor, siga utilizando la aplicación Titan HST para el autoexamen de COVID-19. Si no se ha inscrito en Titan, regístrese en web.titanhst.com.

Si respondes SI a alguna de las preguntas de la autoevaluación Titan, se enviará automáticamente un correo electrónico a covidnotification@hartnell.edu, y recibirás información sobre los siguientes pasos para protegerte a ti y a los demás.

Si has estado en contacto cercano con alguien con COVID-19 o estás experimentando síntomas, por favor informa a tu(s) instructor(es) o gerente y también envía un correo electrónico a covidnotification@hartnell.edu. Recibirás información sobre los siguientes pasos.

¡Gracias! Por favor, siga haciendo todo lo posible para mantenerse a salvo, proteger a los demás y apoyar a todos nuestros estudiantes para que completen sus objetivos educativos.
This is a reminder that Hartnell will hold a no-cost COVID-19 vaccination clinic for employees and students from 3-6 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 25.
 
Please note that the location has been changed to the roundabout adjacent to the parking structure on Main Campus, not the Student Center.
 
The clinic will be staffed by the Visiting Nurses Association, in collaboration with the Community Foundation for Monterey County and the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. The Moderna vaccine will be administered. No appointments or pre-registration is required.
 
This is an opportunity for students who received a temporary medical exemption for a single dose to receive a second dose, as required to comply with the college mandate for full vaccination of students and employees. 
 
Important note: Students whose first dose was the Pfizer vaccine should instead seek a clinic location that administers the Pfizer vaccine for their second dose. 
 
Both students and employees who are eligible for a booster dose of vaccine are also urged to take advantage of this opportunity. They can receive the Moderna vaccine as a booster regardless of whether their previous shots were the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines
 
Everyone is encouraged to receive a booster as soon as they are eligible. Being boosted can allow individuals to still come on campus despite having been in close contact with COVID-19, as long as they are not experiencing symptoms.
 

RAPID PCR TESTING ON FEB. 25
 
The Feb. 25 vaccination clinic on Hartnell's Main Campus will include a mobile van for Rapid PCR testing and test results on site -- self swab, with results in one hour. The testing van will be parked in the roundabout adjacent to the parking structure.
 
PCR testing continues to be offered by Virus Geeks from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily on the Main Campus in parking Lot #4, off of West Alisal Street, next to the tennis courts. Hartnell students and employees receive priority at this location, but please pre-register before you arrive.
 
Information about other testing sites is available here
 
NOTIFICATION OF COVID EXPOSURE OR INFECTION
 
Before coming onto campus, please continue to use the Titan HST app for COVID-19 self-screening. If you haven't signed up for Titan, register at web.titanhst.com.
 
If you answer YES to any of the Titan self-screening questions, an email will automatically be sent to covidnotification@hartnell.edu, and you will receive information about next steps to protect yourself and others.
 
If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, please inform your instructor(s) or manager and also send an email to covidnotification@hartnell.edu. You will receive information on next steps.
 
Thank you! Please continue to do everything you can to stay safe, protect others and support all our students in completing their educational goals.
Estimada comunidad de Hartnell College,

Gracias a todos por sus esfuerzos continuos para mantenerse a salvo de COVID-19 a través de la vacunación, el uso de máscaras en el interior, el uso de desinfectante de manos y mantener el distanciamiento social, siempre que sea posible.

Por favor, lea estas actualizaciones importantes con respecto a la disponibilidad de la vacunación contra el COVID-19, las pruebas y el equipo de protección personal en los lugares del campus de Hartnell:
CLÍNICA DE VACUNACIÓN EL 25 DE FEBRERO

Hartnell será anfitrión de una clínica de vacunación COVID-19 sin costo para sus empleados y estudiantes de 3-6 p.m. el viernes, 25 de febrero, en el Centro de Estudiantes (Edificio C, Campus Principal). La clínica será atendida por la Asociación de Enfermeras Visitantes, en colaboración con la Fundación Comunitaria del Condado de Monterey y la Escuela de Salud Pública de la UC Berkeley. Se administrará la vacuna Moderna. No se requiere cita ni preinscripción.

Esta es una oportunidad para que los estudiantes que recibieron una exención médica temporal para una sola dosis reciban una segunda dosis, como se requiere para cumplir con el mandato de la universidad para la vacunación completa de los estudiantes y empleados.

Nota importante: Los estudiantes cuya primera dosis fue la vacuna Pfizer deben buscar una clínica que administre la vacuna Pfizer.

También se insta a los estudiantes y empleados que reúnan los requisitos para recibir una dosis de refuerzo de la vacuna a que aprovechen esta oportunidad. Pueden recibir la vacuna Moderna como refuerzo independientemente de si sus vacunas anteriores fueron las de Pfizer, Moderna o Johnson & Johnson.

Se anima a todo el mundo a recibir un refuerzo tan pronto como sea posible. El refuerzo puede permitir a los individuos venir al campus a pesar de haber estado en contacto cercano con COVID-19, siempre y cuando no estén experimentando síntomas.

PRUEBA RÁPIDA DE PCR EL 25 DE FEBRERO

La clínica de vacunación del 25 de febrero en el campus principal de Hartnell incluirá una furgoneta móvil para la prueba de PCR rápida y los resultados de la prueba en el sitio -- auto hisopo, con resultados en una hora. La furgoneta de pruebas estará estacionada en el círculo adyacente a la estructura de estacionamiento.

Las pruebas de PCR continúan siendo ofrecidas por Virus Geeks de 9 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. diariamente en el Campus Principal en el estacionamiento #4, fuera de la calle West Alisal, al lado de las canchas de tenis. Los estudiantes y empleados de Hartnell tienen prioridad en este lugar, pero por favor regístrese antes de llegar.

La información sobre otros sitios de prueba está disponible aquí.

EQUIPO DE PROTECCIÓN PERSONAL (PPE)

Hartnell tiene un suministro abundante de equipo de protección personal (PPE) para prevenir la propagación de COVID-19, con artículos disponibles en el Campus Principal, así como en el Campus de Alisal y los tres centros de educación -- Castroville, Soledad y King City.

El artículo más importante es la mascarilla N95, pero también están disponibles otros materiales como guantes y batas.

En el campus principal, puede obtener los artículos de uso personal del personal de seguridad pública del campus en el quiosco de bienvenida junto a la circunvalación adyacente a la estructura de aparcamiento. En los demás campus, infórmese en la oficina principal o en la recepción.

NOTIFICACIÓN DE EXPOSICIÓN O INFECCIÓN POR COVID

Antes de entrar en el campus, por favor, siga utilizando la aplicación Titan HST para el autoexamen de COVID-19. Si no se ha inscrito en Titan, regístrese en web.titanhst.com.

Si respondes SI a alguna de las preguntas de la autoevaluación Titan, se enviará automáticamente un correo electrónico a covidnotification@hartnell.edu, y recibirás información sobre los siguientes pasos para protegerte a ti y a los demás.

Si has estado en contacto cercano con alguien con COVID-19 o estás experimentando síntomas, por favor informa a tu(s) instructor(es) o gerente y también envía un correo electrónico a covidnotification@hartnell.edu. Recibirás información sobre los siguientes pasos.

¡Gracias! Por favor, siga haciendo todo lo posible para mantenerse a salvo, proteger a los demás y apoyar a todos nuestros estudiantes para que completen sus objetivos educativos.
Dear Hartnell College Community,
 
Thank you all for your ongoing efforts to keep one another safe from COVID-19 through vaccination, wearing masks indoors, use of hand-sanitizer and maintaining social distancing, where possible.
 
Please read these important updates regarding the availability of COVID-19 vaccination, testing and personal protective equipment at Hartnell campus locations:
 
VACCINATION CLINIC ON FEB. 25
 
Hartnell will host a no-cost COVID-19 vaccination clinic for its employees and students from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25, in the Student Center (Building C, Main Campus). The clinic will be staffed by the Visiting Nurses Association, in collaboration with the Community Foundation for Monterey County and the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. The Moderna vaccine will be administered. No appointments or pre-registration is required.
 
This is an opportunity for students who received a temporary medical exemption for a single dose to receive a second dose, as required to comply with the college mandate for full vaccination of students and employees. 
 
Important note: Students whose first dose was the Pfizer vaccine should instead seek a clinic location that administers the Pfizer vaccine for their second dose. 
 
Both students and employees who are eligible for a booster dose of vaccine are also urged to take advantage of this opportunity. They can receive the Moderna vaccine as a booster regardless of whether their previous shots were the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
 
Everyone is encouraged to receive a booster as soon as they are eligible. Being boosted can allow individuals to still come on campus despite having been in close contact with COVID-19, as long as they are not experiencing symptoms.
 
RAPID PCR TESTING ON FEB. 25
 
The Feb. 25 vaccination clinic on Hartnell's Main Campus will include a mobile van for Rapid PCR testing and test results on site -- self swab, with results in one hour. The testing van will be parked in the circle drive adjacent to the parking structure.
 
PCR testing continues to be offered by Virus Geeks from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily on the Main Campus in parking Lot #4, off of West Alisal Street, next to the tennis courts. Hartnell students and employees receive priority at this location, but please pre-register before you arrive.
 
Information about other testing sites is available here
 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
 
Hartnell has an abundant supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the spread of COVID-19, with items available on the Main Campus, as well as at the Alisal Campus and the three education centers -- Castroville, Soledad and King City.
 
The most important item is the higher-performance N95 mask, but other materials such as gloves and gowns are also available.
 
On the Main Campus, you may obtain items for personal use from campus public safety staff at the Welcome Kiosk next to the circle drive adjacent to the parking structure. At the other campus locations, inquire at the main office or front desk.
 
NOTIFICATION OF COVID EXPOSURE OR INFECTION
 
Before coming onto campus, please continue to use the Titan HST app for COVID-19 self-screening. If you haven't signed up for Titan, register at web.titanhst.com.
 
If you answer YES to any of the Titan self-screening questions, an email will automatically be sent to covidnotification@hartnell.edu, and you will receive information about next steps to protect yourself and others.
 
If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, please inform your instructor(s) or manager and also send an email to covidnotification@hartnell.edu. You will receive information on next steps.
 
Thank you! Please continue to do everything you can to stay safe, protect others and support all our students in completing their educational goals.
 
Dear Hartnell employees,
 
The Spring 2022 semester will start in less than two weeks, and preparations are well underway. This week, Hartnell has been welcoming new and returning students to four registration fairs, culminating in an all-day event this Friday at the Student Services Building on the Main Campus in Salinas. Staff and faculty are moving into the new Center for Nursing & Health Sciences and the Castroville Education Center, to be joined by students when classes start on Jan. 24.
 
Hartnell will offer more face-to-face classes this spring than at any time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit nearly two years ago, but doing so safely requires the cooperation and participation of everyone in our college community. The spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant has raised the stakes in our fight against this deadly illness.

This email contains critical information to help us all stay safe. Please read it in its entirety:
 
Vaccination -- For So Many Reasons
 
The most important thing all of us can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to be fully vaccinated. The medical community recommends getting one of the available vaccinations as a primary defense against serious illness from the disease. For this reason, Hartnell is requiring all employees and students to be vaccinated when they begin the semester, regardless of whether they are studying or teaching online or in person. Everyone is encouraged to get a booster as soon as they're eligible. Anyone who receives an approved exemption from vaccination also will be required to be tested for COVID-19 -- twice-weekly for employees and weekly for students.
 
COVID-19 Testing is Critical
 
We encourage anyone who has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or is experiencing COVID-like symptoms to get tested. Hartnell is hosting a free testing site staffed by Virus Geeks in Parking Lot 4 on the Main Campus, off of West Alisal Street adjacent to the tennis courts. The site is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and Hartnell students and employees receive priority from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Testing is also available through your primary health care provider or at other community testing sites. Please note: Hartnell students and employees DO NOT need an appointment for testing, but starting today, they must pre-register with Virus Geeks.
 
Staying Safe on Hartnell Campuses
 
We will continue stringent measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at all five of our campus locations. Well-fitting cloth or paper masks are required in all shared indoor spaces, and they must be worn over both the nose and mouth at all times. Gators or bandanas are not an acceptable alternative. Frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitizer, available at convenient locations in all campus buildings, is also requested. 
 
Hartnell has an ample supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) available for employees and students. If you have a specific need, call (831) 755-6888 or visit the reception desk at the Alisal Campus and in Soledad, King City and Castroville. In keeping with guidelines from the Monterey County Health Department, Hartnell is not requiring social distancing in classrooms and offices. However, where possible, please maintain a distance of four to six feet from others.
 
Finally, we ask all students and employees to continue using the Titan self-screening app each day before coming onto any Hartnell campus location. This two-question checklist is an important reminder of COVID-19 symptoms to watch for.
 
When Someone Gets Sick
 
Like never before, it's important that all of us stay home when we are sick. If you report having symptoms or being exposed to someone with COVID-19 on the Titan app, your response will trigger notification to the college, and you will receive an email with instructions on what to do.
 
If you have close contact with someone with COVID-19, you are required to be tested FIVE DAYS after the exposure. However, you are NOT REQUIRED TO QUARANTINE during those five days if you meet the following conditions:
 
1. You are fully vaccinated.
2. And, you have received a booster shot if you are eligible.
 
This is according to the latest guidance from the California Department of Health
 
Also, when students inform an instructor or staff member that they have COVID-19 symptoms, tested positive or been exposed to the virus, those individuals should send an email to covidnotification@hartnell.edu. They will receive an email with instructions on what to do.
 
Likewise, when employees inform their supervisors that they have COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms, tested positive or been exposed to the virus, the supervisors should send an email to covidnotification@hartnell.edu and then follow the instructions they receive.
 
Hartnell has not yet had any known case of someone becoming infected while on our campuses, but we certainly are not immune from the impact of the virus. According to the Monterey County Health Department, our county is relatively well positioned to handle COVID-19 and its variants because of our high vaccination rates, our higher booster uptake and other public health measures such as masking and testing.
 
However, we all want to minimize the threat to ourselves, our families and the greater community, while also reviving Hartnell's robust on-campus learning and student engagement. Please share in this effort by getting vaccinated and boosted, following safety protocols and staying home when sick.
 
I wish you all a rewarding and productive spring semester at Hartnell College!
 
Sincerely,
raulsignature.jpg
 
Raul Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Interim Superintendent/President
Dear Hartnell College students,
 
We are rapidly approaching the deadline for students to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to remain registered for the Spring 2022 semester, which starts January 24. 
 
Hartnell College is determined to do all we can to help you fulfill this requirement, which is intended to keep our entire community as safe as possible.
 
If you have not submitted proof of vaccination or requested an exemption by the deadline, you will be deregistered (dropped) from all your courses. But PLEASE READ these important updates that we hope will help you comply with the requirement:
  • The deadline to upload proof of full vaccination has been extended to 5 p.m. on Monday, January 17. Full vaccination is defined as two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Please use the Med+Proctor portal (visit hartnell.edu/vax/)  to upload your vaccine documentation. You can obtain a digital record of your vaccination visit the Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record website.
  • Students who have only received ONLY ONE DOSE of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines -- or will receive a first-dose vaccination before the deadline -- CAN AVOID BEING DEREGISTERED by uploading proof of their single dose on the Med+Proctor portal. Students who take advantage of this opportunity WILL NOT BE DEREGISTERED at this time. However, they will be required to obtain a second vaccine dose as soon as possible and undergo weekly COVID-19 testing beginning the week of January 24. Find a convenient vaccine clinic on the Monterey County Vaccines website.
If you have not already submitted your proof of full vaccination or requested a medical or religious exemption, please take advantage of this extended deadline and the opportunity to remain enrolled despite not having yet received two vaccine doses.
 
The college expects to complete its review of previously received exemption requests that are already pending by this Friday, January 14.
 
Again, please be aware that once the January 17 deadline has expired, Hartnell will proceed to DEREGISTER all Spring 2022 students who have not provided proof of full vaccination or requested an exemption. 
 
For details on how to upload proof of full vaccination or request an exemption, visit the webpage hartnell.edu/vax/.
 
If you are having difficulty using the Med+Proctor portal, please come to the Hartnell Registration Fair this Friday, January 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Student Services Building (B) on the Main Campus in Salinas. Staff will be there to help you complete the process.
 
Thank you for your cooperation! We are eager to welcome you back for the spring semester.
 
 
We look forward to having our faculty, staff, and administrators resume in-person work and services in January as we prepare for the Spring 2022 semester. The Board of Trustees has been steadfast in its expectations for increased student engagement and services.
 
Nearly two years after the pandemic first disrupted Hartnell's routine, it is time to restore the in-person workplace environment for student learning and engagement, while continuing to benefit from expanded online instruction and student support. 
 
While we continue working on several details and nuances of our collective return, the safety of our entire college community will be greatly enhanced by the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for students and employees, as well as by regular testing for anyone granted an exemption from vaccination. We also will maintain use of masks, sanitization and other preventive measures while closely following local, state, and federal public health requirements.
 
Thank you for all of the ways you have adapted to the fast-changing challenges of the pandemic while keeping student success foremost in your efforts.
 
Queridos estudiantes de Hartnell,
 
Hartnell College ha extendido la fecha límite para que los estudiantes proporcionen prueba de vacunación completa para COVID-19 hasta el 14 de enero de reemplazando la fecha límite anterior, 14 de diciembre.
 
Este cambio se ha realizado para adaptarse a los estudiantes que tienen la intención de cumplir con el mandato de vacunación de Hartnell pero que no han recibido dos dosis de las vacunas Moderna o Pfizer o una sola dosis de la vacuna Johnson & Johnson. Agradecemos enormemente a todos los estudiantes que han cumplido con la fecha límite anterior. ¡Gracias!
 
Tenga en cuenta: Los estudiantes que no proporcionen prueba de la vacunación COVID-19 completa antes del 13 de enero serán eliminados de sus clases semestrales de primavera de 2022 a partir del 14 de enero. Se les notificará de esa cancelación por correo electrónico y tendrán la oportunidad de volver a registrarse después. cumpliendo con el requisito de vacunación.
 
A partir del 14 de enero, los estudiantes nuevos no podrán inscribirse en las clases de primavera de 2022 sin antes proporcionar un comprobante de vacunación completa.
 
Si ha cargado un comprobante de una primera dosis de vacuna (Moderna o Pfizer), ahora tiene tiempo adicional para proporcionar un comprobante de la segunda dosis. Si aún no ha cargado la prueba de su primera dosis, puede esperar y hacerlo una vez que esté completamente vacunado.
 
Si tiene la intención de solicitar una exención médica o religiosa, disponible en hartnell.edu/vaxno espere hasta la fecha límite. Los estudiantes cuyas solicitudes de exención sean denegadas deberán proporcionar un comprobante de vacunación antes del 13 de enero o estarán sujetos a la cancelación de la inscripción a partir del 14 de enero.
 
Los estudiantes cuyas solicitudes de exención sean aprobadas deberán someterse a pruebas semanales de COVID-19 para demostrar que están libres del coronavirus. Las pruebas gratuitas están disponibles todos los días de 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. en el estacionamiento 4 en el campus principal de Hartnell, saliendo de West Alisal Street. Se proporcionará información adicional sobre los requisitos y ubicaciones de las pruebas.
 
ACERCA DE LA PRUEBA DE VACUNACIÓN
 
Hartnell ha contratado a una empresa externa llamada Med + Proctor para proporcionar esta página web donde los estudiantes pueden cargar un comprobante de vacunación COVID-19 o enviar una solicitud de exención médica o religiosa, sujeta a revisión.
 
Consulte a continuación las instrucciones detalladas sobre cómo acceder y utilizar la página de Med + Proctor para enviar su documentación. Esta misma información se publica en el sitio web Hartnell.edu en www.hartnell.edu/vax, junto con este video explicativo paso a paso.
 
Además, se adjunta a este correo electrónico una práctica guía rápida para proporcionar sus documentos a través de Med + Proctor.
 
Cómo proporcionar un comprobante de vacunación (video instructivo) (guía rápida en PDF)
  1.   Asegúrese de tener su número de identificación y contraseña de Hartnell y su comprobante digital de vacunación, como una foto de su tarjeta de vacuna, listo para usar. Para obtener ayuda con las contraseñas de los estudiantes, visite aquí. Para obtener información adicional, visite aquí.
  2.  En la página hartnell.edu/vax, haga clic en el enlace "cargar su comprobante de vacunación". En la página web que se carga, inicie sesión con su número de identificación y contraseña de Hartnell.
  3.  Una vez que haya iniciado sesión, es posible que deba ingresar su fecha de nacimiento, término (seleccione 2022) y número de identificación, luego haga clic en "Continuar". A continuación, se desplazará hacia abajo para escribir su nombre completo y haga clic en "Aceptar" para aceptar el acuerdo de licencia de usuario final.
  4.  Ahora está listo para cargar su comprobante de vacunación. Presiona "Continuar". Tenga en cuenta que no tiene que pagar la tarifa de $ 10 a menos que desee los beneficios enumerados en la página. Para enviar sus formularios de salud de forma gratuita, haga clic en "Envíe sus formularios de salud de forma gratuita sin la actualización".
  5.  Ahora seleccione su tipo de documento ("Vacuna COVID") y "elija archivos" para cargar su documento de prueba de vacunación desde su computadora o dispositivo móvil. Seleccione su documento y haga clic en "Abrir". Ahora haga clic en "Continuar". Puede que tarde unos minutos en cargar su documento.
  6.  Una vez que haya enviado correctamente su comprobante de vacunación, el equipo de Med + Proctor revisará su documento en un plazo de 24 horas. Puede optar por acelerar la revisión por $10, lo que acelerará el proceso a 30-60 minutos, pero esto es completamente opcional.
  7.  Una vez que se revise su registro, recibirá un correo electrónico de admin@reminders.medproctor.com con su verificación.
 
Qué se requiere para la prueba de vacunación
 
El Hartnell Community College District aceptará las siguientes formas de documentación para la vacunación COVID-19:
 
  •  Versión digital (o fotografía / escaneo) de una tarjeta de registro de vacunación COVID-19 (emitida por los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos o la Tarjeta Amarilla de la OMS) que incluye el nombre de la persona vacunada, el tipo de vacuna proporcionada y la fecha última dosis administrada);
  • Un registro digital que incluye un código QR que, cuando es escaneado por un lector de SMART Health Card, muestra al lector el nombre del cliente, la fecha de nacimiento, las fechas de la vacuna y el tipo de vacuna. La información sobre cómo obtener este registro digital está disponible aquí.
  • Documentación de la vacuna COVID-19 de un proveedor de atención médica.
Gracias por su cooperación con este importante proceso para garantizar que las ubicaciones del campus de Hartnell sean lo más seguras posible para todos los estudiantes y empleados durante el semestre de primavera de 2022.
 
 
 
Dear Hartnell students,
 
Hartnell College has extended the deadline for students to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 to JANUARY 14, replacing the earlier deadline of today, December 14. 
 
This change has been made to accommodate students who intend to comply with Hartnell's vaccination mandate but have not received two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. We greatly appreciate all students who have complied with the earlier deadline. Thank you!
 
Please note: Students who fail to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination by January 13 will be deregistered from their Spring 2022 semester classes starting on January 14. They will be notified of that deregistration by email and have an opportunity to re-register after complying with the vaccination requirement.
 
Beginning January 14, new students will not be able to register for Spring 2022 classes without first providing proof of full vaccination. 
 
If you have uploaded proof of a first vaccine dose (Moderna or Pfizer), you now have additional time to provide proof of the second dose. If you have not yet uploaded proof of your first dose, you may wait and do so once you are fully vaccinated.
 
If you intend to request a medical or religious exemption, available at hartnell.edu/vax, do not wait until the deadline. Students whose exemption requests are denied will be required to provide proof of vaccination by January 13 or be subject to deregistration starting January 14.
 
Students whose exemption requests are approved will be required to undergo weekly testing for COVID-19 to show that they are free of the coronavirus. Free testing is available every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 4 on Hartnell's Main Campus, off of West Alisal Street. Additional information on testing requirements and locations will be provided.
 
 
ABOUT PROOF OF VACCINATION
 
Hartnell has contracted with an outside company called Med+Proctor to provide this webpage where students can upload proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit a request for medical or religious exemption, subject to review.
 
See below for detailed instructions on how to access and use the Med+Proctor page to submit your documentation. This same information is posted on the Hartnell.edu website at www.hartnell.edu/vax, along with this explanatory step-by-step video 
 
Also, attached to this email is a handy quick guide to providing your documents through Med+Proctor.
 
