CCA Summer COVID-19 Grant funds available for eligible students for summer semester. Apply for the grant.
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Coronavirus Information

KEY INFORMATION

Summer Classes/Summer Registration:

Summer classes will be conducted in a remote/online format. Summer registration is open. Summer classes begin June 1.

The Remainder of the Spring Semester:

Beginning March 30 and for the duration of the semester, classes and exams will be conducted remotely, wherever possible.

Building Access:

There is no building access at CCA for students or employees until further notice.

Commencement:

CCA has made the decision to cancel the May graduation ceremony. We are still considering alternative ways to acknowledge and celebrate students in light of this very disappointing development. More information will be released once an alternative is finalized.

Campus Events:

All non-academic events have been canceled for the rest of the spring semester.

Travel:

Please adhere to established Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) guidelines while the COVID-19 virus is active. You can visit the CDC and CDPHE websites to keep up to date on travel advisories.

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

April 27, 2020: Apply for COVID-19 Grant for Summer Semester

From: President Betsy Oudenhoven

Dear CCA students,

As you are probably aware, summer classes at CCA will be offered in an online/remote format. Unfortunately, online classes are charged a higher tuition across the Colorado Community College System ($115 more per credit hour), and CCA does not have the ability to charge a lower rate. I know some of you may have concerns about the higher cost of online classes and we want to do everything we can to assist you financially and help you stay on your educational path.

I am happy to let you know that CCA has secured grant funding through the U.S. Department of Education to help eligible students cover the cost difference between online and in-person classes. Eligible students can receive a $115 per-credit-hour grant for a maximum of 6 credit hours for summer classes taken at CCA. You can choose to receive this money in one of two ways: 1) a direct cash payment to you through the BankMobile refund system or 2) a tuition payment that is applied to your account for summer 2020.

Review the eligibility requirements and apply for a grant.

Apply for COVID-19 Grant

You may also be eligible to receive a summer Pell Grant. Please email FinancialAid@CCAurora.edu or call 303-360-4709 to speak with one of our financial aid advisors and see if you qualify.

Additionally, over $500,000 in scholarship money is available through the CCA Foundation. The deadline to apply for those scholarships is May 31.

I also wanted to let you know that while some metro-area colleges have decided to offer a hybrid model for the summer semester — starting online and switching to in-person later in the term — we felt this could create more confusion for you, your families, and your instructors at a time when you most need certainty about your courses and flexibility in your lives. Our decision to stay online for the summer is intended to provide you a clear and sustainable path forward.

We know this isn’t an easy time for anyone. Please know that we want to help you in any way we can.

Sincerely,

Betsy Oudenhoven

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April 16, 2020: More Information on Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grade Options

From: Angela Marquez, CCA Vice President of Student Affairs

Dear CCA students,

Many of you are having discussions now with your advisor and/or your faculty member on the option of receiving the Satisfactory (S) and the Unsatisfactory (U) notation option for one of more of your spring 2020 semester courses.

Please note: The S/U notation is a grade replacement option due to the challenges that you may be facing due to COVID-19 and the abrupt moving of classes in progress to online format for the rest of the Spring 2020 semester.

  • The “S” or Satisfactory notation takes the place of and is the equivalent to the Grades of A, B or C
  • The “U” or Unsatisfactory notation takes the place of and is the equivalent to the Grades of D and F

As of right now, you can start exploring the option of receiving a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) notation instead of a grade.

EXPLORING means: Meet with your advisor to determine if this notation is appropriate to your individual circumstance. If you ultimately earn the grade that you and your advisor agreed would make an S or U grade appropriate, you will need to complete the form, the advisor will approve the form indicating they met with you and agree to the S or U grade.  Please make sure you submit the online form by deadline date – May 26th

REMEMBER: The S/U notation replaces the grade. This means that you still need to complete all your coursework for the semester. Your faculty member needs to grade your work and give you a final grade for the work you have completed.

Important factors to consider in your decision:

  • Degree/certificate areas – certain programs or classes require a grade higher than C to graduate or move into the next class.  An S will be treated as a C or higher, if your program or course needs a B, do not select an S grade.
  • Transfer – there are degree areas/colleges that allow the transfer in of an “S” and they give you the credit hours towards the amount of credits you transfer in but because they want a grade, they may require you to take the course over for a grade with them. It’s a small list but definitely is something that you will need to check on with your advisor.
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress and/or Credit Completion rates for Financial Aid purposes
  • Term and Graduation Honors 

FINAL Grade: Once your form is signed and turned in and your course grade is finalized, then the Registrar will change your grade to the appropriate “S” or “U” dependent on the grade you earned. The S or U will be placed on your transcript and will not be counted in your Grade Point Average.

