Winter 2020

Coronavirus Information

March 10

We know students are anxious, but please be assured that the college is doing everything it can to maintain your health and safety. As of this morning (March 10), there have been no cases of COVID-19 on either the Foothill or De Anza campuses. However, the District Office and both colleges have been planning for all possibilities, including the need to go entirely or partially virtual. In the meantime, we are encouraging classes and meetings to be conducted virtually, if possible.

Learn About the Virus

According to the Centers for Disease Control, COVID-19 is not an airborne virus. It is spread mainly from person-to-person:

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Free COVID-19 Testing

Free COVID-19 Testing is available for any student who has been exposed to the Coronavirus and is presenting symptoms (fever, sore throat, shortness of breath). If you have symptoms, STAY home and call in to the health clinic who will guide you on how to get free testing.

No Coronavirus Case At Foothill Campus

The decision to close the campus or move to a virtual campus is a District decision with public health officials. The District is following CDC guidelines and will act according to State recommendations. County Public Health says, for instance: "The County Public Health Department is not recommending closing schools [K12] at this time." Please also see the California Department of Public Health guidance on this subject. The CDC recommends that colleges should work in consultation with public health officials in making decisions on closure. 

We recognize that some colleges have made announcements. Stanford University took the decision to move their classes 100% online until spring quarter starts, but please note that they have had confirmed cases of COVID-19 on their campus. UC Berkeley, SJSU, and CCSF have decided to move many of their F2F classes online, but there are staff working on their campuses.

Foothill Is Going Virtual, As Much As Possible

While we are encouraging classes to move online as much as possible, the college is mindful of the needs of students who do not have a home computer and/or wi-fi, along with international students who are not allowed to have a fully online schedule.

There are no plans to close campus at this time, but the college is working closely with faculty and staff to ensure that students can successfully complete the winter quarter should the decision be made to move classes online and become a partially or entirely virtual campus.

We Are Continuing to Clean the Campus

The District has scheduled more custodial hours to regularly sanitize classrooms and communal work spaces. We recommend a "Gel-In, Gel-Out" protocol (a common hospital procedure) where people use hand sanitizer as they arrive and leave public spaces. For instance, when you go to the tutoring center, gel in; and when you leave the center, gel out.

We Are Increasing Online Classes for Spring Quarter

Registration is open for spring and the college will be increasing the number of online classes available. Foothill College already has half of its enrollment online. Our college is ranked #1 in the State of California for its online course quality and selection. Right now, students can get nearly 40 degrees completely online. Our faculty and staff are well trained to support online learning, and in fact our college was the first community college to offer online courses in the country. You are in good hands!

The College is Taking Preventative Measures to Safeguard Your Health

• The District is suspending all non-essential travel.
• The District is cancelling all meetings with 100+ participants.
• We are setting aside emergency funds to support students who need medical assistance related to the Coronavirus.
• The Food Pantry will remain open in a temporary location that allows for social distancing: Campus Center 2150A. If you'd like to place an order, visit the Food Pantry website.

This is a dynamic situation, changing on a daily basis, and we will keep you updated as new information is available. If the campus is closed, you will receive a text and email alert, along with information on our website here.

Foothill College is committed to supporting you. Please show empathy for your fellow students and take sensible precautions to help everyone stay safe and healthy. This virus is no one's fault. We have had virus outbreaks before and we'll have them again. Please do not stigmatize any students based on their race, ethnicity, or nationality. Instead reach out to fellow Foothill students and support each other.