How to Provide Proof of Vaccination (how-to video) (quick guide PDF)
  1. Make sure you have your Hartnell ID number and password and your digital proof of vaccination, such as a photo of your vaccine card, ready to go. For help with student passwords, visit here. For additional information, visit here
  2. On the hartnell.edu/vax page, click "upload your proof of vaccination" link. On the webpage that loads, sign in using your Hartnell ID number and password.
  3. Once you've signed in, you may need to enter your date of birth, term (select 2022), and ID number, then click "Continue." Next, you'll scroll down to type in your full name and click "Agree" to accept the end user license agreement. 
  4. Now you're ready to upload your proof of vaccination. Hit "Continue." Please note that you do not have to pay the $10 fee unless you want the benefits listed on the page. To submit your health forms for free, click on "Submit your health forms for free without the upgrade." 
  5. Now select your document type ("COVID Vaccine"), and "choose files" to upload your proof of vaccination document from your computer or mobile device. Select your document and click "Open." Now click "Continue." It may take a few minutes to upload your document. 
  6. Once you've successfully submitted your proof of vaccination, your document will be reviewed within 24 hours by the Med+Proctor team. You can choose to expedite the review for $10 which will speed up the process to 30-60 minutes, but this is entirely optional
  7.  Once your record is reviewed, you will receive an email from admin@reminders.medproctor.com with your verification.
 
What is Required for Proof of Vaccination
 

The Hartnell Community College District will accept the following forms of documentation for COVID-19 vaccination:  

 

  • Digital version (or photograph/scan) of a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (issued by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or WHO Yellow Card) which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided and date last dose administered); 
  • A digital record that includes a QR code that when scanned by a SMART Health Card reader displays to the reader client name, date of birth, vaccine dates and vaccine type. Information on how to obtain this digital record is available here.
  • Documentation of COVID-19 vaccination from a health care provider. 
 
Thank you for your cooperation with this important process to ensure that Hartnell campus locations are as safe as possible for all students and employees during the Spring 2022 semester.
 
 

Dear Hartnell employees,

For the health and safety of all, Hartnell College continues to implement its requirement that all employees and students be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 ahead of the Spring 2022 semester, which starts January 24.

Hartnell has worked with an outside company called Med+Proctor to provide a webpage where individuals can upload their proof of COVID-19 vaccination or requests for medical or religious exemption, subject to review. 

See below for instructions on how to access and use the Med+Proctor webpage to submit your documentation. This same information is posted on the Hartnell.edu website at www.hartnell.edu/vax, along with this explanatory step-by-step video. Also attached is handy quick guide to uploading your documents to Med+Proctor.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW:

 

  • How to upload proof of vaccination
  • What is required for proof of vaccination
  • How to request a religious or medical exemption
  • Where to find a vaccination clinic

 

MUST-READ INFORMATION:

  • Starting with the Spring 2022 semester, full vaccination (two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) will be required for all Hartnell employees, unless they have a college-approved exemption.
  • Based on bargaining-unit agreements, the deadlines for submitting proof of vaccination or requesting an exemption are: December 13 for FACULTY and MANAGERS; December 17 for CLASSIFIED STAFF; and a date to be determined for FACILITIES STAFF. The STUDENT deadline is December 14, as communicated to them via email and posted on Canvas (Hartnell Info).
  • Employees whose exemption requests are approved will be required to undergo twice-weekly testing for COVID-19 to show that they are free of the coronavirus. Free testing is available every day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 4 on Hartnell's Main Campus, off West Alisal Street. Additional Hartnell has ongoing testing in Parking Lot 4. Additional information on testing requirements and locations will be provided.

How to Provide Proof of Vaccination (how-to video) (quick guide PDF)

  1. Make sure you have your Hartnell ID number and password and your digital proof of vaccination, such as a photo of your vaccine card, ready to go. If you need help with your Hartnell ID number, proof of vaccination, or the exemption process, learn more at hartnell.edu/vax.
  2. On the hartnell.edu/vax page, click "upload your proof of vaccination" link. On the webpage that loads, sign in using your Hartnell ID number and password.
  3. Once you have signed in, you may need to enter your date of birth, “term” (2022), and ID number, and then click "Continue." Next, you'll scroll down to type in your full name and click "Agree" to accept the end user license agreement. 
  4. Now you are ready to upload your proof of vaccination. Hit "Continue." Please note that you do not have to pay the $10 fee unless you want the benefits listed on the page. To submit your health forms for free, click on "Submit your health forms for free without the upgrade." 
  5. Now select your document type ("COVID Vaccine"), and "choose files" to upload your proof of vaccination document from your computer or mobile device. Select your document and click "Open." Now click "Continue." It may take a few minutes to upload your document. 
  6. Once you have successfully submitted your proof of vaccination, your document will be reviewed within 24 hours by the Med+Proctor team. You can choose to expedite the review for $10, which will speed up the process to 30-60 minutes, but this is optional
  7. Once your record is reviewed, you will receive an email from
    admin@reminders.medproctor.com with your verification.

What is Required for Proof of Vaccination

The Hartnell Community College District will accept the following forms of documentation for COVID-19 vaccination:  

  • Digital version (or photograph/scan) of a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (issued by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or WHO Yellow Card) which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided and date last dose administered); 
  • A digital record that includes a QR code that when scanned by a SMART Health Card reader displays to the reader client name, date of birth, vaccine dates and vaccine type. Information on how to obtain this digital record is available here.
  • Documentation of COVID-19 vaccination from a health care provider. 

How to Request an Exemption

  • For a religious exemption, you must submit a completed request form. You will be asked to state your "sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance" that is the basis for your request. You also will be asked to briefly explain how your "religious belief, practice or observance" conflicts with the COVID-19 mandate. 
  • For a medical exemption, you must submit a completed request form, signed by a licensed medical provider (MD, DO, PA, NP) who certifies that you have a medical condition that prevents you from receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and specifying that condition. 
  • To submit an exemption request, download the medical or religious exemption PDF form from hartnell.edu/vax. These forms can be filled out, saved to your device and then uploaded to Med+Proctor. Here are the steps: 
  1. When you have your Hartnell ID number and password available and your completed exemption from ready, visit the Med+Proctor webpage. Once you have signed in, you may need to enter your date of birth, “term” (2022), and student ID number, then click "Continue." Next, you will scroll down to type in your full name and click "Agree" to accept the end user license agreement. 
  2. Now you are ready to upload your exemption request form. Hit "Continue." Please note that you do not have to pay the $10 fee unless you want the benefits listed on the page. To proceed at no charge, click on "Submit your health forms for free without the upgrade." 
  3. From the "document type" menu, select "Exemption Form" and then click "choose files" to upload your document. Select your document from your computer or mobile device and click "Open." Now click "Continue." It may take a few minutes to upload your document. You will be notified once the request has been reviewed.

Where to Find a Vaccination Clinic

  • For locations and times of a vaccination clinic near you, visit myturn.ca.gov/.

Thank you for doing your part to ensure that all Hartnell campus sites remain as safe as possible for all during the unprecedented and ongoing threat from COVID-19.

 


Dear Hartnell students,
 
For the health and safety of all, Hartnell College continues to implement its requirement that all students and employees be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 ahead of the Spring 2022 semester, which starts January 24.
 
Hartnell has contracted with an outside company called Med+Proctor to provide a webpage where individuals can upload proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit a request for medical or religious exemption, subject to review.
 
See below for detailed instructions on how to access and use the Med+Proctor page to submit your documentation. This same information is posted on the Hartnell.edu website at www.hartnell.edu/vax, along with this explanatory step-by-step video 
 
Also, attached to this email is a handy quick guide to providing your documents through Med+Proctor.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW:
  • How to upload proof of vaccination
  • What is required for proof of vaccination
  • How to request a religious or medical exemption
  • Where to find a vaccination clinic
 
MUST-READ INFORMATION:
  • For students who have already registered for spring classes -- whether in-person or online -- the deadline to submit proof of vaccination or request an exemption is December 14. Proof of vaccination is NOT required to complete Fall 2021 classes.
  • Full vaccination (two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) will be required for all Spring 2022 students, unless they have a college-approved exemption. Any student who has not submitted proof of at least one dose by December 14 risks being dropped from all registered spring classes. 
  • Starting December 15, all new and returning students will not be able to register for spring without first providing proof of at least one dose.
  • Proof of full vaccination (a second dose, as needed) must be submitted by January 13, 11 days before the start of spring classes. 
  • Students whose exemption requests are denied will be required to provide proof of vaccination within these deadlines.
  • Students whose exemption requests are approved will be required to undergo weekly testing for COVID-19 to show that they are free of the coronavirus. Free testing is available every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 4 on Hartnell's Main Campus, off of West Alisal Street. Additional information on testing requirements and locations will be provided.
 
 
How to Provide Proof of Vaccination (how-to video) (quick guide PDF)
  1. Make sure you have your Hartnell ID number and password and your digital proof of vaccination, such as a photo of your vaccine card, ready to go. If you need help with your Hartnell ID number, proof of vaccination, or the exemption process, learn more at hartnell.edu/vax.
  2. On the hartnell.edu/vax page, click "upload your proof of vaccination" link. On the webpage that loads, sign in using your Hartnell ID number and password.
  3. Once you've signed in, you may need to enter your date of birth, term (semester -- 2022), and ID number, then click "Continue." Next, you'll scroll down to type in your full name and click "Agree" to accept the end user license agreement. 
  4. Now you're ready to upload your proof of vaccination. Hit "Continue." Please note that you do not have to pay the $10 fee unless you want the benefits listed on the page. To submit your health forms for free, click on "Submit your health forms for free without the upgrade." 
  5. Now select your document type ("COVID Vaccine"), and "choose files" to upload your proof of vaccination document from your computer or mobile device. Select your document and click "Open." Now click "Continue." It may take a few minutes to upload your document. 
  6. Once you've successfully submitted your proof of vaccination, your document will be reviewed within 24 hours by the Med+Proctor team. You can choose to expedite the review for $10 which will speed up the process to 30-60 minutes, but this is entirely optional
  7.  Once your record is reviewed, you will receive an email from admin@reminders.medproctor.com with your verification.
 
What is Required for Proof of Vaccination
 

The Hartnell Community College District will accept the following forms of documentation for COVID-19 vaccination:  

 

  • Digital version (or photograph/scan) of a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (issued by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or WHO Yellow Card) which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided and date last dose administered); 
  • A digital record that includes a QR code that when scanned by a SMART Health Card reader displays to the reader client name, date of birth, vaccine dates and vaccine type. Information on how to obtain this digital record is available here.
  • Documentation of COVID-19 vaccination from a health care provider. 
 
To Request an Exemption
  • For a religious exemption, you must submit a scan or photo of a completed request form, which is attached to this email and is also downloadable from the proof-of-vaccination webpage. You will be asked to state your "sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance" that is the basis for your request. You also will be asked to briefly explain how your "religious belief, practice or observance" conflicts with the COVID-19 mandate. Personal opposition to the vaccine mandate alone will not be sufficient.
  • For a medical exemption, you must submit a scan or photo of a completed request form, signed by a licensed medical provider (MD, DO, PA, NP) who certifies that you have a medical condition that prevents you from receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and specifying that condition.
  • To submit an exemption request, download the medical or religious exemption PDF form from hartnell.edu/vax. These forms can be filled out, saved to your device and then uploaded to Med+Proctor. Here are the steps: 
  1. When you have your Hartnell ID number and password available and your completed exemption from ready, visit the Med+Proctor webpageOnce you've signed in, you may need to enter your date of birth, term (semester -- 2022), and student ID number, then click "Continue." Next, you'll scroll down to type in your full name and click "Agree" to accept the end user license agreement. 
  2. Now you're ready to upload your exemption request form. Hit "Continue." Please note that you do not have to pay the $10 fee unless you want the benefits listed on the page. To proceed at no charge, click on "Submit your health forms for free without the upgrade." 
  3. From the "document type" menu, select "Exemption Form" and then click "choose files" to upload your document. Select your document from your computer or mobile device and click "Open." Now click "Continue." It may take a few minutes to upload your document. You will be notified once the request has been reviewed.
 
Where to Find a Vaccination Clinic
  • For locations and times of a vaccination clinic near you, visit myturn.ca.gov/.
 
Thank you for your participation in this important process as COVID-19 remains a serious health threat to our communities and the entire world. 
 
We look forward to having you as a student during the Spring 2022 semester!

Dear Hartnell students,
 
For the health and safety of all, Hartnell College continues to implement its requirement that all students and employees be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 ahead of the Spring 2022 semester, which starts January 24.
 
Hartnell has contracted with an outside company called Med+Proctor to provide a webpage (Links to an external site.) where individuals can upload proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit a request for medical or religious exemption, subject to review.
See below for detailed instructions on how to access and use the Med+Proctor page to submit your documentation. This same information is posted on the Hartnell.edu website at www.hartnell.edu/vax (Links to an external site.), along with this explanatory step-by-step video (Links to an external site.) 
 
Also, attached to this email is a handy quick guide (Links to an external site.) to providing your documents through Med+Proctor.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW:
  • How to upload proof of vaccination
  • What is required for proof of vaccination
  • How to request a religious or medical exemption
  • Where to find a vaccination clinic
 
MUST-READ INFORMATION:
  • For students who have already registered for spring classes -- whether in-person or online -- the deadline to submit proof of vaccination or request an exemption is December 14. Proof of vaccination is NOT required to complete Fall 2021 classes.
  • Full vaccination (two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) will be required for all Spring 2022 students, unless they have a college-approved exemption. Any student who has not submitted proof of at least one dose by December 14 risks being dropped from all registered spring classes. 
  • Starting December 15, all new and returning students will not be able to register for spring without first providing proof of at least one dose.
  • Proof of full vaccination (a second dose, as needed) must be submitted by January 13, 11 days before the start of spring classes. 
  • Students whose exemption requests are denied will be required to provide proof of vaccination within these deadlines.
  • Students whose exemption requests are approved will be required to undergo weekly testing for COVID-19 to show that they are free of the coronavirus. Free testing is available every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 4 on Hartnell's Main Campus, off of West Alisal Street. Additional information on testing requirements and locations will be provided.
 
 
  1. Make sure you have your Hartnell ID number and password and your digital proof of vaccination, such as a photo of your vaccine card, ready to go. If you need help with your Hartnell ID number, proof of vaccination, or the exemption process, learn more at hartnell.edu/vax (Links to an external site.).
  2. On the hartnell.edu/vax (Links to an external site.) page, click "upload your proof of vaccination" (Links to an external site.) link. On the webpage that loads, sign in using your Hartnell ID number and password.
  3. Once you've signed in, you may need to enter your date of birth, term (semester -- 2022), and ID number, then click "Continue." Next, you'll scroll down to type in your full name and click "Agree" to accept the end user license agreement. 
  4. Now you're ready to upload your proof of vaccination. Hit "Continue." Please note that you do not have to pay the $10 fee unless you want the benefits listed on the page. To submit your health forms for free, click on "Submit your health forms for free without the upgrade." 
  5. Now select your document type ("COVID Vaccine"), and "choose files" to upload your proof of vaccination document from your computer or mobile device. Select your document and click "Open." Now click "Continue." It may take a few minutes to upload your document. 
  6. Once you've successfully submitted your proof of vaccination, your document will be reviewed within 24 hours by the Med+Proctor team. You can choose to expedite the review for $10 which will speed up the process to 30-60 minutes, but this is entirely optional
  7.  Once your record is reviewed, you will receive an email from admin@reminders.medproctor.com with your verification.
 
What is Required for Proof of Vaccination
 

The Hartnell Community College District will accept the following forms of documentation for COVID-19 vaccination:  

 

  • Digital version (or photograph/scan) of a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (issued by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or WHO Yellow Card) which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided and date last dose administered); 
  • A digital record that includes a QR code that when scanned by a SMART Health Card reader displays to the reader client name, date of birth, vaccine dates and vaccine type. Information on how to obtain this digital record is available here (Links to an external site.).
  • Documentation of COVID-19 vaccination from a health care provider. 
To Request an Exemption
  • For a religious exemption, you must submit a scan or photo of a completed request form, which is attached to this email and is also downloadable from the proof-of-vaccination webpage. You will be asked to state your "sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance" that is the basis for your request. You also will be asked to briefly explain how your "religious belief, practice or observance" conflicts with the COVID-19 mandate. Personal opposition to the vaccine mandate alone will not be sufficient.
  • For a medical exemption, you must submit a scan or photo of a completed request form, signed by a licensed medical provider (MD, DO, PA, NP) who certifies that you have a medical condition (Links to an external site.) that prevents you from receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and specifying that condition.
  • To submit an exemption request, download the medical or religious exemption PDF form from hartnell.edu/vax (Links to an external site.). These forms can be filled out, saved to your device and then uploaded to Med+Proctor. Here are the steps: 
  1. When you have your Hartnell ID number and password available and your completed exemption from ready, visit the Med+Proctor webpage (Links to an external site.)Once you've signed in, you may need to enter your date of birth, term (semester -- 2022), and student ID number, then click "Continue." Next, you'll scroll down to type in your full name and click "Agree" to accept the end user license agreement. 
  2. Now you're ready to upload your exemption request form. Hit "Continue." Please note that you do not have to pay the $10 fee unless you want the benefits listed on the page. To proceed at no charge, click on "Submit your health forms for free without the upgrade." 
  3. From the "document type" menu, select "Exemption Form" and then click "choose files" to upload your document. Select your document from your computer or mobile device and click "Open." Now click "Continue." It may take a few minutes to upload your document. You will be notified once the request has been reviewed.
 
Where to Find a Vaccination Clinic
Thank you for your participation in this important process as COVID-19 remains a serious health threat to our communities and the entire world. 
We look forward to having you as a student during the Spring 2022 semester!

Dear Hartnell employees,

For the health and safety of all, Hartnell College continues to implement its requirement that all employees and students be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 ahead of the Spring 2022 semester, which starts January 24.

Hartnell has worked with an outside company called Med+Proctor to provide a webpage where individuals can upload their proof of COVID-19 vaccination or requests for medical or religious exemption, subject to review. 

See below for instructions on how to access and use the Med+Proctor webpage to submit your documentation. This same information is posted on the Hartnell.edu website at www.hartnell.edu/vax, along with this explanatory step-by-step video. Also attached is handy quick guide to uploading your documents to Med+Proctor.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW:

  • How to upload proof of vaccination
  • What is required for proof of vaccination
  • How to request a religious or medical exemption
  • Where to find a vaccination clinic

MUST-READ INFORMATION:

  • Starting with the Spring 2022 semester, full vaccination (two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) will be required for all Hartnell employees, unless they have a college-approved exemption.
  • Based on bargaining-unit agreements, the deadlines for submitting proof of vaccination or requesting an exemption are: December 13 for FACULTY; December 17 for CLASSIFIED STAFF; December 13 for MANAGERS; and a date to be determined for FACILITIES STAFF. The STUDENT deadline is December 14, as communicated to them via email and posted on Canvas (Hartnell Info).
  • Employees whose exemption requests are approved will be required to undergo twice-weekly testing for COVID-19 to show that they are free of the coronavirus. Free testing is available every day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 4 on Hartnell's Main Campus, off West Alisal Street. Additional Hartnell has ongoing testing in Parking Lot 4. Additional information on testing requirements and locations will be provided.

How to Provide Proof of Vaccination (how-to video) (quick guide PDF)

  1. Make sure you have your Hartnell ID number and password and your digital proof of vaccination, such as a photo of your vaccine card, ready to go. If you need help with your Hartnell ID number, proof of vaccination, or the exemption process, learn more at hartnell.edu/vax.
  2. On the hartnell.edu/vax page, click "upload your proof of vaccination" link. On the webpage that loads, sign in using your Hartnell ID number and password.
  3. Once you have signed in, you may need to enter your date of birth, “term” (2022), and ID number, and then click "Continue." Next, you'll scroll down to type in your full name and click "Agree" to accept the end user license agreement. 
  4. Now you are ready to upload your proof of vaccination. Hit "Continue." Please note that you do not have to pay the $10 fee unless you want the benefits listed on the page. To submit your health forms for free, click on "Submit your health forms for free without the upgrade." 
  5. Now select your document type ("COVID Vaccine"), and "choose files" to upload your proof of vaccination document from your computer or mobile device. Select your document and click "Open." Now click "Continue." It may take a few minutes to upload your document. 
  6. Once you have successfully submitted your proof of vaccination, your document will be reviewed within 24 hours by the Med+Proctor team. You can choose to expedite the review for $10, which will speed up the process to 30-60 minutes, but this is optional
  7. Once your record is reviewed, you will receive an email from
    admin@reminders.medproctor.com with your verification.

What is Required for Proof of Vaccination

The Hartnell Community College District will accept the following forms of documentation for COVID-19 vaccination:  

  • Digital version (or photograph/scan) of a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (issued by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or WHO Yellow Card) which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided and date last dose administered); 
  • A digital record that includes a QR code that when scanned by a SMART Health Card reader displays to the reader client name, date of birth, vaccine dates and vaccine type. Information on how to obtain this digital record is available here.
  • Documentation of COVID-19 vaccination from a health care provider. 

 

How to Request an Exemption

  • For a religious exemption, you must submit a completed request form. You will be asked to state your "sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance" that is the basis for your request. You also will be asked to briefly explain how your "religious belief, practice or observance" conflicts with the COVID-19 mandate. 
  • For a medical exemption, you must submit a completed request form, signed by a licensed medical provider (MD, DO, PA, NP) who certifies that you have a medical condition that prevents you from receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and specifying that condition. 
  • To submit an exemption request, download the medical or religious exemption PDF form from hartnell.edu/vax. These forms can be filled out, saved to your device and then uploaded to Med+Proctor. Here are the steps: 
  1. When you have your Hartnell ID number and password available and your completed exemption from ready, visit the Med+Proctor webpage. Once you have signed in, you may need to enter your date of birth, “term” (2022), and student ID number, then click "Continue." Next, you will scroll down to type in your full name and click "Agree" to accept the end user license agreement. 
  2. Now you are ready to upload your exemption request form. Hit "Continue." Please note that you do not have to pay the $10 fee unless you want the benefits listed on the page. To proceed at no charge, click on "Submit your health forms for free without the upgrade." 
  3. From the "document type" menu, select "Exemption Form" and then click "choose files" to upload your document. Select your document from your computer or mobile device and click "Open." Now click "Continue." It may take a few minutes to upload your document. You will be notified once the request has been reviewed.

Where to Find a Vaccination Clinic

  • For locations and times of a vaccination clinic near you, visit myturn.ca.gov/.

Thank you for doing your part to ensure that all Hartnell campus sites remain as safe as possible for all during the unprecedented and ongoing threat from COVID-19.

Dear Hartnell students,
 
As you know, the Hartnell Community College District Governing Board voted to require all Hartnell students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, effective for the Spring 2022 semester. 
 
We have received questions from some students about how and when they will be able to provide proof of full vaccination, as required to remain enrolled for Spring 2022. 
 
By Dec. 1, the college expects to provide details on how to use an online tool to upload that proof or apply for a religious or medical exemption. We appreciate your patience as staff work to make sure this interface functions smoothly. Watch your email and "Hartnell College Info" announcements on Canvas for additional information as soon as it's available.
 
For those who received the Moderna vaccine either today or yesterday, a follow-up clinic to provide the second dose will be held on Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., also in the Student Center. No second dose is required for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
 
PLEASE NOTE that the original Dec. 10 deadline to provide proof of full vaccination has been extended to Dec. 14 to coincide with the date of this second on-campus clinic. Again, you will receive detailed instructions about how to provide that proof.
 
To find locations and times for other vaccination clinics in your area, both walk-in and by appointment, visit this website, myturn.ca.gov. Similar information is available here. If you have questions about vaccine safety, please visit this “key things to know” page maintained by the federal Centers for Disease Control. 
 
Thank you!

Dear Hartnell students,

Today is the first day of Hartnell College's two-day COVID-19 vaccination clinic for students and employees. 

Vaccines will be administered from 12-4 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 17. The clinics are being held in the Student Center commons (Building C) on Main Campus.

Both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available, and follow-up dates will be scheduled for the two-dose Moderna vaccine. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is one dose. 

There is no cost for vaccination, and no appointment is needed. All recipients must be at least 18 years of age and show a driver's license or other photo ID. 

Thank you!


Dear Hartnell students,

Hartnell College has extended the deadline for students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to remain registered for Spring 2022 classes to Dec. 13 instead of Dec. 10This extension will allow for unvaccinated students to get their first shots on Nov. 16 or 17 at a two-day, walk-in vaccine clinic on the Main Campus in Salinas.

The clinic times are 12-4 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 17. The clinics will be held in the Student Center commons (Building C). If you have not yet been vaccinated for COVID, please plan to take advantage of this opportunity.

There is no cost for vaccination. All recipients must be at least 18 years of age and show a driver's license or other photo ID. 

No appointment is necessary. Both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available. Because the Moderna vaccine requires two doses, a follow-up clinic will be scheduled so recipients can receive their econd dose no later than Dec. 13. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is one dose.

Booster shots will also be available.

You can find out about locations and times for other vaccination clinics in your area, both walk-in and by appointment, at this website, myturn.ca.gov. Similar information is available here. If you have questions about vaccine safety, please visit this “key things to know” page maintained by the federal Centers for Disease Control. 

