Closure and Class Suspension Nov. 14-25, 2018 - CSUCI Emergency Alert

These FAQs will be updated as other questions and answers are obtained.

El Cierre y Suspensión de Cursos, Noviembre 14-25, 2018 (FAQ Spanish translation)

Last updated: Nov. 26, 2018, 5 p.m.

CSUCI formally declared a state of emergency with the State of California and US Department of Education. Per the system-wide protocol, such emergency declarations will be made when, in the President's opinion, the campus is affected or likely to be affected by a public calamity, disaster, or emergency. This provides access to additional resources and funding.

GENERAL
STUDENTS
FACULTY
STAFF

GENERAL

Is the campus open? [top]

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 14, which means all offices are closed and no events are being held today. Additionally, all classes including online courses, are suspended until Monday, Nov. 26.

However, the campus is safe and will be open Nov. 15-21 with all business offices and campus services available such as the Broome Library including the Writing & Multiliteracy Center and Learning Resource Center, Dining Hall, student health, Campus Recreation, and the Student Union.

How can I learn more about the Hill and Woolsey fires? [top]

Visit www.vcemergency.com for up-to-date information about the fires. You may also visit www.csuci.edu/news for additional campus updates.

Where can I find on-campus support for those affected by the Borderline Bar & Grill incident or the Hill and Woolsey fires? [top]

Students can contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or call 805-437-2088. Employees can contact the Employee Assistance Program through Human Resources. Additionally, EAP staff will be on campus Thursday, Nov. 15 through Tuesday, Nov. 20; EAP hours of availability will be posted on the Human Resources website.

How do I support campus community members who may have been affected by the wildfires? [top]

For those looking to support fire victims, the CSUCI Foundation has established the Ekho Your Heart Disaster Relief Fund, which will provide financial resources to our students, faculty and staff who were directly impacted.

How can I learn about community resources available within Ventura County for those affected by the Borderline Bar & Grill incident or the Hill and Woolsey fires? [top]

You can dial 2-1-1 from any telephone or text your zip code to 898211 to get connected to a specialist for personalized assistance or visit the 211 website for additional information.

I was supposed to attend an event/activity/appointment during the campus closure or while classes are suspended; are they still happening? [top]

I had an appointment or workshop scheduled with the Academic Advising Center. Should I still keep the appointment? *updated 11-15-18
Yes. The Academic Advising Center is open regular hours through Wednesday, Nov. 21. You can still meet with your Advisor as scheduled. If you cannot make it to campus, you can still meet online via Zoom. You can let your advisor know if you want this option. It is important to note, if you need to cancel your appointment altogether, please send an email to advisement@csuci.edu.

Are performances or other entertainment events still scheduled to take place?
No. Performances or other events have been cancelled through Sunday, Nov. 25. Please check the events website for details on when those events will or have been rescheduled.
Is Campus Preview Day scheduled for Nov. 17 still being held? *updated 11-15-18
No, Campus Preview Day scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 17 has been cancelled. Please visit Campus Preview Day website for future dates.
Are campus tours for future students and their families still available?
Yes, campus tours as noted on the campus tours website will continue as planned.

Will the fall 2019 admissions application deadline be extended? [top]*updated 11-26-2018

Currently, through the Cal State Apply website, all 23 CSU campuses are accepting applications for admission to the fall 2019 term. The priority application period has been extended to Dec. 15, 2018, and all students are encouraged to apply before the priority deadline. Please visit the Cal State Apply website for additional information.

STUDENTS

Are online classes still happening? [top]

No, all classes including online classes/courses are suspended until Nov. 26.

Will we have classes later into the semester because of the classes that were suspended? [top]

No, we will not be altering our academic schedule.

Will you adjust the registration period for the spring 2019 semester? [top]*updated 11-15-18

After considerable analysis, the current schedule is flexible enough to accommodate the campus closure and class suspension. No change will be made to the class registration process. If you would like additional assistance with planning your spring 2019 class schedule, you may contact Academic Advising at advisement@csuci.edu or 805-437-8571. For assistance with choosing courses in your major, please contact your faculty advisor.

