Santa Barbara County schools plan to continue remote learning for the fall 2020 semester. Santa Barbara City College also plans online educational programs but is considering some campus-based laboratory and activity classes for programs that cannot be delivered fully online, or disciplines in which courses can be provided using recommended safety protocols to lower risk and reduce COVID-19 transmission. I strongly endorse campus-based activity classes in the PE-Health-athletics program and performing arts departments at SBCC.
On August 7, California released “COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Institutions of Higher Education.” These State guidelines contain standards and protocols to which higher education institutions must conform in order to deliver campus-based courses. I reviewed the comprehensive plan for “Return to Face-to-Face Physical Activity Classes Outdoor Activities” developed by SBCC’s physical education/health/athletics departments. SBCC’s plan is well-conceived, thorough, and responsive to state and federal guidelines issued for public education. The SBCC comprehensive plan accounts for general guidelines for being on campus, as well as specific protocols for students in activity classes and various facilities comprising the health and fitness programs.
The Health, Physical Education, Dance and Athletics department chair, Kathy O'Conner, has stated that all the classes are also ready to go online, including in case of inclement weather. They have a schematic of La Playa stadium that shows how classes can safely operate with social distancing. The college is purchasing an app called Healthy Rosters, which screens students and employees each morning prior to coming on campus, and there will be temperature checks for each student and faculty member.