The Chancellor of California Community Colleges, Eloy Oakley, held a student media teleconference, on May 12, to provide an update on the future for community colleges during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The majority of colleges moved to online distant learning as the pandemic progressed. Chancellor Oakley wanted to explain to all faculty and students that his offices will continue to provide the support needed to continue online classes during this time. 

“We are telling our colleges to prepare to continue to expand their online instruction through the fall semester. While things are improving…, we expect there will be physical distancing protocols for the foreseeable future,” Oakley said.  

There was no permanent solution found for students who do not have access to internet in order to continue their studies, but the chancellor reassured that his team is in the process of searching for a solution. If campuses begin to open in the future, all colleges will be required to limit the number of students in each classroom as well as campus events.  

The California Community Colleges (CCCO) filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Education to stop “arbitrary eligibility restrictions” on relief funds for students who are veterans and DACA recipients. The lawsuit was filed Monday, May 11 against Education Secretary Betsy Devos according to CCCO. Although there was no further information about the suit, Oakley will continue to allow colleges to provide aid and safety to those students affected by these restrictions.  

“Our offices are working closely with our colleges, with immigration focused state holders, and with the California student aid commission to make sure that the resources that are available are in sync and shared with educators and students who will be impacted by the decisions,” Oakley said. 

If college’s enrollment rates were impacted due to there only being online classes, the chancellors offices will not be penalizing the colleges in any way. All funding that was previously provided, will be continued to be distributed throughout each campus. Students who were affected by the online transition will also not be penalized from receiving the financial aid needed to continue their studies. This goes for all students who are working on the front lines and can not finish their courses on time.