Your transcript will also have a note on it that indicates the S/U is an option selected as a result of COVID. It will say:

  • For an “S” grade: S Grade COVID = C or Better
  • For a ”U” Grade: U Grade COVID = Below C

OTHER OPTIONS: If you are unable to complete your coursework, you also have the option of:

  1. Withdrawal or “W” – for this semester only the deadline to withdraw from your class has been extended. If you need to withdraw you must do so by no later than the last scheduled day of the class. CCA does not recommend this option if your grade will be a C or higher.
  2. Incomplete or “I” – in order to receive an incomplete for your class you must work with your faculty member to determine if it is appropriate. It requires you to have completed at least 60% of your coursework (this percent is only relevant for this Spring 2020 semester) and be earning at least a C or better at the time you request an incomplete. You will have to complete all coursework within 3 semesters of receiving an Incomplete.

Incomplete grades that are not converted to a letter grade by the instructor by the End of Spring 2021 will revert to a “default” grade assigned by the instructor. The default grade is the grade earned if no work on the Incomplete Grade Contract is submitted, and all missing work has been assigned zero points

I hope I have answered most of your questions. If you need more information please let me know.

Sincerely,

Angela Marquez

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April 6, 2020: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grade Option for Spring 2020

From: Tricia Johnson, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Angela Marquez, Vice President of Student Affairs

Dear CCA students,

We realize that this semester has taken a turn that none of you expected. The rapid shift to remote/online instruction, adjusting to stay at home orders, supporting children and other family members in their remote studies, the impact on jobs, and focusing on staying healthy in the midst of a global health crisis are issues none of us thought we would be facing in spring of 2020.
 
With that in mind, the Community College of Aurora wants to support you and create an opportunity for your studies at CCA not to contribute to your stress. In collaboration with CCA faculty and instructors, CCA has decided that students can opt for Satisfactory (S)/Unsatisfactory (U) grading for any/all of your courses this semester effective immediately. You will be able to request the change to S/U grading through Tuesday, May 26, 2020.
 
Decision
Effective immediately and through May 26, 2020, students may opt for S/U grading in lieu of A-F grading for the Spring 2020 semester. S/U grades will follow CCA Instructional Guideline 2.3:

  • S = satisfactory, equivalent to a grade of C or better
  • U = unsatisfactory, equivalent to a grade of D or F

Process
If you would like to request the change to S/U grading for any/all of your Spring 2020 courses, please contact your Pathways Advisor. Your Pathways Advisor will be able to help you think about all of the factors that play into whether opting for S/U grading is in your best interest. The process to request the change is simple. It only involves a single virtual meeting with your advisor and completion of a short form.
 
Know that we are here for you at CCA. We are committed to your success. And remember: You matter. You are valued. You belong.

Sincerely,

Tricia Johnson and Angela Marquez

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April 3, 2020: Summer Classes Will Be Online, Registration Opens April 13

From: President Betsy Oudenhoven

Dear CCA students,

I hope you’re doing well and settling back into your spring classes.

In these uncertain times, when it’s nearly impossible to predict what our world is going to look like from one day to the next, your health and safety are our top priority.

That’s why we’ve decided to continue to offer classes at CCA this summer in a remote/online format. This certainly wasn’t an easy decision, but I believe it’s the best one given our current situation. We want you to continue to receive high-quality instruction at CCA, and we want you to receive it in a way that won’t jeopardize your health and safety.

We understand that online learning and face-to-face learning feel pretty different, but what won’t be different this summer is our support for you. You’ll still be able to speak with your advisor. You’ll still be able to get the tutoring you need. There are scholarships available to help defray your tuition costs. Bottom line: We don’t think you have to get by in these unique and challenging times; we think you can thrive. And everyone at CCA is going to do everything we can to ensure that you do.

Summer registration will begin Monday, April 13. If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact your advisor, instructor or any other trusted staff member. Take care and stay well.

