Emeritus FAQ

How are Emeritus in-person classes going online?

Instructors will directly contact students before their first remote learning period with instructions on what to do and how to log into their remote learning tool. Many are using Zoom for online meetings, which is why we have include Zoom access guides below.

Emeritus Classes Moving to Remote Instruction

This Class List - Move to Remote Instruction spreadsheet shows how Emeritus classes are moving to remote instruction, when, and with what modality.

Classes meet according to the scheduled day/time and the notation below shows only what week the class will resume in an online fashion.
The instructor can change the technology they’re using, use a new system, and more. It’s subject to change.

Instructions on How to Use Zoom

Have Emeritus in-person classes and on-campus events been canceled in response to COVID-19?

Yes. In keeping with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding older adults being at high risk from COVID-19, Santa Monica College has temporarily suspended all classes at SMC Emeritus. Classes are being converted to temporary remote instruction, wherever possible. If the instructor of a class feels that the course material may not be easily converted to a remote learning environment, the class might, in that case, be cancelled. Individual faculty are responsible for determining how the class may be taught in a remote learning environment, and which environment/technology mode will work best. This change will last for the duration of Spring semester or until further notice, unless there is a substantive positive update from Public Health authorities with regards to COVID-19. All in-person events that had been scheduled are also suspended for the Spring semester until further notice. If possible, and if the situation improves, events may be rescheduled.

If there are any changes, the SMC Emeritus community will be notified immediately. We highly recommend that you stay updated by reviewing this webpage dedicated to COVID-19 information and updates (smc.edu/coronavirus); also follow SMC on Twitter: @SMC_edu. The Emeritus program staff will communicate through available means, generally the robocall system, and email as appropriate. If you are currently registered for classes and still did not get a robocall on March 10, 2020, call (855) 502-7867, then press 2 when following the prompt.

How will I know how to take my Emeritus class online?

There is a list available on the Emeritus webpage, www.smc.edu/emeritus. Click on "Remote Classes Spring 2020". This list will show you approximately what week your classes will start meeting again, but in a remote learning and teaching environment. Each instructor will directly send instructions to the students in their class about how to access the system they have chosen to use. Many faculty may be using Zoom, an online videoconferencing system, but ultimately, the mode of temporary remote instruction is up to each instructor.

I have plans to travel coming up. Should I?

The CDC currently recommends that older adults "avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships.

Based on the current guidance of the CDC, SMC has cancelled the international study abroad trips scheduled for Spring 2020. Moving forward, SMC reserves the right to cancel future trips if they are warranted. The college is temporarily suspending international travel until the situation improves. Should there be any changes to your particular program, the college will notify you directly, and work closely to find a suitable alternative for your studies and travels.

I'm feeling sick. What should I do?

Emeritus students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 as detailed by the CDC and Public Health should self-isolate and call their healthcare provider or Student Health Services 310-434-4262 immediately. It is important that you let SMC know so that we can work hand-in-hand with public health authorities in case of a suspected transmission affecting our population. Please note, again, that per the CDC and Public Health authorities, older adults are at higher risk for COVID-19. Watch this video from the CDC: "COVID-19: What Older Adults Need to Know."

What should I do if a member of my household is showing flu-like symptoms after recently traveling abroad?

SMC encourages everyone to protect themselves from illness, such as the cold, flu, and COVID-19 by following the recommended actions:

Get a flu shot.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a bent elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

In addition, all older adults, and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, should follow extra precautions as recommended by the CDC.

Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.
Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships.

These recommendations are accurate as of 3/12/2020, but you can visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html for up-to-date recommendations.