Central Coast community colleges moving lecture classes online for summer term

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Two community colleges are now planning to take summer lecture courses online.

Both Cuesta College and Allan Hancock College made the decision after the shelter at home order was extended.

Cuesta College starts their summer term in mid June. Their term will last six to eight weeks depending on the course.

They are still deciding how they will move forward with their spring commencement ceremony.

Likewise, Alan Hancock classes will be online starting in mid June.

Both colleges say one of the biggest challenges is holding lab classes.

"We're going to continue with the plan that we will offer those face to face, assuming that we can maintain proper social distancing and hygiene in the classroom," said Jason Curtis, PhD, Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Cuesta College.

Allan Hancock is hoping to go virtual.

"We're hoping to be able to offer lab classes for many of those students getting their final biology and chemistry classes in," said Kevin Walthers, PhD, Superintendent and President of Allan Hancock College. "It's going to be really important."

They said that there are challenges for students learning from home, particularly those who have families or siblings.

For others, home technology can be a barrier, but the colleges are working closely with students to provide them resources, including technology help, financial aid and food.

On the whole though, students and staff are adapting well to the new format.