From the Interim President

Additional Information on Coronavirus Response Planning and Class Format Transitions 

March 11, 2020

Dear Colleagues,

I want to thank you for your patience during the rapidly evolving situation with coronavirus planning. As you know from Judy’s email, the colleges are moving most face-to-face classes to alternate formats, including online, beginning next Monday, March 16. Immediately upon Judy sending her message to faculty and staff, we texted and emailed De Anza College students this information, which is also prominently featured on banners across the entire website and on all social media platforms.

We are approaching this transition with deliberate care, as faculty – with the support of administrators and classified professionals, such as those in the Online Education Center -- determine the best formats for individual classes and programs. The campus will remain open to provide most student services and certain classes -- such as labs, studio arts and physical activities -- that cannot be taught remotely. We will continue with additional cleaning measures to help protect those remaining on campus.

We do understand that this transition will have a variety of impacts on students, as well as on our faculty and classified professional staff.

  • As always, it is up to faculty members to decide how best to deliver instruction. Most faculty members are already trained in the online Canvas platform, and we are providing extensive guidance and multiple opportunities for training in using Canvas and other ways to deliver instruction remotely. You can find information about these training opportunities on the Online Education website at deanza.edu/online-ed
  • We know that many students depend on services that are provided on campus, including the Food Pantry and other resources. We will continue to provide essential services on campus or, as needed, through alternative arrangements.
  • Students may also be concerned about whether they will be able to take finals and receive their course grades and credits. Please reassure them that this will happen, even if the format for most classes is changing.
  • Finally, many classified professionals and faculty members may be wondering how your duties may be affected. Please remember that while face-to-face classes are being transitioned, the campus remains open in order to serve our students. We will continue to be flexible whenever possible with those who have special circumstances. You’ll find answers to many of your questions in the March 10 email from Vice Chancellor Dorene Novotny, and we will provide additional guidance, as needed. In the meantime, please direct any questions or concerns to your supervisor.

We will continue to post the most current information, including messages the college has sent to students, on our website at deanza.edu/heathservices/coronavirus. If any change in college operations becomes necessary, we will notify students and employees via email, the website and other channels.

Thank you again for your patience, professionalism, and care for our students.

Kindly,

Christina 

Christina G. Espinosa-Pieb
(Pronouns: She/Her/Hers/Herself/Ella)
Interim President

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