Long Beach City College announces Changes to Winter Intersession due to Omicron Surge

Long Beach City College has announced a shift in in-person learning; adding more virtual options and the opportunity for excused withdrawal due to the Omicron surge.

LONG BEACH – Due to the COVID-19 Omicron surge, Long Beach City College will defer to some possible changes in Winter Session teaching platforms starting Tues., Jan. 18.

The school recently sent out new protocols including allowing instructors to choose how they will continue administering their classes for the remainder of the winter session which ends on Feb. 5. Instructors will have the option of hybrid, in-person or exclusively online delivery. 

Students were informed of the possible changes in instruction on Jan. 13, and also offered an option for an Excused Withdrawal due to the usual circumstances. The current session began on Mon, Jan. 3, and the original date to drop a class without penalty has since past. Students now have the option to fill out an Appeal for Extenuating Circumstances form to receive a refund of enrollment fees. 

Students are encouraged to reach out to the Admissions and Records office with any questions, and to the Financial Aid office regarding how this change could affect your Financial Aid eligibility.

If a virtual option is offered, students contact the school If they are in need of a laptop or hotspot for a Winter Session class. Requests for technology can be made through the LBCC Student Emergency Aid Form. Students will receive an email detailing instructions, next steps, and safety protocols. Please email emergencyaid@lbcc.edu if you have any questions.

Faculty have been asked to communicate with their students no later than Jan. 13, regarding any possible changes that may take place in how your class will be taught for the remainder of the session. 

LBCC Student Services offices will continue to operate online, with some in-person services continuing on a limited basis. Students can also chat with staff virtually through the LBCC Chat Hub.

In regards to the upcoming Spring semester, set to begin on Feb. 7, Long Beach City College has announced the plans to fully reopen the campus for in-person learning. However, students and staff must provide proof of vaccination if attending an on-campus class.

LBCC joins many other California colleges and universities that have made the switch back to virtual learning, or added hybrid teaching options to accommodate staff and students.

In communications posted to the official school website, LBCC thanked everyone for their “patience, flexibility and continued safety precautions as we navigate this pandemic together.”

For more updates and link to forms regarding the changes for the winter session, visit https://www.lbcc.edu/carousel/important-winter-session-updates

For more information on Long Beach City College, visit https://www.lbcc.edu/.