Information will be provided soon on how to provide proof of vaccination to the college and also on how to request a medical or religious exemption.

Thank you!

Dear Hartnell students,

 

Hartnell College has extended the deadline for students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to remain registered for Spring 2022 classes to Dec. 13 instead of Dec. 10This extension will allow for unvaccinated students to get their first shots on Nov. 16 or 17 at a two-day, walk-in vaccine clinic on the Main Campus in Salinas.

 

The clinic times are 12-4 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 17. The clinics will be held in the Student Center commons (Building C). If you have not yet been vaccinated for COVID, please plan to take advantage of this opportunity.

 

There is no cost for vaccination. All recipients must be at least 18 years of age and show a driver's license or other photo ID. 

 

No appointment is necessary. Both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available. Because the Moderna vaccine requires two doses, a follow-up clinic will be scheduled so recipients can receive their second dose no later than Dec. 13. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is one dose.

You can find out about locations and times for other vaccination clinics in your area, both walk-in and by appointment, at this website, myturn.ca.gov. Similar information is available here. If you have questions about vaccine safety, please visit this “key things to know” page maintained by the federal Centers for Disease Control. 

Information will be provided soon on how to provide proof of vaccination to the college and also on how to request a medical or religious exemption.

Thank you!

Dear Hartnell students,

 

The Hartnell Community College District will require all students and employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. These policies are intended to help keep our entire community as safe as possible. If you already are fully vaccinated, we sincerely thank you!

This letter summarizes how we will implement the student vaccination requirement ahead of the Spring 2022 semester. All currently enrolled students may complete their Fall 2021 classes regardless of vaccination status.

Proof of Vaccination by December 10 for Spring 2022 Semester

Hartnell will ask students to provide proof of full vaccination no later than December 10, 2021, in preparation for the Spring 2022 semester. The pandemic is still with us, and along with such precautions as masking and physical distancing, widespread vaccination is essential to stopping the spread of this deadly virus.

Priority student registration for Spring 2022 classes begins on November 1, and registration for most continuing students opens November 3-9, depending on current credits completed. We are sharing this communication with you because we want to make sure you can continue your Hartnell studies next semester and beyond.

These are important facts concerning how and when you can fulfill the vaccination requirement without interrupting your education at Hartnell.

  • If you enroll for Spring 2022 right away, you will still need to submit proof of your full vaccination by December 10 in order to remain enrolled for Spring.Guidance on how to provide that proof will be shared shortly via email and social media reminders. If you lost your vaccine card and to obtain a digital record of your prior vaccination, visit here. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about vaccine registration are available here. For further assistance with obtaining proof of vaccination, call 1-833-422-4255.
  • Students who have not provided proof of vaccination by December 10 will be disenrolled from their Spring 2022 classes. They will have to re-enrollonce they provide that proof.
  • New and continuing students who seek to enroll in Spring 2022 classes after December 10 will need to provide proof of full vaccination by the date when they enroll.
  • This requirement will apply to all students, regardless of whether they take in-person or online classes, because the Hartnell Community College District is determined to ensure that all students using college facilities and services are fully vaccinated.
  • The District will consider requests for exemptionsto the COVID-19 vaccine requirement only for medical reasons or based on a sincerely held religious belief, observance, or practice. Detailed information on how to request these exemptions will also be shared with students shortly.

High school students enrolled in Dual Enrollment classes will NOT be subject to the Hartnell District vaccination requirement, but they are subject to the COVID-19 vaccination rules of their own school districts. Incarcerated students are also excluded from the Hartnell vaccination mandate, although they may be subject to other vaccination requirements at their school.

Act Quickly to Become Fully Vaccinated!

What does it mean to be fully vaccinated? Full vaccination means you have received two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. We urge you to act quickly so you are fully vaccinated by December 10.

Please be aware:

  • If you are receiving the Moderna vaccine, you will need the first dose no later than Friday, November 12, in order to allow for a required four-week gap between doses.
  • If you are receiving the Pfizer vaccine, you will need your first dose by November 19, because of a three-week gap.
  • If you receive the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you will need proof that you have completed it by December 10.

We are working to schedule one or more COVID-19 vaccination clinics on our Main Campus and on other campuses as soon as possible. However, we encourage you not to wait. You can find out about locations and times for free vaccination clinics in your area, both walk-in and by appointment, at this website, myturn.ca.gov. Similar information is available here. If you have questions about vaccine safety, please visit this “key things to know” page maintained by the federal Centers for Disease Control. You also can find current information about the Hartnell District’s COVID-19 prevention efforts on our college coronavirus webpages.

COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented challenge, and we rely on you and others to help us provide a safe and welcoming environment on our campuses.

Sincerely,

Raúl Rodríguez, Ph.D.                                                          

Interim Superintendent/President

Hartnell Community College District

                                                                    

Erica Padilla-Chavez

President, Governing Board

Hartnell Community College District

Dear Hartnell College Community,
 
Thank you for keeping yourselves and your loved ones safe from COVID-19 -- by being fully vaccinated, wearing a mask over your nose and mouth and completing the Titan HST self-screening app each day. 
 
I am happy to report that we know of no one who has become infected with COVID while on any of our campuses.
 
The Hartnell Community College District Governing Board is scheduled to vote tomorrow evening, Sept. 21, on proposed vaccine mandates for employees and students, with limited exemptions. We will provide information about those decisions as soon as possible.
 
Another key element of our efforts is the process of notification and follow-up to cases of known or suspected infection. You will find more detailed information about these procedures and other COVID-related topics on Hartnell's main coronavirus webpage and in particular on the Hartnell COVID FAQs page.
 
To summarize: 
 
1. Anyone who has tested positive for COVID, is experiencing COVID-like symptoms, has been directly exposed to someone with COVID, or has failed the Titan questionnaire is asked not to come onto campus.
 
2. Instead, they should contact an instructor (for students) or their immediate supervisor (for employees). Those people contacted are asked to call Hartnell Human Resources at (831) 770-6103 or send an email to covidnotification@hartnell.edu.
 
3. While respecting privacy, HR will contact the affected person and provide further guidance. They likely will be asked to get a COVID test, see a doctor, and possibly stay home for 7-10 days to make sure it is safe to return to campus.
 
4. Also, HR will notify instructors and/or supervisors regarding steps to protect others who may have had extended contact with the affected person.
 
Again, please refer to our FAQs for more information.
 
Thank you very much!
 
Dan
 

Daniel Scott, M.A., CEM®, NEMEA.

Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management

Dear Hartnell College Community,
 
This is a reminder that everyone is required to wear a mask indoors on all Hartnell campuses. Masks are to be worn outdoors in group situations.
 
Also, all students and employees are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated for COVID-19. If you aren't yet vaccinated, please do so as soon as possible. Click here for the most up-to-date information on vaccination sites and times. Click here for answers to your questions about vaccine safety.
 
Don't forget that free COVID testing is available for ALL from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday on the Main Campus in Parking Lot 4, off of Alisal Street and next to the tennis courts and Building J. Individuals can be tested regardless of whether they are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms.
 
And don't forget to use the Titan HST self-screening app each day before you come on campus.
 
Thank you!
 
 

Dear Hartnell students,

This message is a follow-up to an email you received on Aug. 26 from Dr. Raul Rodriguez, interim superintendent/president of Hartnell College:

$300 Textbook Credit

If you haven't already done so, please take advantage of a $300 purchase credit for textbooks at the Panther Bookstore on Main Campus.

All Hartnell students enrolled in at least 3 credits qualify for this help. Show a photo ID and proof of enrollment to have your course textbooks paid for by the college. The bookstore is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday. If you've already bought your fall textbooks from the bookstore, show your receipt to receive a reimbursement.

Additional Financial Assistance

Also, all students who are enrolled in at least 3 credit hours and are progressing in their Fall 2021 courses will receive a $250 check by Oct. 15. This check will be sent to your home address on file. Check PAWS Self Serve to check your address. High school students taking dual- or concurrent-enrollment courses will also receive this money.

 

In addition, you can apply here for additional financial assistance from federal CARES Act funding. This extra help is for specific needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the cost of college, food, housing, health care (including mental health) and child care. If you qualify for an award, you will be notified via your Hartnell email.

 

Thank you for being a Hartnell student! We hope you continue to have a successful fall semester. 


Sincerely,

 

Steven Crow
Vice President | Administrative Services

(Traducido al español, abajo)

Dear Hartnell College students,

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, you and your families have faced enormous challenges: to your health, to your learning and to your financial well-being. You have stayed strong -- Salinas Valley strong!

Hartnell College has done its best to help you keep moving toward your educational and career goals. Now we are doing even more to make sure you can complete your studies.

Thanks to the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), we will provide each Fall 2021 student with up to $1,050 in financial assistance and textbook money so you can stay on track.

These benefits are available to ALL students enrolled in at least 3 course credits.

Up to $300 for textbooks

All Hartnell students enrolled in at least 3 credits will receive a purchase credit for up to $300 to buy textbooks from the Panther Bookstore on the Main Campus in Salinas. When you show a photo ID and proof of enrollment, you will have your course textbooks paid for by the college. If you've already purchased your fall textbooks from the bookstore, show your receipt to receive a reimbursement. This help is in addition to other textbook support you may already receive through Hartnell.

Up to $750 in additional financial assistance

Most Hartnell students are eligible for up to $750 in special financial assistance for the Fall 2021 semester thanks to relief funding tied to the pandemic. Additional information on this benefit will be coming to individual students based on their particular situation.

We trust you will take full advantage of this one-time support as you strive for the life you envision for yourself and your family. 

We look forward to having you join us this fall. Together we will make sure Hartnell College, our employees and our students stay Salinas Valley strong!

Sincerely,

Raúl Rodríguez, Ph.D. 

Interim Superintendent/President

_______________________________

El Colegio Hartnell proveerá hasta $1,050 en ayuda extra para los estudiantes en el Otoño 2021.  

Estimados Estudiantes del Colegio Hartnell,

A través de la pandemia del COVID-19, ustedes y sus familias han atravesado enormes retos; a su salud, a su aprendizaje y a su bienestar financiero.  Ustedes han permanecido fuertes como el Valle de Salinas!

El Colegio Hartnell ha hecho lo mejor posible para apoyarlos en continuar con sus metas educativas y profesionales.  Ahora estamos haciendo aún más para asegurarnos de que puedan completar sus estudios.  

Gracias al Fondo de Alivio de Emergencia de Educación Superior (HEERF por sus siglas en Inglés), podremos proveer a cada estudiante de Otoño con hasta $1,050 en asistencia financiera y dinero para libros de texto, para que puedas permanecer al corriente.  

Estos beneficios están disponibles a TODOS los estudiantes matriculados en por lo menos 3 créditos de curso.  

Hasta $300 para libros de texto

Todos los estudiantes del Colegio Hartnell matriculados en por lo menos 3 créditos de curso, recibirán crédito de compra de hasta $300 para comprar libros de texto de la Tienda de Libros, localizada en el plantel principal en Salinas.  Cuando muestres tu identificación y prueba de matriculación, tendrás los libros de texto de tus cursos pagados por el colegio.  Si ya compraste tus libros de Otoño, muestra tu recibo para recibir un reembolso.  Esta ayuda es en adición a otras ayudas que tal vez ya hayan recibido a través del Colegio Hartnell.  

Hasta $750 en asistencia financiera adicional

La mayoría de los estudiantes del Colegio Hartnell son elegibles para asistencia financiera especial de hasta $750 para el semestre de Otoño 2021, gracias a los fondos de alivio ligados a la pandemia.  Información adicional de este beneficio se les hará llegar a los estudiantes individualmente basado en su situación particular.  

Confiamos en que tomarán completa ventaja de este apoyo único, mientras se esfuerzan por la vida que visualizan para ustedes y sus familias.  

Esperamos tenerlos este Otoño.  Juntos nos aseguraremos de que el Colegio Hartnell, sus empleados y nuestros estudiantes permanezcan fuertes como el Valle de Salinas!

Sinceramente,

Raúl Rodríguez, Ph.D. 

Interim Superintendent/President

Office of the Superintendent/President

 

 
Dear Hartnell College Community,
 
View a brief welcome message, above, from Dr. Raul Rodriguez, interim superintendent/president. 
 
Find detailed information about student services and resources in the Fall 2021 Campus Resource Guide, which is attached as a PDF and Word doc.
 
Additional information about LIBRARY and TUTORING services (Panther Learning Lab) is listed below:
 
Library/Learning Resource Center
 
For Fall 2021, the Hartnell Library/Learning Resource Center offers in-person and online services as follows:

· Walk-in hours:

o   By appointment (appointment may be made at the door if space is available)

o   10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday/Wednesday/Friday and 1-6 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday.

 

· Online services

o   Provided during standard (pre-COVID) opening hours (8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday)

o   Questions answered via phone, email, chat or text.

o   Live video consultations available.

o   Pre-recorded videos covering common topics available https://www.youtube.com/c/HartnellCollegeLibrarySalinas

· In-person services:

o   Quiet study areas

o   Group study rooms

o   Computer use

o   Reserve textbooks for in-library use

o   Book browsing and check-out

o   Calculator check-out - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1CiDtPxR6iQeT9pghmeHWLtY_G_jHGCF3bGDF2bIHZ9bieg/viewform?usp=sf_link

o   Reference interviews available by appointment

· To request and pick up materials:

Materials are requested through OneSearch https://caccl-hartnell.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01CACCL_HARTNELL:HARTNELL, pickup appointment is scheduled online

For more information, please go to the library website at https://www.hartnell.edu/library/.

Panther Learning Lab/Supplemental Instruction
 
The Panther Learning Lab will be available for online tutoring and Supplemental Instruction. We will be hosting a virtual Welcome-a-thon starting today, Aug. 30, to provide students with an orientation of our services, help with Canvas and scheduling appointments to meet with staff. Our hours and Zoom meeting link are available on our website . Here are link. to our Welcome-a-thon event and Appointment Guide (flyers attached).
Dear Hartnell College Community,
 
If you haven't yet been vaccinated for COVID-19, please plan to take advantage of a walk-in vaccination clinic for adults 18 and older from 4-8 p.m. TODAY in the Student Center on our Main Campus in Salinas.
 
The clinic will be managed by Natividad Medical Center using the Moderna vaccine, which requires a second shot approximately four weeks later. All participants are asked to bring some type of ID with their name on it and a health insurance card, if they have one. You do not need government-issued ID or health insurance to receive your free vaccine. Undocumented individuals are eligible to receive the vaccine regardless of immigration status. 
 
Please share this information with colleagues, students, family and friends. Vaccination is the most effective step in preventing the spread of COVID-19, including the delta variant.
 
Thank you!
 
--

Daniel Scott, M.A., CEM®, NEMEA.

Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management

Dear Hartnell College Community,
 
If you haven't yet been vaccinated for COVID-19, please plan to take advantage of a walk-in vaccination clinic for adults 18 and older from 4-8 p.m. on Aug. 26 in the Student Center on our Main Campus in Salinas.
 
The clinic will be managed by Natividad Medical Center using the Moderna vaccine, which requires a second shot approximately four weeks later. All participants are asked to bring some type of ID with their name on it and a health insurance card, if they have one. You do not need government-issued ID or health insurance to receive your free vaccine. Undocumented individuals are eligible to receive the vaccine regardless of immigration status. 
 
Please share this information with colleagues, students, family and friends. Vaccination is the most effective step in preventing the spread of COVID-19, including the delta variant.
 
Thank you!
 
Dan
 
--

Daniel Scott, M.A., CEM®, NEMEA.

Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management

 

Dear Hartnell employees,

To further increase safety and security within the Hartnell community, the college has decided to adopt Titan HST (Health & Security Technologies) as its exclusive emergency reporting and communications platform, in addition to its ongoing use for COVID-19 self-screening.

For these tools to be effective, it's crucial that we all have a comprehensive understanding of the platform and are prepared to use it as necessary.

Please watch for an email today from Titan HST (training@titanhst.com) inviting you to select and register for a training session from July 21-29, each of which will have a maximum attendance of 95 participants. We hope to have all faculty and staff complete this training by month's end, though additional dates will be offered if needed.

Thank you in advance for participating in the extended rollout of Titan HST and for your conscientious use of the COVID-19 self-screening app before you arrive on campus.

Sincerely,

Dan

--

Daniel Scott, M.A., CEM®, NEMEA.

Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management

Last week, you received an email from Titan HST, an emergency communications service managed by Titan Health & Security Technologies. Hartnell has hired Titan to help it screen students and employees for COVID-19 before they come onto campus, for everyone's safety.
 
The service has many other features that Hartnell may use in the future, but for now our focus is the lingering coronavirus threat as our college steadily returns to in-person instruction and student services.
 
Effective immediately, the college is asking all students and employees to voluntarily register and use the Titan to reduce the risk that anyone on our campuses could expose others to COVID-19. Simply put, it's the right thing to do.
 
Your participation is so important that Hartnell will give participating students 25% off on all purchases at The Grille food service, open this summer from 8-2 in the Student Center (Main Campus, Building C). When you show that day's green "passed" screen on your phone (or a printout of your computer screen, if you don't have a phone), you will receive a 25% discount on your food and drink purchases. 
 
If you haven't done so already, please locate the email from Titan, download the Titan HST mobile app and log into the web portal using your student ID number and password. If you choose not to add the mobile app to your phone, you can register and use Titan from any computer by visiting titanhst.com.
 
If your answers to the five screening questions indicate you are not at risk of COVID infection, the screen will flash green and say "passed." On the other hand, if your responses indicate there is a risk, the screen will be red and say "failed", and you will be asked to stay home and inform an instructor. The self-screening is good for a full day.
 
Thank you for your help and cooperation -- and don't forget to take advantage of the 25% discount at The Grille!

Hartnell College employees are now using an online app to self-screen for possible COVID-19 exposure before coming to work, and this week the tool will be shared with students — along with a prize drawing to promote its use.

Adoption of the screening tool, effective June 14, is one of many steps Hartnell is taking to restore in-person instruction and services despite a lingering coronavirus threat. Other safety measures include requiring use of masks indoors, social distancing and limits on the number of students in a class.

“This service is part of our wide-ranging effort to make our campuses as safe as possible as we continue to focus on student learning and success,” said Dr. Raúl Rodríguez, interim superintendent/president.

Hartnell is offering 25% of its classes in-person during the summer term, which started June 7, and is aiming for 75% this fall, with all remaining classes delivered online.

The self-screening process starts with an email sent to Hartnell community members inviting them to register for the app, called Titan HST, which is accessible from mobile phones or any computer via the internet.

That notice is expected to go out to students on June 15, and those who sign up right away will be entered into a drawing for gift cards usable for on-campus food service or at the Hartnell bookstore.

Once participants register, they receive a daily email reminder to answer five yes-or-no coronavirus screening questions, such as “Do you have a fever?” and “Have you been around anyone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days?”

Users who answers “no” to all the screening questions receive a green “PASS” notification via their smartphone or email. If they answer “yes” to any question, they receive a red “FAILED” notification, telling them not to come on campus and instead contact their supervisor or teacher for guidance.

The Titan system’s geo-location feature also notifies users and the college if they bring their phone onto any Hartnell campus without first completing the online health questionnaire, so campus safety staff can follow up. This includes both the Main and Alisal campuses in Salinas and the education centers in Soledad and King City.

The app’s vendor, Titan Health & Security Technologies, provides Hartnell with data on who is using the system and their screening responses. This information could later help the college determine who might have been exposed to an employee or student infected with COVID-19.

The online service will cost $2,020 for its first year, with opportunity to renew, and is being paid for with federal CARES Act funds available for pandemic response. Other schools in the California Community Colleges System also are using the app.

Dr. Steven Crow, Hartnell’s vice president of administrative services, said the Titan app offers widespread self-screening without creating a bottleneck of in-person health checks.

“As California fully opens up, we wanted to provide a screening tool that was highly effective, allowing us to reassure members of our campus community, and also had minimum impact on the free flow of our employees and students,” Dr. Crow said.

 

Last fall, Hartnell College lost a third of its students as we switched to online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This spring, with classes still online, we saw another big drop – down 13% compared with the previous year.

While these steep enrollment declines could hurt our budget over the long run, dollars are not our greatest concern – students are.

We are deeply worried about the indirect impact of COVID on our students – especially those who have dropped out over the past year. That means they have stopped making progress toward academic degrees that can provide a multi-generational benefit for them and their families.

We fear that the consequences will instead cut the other way, limiting future financial security and reinforcing the very inequities that community colleges work so hard to address.

That is why the Hartnell Community College District Governing Board, in collaboration with Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Raúl Rodríguez, seeks to accelerate a return to in-person instruction. We believe this is essential to our mission of success for all students.

During the summer 2021 term, now underway, we are offering 25% of our classes in-person, with the remainder online, and we aim to reach the 75% mark during the coming fall semester, starting Aug. 30.

My fellow elected board members and I are extremely grateful to Hartnell’s faculty and staff, who have invested countless hours of thoughtful planning so students can safely return to our campuses.

We know students have stopped coming to Hartnell because of COVID, and we know they are being harmed as a result.

In an April survey of our students who have dropped out since the pandemic, 28% of those responding said they had quit their studies because of difficulties with online learning, other COVID-related issues or a need to take care of family members, often school-aged children.

According to new federal Census data, wireless internet service across nearly two-thirds of Monterey County does not meet regional standards for quality and speed. We know from our students that many struggle to find an adequate place at home to study for online courses.

We also know that students and their families are suffering financially from job loss due to COVID-19, as well as chronic poverty throughout the Salinas Valley.

Hartnell has distributed basic-needs assistance to more than 3,500 students, funded by both the federal CARES Act and generous contributions to the Hartnell College Foundation. Every other week, our college distributes 180 bags of free groceries to students and families in need, thanks to our partnership with the Food Bank for Monterey County.

In addition, the Hartnell foundation has served 430 people – primarily our students and families – who are in need of rent and utility assistance, and we have so far arranged for $361,000 in help through United Way of Monterey County.

Such hardship is not spread evenly among the entire population. Hartnell’s students are predominantly Latinx, including many who belong to farmworker families and are among the first generation to attend college. Such students are whom we most hope to lift up through higher education, and they are feeling the most pain.

A statewide survey in January by the Institute for College Access found that more than three in five Filipino, Black, Indigenous/Native American and Latinx community college students anticipate a delay in their degrees because of the pandemic.

Of course, many of our students have embraced online learning, and faculty have made great strides in their capacity to deliver “distance” education.

Hartnell’s huge enrollment losses during COVID are a clear signal that many students feel unable to learn as well via Zoom as they can in the classroom with their instructor and fellow students.

For example, Hartnell nursing student Esmeralda Tellez described the fundamental challenge of online classes in this way:

“If you have a question in a classroom setting, you can raise your hand and the professor can see that you have a question, so they can take a pause in their lecture and address your question. Or, if they’re at their desk, you can get up and walk up to them and say, ‘Hey, I have a question or I didn’t quite understand this.”

But those things can’t happen in the same way in an online course.

And so, Hartnell College will continue to offer as many in-person classes as we can this fall, while aiming for a near-normal situation by January when we start the spring 2021 semester.

We do this because we always put students first, and they need our help.

This coming Monday, June 14, each of you should receive an email from Titan HST, an emergency communications service managed by Titan Health & Security Technologies, which has newly contracted with Hartnell. This email will contain instructions on how to download Titan's free online app and log in so you can access it from any mobile phone or computer.
 
The Titan service is quite robust, with features for college-wide notification and alerts for a wide variety of emergency situations, but Hartnell is adopting this service now in support of our ongoing return to in-person instruction and student services despite the lingering health threat from COVID-19. 
 
Starting next week, the college will immediately begin using a health pre-screen to reduce the risk that an employee coming onto one of our campuses could expose others to COVID-19. We expect to roll this out to students as well in coming days.
 
When you receive the email on Monday, please download the Titan HST mobile app and log into the web portal. If you choose not to add the mobile app, you will still receive notifications via text message, email and auto-call, but will not have the convenient and redundant connectivity available via your phone.
 
All employees will be required to use Titan HST to complete a self-screening questionnaire BEFORE coming onto campus to work. If you answers indicate you are not at risk of COVID infection, the screen will flash green. On the other hand, if your responses indicate there is a risk, the screen will be red, and you will be asked to stay home and inform your supervisor. The self-screening is not required for additional campus visits on the same day.
 
Students will receive the same instructions via email and will be asked to voluntarily use the app for the health and safety of all.
 
Watch for additional information and training opportunities to learn how you can best benefit from and engage with the Titan HST system.
 
Thank you for your help and cooperation!

Hartnell College is urgently working to expand in-person course offerings this summer and fall to address a steep loss of students deterred by all-online instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hartnell saw a 33% drop in total students during the Fall 2020 semester compared with the previous year and a 13% drop in equivalent enrollment for Spring 2021.