Sincerely,

Betsy Oudenhoven

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March 31, 2020: Online Tutoring Options at the Academic Learning Center

From: H. Ray Keith, Associate Dean of Instructional Intervention and Support

Effective March 30, 2020, the Academic Learning Center will offer the following online tutoring options:

Option 1:Students may schedule an appointment to meet with an Academic Learning Center tutor. Tutoring sessions will be conducted using Zoom. To schedule an appointment, students may call the Academic Learning Center at 303-340-7247 or 303-360-4742, or they can also log into Navigate through the MyCCA portal to schedule an appointment. 

Detailed instructions on how to schedule an appointment and how to use Zoom are available on the Academic Learning Center webpage.

Option 2:Students can utilize TutorMe located in the student resources section of the D2L homepage.

Instant online tutoring sessions are provided by an external vendor.

Both options are free to students. The Academic Learning Center staff and tutors are here to support your success.

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March 26, 2020: Reminder! Remote Instruction at CCA Begins March 30

From: Angela Marquez, CCA Vice President of Student Affairs

Dear CCA students,

This email is to remind you that all classes at CCA will be conducted remotely starting Monday, March 30, and for the duration of the spring semester. 

If you need any assistance transitioning to online learning, please fill out this form and we’ll do our absolute best to help get you what you need. 

Please know that your instructors and all of us at CCA are here for you and will do everything we can to help you finish this semester strong.

Sincerely,

Angela Marquez

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March 24, 2020: Let Us Know What You Need for Your Classes at CCA

From President Betsy Oudenhoven

Dear CCA students,

We are all living in a world right now that none of us, not even the oldest among us, has ever experienced. And we are trying, as best we can, to sustain those parts of our lives that are important to us including relationships, work, and school. Our phones and other devices can help many of us stay in touch with family and friends through social media, and we have seen from examples around the world how creative human beings can be in finding joy and connection, even in the worst of times. I know that many of you have been laid-off from your jobs, or like the faculty and staff at the college, are trying to figure out how to do your jobs from your kitchen tables. And I know that many of you have children at home from school so you are both parenting and home-schooling, or you may have elderly family members that you are worried about. Or you may be in an at-risk category yourself.

And through all of this you are still students. When spring break ends and instruction resumes on March 30, most of our college operations will take place remotely. It is highly unlikely that we will be physically back on the CentreTech or Lowry campuses this semester. The vast majority of what we do will occur online or in some form of remote delivery. This includes classes, support services, and business operations. We have five more weeks in the spring semester and I’m writing to let you know that while this transition may feel pretty challenging to some of you (it does to some of us too), we believe we can do this together.  

If you need technology, if you need assistance with your classes, if you need tutoring or counseling or simply someone to listen — we will do our best to help. Just fill out this form and let us know what you need. We want you to be able to complete this semester and we want you to be successful.  You already have more of the semester behind you than ahead of you. Just do the best you can – and I promise we will too. 

How Can CCA Help You?

In this moment more than at any other time in the history of the college, we are all learners. And so, we will do what CCA does best. We will continue to believe in ourselves and in each other. We will be courageous in trying new things, we will allow ourselves to make mistakes and learn from them, we will continue to center the teaching and learning relationship, we will learn from each other, and we will strive to maintain community and connection.

We are also going to do what we can to work with your individual situations. Some of our community will get sick. It is an uncertain and scary time. But don’t forget that you are part of a community that cares about you. Someday this will be over and subsequent generations will learn about it in their history classes. However, we are living it and we can only get through this if we do it together (while maintaining an appropriate physical distance). :-)

Take care and stay well.

Betsy Oudenhoven

P.S. And to all of our spring semester graduates, I need to let you know how very sorry I am that we will not be able to have our ceremony. It is my favorite day of the year. However, we will do something special to honor you and celebrate your achievement.  More soon.

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March 23, 2020: CCA and Community Resources to Help You

From Reyna Anaya, Dean of Students

Dear CCA students,

As we prepare to enter a virtual learning and engagement space for the remainder of the spring semester, it is my hope that we can provide you with access to resources and support services that you may need. Below is a list of recommended resources for you to access. These resources will also be available to you through the COVID-19 CCA website.

CCA Community Resource Guide

  • This guide includes resources on: financial assistance, homelessness & emergency overnight resources, rent assistance, emergency eviction assistance, medical & dental assistance, health insurance, legal services, food banks, mental health resources, survivors of violence resources, DREAMer resources, LGBTQ resources, women & gender equity, and cultural centers.