What if I was impacted by the Borderline incident or the fires and was unable to complete course assignments prior to when classes were suspended by CSUCI? [top]

Students who were unable to attend classes or complete assignments or exams because of the impacts of the Borderline Bar & Grill incident or the Hill and Woolsey fires should communicate with their faculty on the first day of when classes resume on Nov. 26. Additional questions are answered in the Faculty section of these FAQs.

I’ve been displaced or otherwise may not be able to return and complete the semester. What do I do? [top]*updated 11-15-18

Start by communicating with your instructors. They may be able to make accommodations such as adjusting assignments and/or due dates. The goal is for you not to lose all the work you have put into this semester. However, if you cannot complete a course an Incomplete may be an option. Your instructor will determine whether an Incomplete is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

You may also request to withdraw from one or more classes for “serious and compelling” reasons. You will need to obtain instructor and program chair signatures on a Fall 2018 Drop Form, or Term Withdrawal form if dropping all classes. Electronic signatures are acceptable. The deadline for individual class drops for fall 2018 has been extended to Dec. 21, 2018. The following situations are examples of “serious and compelling” reasons per campus policy:

An extended absence due to a verifiable accident, illness, or personal problem serious enough to cause withdrawal from the University.
An extended absence due to a death in the immediate family. This applies to absences exceeding a week due to family affairs that must be attended to by the student.
A necessary change in the employment or financial status that interferes with the student’s ability to attend class. The student’s employer must verify a change relative to the withdrawal or documentation indicating a change in financial status must be provided.
Other unusual or very special cases, considered on their own merit.

For further guidance on your options this semester, contact Academic Advising at advisement@csuci.edu or call 805-437-8571. The Academic Advising Center is open regular hours through Wednesday, Nov. 21.

I’m a student employee, tutor or peer advisor – am I expected to work? [top]

The campus closure on Wednesday, Nov. 14 includes all student employees or peer advisors, and they do not need to report to work. Student employees or peer advisors should contact their supervisor regarding their work schedule for Nov. 15-21 and moving forward.

I'm a current, financial aid recipient and have questions about my financial aid status (course or full term withdrawal, verification documentation, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) or special circumstances). What should I do? [top]

Students should contact the Financial Aid & Scholarship office at financial.aid@csuci.edu or call 805-437-8530.

I lost my home in the fire and I don’t know when I can return to campus. What do I do? [top]

CSUCI offers emergency housing for students in Housing & Residential Education for up to 10 nights at no cost to students. The transitional period will allow you to work individually with the Coordinator of Basic Needs and CARE to seek alternative housing. For more information, email deanofstudents@csuci.edu or call 805-437-8512.

Please note, resources are limited and it is recommended that if you have lost your home to first seek out community resources as there may be more programs and resources available that the University does not have access to.

Additionally, Airbnb is offering free housing for displaced individuals from Nov. 8-28, 2018. For more information, visit: Airbnb Disaster Relief.

Will student housing (HRE) be open and will there be staff to assist residents? [top]

Yes, student housing (HRE) remains open and staff will continue to be on duty throughout the class suspension period, including Thanksgiving weekend. Resident students should contact their RA to confirm their plans: are you staying in the residence halls, or if you’re leaving, what day are you leaving and returning. The Housing & Residential Education (HRE) offices will be closed between Thursday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 25. However, there will be HRE staff coverage 24/7 during the holiday period, as well as availability of University Police.

For students staying in their residence hall over the break, where can they eat?
Islands Café dining will remain open between Nov. 14-21, according to their regular dining schedule.
How does the rent credit work for evacuation?
HRE has sent credit notification to Student Business Services and all credits have been posted to student accounts. Rent credits will either be refunded directly to the student or applied toward spring registration. The rent credit application method is determined by how the last payment was made on the student account. If you have any questions regarding the credit on your account or the pending refund, please feel free to contact Student Business Services at sbs@csuci.edu or call 805-437-8810.
Will a rent credit be provided to resident students while classes are suspended Nov. 14-25?
No, a credit will not be provided for this time period since all student residences remain open and accessible to students during this time period. A credit was provided during the campus evacuation on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, because we did not allow students to stay on campus.
Why are only some resident students receiving a meal plan credit while others are not?
The meal credits are loaded at the start of each semester and can be used at any time until the last day of meal service at Islands Café each semester; this fall, that date is Dec. 14, 2018. Thus, any meals a student might have eaten during the campus closure are still available to students to use upon their return and they haven’t “lost” any of their meal credits due to the closure. Students with the Premier 306 plan, however, can lose meal value in a closure because their plan provides for all 19 meals every week; thus, they are not able to use those meals at other times.

