Updated: An earlier version of this story was published before the move of all LBCC courses to online-remote instruction.
Long Beach City College will be closed to the public, starting Tuesday, March 17, in response to coronavirus COVID-19, according to an email sent from communications today.
“Students and members of the public are not allowed to be on the Liberal Arts Campus or the Pacific Coast Campus starting on this date,” the email read.
The detailed date of return to campus is set for April 13, 2020, but is subject to change as the health crisis evolves.
As detailed in a previous email to staff, faculty and students on March 11, all LBCC events were canceled starting on March 12.
Most classes were required to move to online-remote instruction by Wed., March 18, but all LBCC classes are being transitioned to online-remote instruction now, according to a follow up email sent to instructors by Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Kathy Scott on Monday, March 16, for clarification purposes.
“We had hoped that some classes (e.g., Trades, studio classes, labs, etc.) could continue in a face to face manner. After consultation we have decided that doing so will not be possible given the evolving situation,” Scott wrote in the email.
Scott explained the measures that particular classes are meant to follow, in order to transition classes that face difficulties with remote-online instruction.
“If your class is one of those that cannot possibly go online/remote even for a short period, you should be in communication with your department head and/or Dean,” Scott wrote.
The previous email from March 11 detailed classified LBCC employees to remain on campus to overlook facilities and keep campus open, but all employees are being transitioned to work online or remotely, as of now.
Classified employees, faculty, administration and operational personnel are expected to be transitioned to online-remote work by the end of the day on Fri., March 20, 2020, and updates will follow.
However, some essential LBCC employees will remain on campus.
LBCC Child Development Centers will be closed starting Tues., March 17, 2020.
Academic Support Services like tutoring, Success Centers and the library will also be transitioning to an online format, with updates to be posted on the LBCC website.
Student services will be closed for in-person aid starting Tues., March 17, but transitioning essential services to online formats and more updates are to follow.
Public relations representative Stacey Toda and coordinator Camille Bolton did not respond immediately to phone calls for additional information and clarification of the email.
Check back for updates on this breaking news story.