Child Care Resources

City Resources

Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence

  • For any victims and survivors who need support, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TeleType (TTY), or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
  • Staying Safe Guide During COVID-19

Food Banks

Health

  • For those who do not have insurance, please visit the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing website.
  • For those seeking health insurance, there is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) being extended to Coloradoans. You can qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you have lost health coverage, moved, got married, are having a baby, or adopting a child. The SEP starts today, March 20, and ends on April 3. For more information, please visit https://www.healthcare.gov/screener/.

Office of Disability and Equity

  • If you identify as a student with a documented disability and need to request accommodations, please contact CCA’s Office of Disability & Equity via e-mail at  ODE@CCAurora.edu, or visit the department's website.    

Immigrant and Undocumented Student Resources

Internet & Computer Access

Mental Health Services

  • CCA students are eligible for free counseling services. If you are a student needing counseling support, please complete an online referral form
  • Colorado Crisis Services Line (1-844-493-TALK): If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs help dealing with one, call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255 to speak to a trained professional. Chat services are also available from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. daily at coloradocrisisservices.org. 

Reduced Service Costs

  • Aunt Bertha is a website that allows you to enter your zip code and locate nearby services at reduced costs in a wide range of areas such as food, housing, goods, transit, health, money, care, education, work and legal.
  • ArapaSOURCE is a website that allows you to enter your address and locate nearby services at free or reduces costs in a wide range of areas such as food, housing, goods, employment, transit, health, money, care, education, and legal. 

Registration & Advising

  • The Admissions, Registration & Records office is ready to assist you with your registration questions.  Please email us at Admissions@CCAurora.edu or call 303-360-4797 and we will return your call the same business day.
  • Advisors are now virtual and ready to assist with student advising needs. 
    • To make an appointment with a Pathway Advisor, please visit Navigate and indicate that you are requesting a phone, email or WebEx session.  If you cannot log onto Navigate please call 303-360-4929 or email Advising.CCA@CCAurora.edu. 
    • To make an appointment with a TRIO Academic Coach, please visit Navigate and select the StudentSuccess/TRIO/COSI option followed by TRIO Advising. Please indicate if you are requesting a phone, email, or Zoom advising session. If you cannot log into Navigate, please call 303-361-7370 and leave a message or email triosss.cca@ccaurora.edu. TRIO participants can view details on how to connect with TRIO tutors through the Student Success Center page on D2L.

Virtual Learning Tools

In addition, we want to learn about your experiences and concerns with the transition to virtual learning. To share your experiences and/or concerns, please use the Student Transition Concern Form. Once we receive the form, a representative from the Dean of Students Office will contact you to learn more about what you are experiencing and talk through options for resolution.

Finally, it is important for me to remind each of you of the importance of practicing self and community care in this time of uncertainty. Self and community care shows up differently for all of us, and I ask that you listen to your gut and follow that instinct on what you may need to support yourself, your families, and community(s) through this time. Here are couple tools to support your self and community care needs: Self-Care Starter Kit and Emergency Self-Care Worksheet.

With all that said, please know how much we appreciate your patience in this transition. We will get through this together!

Thank you,

Reyna Anaya

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March 17, 2020: 2020 Commencement Ceremony Canceled

From: Angela Marquez, CCA Vice President of Student Affairs

Dear 2020 spring CCA graduates,

In an effort to keep the CCA community safe and do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Community College of Aurora has made the decision to cancel the May graduation ceremony. We are still considering alternative ways to acknowledge and celebrate students in light of this very disappointing development. More information will be released once an alternative is finalized.

Cap and Gown Days scheduled for this Thursday and Friday (March 19 and 20) are both canceled. If you purchased a cap and gown from the CCA bookstore, they can be returned. This includes both opened and unopened cap and gown packages. You can still purchase a tassel from the bookstore to commemorate your graduating year.

The bookstore currently has limited hours of operation. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays. If you have a receipt from your purchase, please bring it. However, a receipt isn’t required to receive a refund.

Your diploma will still be mailed out to you after all required courses have been completed for your degree or certificate.

We recognize and appreciate the time and effort it took for you to achieve your educational goals. We are proud of your accomplishment and proud to call you a graduate of the Community College of Aurora.

If you have any questions, please email Student.Life@ccaurora.edu. 