Challenges such as unreliable internet access, lack of an in-home study space and basic needs such as food and housing have had their greatest impact on low-income and first-generation students – the same students who Hartnell has been so determined to serve.

Hartnell has responded by restoring many more face-to-face classes as quickly as possible, said Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Raúl Rodríguez, with the goal of fully returning to pre-pandemic levels by the Spring 2022 semester, which starts in January.

“We are determined to do more to serve these students who are at risk of missing out on the benefits of a college education because of COVID-19,” Dr. Rodríguez said. “One of the first things we can do is provide additional face-to-face classes.”

In an April 2021 survey of students who dropped out during the pandemic year, 28 percent of respondents said they had stopped taking classes because of difficulties with online learning, other COVID-related issue or a need to take care of their families – including school-aged children.

Statewide, 37% of students who did not re-enroll in Fall 2020 cited concerns about online courses, according to the Institute for College Access, which in January surveyed a broad sample of nearly 900 students. The survey found the greatest impact has been on students of color. Among respondents, more than three in five Filipino, Black, Indigenous/Native American and Latinx students said they expect a delay in completing their degree.

Hartnell has distributed basic-needs assistance to more than 3,500 students, funded by both the federal CARES Act and contributions to the Hartnell College Foundation. Every other week, Hartnell distributes about 180 bags of free groceries to students and families their families through a biweekly Pop-Up Pantry in partnership with the Food Bank for Monterey County.

The Hartnell foundation also has been encouraging students and families in need to apply for pandemic-related rent and utility assistance available through United Way of Monterey County. So far, the foundation has served 430 clients and arranged for $361,000 in help.

Wireless internet service is also an obstacle for many students. According to federal census data, as of September 2020 only 63% of Monterey County had broadband service at the regional standard of 100 down/20 up, translating to 53,000 households without adequate service.

With all of these challenges in mind, on May 26 Hartnell completed a memorandum of understanding with the Hartnell College Faculty Association, which represents instructors, to hold in-person classes this fall with 75% of normal seating capacity with facility public health safeguards to protect faculty and students. .

“We are delighted and thankful that the faculty have agreed to a return-to-campus plan for fall of 2021,” said Erica Padilla-Chavez, Hartnell Community College Governing Board president, at the board’s June 1 meeting. “We encourage those who have refrained from registering due to challenges with distance learning to enroll and attend the many in-person classes that will be available.”

At the urging of Padilla-Chavez and other board members, Hartnell is providing 25% of all classes in-person this summer and aiming for 75% in-person this fall.

Courses offered online also serve students who are not able to return to campus for whatever reason or simply prefer remote learning.

Padilla-Chavez said students benefit from the opportunity to interact with instructors in person, to participate in live class discussions and to interact with fellow students in and out of the classroom.

“The enrollment drops we have experienced are an obvious red flag that online learning just doesn’t work for many students,” said Padilla-Chavez said. “We are committed to their success, and that means making sure they don’t fall by the wayside as a result of the pandemic.”

In May, the college restored in-person appointments for such things as admissions, financial aid and disability services. Students also are welcome to study in the Student Center on the Main Campus in Salinas, where they can also purchase meals, snacks and beverages in The Grille.

In addition to in-person instruction, Hartnell is working with employees to bring back comprehensive in-person student services for fall, such as tutoring and the library. Student support structures such as study centers, library and technology resources are critical to student success.

For Hartnell students like Esmeralda Tellez of Watsonville, who began pursuing a vocational nursing degree this spring, the opportunity to learn in person makes a big difference.

Tellez, who was able to attend some classes in person in order to learn hands-on clinical skills, said she missed the face-to-face experience in her online classes. She found it challenging to study online while sharing her small apartment and its spotty wireless service with her 6-year-old son, who was attending kindergarten from home.

“If you have a question in a classroom setting, you can raise your hand and the professor can see that you have a question, so they can take a pause in their lecture and address your question,” she said. “Or, if they’re at their desk, you can get up and walk up to them and say, ‘Hey, I have a question or I didn’t quite understand this. But when you’re in a recorded [Zoom] lecture it’s kind of hard to do that because they’re constantly talking, so you don’t really find a break to come in and ask your question.

“By the time they’re done with what they’re discussing you forget your question because you’re so caught up with taking your notes to make sure you didn’t miss anything.”

Hartnell College continues to register students for its Summer and Fall 2021 terms, both of which include a substantial return to in-person learning, as well as classes with a blend of online and in-person instruction and others that will be fully online.

Most summer courses will start this coming Monday, June 7, but some will start on June 14, including the first-ever classes at Hartnell’s new Soledad Education Center and its expanded center in King City.

Construction on both centers was completed this spring, and a third center in Castroville is scheduled for completion next spring. All were funded by the voter-approved Measure T bond, along with a new center for nursing and health sciences, classroom modernization and transformed landscaping on Hartnell’s Main Campus in Salinas.

On June 1, the Hartnell Governing Board ratified an agreement with the Hartnell faculty bargaining unit that details plans to make face-to-face instruction as safe as possible for students and employees. The college plans to offer 25% of classes in person this summer and up to 75% during the fall semester, which starts Aug. 31. A full return is expected next spring.

The agreement, which comes just as Monterey County moves into the least-restrictive “yellow” tier for COVID-19 precautions, includes provisions for classroom capacity, social distancing, virus testing, regular sanitization, rigorous air filtration and use of an online app for self-screening before employees and students come onto Hartnell campuses. The college plans to share details on use of the app in coming days.

Hartnell requires everyone on its campuses to wear masks when indoors or in crowded outdoor settings. College officials have strongly encouraged employees and students to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but vaccination is not required.

 

Padilla-Chavez encourages student return

Speaking for her fellow trustees, board President Erica Padilla-Chavez thanked faculty for their work on the college’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Hartnell College Faculty Association, and she urged new and continuing students to take advantage of in-person learning amid the easing threat from COVID-19.

“We encourage those who have refrained from registering due to challenges with distance learning to enroll and attend of the many in-person classes that will be available,” Padilla-Chavez said. “At Hartnell College, we are committed to making your academic success our number one priority.”

This summer, about 40 in-person classes are scheduled to be taught in-person, and five more will be a hybrid of in-person and online instruction. On the Main Campus, these will be in a wide variety of academic programs, including English, math, ceramics, Spanish, theatre and physical education, such as yoga, swim fitness and pre-season conditioning for student-athletes. Six face-to-face classes are being offered at the Alisal Campus, including advanced automotive technology, construction and welding.

For fall, nearly 340 in-person or hybrid classes are scheduled, with a much wider range of subjects that include laboratory sciences, music instruction, nursing and health sciences and a full array of classes in the liberal arts and social sciences.

Dr. Cathryn Wilkinson, vice president of academic affairs, said administrators have worked closely with faculty to identify these classes based on the type of course, student demand and the opportunity to maintain social distancing within available classrooms.

 

Soledad and King City centers are ready

Students who wish to be the first ever to attend classes in the new Soledad center and expanded King City center can choose from an English course in King City and classes in math, history and counseling at the Soledad Center. Both centers have fully stocked and state-of-the-art science labs, computer-equipped study areas and meeting rooms for community use.

“It feels good to see students coming back to take advantage of the new expansion and new center,” said Mostafa Ghous, dean of academic affairs for Hartnell’s South County Education Services. “This is what I have been waiting for ever since I started working at Hartnell a few years ago. I also welcome the community to take advantage of the community rooms.”

Students at the new 16,750-square-foot Soledad center, at 1505 Metz Road, can also take advantage of an in-person study hall this summer from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Wednesday. Drinking water dispensers and vending food items are also available on site.

At the King City Education Center, which first opened in 2002, a 12,500-square-foot expansion has doubled the size of the building. New features include a student kitchenette with microwave, and nearby food options are available in downtown King City, where the center is located at 117 N. Second St.

Parking permits will not be required this summer on any of Hartnell’s campuses.

Hartnell’s interim superintendent/president, Dr. Raúl Rodríguez, said the college is excited to welcome students back for face-to-face instruction, while still providing an option for those who prefer online learning at this time, whether for reasons of health or flexibility.

“As hard as everyone at Hartnell has worked to keep our students learning and successful through the pandemic over the past year, it’s an enormous relief to be able to open our doors and begin bringing students back to our campuses,” Rodríguez said.

Registration for the Summer 2021 term will continue even after the first classes start on June 7, and fall registration will continue all summer. For more information, visit https://www.hartnell.edu/students/admissions/registration/.

Erica Padilla-Chavez, president of the Hartnell College Board of Trustees, shared the following statement at the end of last night's board meeting, applauding completion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Hartnell Community College District and the Hartnell College Faculty Association. The MOU concerns the return to in-person instruction and non-instructional student services during the Summer and Fall 2021 terms:
 
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Hartnell College, we are delighted and thankful that the faculty have agreed to a return-to-campus plan for the Fall of 2021 with 75% room capacity. Students can be assured that the college administration is working diligently to increase the number of courses with face-to-face instruction. Our goal is to have 75% of our sections available for face-to-face instruction this fall. Students can still register for classes. We encourage those who have refrained from registering due to challenges with distance learning to enroll and attend one of the many in-person classes that will be available. At Hartnell College, we are committed to making your academic success our number one priority."
 
For information about Summer and Fall 2021 class schedules and registration, visit: https://www.hartnell.edu/students/admissions/registration/
Summer 2021 On-Campus Resource Guide for students and employees, including both COVID-related guidelines and general information. This resource guide will also be available to individuals coming onto campus for in-person classes this summer and will be continually updated as needed.
You probably are aware of Thursday's announcement by the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear a mask outdoors or in most indoor settings. In light of this new guidance, which was more sweeping than many experts expected, I want to provide you an update on what it means for us at Hartnell College.
 
We at Hartnell share enthusiasm about the CDC's new guidance as a positive sign in nationwide efforts to recover from the pandemic, but the college will continue to require use of masks or other facial coverings, as well as social distancing. This means that any employee, student, or visitor who comes on to any of our campus locations is expected to wear a mask outdoors and indoors, except within private offices. We also are installing plexiglass shields in public areas and completing frequent and rigorous sanitization of college facilities, among other preventive measures.
 
During the Summer 2021 term, Hartnell will offer courses in both face-to-face and online formats, and in some cases a hybrid of the two. Our aim is to deliver 25% of summer courses through in-person instruction and increase that to 50% during the Fall 2021 semester, before delivering 80% or more of classes in-person in Spring 2022. All of these plans are continually subject to the guidance of county, state, and federal public health officials and consultation with our college community. Visit Hartnell's coronavirus webpage for the latest status updates and FAQs.
 
Hartnell faculty and staff are working quickly to finalize plans for the start of summer classes on June 7, and we plan to provide detailed information by next week concerning expectations for individuals coming onto our campuses, as well as resources such as food service, counseling, and help for students attending on-campus classes for the first time.
 
Thank you for your interest and your patience as we work together for the health and well-being of all.

 

Student instruction: With the limited exception of certain health care courses, all instruction remains online during the Spring 2021 semester. Classes will continue to be primarily online during the Summer and Fall 2021 semesters, with a gradual return to in-person learning. Face-to-face classes have restricted enrollment, with required use of face coverings and physical distancing.

Student services: A supervised in-person study area is available from 12-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Main Campus Gymnasium. Online reservations are available here. Participants receive a health screening and must wear a mask. Parking is available in the Hartnell Parking Structure.

Employees: Only a limited number of employees are working on Hartnell campuses, although a gradual return of more employees to campus is anticipated in coming months. Those who are not working on campus but have been approved by their supervisor to come on campus for a specific purpose are asked to check in with Campus Safety at (831) 755-6888 upon arrival and departure. Plexiglass shielding is being installed in open public reception areas and around adjacent work stations throughout Hartnell facilities where staff, students and other visitors come into contact.

Campus safety: Use of face coverings and compliance with physical distancing is required on all Hartnell campuses. Offices and other facilities are being cleaned and sanitized after use, and personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves and face shields is available to employees upon request to (831) 755-6888. Filtration of ventilated air into college buildings, which already meets recommended standards, is in the process of being further upgraded. The college closely follows guidelines from the Monterey County Health Department and the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Through required check-ins allow for contact tracing in the event of infection.

Vaccination: Hartnell strongly encourages employees and students receive the COVID-19 vaccine for their own safety and the health of others. We are working with the Monterey County Health Department to arrange drive-through vaccination clinics at our Alisal Campus in May and June. Details will be shared as soon as they are available.

Testing: Hartnell is working with an outside vendor to provide weekly COVID-19 testing for Hartnell student-athletes participating in practices and competition. We intend to be the site of a future public testing clinic, with details to be shared as soon as they are available.

Athletics and athletic facilities: Hartnell Athletics is maintaining team practices and competition on a limited basis within county health and CDC restrictions and as directed by the California Community olleges Athletics Association. Fans are not allowed at any intercollegiate events at this time. The Hartnell track and tennis courts are open for daytime, weekday use. Requests by organized groups to use Hartnell athletic facilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For information, contact the Department of Athletics at (831) 755-6837 or email to dteresa@hartnell.edu.

 

Dear Hartnell College Community,

As eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccination continues to rapidly widen by age group, the Monterey County Health Department has announced five mass vaccination sites from April 7-11 in Salinas, Soledad, Greenfield and Monterey.

As of April 1, vaccination appointments are now open to all Monterey County residents 50 years and older. On April 15, all residents 16 years and older will be eligible to make a vaccination appointment. 

Hartnell will continue to provide information on upcoming opportunities as it becomes available.

Below (and attached) are the specifics for the five upcoming mass vaccination sites, provided by the health department:

Mass VAX #2:  Natividad Hospital hosting the following:

DATE:  APRIL 10 (Saturday)

  • HOURS:   7:00am – 6:40pm
  • PLACE:  Everett Alvarez High SchoolSalinas (1900 Independence Blvd)
  • ELIGIBILITY:  Monterey County vaccine eligibility siteClick here
  • To register: Click here (4-10-21) 

Mass VAX #3:  Natividad Hospital  hosting the following:

DATE:  APRIL 11 (Sunday)

  • HOURS:   7:00am – 6:40pm
  • PLACE:  Everett Alvarez High SchoolSalinas (1900 Independence Blvd)
  • ELIGIBILITY:  Monterey County vaccine eligibility siteClick here
  • To registerClick here (4-11-21)

 

Mass VAX #4:  Soledad Vaccine Clinic is hosting the following:

DATE:  APRIL 9, 10, 11 and 12

  • HOURS:   10:00am – 7:00pm
  • PLACE:  Community Center-Old YMCA560 Walker Dr., Soledad
  • VACCINE:  Johnson & Johnson
  • ELIGIBILITY:  Focus is on agriculture workers.  However, anyone who is eligible for the vaccine–click here–is welcomed.
  • To register:  CALL 831-235-9064 (Adriana Santos – Lideres Campesinas) OR 831-757-6700 (Eva Garcia -UFW).
  • For information in SPANISHclick here.

 

Mass VAX #5:  Greenfield Vaccine Clinic is hosting the following:

DATE:  APRIL 10 and 11

  • HOURS:   10:00am – 7:00pm
  • PLACE:  Greenfield Memorial Hall615 El Camino Real, Greenfield
  • VACCINE:  Johnson & Johnson
  • ELIGIBILITY:  Focus is on agriculture workers.  However, anyone who is eligible for the vaccine–click here–is welcomed.
  • To register:  CALL 831-757-6700 (Eva Garcia -UFW) OR 877-881-8281; 831- 235-9065 (Adriana Santos – Lideres Campesinas).
  • For information in SPANISH:  click here.

 

Mass VAX #1:  The City of Monterey Fire Department is hosting the following:

DATE:  APRIL 7 (Wednesday)

  • HOURS:  9:00am – 12:30pm
  • PLACE:Monterey Conference Center–One Portola Plaza, Monterey
  • VACCINE: Moderna (available to ages 18 and older)
  • ELIGIBILITY:  Monterey County vaccine eligibility site–click here
  • REGISTER:  via Screening Form, click here.
  • For more info,visit the City of Monterey website:  HERE

 

To find general vaccine appointments in Monterey County, click here.

The Hartnell College Foundation is one of 13 agencies and organizations helping United Way of Monterey County distribute $28 million in emergency rent and utility funding for income-eligible individuals and families.

Beginning March 15, the foundation has been assisting Hartnell students and their families and friends who face housing instability because of lost or reduced income due to COVID-19. Eligibility is not dependent on immigration status.

Staff are available to answer questions and help with required paperwork such as documentation of lost income, proof of income eligibility and identification. Contact information, an application link and further details are posted on the Hartnell College Foundation website.

To qualify, recipients must be tenants with formal or informal lease arrangements within Monterey County and have household income at or below 80% of the county’s median income. For example, the qualifying income limit for a single-person household is $54,250 and $77,500 for a family of four.

The help for overdue rent and utility bills can easily reach into thousands of dollars, depending on individual circumstances.

Jackie Cruz, the foundation’s executive director and vice president of advancement and development at Hartnell College, said many students and student families were challenged to cover monthly living expenses even before the pandemic.

“We know that job loss has hurt many of our students and families throughout our college district,” Cruz said. “We want them to be able to stay in their homes and maintain their essential utility services. This assistance can keep people from becoming homeless.”

Prospective recipients are encouraged to seek help right away. State-provided funds must be dispersed by Oct. 1, 2021, and federal funds must be dispersed by Dec. 1, 2021.

Landlords can encourage their tenants to apply for assistance, but tenants must apply first. All rental assistance is paid directly to the landlord and may not exceed 12 months of assistance per client, including up to three months of future rent payments.

Landlords must accept only 80% of total rent due, and tenants are not required to pay the additional 20% if the landlord agrees to participate in the program. If the landlord refuses to comply, the assistance may only cover 25% of the total rent due.

For more information about Hartnell College Foundation efforts to provide this support, call Project Manager Ana Ibarra-Castro at (831) 353-2280 or via email to aibarra@hartnell.edu.

First of all, thank you to all the students and employees who joined us this morning for a one-hour presentation and discussion on the clear benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for our entire college community. Today's expert presenters, Dr. Mahendra Poudel of Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital (SVMH) and Dr. Marm Kilpatrick of UC-Santa Cruz, provided a thorough explanation of the safety and effectiveness of the three vaccines and their vital role in protecting ourselves and others. We also are grateful for Governing Board Trustee Margaret D'Arrigo, who facilitated questions during the Zoom conference, and Student Trustee Michael Castro, who offered encouraging words to begin the event.

The clear message from our experts, and one we emphatically share, is that we all should take the opportunity to be vaccinated when we can, even though Hartnell will not require it, and we understand some individuals will decline for religious or medical reasons. We continue to work with SVMH, Mee Memorial Hospital in King City, and other partners to make the vaccine available to our employees and, we hope, soon to our students as well. We will continue to provide updated information on that as we have it.

More than 90 percent of Hartnell employees who responded to a survey said they want to be vaccinated. If they follow through, that will go a long way toward everyone's safety as we continue our efforts to return to face-to-face learning. We’re trying to do all we can to anticipate what it will be like when our students and employees come back to campus. We now expect our classes to remain mostly online during the Summer and Fall 2021 semesters, but we plan to steadily increase the portion of face-to-face courses, aiming for at least 25 percent this fall.

As we move forward, we will rigorously follow local and state health guidelines and observe such safety precautions as masking, handwashing, physical distancing, sanitizing, and plexiglass screening. Over the past year, Hartnell has acquired an abundance of personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, and face shields, that we will provide as needed. We also are installing higher-quality air filters in our ventilation systems, among other measures. Our college-wide return-to-work committee is working to refine plans for face-to-face instruction, and our college continues to consult with employee bargaining units for the good of all.

Thank you very much for your interest and concern and for helping to overcome the pandemic's many challenges. I know we will continue to join together in support of student learning.
The College is working with its partner, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, to secure vaccinations for employees.  The SVMHS has agreed to provide vaccinations to employees in about two weeks.  Meanwhile, the College needs to provide a list of interested employees and their email address to SVMHS.  SVMHS will contact interested employees to schedule an appointment at one of its clinics.  
 
Please express your interest to Lucy Serrano at lserrano@hartnell.edu

Participation by scores of Hartnell College nursing students in administering the COVID-19 vaccine in Monterey County and educating residents on the need for vaccination will soon expand to include the school’s respiratory care and EMT programs.

The role of vocational and registered nursing students, which began in December, will grow exponentially in coming weeks as the college assists Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas (CSVS) in giving 4,500 vaccine doses to agricultural workers and other high-priority groups.

Dr. Sonja Sheppard, who is coordinating the collaboration in her job as associate director of nursing and allied health, said nursing students continue to answer the call. They earn clinical hours that count toward their graduation but are not paid for their work. Many have completed multiple shifts — providing information, giving injections, screening vaccine recipients or observing for adverse effects after the shots.

“I’ve been really touched by their response,” Dr. Sheppard said. “One student told me, ‘The more people we vaccinate in our community, the higher the chances of eradicating this COVID.’”

The pandemic’s expanding public health demands will soon extend to all Hartnell students studying to be health care providers, she said. The need is especially great for student volunteers who speak both English and Spanish, given the prevalence of Spanish-first speakers within the county’s large Latinx community.

“I’m asking that every program support it at some level,” Dr. Sheppard said, “even the respiratory care students, who might not have been trained in how to do injections yet, can participate in some capacity.

“There’s a way for every student to support this effort, especially looking at the volume we need to do. We need all hands on deck.”

Clinic director says students are ‘critical’

Erica Padilla-Chavez, president of the Hartnell Community College District Governing Board, said the students are making a historic contribution in their own communities.

“There can be no better evidence of just how important our students and graduates are to the health and well-being of people in Monterey County and beyond,” Padilla-Chavez said. “We at Hartnell are all very proud and grateful for their service, which at the same time hones their skills.”

Dr. Raúl Rodríguez, interim superintendent/president, added his own thanks to college staff and faculty and to community partners like CSVS, who have forged lasting and mutually rewarding relationships.

“Under normal circumstances, these connections are of enormous benefit to our students and also a key resource for clinics, hospitals and other providers,” Dr. Rodríguez said. “During this pandemic, they have been absolutely essential.”

That point was echoed by Vicki Sinnhuber, director of nursing at CSVS, which operates 11 clinics in the Salinas Valley, including two dental clinics, as well as having capacity for mobile clinics.

She said involvement by Hartnell nursing students is “critical” as her agency prepares to deliver about 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine a week.

“They’re getting a lot of experience, so they’ll be expert shot-givers by the time that they’re done,” Sinnhuber said. “It also improves their communication skills in terms of patient information and making sure that what they (recipients) are getting is understood.”

Students deliver vaccine and provide information

Since December, Hartnell students have already worked with CSVS to vaccinate about 1,400 first responders, and they have administered to employees and others at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital in Salinas and at Mee Memorial Hospital in King City.

On Feb. 25, students helped staff a CSVS vaccination clinic for more than 300 agricultural workers over age 65 at a D’Arrigo California facility in Salinas. They are scheduled to do so again on Feb. 27 at the CSVS clinic on North Main Street in Salinas.

They also are preparing to assist the Monterey County Visiting Nurses Association with vaccination events in Gonzales on March 2 and at St. Mary’s Church in Salinas on March 5 and will staff vaccine events for the Soledad Medical Clinic on March 8 and March 11-12.

Hartnell students also have presented information about the vaccine to groups of agricultural workers, beginning with employees at facilities of grower-shipper Taylor Farms in Salinas, San Juan Bautista and Gonzales. Similar presentations are planned at D’Arrigo California locations, starting March 2, and other companies may invite Hartnell’s help in the future.

‘This is going to help everybody’

Starting at 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 23 at the Taylor Farms Retail production center in Gonzales, second-year registered nursing student Alvaro Hernandez-Torres made several solo presentations to a total of 550 workers. A second student was scheduled to join him but couldn’t make it.

The Taylor Farms workers, warmly dressed for jobs inside the refrigerated plant, sat outside on widely spaced folding chairs to listen to the 20-minute briefing before heading inside to begin their shifts. Several of them posed questions related to the goal of achieving herd immunity and its value for family members, as well as the varied types of coronavirus vaccine.

Hernandez-Torres, who is from Watsonville, practiced his presentation at home and created flash cards so he would be sure to include everything students were asked to cover.

Having earlier volunteered to administer the vaccine, he said presenting to such a large group strengthens his public speaking skills, which are important for health education and possibly in future leadership roles.

Hernandez-Torres said that most of all, he wanted to reassure workers about the importance of being vaccinated and allay any fears or misconceptions they might have.

“I think just by giving them all the facts we can remind them that in the end this is going to help everybody,” he said.

The Monterey County Health Department and the Office of Emergency Services have notified the Monterey County Office of Education that all employees who are now working in education and childcare in Monterey County have the opportunity to begin registering for the vaccination process beginning Wednesday, March 3. The information below provides you with a list of options where you can sign up for the vaccine if you would like to receive it.