Is the Student Health Center open? [top]*updated 11-20-18

Yes, the Student Health Center will be open. The hours are as follows:

Wednesday, Nov. 14 and Thursday, Nov. 15: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 16: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 19 through Tuesday, Nov. 20: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 21: 9 a.m. to 12 noon

If you have a medical emergency while on campus, please call 911.

Is Campus Recreation open? [top]

Yes, Campus Recreation will be open:

Thursday, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 17 and Sunday, Nov. 18 from 12 p.m. to 5 pm.
Monday, Nov. 19 through Wednesday, Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Channel Islands Boating Center will also be open the following days/hours:

Wednesday, Nov. 14 through Friday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 17 through Sunday, Nov. 18 (closed)
Monday, Nov. 19 through Wednesday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Will the Dolphin Food Pantry be open? [top]

Yes, the Dolphin Pantry will be open:

Thursday, Nov. 15 through Wednesday, Nov. 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Pantry will be closed Nov. 22–23 and will reopen on Monday, Nov. 26 with their normal hours of Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where can I find counseling support? [top]

Students can contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 24/7 or call 805-437-2088 and press Option 2. Students are also encouraged to utilize the Text Help Line by texting “Start” or “Hello” to 741-741. Students may also contact the Dean of Students office at deanofstudents@csuci.edu or 805-437-8512 for additional assistance.

FACULTY

When do I return to work? [top]

All faculty should return to their normal schedule on Thursday, Nov. 15.

What does this mean for classes and coursework? [top]

We ask that you rely on principles of consistency and equity as you make each course-related decision, keeping in mind that some of our students are newly homeless or are experiencing trauma because of multiple incidents, which have affected the campus; others may lack access to computers, books and other necessary materials; and all are coping with the unexpected stress of these crises.

Can I continue to teach online courses during the closure or may I deliver course materials online? [top]

No. The emergency closure requires that course instruction be suspended from Wednesday, Nov. 14 through Sunday, Nov. 25.

Can I require students to submit or complete any work while classes are cancelled? [top]

No, all deadlines must be postponed until after classes resume. Due dates for assignments that were scheduled to be due during the closure must be extended until Monday, Nov. 26 at the earliest. No additional work may be assigned during campus closure including the Thanksgiving break. Please exercise flexibility and compassion in your expectations.

Can I reschedule or add additional classes once the campus is reopened? [top]

No, rescheduling classes outside of the regular schedule presents many challenges of logistics and fairness to those whose schedules cannot accommodate the additional meetings.

If I can’t make up classes, how should I decide what to focus on for the remainder of the semester? [top]

Please let your course learning outcomes guide this decision. Determine what is the most essential learning in the course that has not yet occurred and prioritize this material in the remaining class sessions. Please do not attempt to force all the remaining activities into the remainder of the semester. Increasing student workload in this way will be very burdensome, especially if done across multiple courses.

Can I meet with students at off-site locations? [top]

No, not if it’s course-related.

Can I stay in touch with my students during the suspension of classes? [top]

Of course. Course-related communication and general messages of support are encouraged.

I teach a course in a low-residency program that has concentrated instruction over a number of weekends. How can I make up for this significant loss of time? [top]

These programs will require special accommodations. Please work with your college dean to arrange alternative schedules or assignments on or after Nov. 26.

What about SRTs (Student Response to Teaching)? [top]

The SRT administration schedule is being adjusted to accommodate the closure. More information about this will be forthcoming.

Can I access and use my office while classes are suspended? [top]

Yes.