Thank you, 

Angela Marquez

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March 17, 2020: No Building Access at CCA Through March 29

From: Angela Marquez, CCA Vice President of Student Affairs

Dear CCA students,

Out of an abundance of caution for the health of CCA students and employees, and because there are no classes at CCA the weeks of March 16 and 23, building access for all buildings at both the CentreTech and Lowry campuses is being restricted to employees now through March 29.

Starting March 30, most classes will be taught remotely for the duration of the spring semester. You’ll be receiving more-specific updates from your instructor(s) in the coming days.

All CCA-specific updates related to the COVID-19 situation are being posted to this page on the CCA website. Please be sure to check this page regularly to keep up to date. Updates will also be sent to your student email and posted to D2L.

Sincerely,

Angela Marquez

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March 12, 2020: Spring Break Extended to 2 Weeks - No Classes from March 16-29

From: Angela Marquez, CCA Vice President of Student Affairs

Dear CCA students,
 
We know that many of you are concerned about the COVID-19 outbreak and its possible impact on you, your peers, and your community. While we have not had any known cases of COVID-19 among CCA students or employees, the recent spread of COVID-19 in Colorado suggests that it is in the best interest of our college community to act now. We know that the most impactful way to reduce risk is social distancing, which is guiding our plan.
 
With that in mind, CCA has made the proactive decision to extend spring break beginning Monday, March 16th through Sunday, March 29th. This means that CCA will not hold classes during these two weeks. On Monday, March 30th, we will then move to remote/online instruction for the majority of classes for both CentreTech and Lowry Campuses. Faculty and instructors have been asked to conduct classes and exams remotely, wherever possible. We realize that some classes are not feasible to deliver online or require the use of specialized equipment or facilities. We will be using the next week to determine appropriate measures to continue instructional delivery. In either case, you will be contacted by your faculty or instructor via D2L email about next steps for your courses.
 
In preparation for this, we need to understand your technology needs in order to support your continued success this semester. Please complete this survey letting us know if you have or do not have access to technology, internet, or software needed in order to continue with remote/online coursework. In the meantime, please visit the Internet Essentials website to see options to purchase technology.
 
During this time of transition, CCA wants to be sure that we are supporting you. We want to make sure you know that CCA provides counseling services. Counselors can be reached via email at counseling@ccaurora.edu or through the online referral form.
 
As usual, we ask that you monitor your CCA email and D2L email for updates. We thank you in advance for your understanding while we keep the health and wellbeing of our college community in mind.

Sincerely,

Angela Marquez

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March 10, 2020: Message to Students about Coronavirus

From: Angela Marquez, CCA Vice President of Student Affairs

Dear CCA students,
 
CCA understands how the current circumstances surrounding the recent cases of identified coronavirus (COVID-19) in Colorado may be concerning for members of our community. The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority.
 
We continue to be in close contact with county and state health officials and to follow their guidance. Additionally, we are taking extra effort to clean and disinfect surfaces daily.
 
In an effort to meet our teaching and learning mission, CCA will continue to operate on a normal schedule unless we learn any new information that would cause this to change. CCA’s Emergency Response Team will meet daily and provide updates on COVID-19 as the situation develops.
 
Health officials have assured us that there is still low risk of exposure to the virus for most Coloradoans, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised institutions of higher education to work to minimize disruption to teaching and learning.
 
We know that every student has different circumstances and you may have some questions or concerns.
 
At this point,

  • If you are feeling ill with the symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath, please stay home and communicate with your teacher(s) and let them know your status.
  • If you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with widespread or community-spread COVID-19, please contact your doctor right away for guidance.
  • Remember to call ahead before visiting your doctor and let them know that you have or may have contracted COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
  • If you are feeling fear or anxiety about attending class, please talk with your Pathway Advisor about other options regarding your courses for this semester, you can schedule an appointment through CCA Navigate or call (303) 360-4929.

We also want to make sure you know that CCA provides counseling services. Counselors can be reached at (303) 360-4949, via email at counseling@ccaurora.edu, or through the online referral form.

If you would like more information, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Information and
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment continue to provide updated information.

If you have general questions about COVID-19, please call CO-Help at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email COHELP@RMPDC.org. Answers are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and other languages.

If you have CCA-specific questions, please email CCAResponds@ccaurora.edu.

Thank you,

Angela Marquez

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