In preparation for the vaccination clinics, we recommend that employees click here and here to watch videos about how vaccines work, visit here for FAQs about COVID-19 vaccines, and read the vaccine fact sheets from Moderna and Pfizer. We do not know which vaccine will be available at each clinic, so it is important to review information on both vaccines. If additional brands of vaccines are available in the future, we will provide you with additional fact sheets.

All educators in Monterey County are invited to attend a free "town hall" webinar to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines from Dr. Allen Radner, Infectious Disease Specialist from 3-4 p.m. on Friday, February 26. Register here. The webinar will be recorded. We encourage participants to submit questions prior to the webinar here.

As a reminder: beginning today, February 17, if you are a current employee in education, are 65-74 years old, and are working in Monterey County (even if you live within another county), and would like to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, please use the "options" listed below. Employees can use a current badge, recent pay stub or letter of verification from their employer to verify eligibility. The vaccinations are entirely voluntary and free of charge. These vaccination scheduling links should not be shared with anyone.

Beginning, March 3, all remaining employees in education and childcare can begin registering to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations.

Options to Register to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

Option 1: You may contact your primary care provider to schedule an appointment to receive your COVID-19 vaccination.

Option 2: You may register at a local clinic to receive your COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine clinics are posted here and are scheduled as vaccines are available. 

Please select only ONE clinic option to register for your first vaccine appointment.

Also, please note:

Clinics cannot vaccinate persons who:

  • Are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms
  • Have had any vaccination in the last 14 days
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding 
  • Have had an anaphylactic reaction to a vaccination or injectable
  • Have received passive antibody therapy in the last 90 days

These persons should contact their primary care provider.

You will be required to remain at the vaccination site for 15 minutes after your vaccination so please schedule appropriately.

The Monterey County Health Department has released this projected timeline for advancing through the remainder of Phase 1b of California’s Vaccine Plan:

Also, beginning March 15, individuals with certain medical conditions that place them at high-risk for serious illness will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Health care providers may use their clinical judgement to determine if their patients have one or more of these conditions. The list of conditions can be found here.

Monterey County Health Department will schedule community-based clinics when new shipments of vaccine are received. Monterey County’s vaccine appointment registration website www.mcvaccinate.com will be updated as clinics are scheduled.

While vaccine supplies remain scarce and new variants of the virus continue to spread, it is important that all Monterey County residents continue to adhere to COVID-19 prevention strategies like: 

  • Staying home except for essential activities
  • Wearing a mask when leaving home
  • Limiting interactions with people outside your immediate household
  • Keeping physical distance of at least 6 feet apart
  • Washing hands for 20 seconds
  • Getting the COVID-19 vaccine if you are eligible and vaccine is available 

For more information, visit the Monterey County Health Department’s website at: www.montereycountycovid19.org, call the COVID-19 Call Center at 831-769-8700 Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, or call 2-1-1.

Thank you for your attention to this important information and your conscientious efforts to keep yourself and others healthy and safe!

 I am sharing this timely message from the Monterey County Office of Education:

The Monterey County Health Department and the Office of Emergency Services have notified the Monterey County Office of Education that employees ages 65-74 who are currently working in education and childcare in Monterey County have the opportunity to begin registering for the vaccination process beginning Wednesday, February 17, 2021. The information below provides you with a list of options where you can sign up for the vaccine if you would like to receive it. Please note: Expansion of vaccine eligibility to the remainder of Phase 1b is dependent on the availability of vaccine.

In preparation for the vaccination clinics, we recommend that employees click here and here to watch videos about how vaccines work, visit here for FAQs about COVID-19 vaccines, and read the vaccine fact sheets from Moderna and Pfizer. We do not know which vaccine will be available at each clinic so it is important to review information on both vaccines. If additional brands of vaccines are available in the future, we will provide you with additional fact sheets.

Starting on February 17, 2021, if you are a current employee in education, are 65-74 years old, and are working in Monterey County (even if you live within another county), and would like to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, please utilize the links below. Employees can use a current badge, recent pay stub or letter of verification from their employer to verify eligibility. The vaccinations are entirely voluntary and free of charge. These vaccination links should not be shared with anyone.

Option 1: You may contact your primary care provider to schedule an appointment to receive your COVID-19 vaccination.

Option 2: You may register at a local clinic to receive your COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine clinics are posted here and are scheduled as vaccines are available. 

Please select only ONE clinic option to register for your first vaccine appointment.

Please note:

Clinics cannot vaccinate persons who:

·  Are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms
·  Have had any vaccination in the last 14 days
·  Are pregnant or breastfeeding 
·  Have had an anaphylactic reaction to a vaccination or injectable
·  Have received passive antibody therapy in the last 90 days

These persons should contact their primary care provider 

You will be required to remain at the vaccination site for 15 minutes after your vaccination so please schedule appropriately.

If you have any questions about this information, please contact me, Daniel Scott, director of public safety and emergency management, at dscott@hartnell.edu or 831-770-7013.

Dear Hartnell College students,

I hope all of you are off to a strong and productive start to the Spring 2021 semester! Thank you again for all you are doing to continue your learning.

As we cope with the ongoing impact of the pandemic, Hartnell continues to deliver all instruction online, with the exception of in-person classes needed to teach essential skills to students in nursing and the health sciences. Campuses also have remained closed to the public.

I want to share several important updates with you regarding our response to COVID-19 and in-person opportunities for students:

  • Beginning next Wednesday, February 17, we will reopen the in-person study area in the Hartnell Gymnasium following a successful pilot in December, with physically distant seating for individual students and those working in pairs. The study area will be open from noon to 4 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday. Students are required to make an appointment online via Eventbrite. They will undergo a health screening, including a temperature check, before accessing the study area. 

  • Also beginning next week, students can also use Eventbrite to request a 15-minute in-person appointment with Admissions & Records, Financial Aid, EOPS, TRiO and DSPS. Everyone entering the buildings these appointments occur will be required to undergo a health screening, including a temperature check.

  • The college has established the email address covidnotification@hartnell.edu for notification by employees and students who have developed COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive within seven (7) days of having visited one of our campus locations. This will allow us to respond and ensure that all precautions are taken to ensure the safety of others.

I am pleased to report that nearly 11 months into the pandemic, Hartnell has not had a single instance of an employee or student becoming infected with COVID-19 as a result of being at our facilities. That is a credit to the vigilance of our employees and the rigorous steps we have taken to minimize the risk. Thank you for your continued efforts to keep one another safe!

No decisions have yet been made about the possibility of expanded in-person instruction during the Summer and Fall 2021 semesters, but we will inform you as soon as those determinations have been made.

I hope you are off to a strong and productive start to the Spring 2021 semester!
 
Thank you again for all you are doing on your own and for one another to maintain student learning. As we cope with the ongoing impact of the pandemic, Hartnell continues to deliver all instruction online, with the exception of in-person classes needed to teach essential skills to students in nursing and the health sciences. Our campuses also have remained closed to the public, with staff and faculty allowed only on a limited basis -- for jobs that must be completed on campus and for brief visits by others with prior approval. As always, these restrictions are needed to maintain a high level of safety for everyone involved.
 
Despite these limitations, I am able to share several important updates pertaining to our response to COVID-19, including a vaccination survey link (below) that I strongly encourage you to complete:
  • Beginning next Wednesday, February 17, we will reopen the in-person study area in the Hartnell Gymnasium following a successful pilot in December, with physically distant seating for individual students and those working in pairs. The study area will be open from noon to 4 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday. As before, students will be required to make an appointment online via Eventbrite. They also will undergo a health screening, including a temperature check, before accessing the study area. 
  • Also beginning next week, students will be able to use Eventbrite to request a 15-minute in-person appointment with Admissions & Records, Financial Aid, EOPS, TRiO and DSPS. Anyone entering buildings where these appointments are taking place will first be required to undergo a health screening.
  • The Monterey County Health Department continues to make progress in administering the COVID-19 vaccine to the highest-risk populations. The next step in the schedule is to vaccinate those 65 and older. The health department will notify us as soon as they are ready to begin vaccinations among the next tier, which includes those who work in the education and child care sectors. We will notify our college community as soon as we receive notification of this stage in the vaccination process. You can review the Monterey County Strategy for Implementing California’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan here.
  • SPECIAL NOTE: To assist the county health department in preparing for this process, please complete this following Hartnell survey form. We do not yet know whether the health department will require prioritization within our sector, so it is important to collect this information in case it is required. When the health department notifies us that Monterey County has entered the education and child care tier of Phase 1b, we will notify you immediately.
I also want to inform you that Hartnell has established an email address -- covidnotification@hartnell.edu -- for notification by employees and students who have developed COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive within seven (7) days of having visited one of our campus locations. This will allow us to respond and ensure that all precautions are taken to ensure the safety of others.
 
I am pleased to report that nearly 11 months into the pandemic, Hartnell has not had a single instance of an employee or student becoming infected with COVID-19 as a result of being at our facilities. That is a credit to the vigilance of our employees and the rigorous steps we have taken to minimize the risk. Thank you for your continued efforts to keep one another safe!
 
No decisions have yet been made about the possibility of expanded in-person instruction during the Summer and Fall 2021 semesters, but we will inform you as soon as those determinations have been made.

For Hartnell College nursing student Jerrica Dexter, coronavirus-related limitations on clinical training have been frustrating because she knows medical staff could use extra help during the pandemic.

That has made being able to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to first responders all the more rewarding, said Dexter, who intends to graduate this spring with her associate degree in registered nursing.

“We feel so helpless that we can’t be there in the hospital helping and relieving some of the nurses,” she said during a break in giving shots to firefighters and EMTs on Jan. 9 at the Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas (CSVS) location in north Salinas. “So it’s a great opportunity for us to pitch in — in the only way we really can right now.”

Dexter, who plans to become an emergency room trauma nurse, was one of 18 Hartnell registered (RN) and vocational nursing (VN) students who volunteered to staff four CSVS vaccination clinics in Salinas, Castroville, Greenfield and King City, administering hundreds of doses under the direction of the Monterey County Health Department. She was also among about 30 students who gave COVID-19 vaccinations to Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS) employees right before Christmas.

Even though these opportunities are strictly voluntary and have come during Winter Break, students have been lining up to be of service and gain valuable experience, said Dr. Sonja Sheppard, associate director of Nursing and Allied Health. There has even been a waiting list of students wanting to help.

“I was telling my faculty, I feel like I’m giving away lottery tickets,” Dr. Sheppard said. “They are so excited, and there are only so many slots.

“This is not a class assignment; this is not a requirement for graduation. This is out of your own time, taking half of a Saturday to serve the community, and they’re just falling over each other trying to get the opportunity.”

Hartnell nursing faculty have also volunteered to supervise the students, who have been helping with either delivering injections or assisting with patient intake and screening, depending on their level of training.

“It’s been so rewarding to have students from our community doing this work,” said instructor Debbie Thorpe, who supervised the students working from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CSVS clinic at 2018 N. Main St. “They’re people with kids, taking care of family. They’re an awesome group of students.”

Erica Padilla-Chavez, president of the Hartnell Community College District Governing Board, said the nursing students’ community service reflects the importance of the college’s health care programs, which include respiratory care and emergency medical technician.

“Both through their training and after they graduate and join the workforce, our students really are on the front lines of public health and safety, not only during this pandemic, but at all times,” she said.

Dr. Sheppard, who joined Hartnell in October, said the learning that comes from delivering the COVID-19 vaccine go well beyond the practical aspects of giving the injection.

“We all think giving a shot is no big deal, but you still need to practice, and doing it on a fake arm only goes so far,” Dr. Sheppard said. “When you’re doing it on real people, and a volume of real people, everyone is different.

“Muscle mass is different; how people respond to it is different. Some people have no problem, some people do have reactions, and some people don’t like the sight of a needle and pass out, even a firefighter. This is real-life training.”

Such an experience also builds soft skills, she said.

“This is a very calm response to an outbreak, but how do you deal with something on a mass level when you have hundreds of people coming through in a relatively short amount of time? How do you keep your cool, keep it positive and keep everything flowing? You’ve got to learn those skills as well.”

One of the vaccine recipients at the Salinas clinic on Jan. 9 was Salinas Fire Department Engineer Mike Micer of Station 5, who said it is “a relief to know you’re going to be protected.” He said the nursing students did a “great job.”

“It’s just a shot, and they’re very highly capable of doing it,” Micer said.

Dr. Raúl Rodríguez, interim superintendent/president of Hartnell, noted that both SVMHS and CSVS are clinical partners with the Hartnell nursing program, meaning they provide ongoing opportunities for students to gain crucial real-world experience.

“We are grateful for these partnerships, which are so vital to our students’ preparation and also of great value to the health care providers,” he said. “This instance of COVID-19 vaccinations is a perfect example – and one that makes us very proud.”

Because the health and safety of Hartnell College employees and students are always our top concerns, I and other administrators continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation. You likely are aware that the Monterey County Health Department on Wednesday announced a new countywide stay-at-home order effective from this past Sunday night through January 11. Because of Hartnell's ongoing safety precautions and limited on-campus staffing, as well as our overlapping Winter Break, this county order will have no real impact on college activities.

However, the new order is a reminder for all of us to stay vigilant during the holiday weeks. Please carefully consider your need to travel at this time and take all available precautions if you do. Likewise, I encourage everyone to limit celebrations to your own households as much as possible. These steps will help protect the health of our families, friends and, potentially, our coworkers. If you must travel, please self-quarantine for 14 days while monitoring for coronavirus symptoms. You also are encouraged to seek a COVID-19 test. If you are infected with the virus, please notify your supervisor about your ability to work.

In addition, please review these crucial precautions to minimize the risk for yourself and others. These steps are the same as those recommended to prevent the spread of all respiratory illnesses -- and for general good health:

  • Wear a mask or face covering when around others.

  • Keep your hands clean and wash them frequently with soap and water. 

  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

  • Do not share cups, straws or anything else you put in your mouth.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Get a flu shot – it’s not too late – available at most pharmacies.

  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve. 

I also want you to be aware that the Monterey County Health Department will provide free public testing for COVID-19 at Hartnell's Main Campus from 7:30-11:30 a.m. tomorrow, December 15, and 2-6 p.m. on December 16 in the STEM Center (Building S). Tests will be administered without appointment, on a first-come, first-served basis. The testing will be conducted with rigorous safety precautions for those providing and receiving the tests, as well as for all college personnel. Visitors may use the Hartnell Parking Structure.
 

Thank you again for your careful attention and concern as you enjoy the holidays safely.

As we enter the final weeks of the Fall 2020 semester, I sincerely thank each of you for the concern and extra effort you continue to extend to our students amid the challenges of COVID-19. Since last spring, our college has used a variety of strategies for virtual instruction and to sustain students’ academic success and overall learning experience. None of those would be possible without your creativity and dedication.

We also know from our students that the pandemic has made things difficult for them on a number of levels. Many still struggle with inadequate WiFi, an unreliable computer and the lack of a suitable place to study at home. To help remove these obstacles, we have developed a plan to host in-person study areas on a limited basis. This plan has been approved by the Monterey County Health Department and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and will follow their established guidelines.  

Our first in-person study area will open Monday, Nov. 30, in the Main Gym on our Main Campus in Salinas. We will offer three-hour, in-person study periods – with wireless service – from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. Students will use this online appointment form to reserve one or more of these in-person slots. We can accommodate up to 50 students at a time, with generous spacing for physical distancing and careful sanitizing of surfaces and required use of face coverings. Depending on demand, we may open additional study areas during the Spring 2021 semester, possibly including evening hours as well.

Because this study area requires monitoring by staff, we are asking for your voluntary assistance. Each day, we will have two three-hour shifts that you can sign up for. The college will ensure that a variety of personal protective equipment (PPE) is available for employees who participate. You may sign up using this online sheet, which includes the available time slots 

Your support is essential to the success of this effort. Please meet with your supervisor to schedule at least one three-hour shift. No cleaning or sanitizing will be required of any staff participating. Our maintenance department will manage that task. Students will complete health screening and acknowledgment of risk before coming onto campus. Any on-site health screening will be managed by a college administrator.

Next to everyone's safety and well-being, our highest priority is to make sure our students continue to achieve their educational and career goals. We are determined to do all we can to keep them on track. I wish all of you and your families a restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving break next week. Thank you all for your caring dedication!

I am sharing the guidelines, procedures and practices that Hartnell College continues to follow whenever individual employees know or suspect they have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19, regardless of whether they are working remotely or on campus. Adherence to these is critical for the health and safety of our workers, their families and the greater community – and also required under state and county public health mandates.

The trigger for these subsequent actions is when any employee is known to have been exposed, or potentially exposed, to the coronavirus through “close contact” with an infected person or persons.

Definition of “Close Contact”:

 “Close contact” is defined as any of the following, in relation to someone who is known to have COVID-19:

  • Being within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes without a mask.
  • Caring for them at home.
  • Direct physical contact (e.g., touched, hugged or kissed).
  • Sharing eating or drinking utensils.
  • Exposure to respiratory droplets via sneeze, cough or other transmission method.

Managing Exposure Risk – Off Campus and On Campus

The response to an employee’s exposure to COVID-19 varies based on whether that exposure occurred at a Hartnell facility or away from campus.

Suspected Exposure OFF Campus

Employee Steps:

 If an employee has been exposed to COVID-19 through close contact at home or in the community but NOT at Hartnell, that individual must take the following steps:

  • Self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.
  • Get tested for COVID-19 by their health provider.
  • Remain away from Hartnell until either (a) being released by a health provider, (b) providing proof of negative test results for COVID-19 or (c) remaining free of all symptoms (without use of symptom-reducing medication) for 7 days.
  • Use appropriate employee leave for non-working days. (Note: In consultation with immediate supervisor, the employee may be able to work from home if task(s) can be performed remotely.)

College Steps:

  • Facilities: Office/facility closure is not necessary in the event of an employee’s suspected off-campus exposure. Regular cleaning and disinfection of all high-touch surfaces in college facilities should continue. All remaining employees must wear face coverings, social distance and regularly wash/sanitize hands.
  • Notification to other employees: If the person exposed to COVID-19 has not been on campus since the time of exposure, notification to other employees is not required. In the event that an affected employee has been on campus since their exposure, the following will occur:

o   Hartnell Human Resources (HR), upon learning of exposure, will inform employees who were in close contact with that person of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace. Confidentiality will be maintained, as required by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

o   Those employees will continue working as long as they are asymptomatic.

o   Encourage remote work, for employees who are identified as high-risk.

o   Employees who are identified as high risk but have had close contact while continuing to work on campus should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, muscle and body aches) prior to coming to campus.

Suspected Exposure ON Campus

Employee Steps:

The steps for an employee with suspected exposure to COVID-19 are the same regardless of whether their potential exposure occurred at Hartnell or away from Hartnell.

College Steps:

Facilities: In most cases, the office/facility where an affected employee worked will not need to be closed. HR will work with Facilities staff to determine appropriate measures:

  • If it has been less than 7 days since the affected employee has been in the workspace, any areas used for prolonged periods of time by that person will be closed off and:

o   Facilities staff will wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting to minimize potential for other employees being exposed to respiratory droplets. If waiting 24 hours is not feasible, they will delay as long as possible.

o   During this waiting period, Facilities staff will open outside doors and windows to the extent possible in order to increase air circulation in these areas.

  • If it has been 7 days or more since the infected employee used the facility, additional cleaning and disinfection is not necessary. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of all high-touch surfaces in the facility will continue.
  • Other employees: HR will inform employees who were in close contact with the affected person of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace. Confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be maintained. Notification of all employees is not required. Affected employees will be asked to take the following precautions:

o   Stay home for 14 days, telework if possible, and self-monitor for symptoms.

o   Get tested for COVID-19 by their health provider.

 

Confirmed or Apparent COVID-19 Case

Employee Steps:

An employee who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should:

  • Notify supervisor and, if working on campus, leave work immediately or not report to work if at home.
  • Get tested (if not already tested) by their own healthcare provider.
  • Remain away from work until released by a healthcare provider and/or having been free of all symptoms (without use of symptom-reducing medication) for 7 days.

College Steps:

The college will notify all employees in the event that an employee working on campus – whether briefly or regularly – has tested positive of COVID-19.

Thank you for your interest in these policies, practices and procedures related to suspected and confirmed employee cases of COVID-19. Hartnell continues to take every reasonable precaution to protect employees and students while we cope with this pandemic. Do not hesitate to contact me if you would like further clarification or additional information.

You may reach me at dscott@hartnell.edu or at (831) 770-7013.

As we prepare for the start of fall classes on Aug. 24, I am providing this detailed update on Hartnell College's response to COVID-19 in my role as Hartnell's director of public safety and emergency management. On behalf of Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Raul Rodriguez and the entire Executive Cabinet, I sincerely thank all employees for going above and beyond to ensure that Hartnell students are able to keep moving toward their educational goals. 

Hartnell will continue to deliver classes online until government restrictions are lifted and we have taken all reasonable steps to maintain a safe learning environment. At this time, only employees whose duties require them to work on campus are doing so, within strict physical distancing. All other employees are working remotely.

Dr. Rodriguez has assigned me to lead a work group for return-to-campus planning, which this fall will become a reconstituted Safety Committee with ongoing responsibility for prevention of illness and injury at Hartnell facilities. The work group, representing all campus constituencies, has met three times since May, and I expect we will meet regularly in anticipation of a phased return to on-campus activity.

The following is a high-level summary of Hartnell's immediate outlook in response to COVID-19:

  • Employees' return to campus: Only when we are ready and authorized to do so, the college will ask additional employees to resume their on-campus work. This is not likely to occur until local schools resume in-person instruction, freeing parents from weekday supervision of their school-aged children. Individuals deemed to be at especially high risk of becoming seriously ill from the coronavirus will be allowed to continue working remotely. 
  • Safety measures: Preparations for workplace safety have included acquisition of personal protective equipment (PPE) for use as needed. Employees will be instructed on cleaning their personal work areas to support and complement the efforts of custodial staff. As is already the case, employees will be asked not to come to work if they are ill. Physical barriers, primarily clear plastic shields, are being installed in work areas where needed, and floor markings are being applied to designate required six-foot distancing.
  • Face-to-face instruction: Planning also will continue for a time when faculty and students may resume face-to-face instruction. This will occur only when government health officials advise that it can be done safely, with face coverings and social distancing required as long as the virus remains a threat. Even then, many courses likely will continue to be taught online or in a hybrid fashion to ensure that safety requirements are adhered to.
  • Student and employee resources: Hartnell continues to loan Chromebook laptops, mobile wireless hotspots and headsets to students who need them in order to effectively participate in online courses. With help from generous donors and grantors, we are providing emergency financial assistance to individual students in need. Students who lack suitable technology tools can request them online, and they will be informed how they can pick their items up on scheduled days. Students who have emergency financial needs can apply for help here. Employees also can request technology and other items they need to work effectively from home by contacting their immediate supervisors.

Thank you all for your cooperation and understanding as we manage our way through this unprecedented situation. If you have specific questions or concerns, please email me at dscott@hartnell.edu or share them with your immediate supervisor. I will provide future email updates on a regular basis.

When COVID-19 forced Hartnell College and other schools to jump from face-to-face learning into internet instruction, students in physical activity courses came to a surprising realization. 

They really can study yoga, self-defense, Zumba aerobics and introduction to weight training – for college credit, from the comfort and privacy of home. These and other popular activity classes will continue to be taught online through the Fall 2020 semester, which begins Aug. 24 and continues for 16 weeks. Registration is underway now.

New this semester is a hybrid version of beginners’ golf, which allows students to learn skills online and practice them at Salinas Fairways Golf Course or a course of their choice

The courses provide 1.5 units of course credit toward a degree. They are also open to community members who simply want affordable access to fitness and wellness training that they can complete at home. Those individuals can also repeat the cost as often as they want by paying a low audit fee

“We make it fun,” said Steve Terry, who will teach self-defense/martial arts, using both videos and live teaching via online applications such as Zoom.

“My idea is to teach some techniques live, share some videos of similar style of content with the student and then have them practice the technique and last share with me some technique mastery,” said Terry, who also is an assistant Hartnell men’s basketball coach.

“They will use either Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, or any app where the student can send me a video that’s less than a minute long.”

Kinesiology instructor Jamie Pedroza, who also is the college’s head volleyball coach, said students in her yoga classes don’t even need to buy a mat.

“Honestly you don't have to have one to enjoy the class,” she said. “It is a comfort thing, but I tell my students that the hardwood floor and your bare feet work great. You don’t need books or other materials at all.”

Pedroza, who also expects to combine both live sessions and videos uploaded to an online teaching system called Canvas, said she will make sure students are checking in on days when class is scheduled.

“We will be flexible,” she said. “My class will be open so first-time students can ask questions and enjoy the class.” 

One of the students in Pedroza’s yoga class agreed that flexibility is essential, no pun intended.

