March 27, 2020

Watch Video: Tips on Taking Classes Remotely, Plus New Counseling Webpage & Remote Socializing!

Summary:

  • Watch a short video of three SMC Online students sharing tips on what helped them succeed and stay on track when taking classes from home.
  • SMC’s counselors are now just one click away: find the counselor you need. Plus, almost all the student success & transfer workshops scheduled for Spring 2020 are now on remotely!
  • It can be isolating and difficult to be stuck at home, and having to keep distance from those you care about. Read on for tips on how to socialize and stay connected (and most importantly, call the free 24/7 emotional support line 1-800-691-6003 if you are lonely/anxious).

“SMC is ultimately here to help you, so if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it.”
--Daniel Cha, SMC Student/Associated Students President

Friday, March 27, 2020

Dear SMC Student:

It’s almost the weekend. Now that we are all mostly stuck at home (and physical/social distancing)—for a little while—that might not get you as excited. We at Santa Monica College know this is a difficult, probably lonely, time. This is why SMC is doing everything possible to be there for you, even from a distance. This weekend’s digest gives you a short video featuring three SMC Online students who have great tips for you. Plus, there’s information on connecting with your SMC counselors, a full schedule of workshops, and tips on how to stay connected/socialize remotely.

Watch and read on!

Tips from SMC Online Students

SMC classes and student support services are available remotely through June 16, 2020, to keep you safe during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis. Watch as Jaime Kalenik, Ivan Borzenko, and Daniel Cha talk about what helped them succeed and stay on track when they took classes remotely.

Tips for Taking SMC Classes from Home

SMC Counselors *Now* Just One Click Away + Tons of Student Success & Transfer Workshops

A brand-new SMC Counseling webpage has been launched to make things easy for you. SMC counselors are now just one click away, and the site has been designed so that you can easily get to the counselor you need! Your counselor is waiting to answer your questions and to help you get through this time: How to Connect with a Counselor

Here’s one more piece of good news: SMC counselors have been super busy making sure the Spring 2020 student success and transfer workshops you’d typically attend on campus, are still available to you from home. Now almost all of them are available remotely! (the workshops cover topics such as transferring to universities, career planning, doing research remotely, choosing a major, and so much more!

Stay Social. . .Even if You’re Stuck at Home

We miss seeing you on campus!

You are also probably missing your SMC instructors, counselors, friends & classmates. But just because you’re stuck at home—and keeping your distance from others—doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Here are a few tips:

  • First, and most importantly: if you’re feeling lonely and anxious, call the free 24/7 emotional support line for SMC students: 1-800-691-6003.

  • Keep hanging out with friends! Schedule a video-chat or a catchup time via Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, whatever. Maybe even schedule a lunch or dinner “video date” with a friend/classmate/loved one. You can eat and chat together—while it is no substitute for the real thing, it’s better than nothing.

  • Reach out to friends—and SMC. Texting is generally great and useful, but phone calls and video chatting are known to promote deeper connections. It’s easier to open up when you can see someone or hear their voice. If you have friends/loved ones you haven’t talked to in a while, reach out—this is a good time. And if you can’t video chat or FaceTime, send frequent, short text messages. Use all kinds of media—including social media—to stay in touch.

And finally, remember this: if you don’t have people in your life you can reach out to, SMC is here for you. Use the 24/7 emotional support line, reach out to your SMC instructor or counselor. We will help you get through this!

Take care of yourself—

From all of us at Santa Monica College.