I will be addressing an issue of campus closures at American River College, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College and Sacramento City College.

In the midst of COVID-19, students are being impacted as Los Rios Community College District (LRCCD) campuses are shut down. Students are being forced to adjust to these campus closures by needing to find a comfortable environment, with reliable internet access, to complete coursework. 

The closure of LRCCD campuses has had serious implications on students. Some students do not have access to reliable internet access at home or an environment free of constant distractions or space constrictions. Some students have learning impairments which make distant learning increasingly challenging.

These campus closures are directly affecting students success. These campus closures are affecting community college students across the country as:

1. Fall 2020 college enrollments have decreased.

2. Students are facing increased unemployment rates and/or homelessness.

3. Students don’t have the resources needed to complete coursework in a productive environment.  

Recently, Sacramento State University turned one of its parking garages into a drive-in, Wi-Fi hot spot and study hall for students who need access to an internet connection or a place to study. Other universities throughout California have also begun offering drive-in style study halls for students which have proven beneficial for students facing hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We would like to ask the Los Rios Community College District Chancellor Brian King and Board of Trustees for the following:

1. Turn campus parking spaces into drive-in style, wi-fi hotspots/study halls. This would allow students to be on campus in a socially distant manner and be able to complete their coursework from the comfort of their own personal vehicles.

2. Reopen study spaces such as libraries with social distancing protocols in place. This would allow students to have sufficient access to internet and a safe-controlled environment to complete assignments.

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