“In personal training, there’s a big push to online, so I’ve seen a lot of personal training videos on YouTube and everything like that,” said student Michael Taylor. “So why shouldn’t the college be able to do something like that?”

Taylor, who is majoring in kinesiology with a goal of becoming a personal trainer, also has experienced an online course in weight training.

In that course, he said, “We’ve just transitioned from actually lifting weights to more pushups, air squats – doing calisthenics, but without the weights. It’s a common misunderstanding that weight training has to deal with weights, because the body has its own weight to it.”

In yoga class, students have been able to watch Pedroza demonstrate a pose on video and then work to perfect the technique on their own, Taylor said.

“When we were in class, Jamie showed us how to do it first before she did it, and she does the same thing in the video, so it’s easy to follow,” he said.

Whether offered online or in person, these activity classes are an important part of the college’s service to its district, said Aurelio Salazar Jr., president of the Hartnell Community College District Governing Board.

“Just as with our courses in the visual and performing arts, we welcome community members who want to pursue and develop their interests and knowledge through Hartnell,” Salazar said.

For fall and spring classes, the per-course cost is $79. Students who wish to repeat a course without receiving credit – known as “auditing” the class – only have to pay $32.50. That compares to fitness centers, which typically cost $40 or more a month, equivalent to $160 a semester.

To learn more about physical activity courses or other kinesiology classes available this summer and fall, email Joanne Venegas (jvenegas@hartnell.edu) or Cristina Westfall (cwestfall@hartnell.edu) on the physical education staff.

To register, visit www.hartnell.edu.

PE Classes

The Department of Supportive Programs & Services (DSPS) at Hartnell College has continued to serve students during online instruction.

In fact, its services for students with physical disabilities and learning challenges are more crucial than ever, said Michelle Peters, director of student affairs and supportive programs and services.

“DSPS continues to be here to support our students as they navigate classes and programs,” Peters said. “Whether via website, email or phone, we are happy to connect with them.”

The sudden move to all-online learning in late March gave DSPS staff an opportunity to rethink how and why they provide services to students, while at the same time maximizing access and success, she said. Providing seamless services under dramatically different circumstances required creativity, flexibility and a commitment. 

“I am proud and appreciate my staff and counselors who collaborate and put extra effort to work together to provide seamless services for and about students with disabilities,” Peters said. “Weekly meetings allow us to be prepared to provide the best service possible.”

Through it all, the DSPS office is keeping students involved and engaged by sending positive messages to inspire them to stay on course, she said, as well as through coaching and leading by example.

Those extra efforts are greatly appreciated and essential, said Aurelio Salazar Jr., president of the Hartnell Community College District Governing Board.

“As a former student diagnosed with ADHD, I fully support and understand the impact DSPS staff have on our students’ success,” Salazar said.  “Academic accommodations provide our students the resources to learn according to their particular learning strengths.”

However, not everything can be replicated online, Peters said.

“Due to the technical nature of the psycho-educational tools used in the assessment of learning disabilities, we aren't able to offer this service online, although there may be temporary services available at Hartnell,” she said.  “Students should contact DSPS for further information.” 

The DSPS team has been working remotely to support students with additional resources and tools, such as laptops, iPads and other electronic devices available on loan for the students, to support them in fully participating in online classes and student services.

“Our model is, we will work through this together,” Peters said.

For the DSPS office, daily operations involve serving three main groups: continuing students who are already registered, new students or those looking to become students, and faculty/staff seeking help in supporting students.

“We message DSPS students who are active and inactive with DSPS, to ensure they have information on how DSPS is available to support them,” Peters said. “We have shared that DSPS team members are continuing to work remotely, to provide accommodation eligibility and counseling services, as well as note-taking, and alternative media for their books.”

DSPS students have a new set of challenges with online learning that requires new types of support and accommodation. For example, they may need additional time to complete exams and quizzes.

College staff also are reaching out to meet the specific needs of incoming students who will be taking college-level courses in an online-only environment.

“We have been working with high schools and community agencies to prep the incoming students for fall semester,” Peters said. “At the same time, the DSPS team is promoting success and retention, helping to design a well-balanced coursework for each student.”

During the 2020-21 academic year, DSPS will offer its own learning-skills classes, designed for students with disabilities that focus on learning strategies, memory skill building and awareness of how emotions can impact decision-making.

DSPS also is working with College Readiness staff and area high schools to support students participating in dual enrollment. This collaboration is intended to promote a smoother transition to college, when students graduate and decide to enroll at Hartnell. DSPS is also collaborating with Cal State Monterey Bay, in support of DSPS students completing their Hartnell degrees and transferring to the four-year university on the former Fort Ord Army Base.

Recently, a student sent this note of appreciation to the DSPS staff: “Thank you so much, DSPS team. You are always there for us. Please take care of yourselves."

To reach DSPS counselors, visit hartnell.edu and click on Support Services. Students may also call (831) 755-6760 for an appointment or for inquiries. 

The below Community Newsletter is being shared for your information and reference to the County's clarification of COVID-19 guidelines, including close contact exposure steps to follow
 
The newsletter also contains a link to the "State Guidelines" web page which lists total positive cases and total positive test results to-date.  
 
I hope having this information at your fingertips helps to more easily be informed and stay abreast of local and State COVID-19 guidelines and information.
 
Community Newsletter (English/Spanish)
As we enter a fourth month of online instruction and shelter-in-place, I am profoundly grateful for your ongoing commitment to Hartnell's students in these unprecedented circumstances, whether you are working from home or on campus. Thanks to you, our students have been able to continue learning and progressing toward their life goals. Summer enrollment is up, and fall is also looking good. To keep you up to date, the college will share important information through video messages, email and our coronavirus webpage.
 
Between the COVID-19 pandemic and a crucial national discourse on racism and policing, this remains a very unsettled time. As Vice President of Human Resources Lyle Engeldinger has communicated, two Hartnell employees on the Main Campus were treated for the coronavirus, and coworkers who came in contact with them were tested before returning to work. Despite our many efforts, we know some of our students have struggled with the transition to online instruction. Nothing about this has been easy, especially the concern we naturally feel for our own health and the safety of our families and friends.
 
Supporting our students
 
Because of your shared commitment to putting "Students First," the emergency steps we took in March to teach and support students online have become the norm, even if they are far from normal. You keep finding new ways to serve students as they grapple with their own challenges. Your generosity as donors to the Hartnell College Foundation has enabled us to loan 311 Chromebooks and 257 wireless hotspots to students, as well as providing laptops this summer to 700 new Salinas Valley Promise students. The COVID-19 Student Emergency Response Fund also has gone toward increased crisis counseling services and $500 in emergency assistance to 126 students not eligible for CARES Act support. Information Technology Resources staff have also distributed 51 Chromebooks or laptops and 85 hotspots to employees who needed them to work from home.
 
Hartnell as COVID testing site
 
For a brief period beginning in late July or early August, if approved by the Hartnell College Governing Board, Monterey County public health officials will use a single classroom with external access in the Willard Lewallen STEM Center as a COVID-19 testing site. Including careful routing of individuals who arrive for testing, they will follow rigorous procedures to prevent any health threat to the general public and our employees. If the plan goes forward, all of us can share pride in this service to our community.
 
Planning to safely reopen
 
We fully expect online instruction to continue through the Fall 2020 semester, as noted in the fall class schedule, with isolated exceptions for hard-to-convert courses. But a group of faculty, staff and administrators is meeting regularly to determine how we can safely begin to bring employees back to campus as needed to serve current and prospective students. We recognize the need to strictly follow social-distancing requirements, require face coverings in shared spaces and maintain an intensive cleaning regimen, as well as other steps, such as installing plastic shields where needed.
 
Careful safeguards may allow us to invite small groups of students to campus for limited co-curricular activities. Meanwhile, we look toward a possible return to face-to-face instruction in the Spring 2021 semester, including the scheduled January opening of Hartnell's new education center in Soledad and expanded center in King City. Even if we are cleared to do so by state and county health officials, it can only happen if we employ a full range of best practices and procedures to ensure individual health.
 
Restoring our campuses to full operation, however long that takes, will require us all to go out of our way to protect one another and our students. I am confident we have the expertise and determination to do that safely and effectively. Thank you!
An employee informed the college administration this morning about receiving a positive test result for COVID-19.  No determination has yet been made whether this employee contracted the virus on the job at Hartnell.
 
Based on the information provided by this employee, we have identified individuals who may have been exposed to infection on a day when the employee was working on campus. We have encouraged those employees to test for the virus and to self-guarantee at home pending the test results. 
 
We have no reason to believe that other employees are at risk because of this situation. Hartnell continues to operate with only essential workers on campus, while also observing shelter-in-place guidelines, use of face covering, social distancing, and cleaning regimens for meeting and workspaces.
 
We will provide additional information about this situation as appropriate while doing all we can as a college to keep and maintain a safe environment for individuals who are working on campus.
We hope you and your loved ones are well and have enjoyed the recent sunny weather.  
 
Following is a friendly reminder to essential employees who have been working on campus, and an informational notification to others who may have an occasion to be on campus in the future:
 
In accordance with the County of Monterey requirements, the attached notification of Social Distancing Protocol outlines the preventative measure in place to protect District employees and other individuals on campus.   
 
The protocol is posted at the main entrances of occupied buildings of the Main Campus soall individuals on campus are informed of and adhere to the Social Distancing Protocol. 
 
Please note: To support self-monitoring for illness, symptom checks are also to be conducted before entering the work space.  You may use the CDC symptom checker linked here:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.  
 
Do not come to work if you are sick. 
 
The following safety procedures are also in place:
 
Administrators are to report the names of any remote work employee who subsequently is cleared to be on campus. 
 
An employee reporting to work on campus may call Campus Safety at (831) 755-6888 for assistance with access to assigned work buildings. 
 
Employees who report to work on campus should be prepared to show an ID to Campus Safety officers, who will check the "on-campus" personnel list before providing access to assigned buildings. 
 
Employees who arrive to work on campus without a face covering may acquire a face covering from the Security Kiosk.
 
A Hartnell employee who had been working both at home and on campus is being treated for COVID-19 and will not return to campus until medically cleared to do so. The employee reported that the infection did not occur on campus. 
 
A handful of employees with whom this person had contact were quarantined pending the results of their COVID-19 tests, which were negative for all.
 
Based on guidance from Monterey County health officials, the college has no reason to believe any other employees are at risk as a result of this situation. We are sharing this information in the interest of awareness and transparency, while being respectful of the employee's privacy.

When COVID-19 forced Hartnell College and other schools to suddenly jump from face-to-face learning into internet instruction in late March, students in physical activity courses came to a surprising realization.

They really can study yoga, self-defense and strength conditioning – for college credit –from the comfort and privacy of home. These and other popular activity classes will continue to be taught online through the eight-week summer term, which runs June 15-July 25. Registration is underway now.

This summer’s introductory classes provide one unit of course credit toward a degree. They also are open to community members who simply want affordable access to fitness and wellness training that they can complete at home. Those individuals can also repeat the cost as often as they want by paying a low audit fee.

“We make it fun,” said Steve Terry, who will teach self-defense/martial arts, using both videos and live teaching via online applications such as Zoom.

“My idea is to teach some techniques live, share some videos of similar style of content with the student and then have them practice the technique and last share with me some technique mastery,” said Terry, who also is an assistant Hartnell men’s basketball coach.

“They will use either Snapchat, Instagram, Tik Tok, or any app where the student can send me a video that’s less than a minute long.”

Kinesiology instructor Jamie Pedroza, who also is the college’s head volleyball coach, said students in her yoga classes don’t even need to buy a mat.

“Honestly you don't have to have one to enjoy the class,” she said. “It is a comfort thing, but I tell my students that the hardwood floor and your bare feet work great. You don’t need books or other materials at all.”

Pedroza, who also expects to combine both live sessions and videos uploaded to an online teaching system called Canvas, said she will make sure students are checking in on days when class is scheduled.

“We will be flexible,” she said. “My class will be open so first-time students can ask questions and enjoy the class.” 

One of the students in Pedroza’s spring yoga class agreed that flexibility is essential, no pun intended.

“In personal training, there’s a big push to online, so I’ve seen a lot of personal training videos on YouTube and everything like that,” said student Michael Taylor. “So why shouldn’t the college be able to do something like that?”

Taylor, who is majoring in kinesiology with a goal of becoming a personal trainer, also has experienced this spring’s online switch in an introductory course in weight training.

In that course, he said, “We’ve just transitioned from actually lifting weights to more pushups, air squats – doing calisthenics, but without the weights. It’s a common misunderstanding that weight training has to deal with weights, because the body has its own weight to it.”

In yoga class, students have been able to watch Pedroza demonstrate a pose on video and then work to perfect the technique on their own, Taylor said.

“When we were in class, Jamie showed us how to do it first before she did it, and she does the same thing in the video, so it’s easy to follow,” he said.

Whether offered online or in person, these activity classes are an important part of college’s service to its district, said Aurelio Salazar Jr., president of the Hartnell Community College District Governing Board.

“Just as with our courses in the visual and performing arts, we welcome community members who want to pursue and develop their interests and knowledge through Hartnell,” Salazar said.

For this summer, the cost for new students is $46 per class, plus a $10 student activity fee. Students who wish to repeat a course without receiving credit – known as “auditing” the class – only have to pay $25.

For fall and spring classes, which are worth 1.5 credits, the cost is $79. For students who want to audit a 16-week class for fall or spring, the cost is $32.50. That compares to fitness centers, which typically cost $40 or more a month, equivalent to $160 a semester.

To learn more about physical activity courses or other kinesiology classes available this summer and fall, email Joanne Venegas (jvenegas@hartnell.edu) or Cristina Westfall (cwestfall@hartnell.edu) on the physical education staff.

To register, visit www.hartnell.edu.

We are excited to announce a wide array of courses that will allow you to continue your education with Hartnell College this summer and fall. Summer registration is underway, and fall priority registration for continuing students will begin at 6:00 a.m. this Friday, May 8. Fall registration will continue through Aug. 23. The six-week summer session starts June 15, and the 16-week fall semester begins Aug. 24.
 
I want you to know that we expect to continue with online instruction through the Fall 2020 semester. This is also the case for the summer term. Our knowledgeable and supportive faculty and staff will do all they can to help you accomplish your objectives, now and in the future. PAWS will be available for priority registration starting at midnight tonight, and the full Schedule of Classes will be posted on the Hartnell website on Monday, May 11. 
 
Classes are listed with specific campus locations and meeting times, but that is only to meet a state requirement under an emergency distance education plan within the California Community Colleges System. All classes will be taught online with the exception of a few that are particularly hard to convert to online instruction. Individual students will be notified if their courses will be taught through an alternative means of instruction. 
 
Thank you for being a Hartnell student. We want you to stay safe, healthy and on track to achieve your educational and career goals!
Effective April 30, 2020, in accord with the Monterey County order, those employees whose roles and duties require them to keep working on our campuses will wear face coverings as directed while continuing to maintain social distancing. 
 
The district does have a limited supply of face-coverings (masks) and should you need a mask while on campus, please stop by the main campus security kiosk where you can receive a mask. The district's supply of masks is limited so please if you have a face covering we ask that for now you use your own.
 
Please talk with your supervisor should you have questions about having or wearing a face covering while on campus.

Money donated to help Hartnell College students cope with the impacts of COVID-19 has been quickly depleted by scores of requests for help with basic needs, ranging from rent and food to medical bills and personal hygiene products.

But the need persists.

As of April 28, Hartnell’s COVID-19 Student Emergency Response Fund had received 109 applications and distributed emergency scholarships of $500 to 63 students, with 10 students on a waiting list and about 45 more applications still in process.

“There are so many students in need,” said Dr. Nancy Reyes, a Hartnell counselor who is serving on a committee overseeing the assistance effort. “Although this does by no mean solve all of their struggles, it definitely helps and allows all of us to be more hopeful about the weeks to come, at least.”

Fundraising efforts continue through the crowdfunding website GoFundMe. The campaign, called “Keep Our Students Learning,” was publicly launched April 13 by the Hartnell College Foundation, a non-profit auxiliary of the Salinas-based community college.

So far, the fund has received almost $150,000 in individual and business contributions, on top of $150,000 in seed money approved by the foundation Board of Directors on April 7. Of that total, $31,000 has so far been spent on emergency scholarships, with remaining funds used to increase the availability of crisis counseling for students, as well as to buy Chromebook laptops and mobile internet hotspots for student facing technological challenges with online instruction.

Media coverage of the federal CARES Act funding may create the impression that all students’ needs are being met, when that is far from the truth, said Jackie Cruz, vice president of advancement and development for Hartnell and executive director of its foundation.

Hartnell will distribute $1.8 million of the federal funds in $500 payments directly to 3,600 students with the greatest need, based on their financial aid applications. But Hartnell enrolls approximately 17,000 students a year, 85 percent of who are low-income. The foundation campaign invites donors to help address that unmet need, Cruz said.

“Crowdfunding is about the collective power of people making a difference,” she said. “It’s not so much about the huge amounts of dollars, rather what each of us can do. If it’s a dollar, if it’s five bucks or if it’s two bucks, it doesn’t matter. It really is about all of us joining together, so anybody can help out with this.”

Hartnell Superintendent/President Dr. Patricia Hsieh expressed her gratitude to all who have contributed to the emergency fund and are planning to do so.

“We are seeing support from our employees, from our alums and from our friends across the district,” Dr. Hsieh said. “Among the many needs at this time, it’s essential that we continue to educate our students and prepare them for the changing workforce.”

In her counseling role, Dr. Reyes has communicated with students seeking help from the COVID-19 fund, including many who share anxiety about both their finances and the threat of the coronavirus itself.

“We’ve had students working at Olive Garden, Macy’s and other restaurants and retail,” she said. “A lot of students have been laid off, and also the parents. They’re just really trying to make ends meet, and they also want to continue attending college.”

One student said that $500 in emergency assistance from the foundation fund would allow her to quit her job delivering restaurant meals for DoorDash.

Recalled Reyes: “She said, I’m so afraid of continuing to deliver food. I don’t know what to do. If I’m awarded this emergency scholarship, this is going to help me out because I will have some money coming in and I can pay the rent for this month and be able to stay here and be with my kids.’”

Such examples exemplify the socioeconomic challenges experienced by many Hartnell students, with or without COVID-19.

“This situation underscores the essential nature of our mission to educate students and help them complete their degrees and certificates,” Salazar said. “We understand how the current environment can have an effect on their academics and economic stability at home, and we will do everything within our capacity to make sure our students are resilient.”

The foundation’s COVID-19 fund has provided $270,000 for purchase of 500 Chromebook laptop computers, which so far have been loaned out to about 100 students who lack reliable access to a device for their online classes. More will be distributed in coming weeks as additional students request one.

A student who received a Chromebook sent an email to Dave Phillips, vice president of information technology resources, to thank him for the help.

“I just want to say thank you so much for the letting us students borrow the Chromebooks,” wrote the student, Stephanie Hernandez. “A few weeks ago my computer starting giving me problems. Then it crashed. Last week I got laid off from a job I worked for the last 12 1/2 years. … I really do appreciate this and I will forever remember what Hartnell does to help me towards my future!”

“A lot of students are still doing work on their smartphones,” Cruz said. “That can get you through some reading assignments, but we want out students to have devices so they can complete their assignments, whether it’s essays or Excel spreadsheets or presentations.”

Another $50,000 from the fund has gone to purchase mobile hotspots, which are expected to be delivered in the next few days and distributed to 100 students who have applied for one.

The combination of support for basic needs and technology is intentional, Cruz said, and designed to fulfill the goal spelled out in the name of the campaign – to “keep students learning.”

“We don’t want to make our students pick between, ‘Hey, I have 500 bucks: Am I going to pay my rent or am I going to buy myself a laptop? Or I need to pay the PG&E bill or buy some food?’ We don’t want our students stuck with those really heart-wrenching decisions where they are discouraged from continuing on with their education.”

 

Although a majority of you continue to work from home under the statewide shelter-in-place order, I wanted you to assure you that Hartnell College is complying with a new order from the Monterey County Health Officer that requires use of face coverings in the workplace and in public places.
 
Effective today, April 30, those employees whose roles and duties require them to keep working on our campuses will wear face coverings as directed while continuing to maintain social distancing. Specifically, this includes use of the face covering when interacting with any member of the public and when working in or walking through common areas such as hallways, stairways and parking facilities, or in any room when other people are present.
 
Because medical-grade masks are in short supply, and not required by the order, we are encouraging employees to provide and wear a clean face covering of their own, but we are providing masks as needed to ensure that everyone is safe and in compliance.
 
As you probably are aware, the county health order also directs everyone over age 12 to wear a face covering when outside their home, such as when standing in line or when conducting business through a car window or at a walk-up counter at any essential business or service, such as supermarkets and healthcare facilities, or when waiting for or riding on public transportation, including a ride-sharing vehicle.
 
A variety of coverings are acceptable, as long as they cover the nose and mouth and surrounding areas of the lower face. Examples include a scarf or bandana, a neck gaiter and a homemade covering made from a T-shirt, sweatshirt or towel. You will find many ideas for making your own mask online, including at the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
 
As we conclude the spring semester and prepare for all-online instruction this summer, Hartnell will continue to closely follow and respond to the latest public safety recommendations and requirements. 
 
Thank you all for the steps you are taking to keep yourselves, your families, our students and other members of the public as safe as possible from coronavirus infection.

Hartnell College is extending the opportunity for Salinas-area high school seniors to participate in its “Panther Prep Pledge” priority registration program for Fall 2020 classes to April 24 rather than an original deadline of April 17.

By pledging online to attend Hartnell this fall, students will receive individualized assistance from the College Pathways Team and guidance from academic counselors to be prepared for priority registration on May 18. If they wait, they may find that courses they want are already full.

The pledge culminates outreach that began last October at 19 school sites across the Hartnell Community College District. During a series of high school workshops, the College Pathways Team led students through the Steps to Success, which include applying for admission, placement for English and math, online orientation and setting up a Hartnell email account.

Since 2013, Hartnell has held Panther Prep Day, a freshman welcome event to enroll and engage seniors, on its Main Campus in Salinas and its King City Education Center. In 2019, the event drew 550 participants in Salinas and 350 in King City. The COVID-19 outbreak required conversion to an online experience, including a virtual resource fair to showcase support services and enrichment opportunities for students.

The purpose is unchanged: to help students continue their education after high school and either go on to complete a four-year degree or prepare to begin an immediate career in a technical field.

“Panther Prep has been a great success in the past, and we were determined to provide all of its key benefits for students and their families, despite the challenges presented by the current situation,” said HCCD Superintendent/President Dr. Patricia Hsieh. “Our administrators and staff have been very creative in making that adjustment.”

Beginning the last week of April through May 15, Panther Pledge students will be able to participate in online guidance workshops with a counselor and select their first-semester courses. Parents can listen in on those sessions, and they can watch videos that help them prepare to better support their students. Parents can also tune in to a podcast that will be produced in May by the Academic Counseling staff.

“We really take them through the whole experience and take all the guesswork out of it,” said Ariana Rodriguez, the school’s College Pathways Coordinator. “We walk them through the entire process of enrollment, step by step.”

So far, about 800 of this year’s seniors have already completed the Panther Prep Pledge, but Hartnell wants to match or exceed last year’s total of 900 for the in-person events.

Combined with the benefits of the Salinas Valley Promise ― a new program of free tuition, mentoring and leadership training for first-time, full-time students ― has allowed Hartnell to consistently enroll more than 40 percent of graduating seniors at its feeder high schools.

“Whenever we go out to the schools, our Pathways Team staff always reiterate to students that we’re there to present an option, and the reason we do this across the county is so that all students have a path to college,” Rodriguez said. “Completing steps with us ensures that Hartnell is an option for them if they decide to continue with us after graduation.”

High school counselors are essential and valued partners for the Panther Prep program, she said, because they coordinate with teachers to make sure all students can take part in the workshops during their regular school day and provide ongoing support and follow-up with their students participating in the program.

Aurelio Salazar Jr., HCCD Governing Board president, said the partnership with local schools and school districts is key to Panther Prep’s ongoing impact.

“All of us share the goal of providing as much educational and career opportunity for our children and young adults as possible,” Salazar said. “Panther Prep is an expression of that team effort, and we are grateful to everyone’s support.”

Once students complete the Panther Prep Pledge, available on the college website at www.hartnell.edu/pantherprep, they will be invited to an online workshop with a Hartnell counselor to guide them through registration. 

The Hartnell College Office of Equity Programs, best known as Mi CASA on the main Salinas campus, is striving to remain a one-stop-shop for students, especially since all classes and services moved online in late March.

“We are here to support students navigate through the transitions,” said Bronwyn Moreno, director of student affairs and equity programs. “We have new systems in place to be proactive.”

The Office of Equity Programs is equipped with counselors, administrative staff and student ambassadors to create a welcoming environment for all who seek guidance on financial aid, academic planning, transfer information, advocacy, referrals and much more.

