Registration is now open for fall semester classes starting Aug. 17 at Grossmont and
Cuyamaca colleges, where a range of support from technology to basic needs is available
to students for mostly online classes because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 95% of the courses offered at the two colleges will be online. Many faculty
have spent the summer learning ways to make online classes engaging and accessible.
The in-person, socially distanced classes on campus will consist of science labs,
allied health classes and career education classes that don’t lend themselves to online
instruction.
At only $46 a unit for California residents, classes are affordable and financial
aid is available to those who qualify. First-time college students planning to attend
full time are eligible for free tuition through the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College promise.
More details are available at mycollegepromise.net.
Lynn Neault, chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, said
Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges offer an excellent option for high school graduates
who don’t want to pay high fees to attend an online university this fall.
“As leaders in transfer to San Diego State University and many other four-year institutions
throughout the state and nation, Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges have robust transfer
programs that provide a seamless pathway to a bachelor’s degree,” Neault said. “In
fact, more than half of CSU graduates and 30% of UC graduates began their studies
at a community college.”
With research showing the pandemic has hit community college students particularly
hard because of income and accessibility challenges, both colleges have adopted policies
ensuring students receive support for basic needs.
Both Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges are accepting student applications for emergency grants funded by the $5
million the campuses collectively received from federal funding through the Coronavirus
Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, along with grants from the Foundation
for Grossmont & Cuyamaca Colleges, and other program and college funding.
Cuyamaca College distributed laptops over the summer packaged with free hotspots and
wireless service agreements for internet access to more than 100 low-income students,
including former foster youth, those with disabilities, students of color and others
receiving state assistance. Additional laptops will be distributed to students at
both colleges this fall.
Besides addressing technology and basic needs, the colleges are adopting new ways
to provide student services remotely, ensuring public health concerns remain a priority
during the COVID-19 crisis.
Cuyamaca College is providing virtual student success workshops and has implemented
e-advising and an online appointment system to improve access. Similarly, Grossmont College is adapting existing student services
to an online environment by launching hourlong e-counseling appointments for students.
Further, both Grossmont College and Cuyamaca College launched a financial aid chatbot, which can answer basic financial aid questions
at all hours in English or Spanish.
The fall semester also introduces exciting new learning opportunities.
At Grossmont College, the Computer Science Information Systems department has two new offerings: programs in the growing fields of data science
and cybersecurity. Students can earn a certificate in data science or a certificate
or degree in cybersecurity.
At Cuyamaca College, a two-unit class – Bus. 113: Gig Economy: The New Entrepreneurial
Path – provides information on mixing together short-term jobs, contract work, and
freelance assignments in disciplines where gigging is common: music, ornamental horticulture,
automotive, graphic design and business. The class will touch on freelancing, entrepreneurship,
business and legal aspects, and tech developments, with emphasis on employment and
entrepreneurial opportunities.
Cuyamaca College is also offering a new certificate of specialization in CADD and
Manufacturing Technology that prepares students for entry-level jobs in the metal-work
industry and covers engineering graphics, 3D solid modeling, the technology of machine
tools, and advanced CADD/manufacturing. Students learn to use computer-assisting drafting
to design objects which then can be produced using 3-D printers.
To meet workforce needs in water and wastewater technology, Cuyamaca College and National
University are offering a seamless pathway for students completing their transfer
associate degree in WaterWorks Management at Cuyamaca College to transfer into the
university’s Public Administration baccalaureate degree program.
For information on applying and registering for classes at both colleges, go to gcccd.edu/now.