Can I completely cancel any exams or assignments due the week of Nov. 14-21? [top]

Yes, however, if the exam or assignment is part of an essential learning outcome for the course, it should be rescheduled or redesigned. If you do move the exam or assignment, be sure to reduce another part of the coursework to avoid burdening impacted students. Any such changes may require adjustments to how course grades are determined. In this circumstance, do your best to communicate any revisions to all of your students in writing, utilizing all possible communication channels.

May I use the final exam period for replaced instructional time? [top]

Yes.

Can I extend exam or assignment deadlines past the Dec. 14 end of the semester? [top]

No, the academic calendar remains intact. We will address related issues in forthcoming updates to the FAQs.

What support do students have while the campus is closed? How can I help? [top]*updated 11-26-18

Activities and support systems will be in place for students who remain on campus. Other information contained within these FAQs provide additional information for students and employees. We encourage you to reach out to students with messages of support and concern. A friendly word from their instructor can have a great impact on students facing an unexpected and stressful interruption in their semester. You may also find additional resources by visiting the CARE website or by following the links below.

What if a student has lost all their course materials? [top]

Faculty looking to make materials more available to students can contact the library, as library staff can place instructional materials on reserve so that all students have access.

When is an Incomplete appropriate? [top]

You should not grant Incompletes to your entire class for work missed during the campus closure or class suspension (Nov. 14-25). However, you may determine whether an Incomplete is appropriate for individual students, given their individual circumstances. Please refer to Senate Policy 3-18.

What is the process for a student to withdraw from an individual class in fall 2018? [top]*updated 11-15-18

Students may petition to withdraw from one or more classes for “serious and compelling” reasons. Please use your best judgment in determining whether recent events constitute such reasons.

I am faculty, will I be paid during the campus closure/class suspension? [top]

All regular employees (staff, students, faculty, and management) who were scheduled to work Wednesday, Nov. 14 will be paid their regular compensation. Employees with previously scheduled sick leave, vacation, personal holiday, or CTO will use appropriate leave credits for that time, unless in conflict with their collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

State Employees Called to Work During the Closure (Nov. 14):
All exempt employees called to work on Wednesday, Nov. 14 will be paid their normal monthly salary and are ineligible for overtime and/or emergency pay. However, represented exempt employees called to work will be allowed to take informal time off in an amount appropriate to the time worked on a date mutually determined by the employee and their manager.

Where can I find counseling support? [top]

Employees may utilize 24/7 counseling by visiting the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Human Resources. Additionally, EAP staff will be on campus Thursday, Nov. 15 through Tuesday, Nov. 20; EAP hours of availability will be posted on the Human Resources website.

STAFF

I’m staff, when do I return to work? [top]

Staff should report for work as usual starting Thursday, Nov. 15, unless otherwise communicated by your supervisor.

I lost my home in the fire and don’t know when I will return. What do I do? [top]

Employees who cannot return once campus reopens need to notify their supervisors and/or deans and contact Human Resources at HRServices@csuci.edu or 805-437-8490.

How can I pick up my employment paycheck or reimbursement? [top]

All checks for mid-month distribution will be available from your pay warrant officer on Thursday, Nov. 15 after 3 p.m.

How do I know if I’m considered “essential personnel”? [top]

Your supervisor will contact you if you are needed to work on Nov. 14. Personnel deemed “essential” may vary depending on campus needs. If you report to campus as essential personnel, you must sign in at your respective work location.

I am a staff employee. Will I be paid during the closure? [top]*updated 11-20-18

Non-exempt employees called to work on Wednesday, Nov. 14 may be eligible to be paid emergency pay for hours worked. Please refer to your applicable CBA.

State Employees Called to Work During the Closure (Nov. 14):

All non-exempt employees (including students) called to work on Wednesday, Nov. 14 will be paid emergency pay (time and one-half) for all hours worked. Employees with a provision in their CBA that provides for a higher rate of pay will be compensated with their CBA.

All exempt employees called to work on Wednesday, Nov. 14 will be paid their normal monthly salary and are ineligible for overtime and/or emergency pay. However, represented exempt employees called to work will be allowed to take informal time off in an amount appropriate to the time worked on a date mutually determined by the employee and their manager.

Where can I find counseling support? [top]