“Students can call us, email us or fill out a simple form online, and we will get back to them within the hour,” Moreno said.

Student ambassadors are trained to help fellow students navigate through Canvas, the Educational Self-Planner tool, Zoom, PAWS and other tools, which increases their ability to quickly respond to questions.

As the move to online learning triggered other challenges, the equity programs staff initiated a telephone campaign to contact more than 1,000 students and assist them as needed. This group includes all participants in all equity programs: AC (the Academy for College Excellence), MILE (the Men’s Institute for Leadership and Education), WELI (the Women’s Education and Leadership Institute), Salinas Valley Promise, RSN (Rising Scholars Network) and Mi CASA (Center for Advancement and Student Achievement).

“With this campaign, we are checking on all of these students and asking them what they need,” Moreno said. “Do they need a Chromebook, do they need counseling, any other tools, resources or anything else.”

The objective of this holistic approach is to make sure Hartnell students realize Mi CASA and other Equity Programs are ready to serve them.

“Students are so appreciative when they get the call from one of our team members,” Moreno said. “They feel special when someone is calling them personally and feel it’s a nice gesture.”

Mi CASA serves DACA and other undocumented students. It is the on-campus hub where students, employees and community members can go for the latest in immigration resources.

Mi CASA’s immigration legal services resumed April 10. Students, faculty and staff can access the appointment portal to book a date with an immigration attorney, thanks to Hartnell’s partnership with the UFW Foundation.

“As a low-income DACA student, I do not always have the money to pay for a legal consultation,” said one second-year Hartnell student, who asked to remain anonymous. As a full-time student who spends most of her time on her coursework, she said it is hard for her to make time to seek legal advice elsewhere.

“This is why having the UFW on campus offering free legal services for students like me is perfect, mostly now that we do not know the certainty of DACA moving forward,” she said.

The partnership between the UFW and Hartnell College is vital because it provides help for students who have questions, need assistance with forms or simply need advice, Moreno said.

Hartnell Community College District Governing Board President Aurelio Salazar Jr. said the combined services of equity programs send a powerful signal to students and the greater community.

“Ensuring equity is central to our educational mission at Hartnell,” Salazar Jr. said. “Programs like Mi CASA and WELI provide benefits that benefit current students and future generations.”

Hartnell’s superintendent/president, Dr. Patricia Hsieh, said it is especially important that equity programs remain fully available and accessible while students are taking online classes.

“Our college is working very hard to maintain equity in learning opportunities, regardless of how we deliver instruction,” Dr. Hsieh said. “The Office of Equity Programs plays an instrumental role in that effort.”

Contact the Hartnell College Office of Equity Programs by calling (831) 755-6723, email to micasa@hartnell.edu or visit https://www.hartnell.edu/students/programs/mi-casa-hartnell-college-dreamer-center.html.

Thank you for all your efforts to make this unexpected adjustment to online learning because of COVID-19.

Here are a few immediate and important updates:

  • Student resource videos: Hartnell has begun sharing a series of short informational videos how to access and use academic and student support services. Here is the first video, in which Maria Ceja, dean of student affairs and enrollment services at Hartnell College, provides an overview of Admissions & Records resources and assistance for online students.  We will share additional videos on the Online Learning resource webpages through email and college social media channels.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paBX33Hyy_I

  • Zoom chat for transfer applicants: The Academic Counseling Office is starting a series of online information chats via Zoom at 3 p.m. TODAY (April 8). Mercedes Del Real, transfer center coordinator, will share changes being made by the UC and CSU to assist transferring students. If you're planning to transfer this fall or next spring, be sure to join us at https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/390304587
  • Tutoring with Panther Learning Lab: The Panther Learning Lab has tutoring and Supplemental Instruction sessions happening now, including extra help with homework, online education and study skills. Click on the link below to join our Canvas page. After you join, you will be able to see the schedule and you can start attending tutoring sessions. If you have any questions please email them at pll@hartnell.edu. Also, your Canvasshell gives you access to NetTutor. Use the "NetTutor" button in your course through Canvas to access free online tutoring.

Main Campus - STEM Lab - Click here to join

Main Campus - Writing- Click here to join 

Alisal Campus - Click here to join

King City Education Center- Click here to join

Supplemental Instruction Sessions for Students (SI Leaders)- Click here to join

  • Online Counseling: The Academic Counseling Office has moved its serves online and over the phone. You can reach them by submitting a Counseling Appointment Request Form, calling (831) 755-6820 and leaving a detailed message, or by email at counseling@hartnell.edu. A staff member will contact you to set up an appointment.
  • Spring semester: The Spring 2020 semester will conclude on May 30 as originally scheduled, with continuing all-online instruction.
  • 2020 Commencement: Hartnell's 2020 Commencement will be presented online on the originally scheduled date, Friday, May 29, starting at 5:30 p.m. We encourage all graduates to order caps, gowns and Centennial stoles from the Panther Bookstore so they can celebrate and take photos with family and friends while watching the ceremony online. Items will be shipped to students free of charge.We will share more details and links to order items online as soon as possible. If you have an urgent bookstore question, contact manager Lashanta Mitchell via email:  lmitchell@follett.com
  • Summer 2020 registration: Priority registration for all continuing students is April 23 through May 1, depending on the number of credits you have already completed. Visit https://www.hartnell.edu/students/admissions/registration/index.htmlfor more information. Classes begin June 15, with one six-week summer term, ending July 25. They will be taught entirely online.
  • Reminder on survey on summer plans: If you haven't already done so, please take two minutes and answer a few quick questions to help the college assess demand for 2020 Summer Session classes: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PZF3RMV
  • Free wireless at Hartnell campuses: Free wireless service is now available to students from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 4 on the Main Campus in Salinas (off of Alisal Street, between pool and tennis courts) and at the King City Education Center along Second Street. A third wireless hotspot should be activated this week in the main parking lot of the Alisal Campus.  
  • Financial aid chatbot: The Financial Aid webpage now features a chatbot that allows you to ask questions and get answers from staff online.

Please continue to check your Hartnell Gmail regularly for further official information and updates. Thank you again!

 Dear Hartnell students, 

We hope you are staying healthy and safe. 

To assist all students during this challenging time, the California Community College Chancellor's Office has authorized all colleges to extend the following deadlines for Spring 2020 courses: 

  1. Petition for a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) grade: Please be aware that there may be adverse student implications. A P/NP grade may not be accepted by a university or four-year college when transferring, applying for a license, etc. 
    • Pass/No Pass forms can be submitted to admissions@hartnell.edu anytime up to May 18, 2020. Include P/NP in the subject line. 
  2. Excused Withdraw (EW) from courses for Spring 2020 due to COVID-19 may be accepted until May 1, 2020, via PAWs. The EW will not be counted in the number of repeats allowed. 

Prior to petitioning for a P/NP or Excused Withdraw students should: 

  • Contact Academic Counseling to speak with an academic counselor to determine the best options and resources available to support you. 
  • Contact the Financial Aid Department at (831) 755-6806 or finaid@hartnell.edu for more information on how a P/NP or EW could impact your award eligibility. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions and Records Office at admissions@hartnell.edu.

 

Hartnell College is directly contributing to COVID-19 treatment and other patient care through a loan of 13 ventilators from its respiratory care program; the donation of such critical supplies as masks, gowns and gloves; and the participation of 88 Hartnell registered nursing students at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.

Since the week before last, the college has loaned ventilators to SVMH, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and Natividad Medical Center, said Debra Kaczmar, dean of academic affairs, nursing and allied health at Hartnell. All the ventilators are in good working order, and one was brand new, still in the box.

There also is the prospect for students in the college’s respiratory care, nursing and emergency medical technician programs to be recruited as part of California’s Health Corps group being organized to supplement shorthanded health care staffs across the state. That effort was announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom on March 30.

Kaczmar said the pressing demand for registered nursing help in non-COVID roles at SVMH will fulfill remaining clinical requirements for 2020 RN graduates and enable other students to continue their hands-on learning, despite COVID-19’s impact on classroom simulation. The students are at the hospital on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

“We’re incredibly fortunate, because many schools don’t have that, and their students have been displaced,” she said.

Vocational nursing students have been less fortunate, Kaczmar said, because local skilled-nursing facilities have restricted opportunities for them to accumulate patient-care hours at this time. Respiratory care students also have been displaced from clinical postings, but the program’s upcoming graduates already have sufficient experience to begin working, she said, and several have job waiting at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose.

Many of the RN and respiratory students, in particular, expressed a determination to contribute during the pandemic, Kaczmar said.

“It’s like, ‘Yes, this is what I want.’ ‘This is what I should be doing.’ ‘What can I do to help?’ and so on,” she said.

Panther Learning Lab Provides Tutoring for Online Students

Hartnell College’s Panther Learning Lab went online March 25, the same day students began all-online classes as a safety precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While getting ready was a race against time, the delivery of online-only tutoring will continue to be refined in coming weeks, said Jay Singh, director of academic and student support services.

“It is important for all students to know that we are changing the approaches to tutoring, but keeping access the same in all campuses, from King City, to the Alisal Campus, to Main Campus,” Singh said.

A commitment to student success remains a constant.

“I miss seeing the students and can only imagine how they are doing through all these challenges,” said Academic Support Specialist Valerie Provencio, who made it a point to reach out to regular Panther Learning Lab (PLL) students the day before the transition to make sure they knew about the change. 

On a typical day before students were asked to stay home, between 40 and 80 students would visit the lab for English and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) tutoring, said Academic Support Specialist Joanna Ledesma, and the tutoring team is hoping to build back to assisting that many students online.

“One of the biggest challenges will be for students to find us online,” Ledesma said. “Here is where faculty need to help us by promoting us to their students.”

Added Singh, “It is really important to make sure we are operating well to provide students with the academic support to help them succeed in class. The partnership with faculty will be key in letting them know we are here for them.”

A slow start immediately after the switch has enabled the team to practice their ability to guide students via webcam. 

The Online Panther Learning Lab team say they’re trying to be creative in their use of technology. They are connecting with students via phone, but they are also using video cam and a whiteboard behind them to explain complex concepts. For English, for example, the student sends a shared Word Doc and the tutor is able to help edit it in real time.

When students reach out to the lab, their query will be answered by the next available tutor.

“Most of our regular students that visit the lab are used to working with certain tutors,” said Academic Support Specialist Samuel Kirkland. “We are in the process of moving towards reaching that point so all feel comfortable.”

Singh said student workers who serve as supplemental instructors and tutors will be back on a regular schedule in early April. They are as instrumental to the success of the PLL as the regular instructors, he said.

“We will continue to be flexible and adapt to where students are,” Singh said. “Everyone wants to make sure students know that we are here to help. We want to make sure no student is left behind.”

Carla Gonzalez, also an academic support specialist, had a clear message to share with all students: “We’ve got you, and you’ve got this.”

The Online Panther Learning Lab is accessed through the Canvas online learning management system. Students can also schedule an appointment or get academic support by emailing PLL@hartnell.edu

Because of the ongoing public health threat from COVID-19 and expectation that safety precautions will extend at least into June, Hartnell College will continue all-online instruction throughout the Summer 2020 session. We also will continue to deliver a full array of student support services using online tools.
 
The six-week session will run June 15 through July 25. Watch your Hartnell Gmail account and Canvas for more information soon on registration dates and class schedules. We encourage you to further improve your ability to compete in a changing job market or accelerate your transfer to a four-year university.
 
Be sure to seek help from an academic counselor and your instructors if you have questions about which summer courses will best help you achieve your educational goals.
 
Here is a link to make sure you are prepared for online learning: https://www.hartnell.edu/students/online-learning/canvas-help-students.html
 
This self-paced Quest for Success Canvas course may also be helpful.
 
We wish you continued success in your spring classes and good health to you and your loved ones, and we hope you will continue your studies this summer and beyond.
Effective immediately, Hartnell College is providing wireless internet service in Parking Lot 4 on the Main Campus in Salinas. This is intended to assist students who lack reliable home internet service.
 
Wireless service will be available daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Parking Lot 4 is on the south side of Building J (visual arts) and adjacent to the tennis courts. It is accessible only from West Alisal Street.
 
Please remain in your vehicles and observe social distancing while using this service.
 
Hartnell is working to also provide this service on the Alisal Campus and at the King City Education Center and will inform students when it becomes available.
 
The Department of Human Resources has launched a webpage with information for all Hartnell employees affected by COVID-19, including its impact both on their jobs and on your families and daily lives. The page covers such things as the Employee Assistance Program and recommendations for working from home. 
 
Here is the full URL if you wish to share it: 
 
We will do our best to regularly updated this page, so I encourage you to check back from time to time. We also will share significant updates with you directly. I also have attached several supplemental resources you may find helpful.
 
Hartnell provides basic information about the coronavirus, an archive of related college communications and links to official public health resources at hartnell.edu/coronavirus. Information related to online instruction and support services is available on the Online Learning pages, also accessible from Hartnell.edu.
 
Thank you for the many adjustments and extra effort you are making to provide outstanding education and support to our students at this difficult time.

Hartnell College will no longer look to April 7 as an anticipated end date for online instruction and student services.

Instead, please plan to remain in all-online mode UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE from Hartnell.

We continue to review and respond to government public health orders and recommendations from the county, state and federal levels.

As I have repeatedly emphasized, the health and safety of our college community and the greater community are our highest priority.

For Carol Kimbrough and her team in Crisis Counseling and Emotional Wellness Services at Hartnell College, the goal is always to help as many students as possible navigate life while moving forward with their education.

Since the college switched to all-online instruction on March 25 as a precaution against COVID-19, the counselors’ work is more in demand – and more urgent – than ever.

“I am amazed with our students,” said Kimbrough, a psychology instructor who serves as Hartnell’s clinical supervisor for crisis counseling. “They want to have that bright future, and we are going to do anything possible to get them there.”

Even without the added stress of shelter-in-place and the unfamiliarity of online instruction, college is a mental health challenge for many students.

Seventy-five percent of Hartnell students are the first in their family to go to college, which produce high expectations from parents who may not fully appreciate the demands of higher education, Kimbrough said. Some families even expect students to work a set amount in support of the household.

These realities produce stress in young adults who feel unable to fulfill all the duties imposed onto them, academically and personally, she said.

Although Hartnell campuses are otherwise closed to students, and most employees are working from home, the Crisis Counseling and Emotional Wellness Center is still available for all Hartnell students with extended hours, five therapists (including bilingual) and expanded telephone counseling hours. In addition, its offices in Building D on the Main Campus in Salinas remain open for walk-ins, while observing social distancing.

Students can see a therapist for 10 sessions, and once those are exhausted, their case is evaluated for a possible extension.

“Some individuals take longer to heal than others,” said Kimbrough, who has counseled Hartnell students for 40 years. “This is why we want to make sure everyone is aware we are here to get them through the tough times.”

Childhood abuse or neglect is one factor that can lead students to seek help. Addressing those issues through counseling can enable them to stay engaged in their academics, learn to connect with positive influences and discover that long-term therapy is available, she said.

Kimbrough recounts the case of a female student with three children who was homeless, living in a car and worried about both safety and food. The student was taking a full-time course load and ready to give up. She couldn’t find work – and was anxious, desperate and suicidal. The woman’s own childhood trauma exacerbated her depression and pessimism for her future.

With just a few sessions of crisis counseling at Hartnell, she saw her future in a different light. The student found a safe haven at Hartnell and found power within herself to graduate and continue on to a four-year university.

Kimbrough said COVID-19 poses specific new challenges for students who find themselves trying to keep up with course content while struggling with online technology, and either social isolation or crowded conditions at home.

She recommends limited television viewing to get away from the news, taking a walk and similar healthful activities, establishing a daily routine, attending to personal hygiene, listening to music and staying connected with friends, as well as reading and writing daily affirmations in a journal.

“We encourage students to stay safe,” Kimbrough said. “Let us know how to help you.”

The Crisis Counseling and Emotional Wellness Services at Hartnell College encourages students who feel stressed, anxious, overwhelmed or insecure to seek support by calling (831) 770-7019. Details about center services also are available on the college website at: https://www.hartnell.edu/students/programs/crisis-counseling-services.html.

 Tomorrow, March 25, all of us at Hartnell College begin an endeavor that few could have forseen just a few months ago -- the complete conversion of students to online instruction. Regardlesss of how long we remain under a shelter-in-place order, this "new normal" of teaching and supporting our students remotely will likely continue through this semester, quite probably through summer and possibly into fall. As difficult as this is for us, the challenge is far greater for our students. 

Of course we understand why this change in necessary: for the health and safety of everyone at our college and in the greater community. The question I ask today is "how" we will accomplish it. I don't mean Canvas or Zoom or Cranium Cafe. Rather, I refer to the personal commitment each of us will bring to this true test of our highest shared value, always putting "Students First."
 
Turning to the teachings of Confucious for wisdom, I find this quotation: "Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart." Please, go with all your heart into the mission of helping our students succeed despite this unwelcome circumstance. Whether your role is that of instructor, counselor or any of the myriad other ways we serve our students, measure your own efforts by the light of their future.
 
In two years or 20, we may ask ourselves, or be asked by others: "What did you do to help students during the coronavirus pandemic? Surely the only answer can be, " I did everything I possibly could, and then I did a litttle bit more." 

Hartnell College is working on several strategies to provide free WiFi to students who need it, including establishing "drive-up" locations at our campuses and partnering with Salinas Valley cities and school districts and Monterey-Salinas Transit to provide hotspots or additional in-home service. We will provide details on those opportunities as soon as they are ready.

Here is information on how to take advantage of existing options available in different areas of the Hartnell Community College District:

COMCAST: Internet Essentials Free to New Customers
Low-income families who live in a Comcast service area can sign-up for Internet Essentials from Comcast. New customers will receive 60 days of free Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. Additionally, for all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program's internet service has been increased from 3 to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream. That increase will go into effect for no additional fee, and it will become the new base speed for the program going forward.

Comcast: Pausing Data Plans
With so many people working and educating from home, Comcast wants customers to access the internet without thinking about data plans. Therefore, they are pausing their data plans for 60 days, giving all customers unlimited data for no additional charge.

Comcast: No Disconnects or Late Fees
Comcast will not disconnect a customer's internet service or assess late fees if they contact Comcast and let them know that they can't pay their bills during this period. The company says its "care teams" will be available to offer flexible payment options and can help find other solutions.

AT&T or SPRINT: California Connects Mobile Internet
California Community Colleges students are eligible for the California Connects Mobile Internet service. This new mobile hotspot service, powered by AT&T or 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, no contract required, for $19.99 a month. More information is available at https://foundationccc.org/What-We-Do/Student-Success/California-Connects


XFINITY: Free WiFi
Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. See a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Salinas, Gonzales and King City at https://www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the "xfinitywifi" network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser.

 

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS (Spectrum): Free WiFi
Charter Communications will offer free Spectrum broadband and WiFi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. More information is available here: https://www.spectrum.net/support/internet/coronavirus-internet-offer-students/ 

To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. Charter/Spectrum hotspots are located in Gonzales and King City. The full coverage map is here: https://spectrum.cellmaps.com/charter-fullscreen.html#/#c=36.207462234580845,-121.13485545501709&z=15&term=King%20City,%20CA,%20USA

 

CITY OF GONZALES: Free Hotspots
The City of Gonzales will distribute free hotspots to city residents this Thursday and Friday, March 26-27, from 1-2:30 p.m. in the Toots Vosti Memorial Recreation Center, 107 Centennial Drive, Gonzales. Proof of residency at a Gonzales mailing address is required (no P.O. boxes). To contact the city, visit https://gonzalesca.gov/ or call (831) 675-5000.

 

HARTNELL: More Free Access Coming Soon
As I said at the beginning of this email, Hartnell intends to establish its own free campus hotspots and is working with partners around Monterey County with plans to provide low- or no-cost rentals of cellular hotspots. MST may use its buses to create mobile hotspots in various locations around the county.

On Monday, Hartnell launched new Online Learning pages on its website that include extensive STUDENT RESOURCES on such subjects as academic support, student services and crisis counseling. Please continue to visit these pages as we add new information on a daily basis. The Online Learning pages are also accessible from the Hartnell homepage (www.hartnell.edu).

We realize this switch to online instruction is a big change -- and it comes at an especially difficult time, as we all work together to limit the spread of COVID-19. Continue to watch your Hartnell College email account for further updates.

 

Dear Hartnell students,

We realize this sudden switch from classroom learning to online learning presents a challenge to you as learners. Hartnell College is working hard to assist you in any way we can, and we will continue to provide you with as much useful information as possible.

Thank you for your continued commitment to your education in spite of adjustments needed to prevent spread of the coronavirus in our college community and in the greater community. Your health and safety are our highest priority.

 

New Dates for the Start of Online Instruction -- March 25-April 7

In response to an order from Monterey County for all county residents to "shelter in place" through April 7, Hartnell College is asking its students and faculty to use this coming Monday and Tuesday, March 23-24, as time to prepare for online instruction that will start on Wednesday, March 25. We earlier announced that instruction would be from March 23-April 5, so this is a change.

 

Other important information regarding ONLINE INSTRUCTION:

  • Students are asked NOT to come to campus facilities, including Main Campus, Alisal Campus, and King City Education Center, until further notice.
  • Online instruction will continue through Monday, April 7 (not April 5 as earlier stated). Information about instruction after April 7 will be provided to you next week.
  • Watch for information from your instructor(s) about how to participate in an online class through Canvas, and for orientation to online learning. 
  • For Dual Enrollment (AB288-CCAP) courses, instructors will reach out to students with information specific to each school district.
  • These specific courses will not be offered online. Students in these classes should await further information.

 

Additional STUDENT RESOURCES:

As we make this transition together, the college is seeking to assist all students, not only with your classes, but also with managing with all the changes you are experiencing.

 

Academic Counseling 

To make an academic counseling appointment:

  • You may reach the Counseling Office by email to counseling@Hartnell.edu or call (831) 755-6820. Leave a voice message with your name, contact information and the purpose of your call. A staff member will get back to you as soon as possible.

Access to Student Services (admissions, financial aid, transcripts) will be announced. Technology assistance will be announced.

 

Tutoring and Academic Support

Tutoring and Academic Support Services will be available online from the Panther Learning Lab beginning March 23.  Reach the Panther Learning Lab at https://www.hartnell.edu/students/programs/tutoring/drop-tutoring.html 

Or, you can contact the Tutorial Services Coordinator at PLL@hartnell.edu or call (831) 755-6738 or -6832.

 

Enrollment Services

Access to Enrollment Services (Admissions, Financial Aid, Registration, Transcripts) will be conducted by phone and email only. 

To contact the office of Enrollment Services on the Main Campus please call (831) 755-6711 or send us information by Fax: (831) 759-6014 or email us at admissions@hartnell.edu or finaid@hartnell.edu. 

 

Department of Supportive Programs & Services (DSPS)

Support for students with disabilities is available by contacting the DSPS office at 831-755-6760 and via email at dsps@hartnell.edu for assistance with accommodations and assistive technology.  

 

Crisis Counseling

For information on how to access available Crisis Counseling services, please refer to the following:
https://www.hartnell.edu/students/programs/crisis-counseling-services.html Please contact Crisis Counseling for more information by phone at 831-770-7019.   Please leave a message and we'll get back to you.

 

We Are With You!

Everyone at Hartnell College is working to support you and all of our students. as well as joining with you to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Watch for more information coming soon about how you can access wireless internet services, if that is a concern for you.

We continue to add information to Hartnell's coronavirus webpages. Those are available at hartnell.edu/coronavirus. We also are rushing to develop new website pages to help you with your online learning.

We also plan to send regular informational emails to students at a recurring time of day. Although email is the college's official means of communication with students, and our best way to send information to every student, we will explore how to best use other channels of communication during this challenging time.

 

Sincerely,

CATHRYN WILKINSON, PH.D.

Vice President | Academic Affairs

Dear Hartnell College Community,

 As we confront the COVID-19 crisis and comply with orders from the State of California and Monterey County orders to increase social distancing and limit the number of individuals on our campuses, Hartnell continues to make a number of changes.

By moving to online instruction, asking most employees to work from home and closing our offices, we have effectively closed our college to the public. This requires us to closely manage who is coming on and off our campuses. To accomplish that, we have developed a system to provide access to those employees whose duties and responsibilities require them to be physically on campus.

If you have not been given clearance to be on campus by your supervisor, you are expected to remain off campus until further notice. If you have been given clearance to be on campus and have difficulty getting into your assigned building, please call Campus Safety for assistance at (831) 755-6888.. Be prepared show your college ID to Campus Safety officers. They will check the personnel list provided by vice presidents before providing you access.

As we continue to work through this very fluid and restrictive situation, it is imperative that everyone work together for the good of the entire Hartnell community. Please share any questions with me at (831) 770-7013 or by email to dscott@hartnell.edu.

Thank you for your understanding and partnership.

Daniel Scott

Daniel Scott, M.A., CEM®, NEMEA.

Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management

Hartnell Prepares to Support Online Learning While Upholding Shelter-in-Place Order
 
Dear Hartnell College employees,
 
The Hartnell Community College District (HCCD) Board of Trustees today expressed its powerful commitment to our students' education and the well-being of our employees while we all work together to cope with the evolving local impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
 
During an emergency meeting at noon on Hartnell's Main Campus, the board voted unanimously to authorize me as HCCD superintendent/president to "take any and all actions necessary to ensure the continuation of public education, and the health and safety of the students and employees" across our district. 
 
This will allow us to close our campuses except for a few essential operations on the Main Campus, in compliance with the shelter-in-place order issued March 17 for all Monterey County residents.
 
Following a closed session to discuss labor relations, the board also voted unanimously to continue paying all of our employees as budgeted while the shelter-in-place order remains in effect, through April 7. 
 
During this period, Hartnell employees will receive their normal pay regardless of whether they are (1.) continuing to report to work for necessary on-campus duties, (2.) able to complete their work while telecommuting from home, or (3.) not required to work on campus but unable to do their jobs from home. Employees who remain at home and are not able to telecommute will remain “on call” during their regular work hours and be subject to administrative direction to return to work as needed, or to be assigned work to do at home.  
 
The board's first resolution, titled "Declaring Emergency Conditions and Taking Additional Action in Response to the Threat of COVID-19," will allow us to move all instruction online, with the exception of a limited number of courses to be announced by deans. Faculty will begin teaching students through distance education starting March 23. Likewise, student services teams will provide counseling, tutoring, disability and other vital support services using online technology and tools.
 
Because the Monterey County shelter-in-place order runs through April 7, we will extend our plan for online education and student support at least through that date, not April 5 as earlier announced. A decision on whether to continue distance education beyond April 7 will depend on the status of the county order and what we determine is best for our students.
 
In closing, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our Board of Trustees members for their unequivocal support for our students, our employees and the educational mission of Hartnell College.
 
Before today's meeting ended, shortly after 2 p.m., Trustee Candi DePauw thanked all of you, and her fellow trustees, for working through this transition to online education. Board President Aurelio Salazar Jr. voiced complete confidence in our college team as we seek to minimize the impact on our students while helping them navigate the educational system. 
 
Trustee Erica Padilla-Chavez offered these remarks, as well:
 
"The action that the board took demonstrates our commitment to employees and their families. We recognize that we don't just employ individuals; we employ families. Given the public health emergency, it's going to require that we apply virtues that we don't necessarily carry every day, because we're going to be tested in ways that we've never been tested before. We're going to be asked to maintain a level of patience and collaboration, on the part of everyone in our awesome Hartnell family. That's how we're going to get through this."
 
I thank our trustees for their thoughtfulness and leadership in this uncertain time. 
 
I thank each and every one of our employees for your belief in the enormous importance of the work we do.
 
And, most of all, I am grateful to our wonderful students for their commitment to learning and for making unexpected adjustments as they continue their spring classes.
 
Sincerely,
 

Patricia C. Hsieh, Ed.D.

Superintendent/President | Office of the Superintendent/President

Dear Hartnell College Community,

I am writing with a further update in light of the latest developments in the response to the COVID-19 health situation.  This afternoon, Monterey County officials announced a shelter in place order that will take effect after midnight on March 18, 2020, until 11:59 p.m. on April 7, 2020.  The County’s Order and Frequently Asked Questions are accessible here on the County’s website: https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/health/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

While we are still reviewing the full implications of the County’s Order, the District is able to provide the following information:

  1. Your health and safety, and that of our community, are of paramount concern.
  1. The District is not aware of any COVID-19 cases among our students or employees.
  1. As provided in the County’s Order, the District is considered an essential business.  Therefore, we are permitted to continue to have designated employees on site for either of the following purposes: facilitating distance learning, or to perform essential functions.

Unless you received notice from a supervisor or manager to come to work to perform either of these functions, you should not come to work at a District facility starting March 18, 2020, until the County’s Order is modified or lifted, or we notify you otherwise. 

If you have been notified to come to work for these identified reasons, the District will maintain social distancing of six feet per person to the greatest extent possible, as required by the County’s order.   

  1. The District is working with union representatives to address the effects on employees of the County’s shelter in place order. 

We recognize the COVID-19 health situation continues to create stressful conditions for you and your family members. This is a new, unprecedented situation, and information continues to evolve and change rapidly.  We will continue to work with our employees and employee representatives to address these challenges, and will keep you informed of any developments. 

Thank you for your ongoing attention and commitment to our District and community in these challenging times

Patricia Hsieh

Patricia C. Hsieh, Ed.D.

Superintendent/President | Office of the Superintendent/President

Dear Hartnell College Community,

Implementation of Hartnell's social distancing plan began Monday, March 16, and it went well thanks to administrators' thorough planning and coordination and the cooperation of fellow employees.

I am sharing this additional communication to provide additional details on implementation of the Hartnell College Social Distancing Plan.  In this update you will receive information regarding all divisions of Hartnell College including our educational centers.

Note to students: Although all Hartnell instruction is moving online starting March 23, students are included in this communication because social-distancing practices also apply to student workers. (See item 7)

  • All employees are practicing social distancing of at least 6 feet in accordance with CDC standards effective 3/15/2020. 
  • Some employees will be relocated to areas vacated by students and otherwise equipped with necessary computer access and workspace.  This action will provide the necessary social distance for other groups of employees.
  • All face-to-face meetings scheduled for 10 or more participants will be converted to Zoom meetings in accordance with CDC guidelines. 
  • To the extent possible, all employee gatherings will be limited in an effort to maintain the si- foot separation standard, relying on telephone and other electronic resources to accommodate inter-employee communication needs. 
  • Effective immediately, all requests for college-related travel outside Monterey County will be restricted to essential travel and require approval in advance by the appropriate supervisor.  Travel will only be approved if social distance can be maintained. 
  • In workspaces that allow for rearranging employee area assignments, supervisors will separate employees to allow for workspace distancing.  Employees’ workspace assignments are being rotated in certain instances to allow for public access and to allow employees to complete their work assignments without undue exposure.
  • Supervisors will afford student workers the same workspace considerations as other staff in order to maintain the current social distancing standards.
  • As necessary, in accord with assigned job duties, and to create appropriate work area distance, some supervisors may temporarily relocate employees to other work sites within the district.
  • To the extent possible current office space may be made accessible on a temporary basis for employee use with the six foot social distance standard maintained.
  • To help create additional work space, college lab spaces with computers will be available as needed for use as a workstation to maintain a 6 foot separation space requirement.
  • To the extent possible, all scheduled meetings for employees will be arranged via Confer Zoom, email and phone calls.

 

As conditions continue to evolve, we will provide further employees and students with further updates about district plans.

 Sincerely,

Patricia C. Hsieh, Ed.D.

Superintendent/President | Office of the Superintendent/President

 
Dear Hartnell College Community,
 
First of all, thank you all for your ongoing attention to college-wide communications about our response to the coronavirus pandemic and its rapidly expanding impact. Our commitment is to give you essential information in a timely way, and we continue to explore the most effective means of providing that for all college audiences. 
 
Please continue to share your questions. Replies to these emails from Hartnell Communications go to Scott Faust, director of communications and marketing, who reviews and shares them with appropriate individuals, providing a reply where appropriate.
 
My updates, below, concern these topics:
  • Social distancing in effect
  • Employees who are at increased risk
  • All employee paychecks on direct deposit
  • Employee travel restrictions for 2020
  • Hartnell Library and Panther Learning Labs
 
Social Distancing is In Effect
 
Social-distancing guidelines are in effect for all employee work stations on Hartnell campuses. Individuals are asked to maintain at least six (6) feet of separation with others. Supervisors/managers have reviewed their work areas and are relocating employees as needed to meet that standard of separation.
 
Supervisors/managers should switch ALL MEETINGS to an online format, using such digital tools as ZOOM and Skype or simply the telephone. For essential meetings requiring face-to-face discussion, exceptions will be made for small groups of people, 10 or fewer.
 
 
Guidelines for Employees Age 65 or Older and Those With Underlying Conditions
 
Because of their increased risk from the coronavirus COVID-19, employees age 65 or older or those with specific underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease (according to the CDC) may elect to stay home from work, using their available sick days -- or vacation days if needed.
 
 
All Employees Asked to Set Up Direct Paycheck Deposit
 
Hartnell Controller David Techaira requests that ALL employees not already enrolled in direct paycheck deposit do so immediately.
 
To set up direct deposit, please complete the attached direct deposit form and return it to the Business Office in Building E, room 108. The completed form must be submitted by March 24 to ensure that your automatic deposit is available to you on March 31.
 
From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on March 31, paychecks and paystubs will be available for pickup at the Cashier's Office in Building B, room 117. After 12 p.m., all documents will be mailed out. For this reason, it is important that your mailing address on file is correct and/or updated as soon as possible. Updates to your mailing address must be received by March 24 to ensure that your paycheck or paystub is mailed out to you correctly. 
 
The college also is looking into emailing paystubs and paychecks in the future. If you have questions about this change, please email David Techaira at dtechair@hartnell.edu.
 
 
Non-Essential Employee Travel is Discontinued 
 
Because of statewide and nationwide restrictions on public gatherings, the college assumes that all upcoming conferences are already cancelled. Effective immediately, all non-essential employee travel outside of the Hartnell Community College District or the remainder of Monterey County is prohibited at least through the end of the 2020 calendar year, Dec. 31. 
 
 
Library/Learning Resource Center and Panther Learning Labs are Moving Online 
 
Neither the Hartnell Library & Learning Resource Center nor Panther Learning Labs are providing services to students this week, during Spring Break.
 
When the Spring 2020 semester resumes on March 23, both the library and Panther Learning Labs will switch to online and/or telephone services in order to maintain social distancing. Further information will be provided later this week about those methods of service delivery, both through campus-wide email and on the library and Panther Learning Labs websites.
 
Library staffing will continue, but the library will not be open to patrons, including members of the public, until further notice. Students and other library users may return books through an exterior depository located to the right of the main entry doors.
 
 
Thank you again to all for your attention and your concern. Your health and safety remains Hartnell's highest priority.
 
Sincerely,
 

Patricia C. Hsieh, Ed.D.

Superintendent/President | Office of the Superintendent/President

Dear Hartnell College employees,
 
To ensure widespread awareness, I am sharing information about current cleaning and sanitization practices for Hartnell College facilities under the circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic.
 
As demanded by a threat to public health from communicable illness, Hartnell has examined its cleaning regimen and consulted best-practice recommendations. We have begun taking additional steps to make our campuses as clean and safe as possible, within the limits of staffing and other resources.
 
Since March 9, following concern over the case of a possibly infected student (since ruled out through testing), Hartnell custodial staff have been directed to follow these revised cleaning guidelines:
  • Nightly, disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as computer keyboards, tables, desktops, chairs and door handles in both instructional and non-instructional areas.
  • Every other night, clean and disinfect hard-surface floors.
  • Nightly, clean and disinfect restroom floors.
  • Nightly, empty wastebaskets.
Also, facilities staff:
  • Provide hand-sanitizer dispensers at entrances to campus buildings on a priority basis, as supplies are available.
  • Provide paper towels and a spray bottle containing a sanitizing solution of bleach and water in all classrooms and additional campus areas. This is in place of sanitizing wipes, which are currently unavailable for purchase because of a worldwide shortage.
Although hand sanitizer is also hard to find, the college has procured an additional supply of sanitizer gel and dispenser stands. These will be placed in more building entrances as soon as they arrive, late this coming week or early the following week.
 
All of these cleaning practices will continue until further notice.
 
 
In addition, the college has:
  • Repeatedly reminded members of the entire college community not to come onto Hartnell campuses if they are ill, through email and via the college's coronavirus webpages.
We will continually review and reassess our practices and follow guidelines and recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease and Control, the California Department of Public Health and other agencies.
 
With all respect,
 
Linda Wilczewski
Vice-President of Administrative Services

Dear Colleagues:

Regarding  COVID-19 and the District's response,  we continue to work with the local health officials, and to monitor local, state, and federal guidelines pertaining to the virus. We are taking appropriate and necessary steps to protect our staff and students in accordance with these guidelines.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

  • The District is not aware of any COVID-19 positive tests for District employees or students. 
  • The District has established the following website to keep employees, students, and our community updated: https://www.hartnell.edu/about/safety/emergency/coronavirus.html
  • Spring Break is from March 16 through March 22, 2020 and the campus is scheduled to remain open at this time. Accordingly, employees who are not on vacation or other leave are expected to attend work. Employees who are ill should stay home.
  • The District has implemented updated cleaning protocols to address COVID-19 related challenges, including more frequent disinfecting of high-touch areas and additional strategic placement of hand sanitizers and supplies for employee access and use.  
  • The District will implement enhanced social distancing protocols, tailored to particular work sites and situations. 

If there are changes, the District will notify the Unions and all employees. Employees who have questions or concerns, are encouraged to contact their supervisor or Human Resources at extension 6103, in addition to their representatives.

Working together we will find our way through this and protect each other and all that is important to us.

--

Lyle Engeldinger

Interim Vice President of Human Resources and EEO

Dear Hartnell College Faculty,
 

Hartnell College is preparing to make a college-wide announcement later today of several steps being taken in response to coronavirus COVID-19, both to minimize the risk to our students, employees and visitors and in support of society-wide efforts to inhibit the transmission of the virus from person to person. One of these steps is a move to online course delivery starting March 23 through at least April 5.

The Chancellor’s Office will be activating our emergency authorization to move all courses online, except for a small number of STEM and nursing courses.  Deans will work with faculty for necessary alternate arrangements. Student services, including counseling, will be provided to the best of our ability through online formats.  Training for faculty is available at https://www.hartnell.edu/pdc/canvas/onlinetraining.html where we have posted a quick-start guide for online formats.  The Professional Development Center in the Main Campus Library will assist faculty from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  

With the exception of specific classes for which online instruction is not practical, as determined in consultation with your area dean, all face-to-face Hartnell College courses will be delivered in an online format, to the extent possible, and continue in this alternate mode of delivery through at least April 5. Instructors are responsible for contacting students and directing them how to participate fully through online instruction. Updates will be shared via campus-wide email and posted at: https://www.hartnell.edu/about/safety/emergency/coronavirus.html

Thank you for your continuing commitment to our students during this challenging situation. 

Kindly, 

CATHRYN WILKINSON, PH.D.

Vice President| Academic Affairs

Dear Hartnell College students,

As we continue to assess and respond to the evolving public health threat from coronavirus COVID-19, Hartnell College is preparing several immediate steps – both to minimize the risk to our students, employees and visitors and in support of society-wide efforts to inhibit the transmission of the virus from person to person. 

We would like to alert all students to continue to check your official Hartnell email accounts and follow updates on the coronavirus webpage for Hartnell College Plans are being developed to move more instruction online, and we will keep you informed. Your instructors will be asked to reach out to you with specific information for your courses.  

Coronavirus COVID-19 is an unprecedented public health event for our state, nation and the entire world. We continue to put students first and will use all available resources to support student learning and student success.

Sincerely,

Patricia Hsieh

Patricia C. Hsieh, Ed.D.

Superintendent/President | Office of the Superintendent/President

This message is to describe the preparations our district has made and faculty roles in the event that as many classes as possible will be moved into an online education platform. The determination to move classes online will be made by the Superintendent/President on the recommendation of the Monterey County Department of Health and Chancellor’s Office advisories.

Click here for more information.

 

Dear Hartnell College Community, 

As we all work together amid widening concern about the coronavirus COVID-19, I want to share information I provided Tuesday evening, March 10, to the Hartnell Community College District Board of Trustees. I gave the board an overview of our efforts we are making in all areas of our college to ensure the health and safety of our students, employees and visitors.

Hartnell continues to follow recommendations from the Chancellor's Office of the California Community Colleges system and the California Department of Public Health. One of their recommended steps is for us to work closely with local health officials. We remain in close and regular contact with the Monterey County Health Department, which continues to report that there has been no confirmed case COVID-19 in our county. As we communicated via campus-wide email Monday night, March 9, this includes the instance of a Hartnell student who became ill but tested negative for the coronavirus.

Following an emergency meeting of Hartnell's Executive Cabinet on Monday morning, cabinet members are following through on these major action items with regard to COVID-19:

  • The college is reviewing and updating its Emergency Operations Plan. 
  • Per the state Chancellor's guidance, if circumstances require, we are preparing to switch to distance delivery of nearly all courses on a temporary basis. This is doable, but it also presents challenges we must plan for and overcome. I appreciate the communication and support of  the Academic Senate, Hartnell College Faculty Association and the CSEA, as well as the teamwork and leadership of cabinet members, during this challenging time for us all.
  • For student services and staff meetings, Hartnell provides online counseling and ConferZoom, which individuals can use to meet remotely. 

The following are the specific tasks that cabinet members are leading to complete:

  1. Academic Affairs andInformation Technology Resources: Requesting that the state Chancellor's Office approve an Emergency Blanket Distance Education Addendum and implementing a training plan for those faculty who have never used Canvas and other online tools for teaching basics such as class assignments, communications, grading, etc. Dr. Cathryn Wilkinson, vice president of academic affairs, will provide more detailed information to faculty about ongoing preparations for a possible transition to online learning later today, March 12.
  1. Student Affairs: Training more counselors in the use of the online counseling tool known as Cranium Cafe and providing remote student services in TRiO, EOPS, DSPS, etc.
  1. Administrative Services: Focusing on completing payroll/check runs remotely (including financial aid) and implementing an enhanced regimen for cleaning campus facilities, including disinfecting floors and high-touch surfaces, etc.
  1. Human Resources: Preparing communication to employees, including updated information for employees, such as how to stay healthy and advisories for sick employees not to come to work, etc.
  1. Information Technology Resources: Providing virtual desktops, faculty/staff support, Chromebooks, and training for faculty/staff on Canvas and Zoom.
  1. Hartnell College Foundation: Reviewing planned campus events to ensure that all participants are aware of health precautions and, as needed, postponing or modifying events.
  1. Communications and Marketing: Developing communication plans for various possible scenarios, including a possible move to primarily online learning. A COVID-19 website has been created and continually updated to share the useful, timely information with the college community and general public.

 

There are many things for all of us to do and many details involved, but what's important is that our college has developed a preliminary plan and is taking immediate steps to protect the health and safety of all, both on our campuses and in the greater community. This will remain the Hartnell Community College District's highest priority.

Thank you,

Patricia Hsieh

Patricia C. Hsieh, Ed.D.

Superintendent/President | Office of the Superintendent/President

County Health Department Tells College: No Current Coronavirus Cases, None Pending

(click here for Press Release)

Dear Hartnell College Community,

This message is an additional follow-up to the Campus Safety Message sent on the morning of March 8, 2020.
 
The Monterey County Health Department this afternoon, March 9, informed Hartnell College that it has received no positive test results for the coronavirus (COVID-19) and is not anticipating any such results at the current time. This means there are no known cases of the virus in Monterey County and no suspected cases, according to county health officials.
 
Despite this encouraging news, all of us should continue to take every precaution to protect ourselves, our families and the entire Hartnell College Community from the spread of sickness, whether the cold, influenza (the flu) or other illnesses.
 
For the well-being of all, please do not come to campus if you are sick. The safety and health of Hartnell students and employees are always the top priority for our college.
 
Precautions
 
Following these common-sense steps will minimize the risk of contracting all respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, and promote respiratory health:
  • If you are ill, take steps to limit exposure to others. Stay home from work or school until the sickness has cleared and there is no longer a chance of exposing others.
  • Get sufficient sleep, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids and eat a nutritious diet.
  • Keep your hands clean, washing them frequently with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Do not share cups, straws or anything else you put in your mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve. Try to use a tissue, trash immediately.
  • Get a flu shot – it’s not too late – available at most pharmacies.
Earlier today, the college today posted information about the COVID-19 coronavirus and general recommendations for respiratory health on its website, including a page with answers to Frequently Asked Questions for students and employees. We will continue to use these pages to provide the best information available.
 
Please share any questions with me at (831) 770-7013 or by email to dscott@hartnell.edu.

Thank you for your attention to this situation.
 
Sincerely,

Daniel Scott


Daniel Scott, M.A., 
CEM®, NEMEA.

Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management

Good Morning,
 
I would like to take a moment to assure you all that we here at Hartnell Starbucks are taking every precaution possible to ensure clean and safe interactions for both our staff and our guests. 
As always, Starbucks adheres to strict regulations on health and safety. In light of the cold and flu season and in addition to the potential COVID-19 case here on campus, we have increased our cleaning and sanitizing procedures.
 
As stated by Rossann Williams, Starbucks evp and president, U.S. company-operated business and Canada, " First and foremost, the health and well-being of our partners (employees) and customers remains top of mind and our highest priority, and we will continue to act thoughtfully and courageously despite the disruption and uncertainty COVID-19 brings to our daily lives. As part of communities worldwide, we are navigating this situation with nimbleness, learning and adapting as new information is made available. Our focus remains on two key priorities: Caring for the health and well-being of our partners and customers and playing a constructive role in supporting local health officials and government leaders as they work to contain the virus." [CDC Link]
 
Here at Hartnell Starbucks we have:
  • Temporarily stopped accepting personal cups
  • Temporarily stopped food/bev. sampling
  • Cleared off the condiment bar and are keeping all single use items as well as condiments behind the counter. If an item is requested and used by a customer we immediately sanitize that item
  • Set hand wash timers to ensure everyone's hands are being washed frequently
We will continue to:
  • Use gloves or tongs to handle any food items
  • Sanitize credit card machines, touch screens, and pens regularly
  • Sanitize all tables and surfaces in our cafe area
  • Follow our smallwares sanitation routine (we always have timers set for this)
  • Change our sanitizing solution and cleaning towels frequently (we always have timers set for this)
  • Put our customer's and staff's safety first
  • Remain vigilant and on the lookout for areas that can impact the health and safety of our customers and staff
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at any time. Thank you for your continued support of our Hartnell owned Starbucks!

 
--

Lea Miller

Food Services Supervisor | Starbucks Manager

Thank you to all who have shared questions and comments in response to this morning's Campus Safety Message concerning the testing of a Hartnell College student for the coronavirus, with test results still pending.
 
In addition to providing this information and reminding members of our community to follow recommended health precautions, the college also has undertaken preliminary preventive measures to minimize any potential health threat. 
 
As we await further information regarding our student, we continue to follow recommendations issued by the Chancellor's Office of the California Community Colleges system and the California Department of Public Health, in particular this March 7 memo titled "Higher Education Guidance on Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19". You may also find additional helpful information on this coronavirus page from the federal Centers Disease Control website.
 
The health and safety of Hartnell students, employees and visitors remain our highest priority. We will continue to share timely updates as they become available.
 
Sincerely,
 
Daniel Scott
 
--

Daniel Scott, M.A., CEM®, NEMEA.

Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management

This safety message is intended to inform the Hartnell College Community of a potential case of Coronavirus COVID-19 in a Hartnell student. Our college has learned that one of our students has become ill and is being tested for this coronavirus. Results of that testing are still pending.

For this reason, and also because this is cold and flu season, we urge all members of our college community to continue taking precautionary steps to protect yourselves, your families and others from the spread of contagious illness:

Precautions: Steps to minimize the risk of contracting influenza or the coronavirus are the same as those recommended to prevent the spread of all respiratory illnesses – and for general good health:

  • Get sufficient sleep, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious.
  • Keep your hands clean, wash them frequently with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Do not share cups, straws or anything else you put in your mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Get a flu shot – it’s not too late – available at most pharmacies
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve. Try to use a tissue, trash immediately.
  • If you are ill, you take steps to limit exposure to others.  This would include all the previous steps as well as staying home from work or school until the sickness has cleared and there is no longer a chance of exposing others.

The illness identified as a coronavirus developed in China and has spread to other countries, including the United States. Numerous cases have been confirmed in California, but so far none on the Central Coast. California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday declared a State of Emergency in response to the first documented death from the coronavirus in California. 

Coronavirus: Coronaviruses are common viruses in humans. The infectious virus that emerged these past months in China – commonly known as COVID-19 – is a new one, and doctors and researchers are working to better understand its contagiousness and severity.

Influenza (FLU):  It is important to note that it is just as important that we take steps in preventing the spread of the common cold and Flu as well. 

Travel advisory: The presumption is that any school, unit or individual that had been planning academic or other travel to China has cancelled those plans, and the cancellation will remain in place until the guidance changes. 

Scheduled events: Large gatherings are being cautioned against and many planned events throughout the county are being canceled or postponed.  It is recommended that if attending a large event, that one practice social distancing.

Thank you for your attention to this situation. We will continue to provide appropriate additional information to our college community as it becomes available. The safety and health of Hartnell students and employees are always the top priority for our college.

Sincerely,

Daniel Scott

Daniel Scott, M.A., CEM®, NEMEA.

Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management