Our Counselors are here to serve you. As our College has transitioned to online instruction and counseling, please make an appointment by phone 562-908-3410, email counselingcenter@riohondo.edu, or AccessRio (in the Academics Tab).

Considering that some students do not have home access to computers, the District has made Chromebooks and hotspots available for students to check out from the Library’s Circulation Desk.

Chromebooks and hotspots are available to loan for students who are enrolled in a current semester. Chromebooks can be requested via this form and can be retrieved and returned at the Library Circulation Desk from Monday to Thursday: 8 AM to 4:45 PM. If you have any questions, please contact our Library’s Circulation Desk at 562-908-3416.

FACULTY RESOURCE CENTER

The purpose of this Canvas site is to provide faculty and staff with updated, current information and training resources. Consider this site as a “hub” for resources to support you and make it easy to access materials needed to complete your contractual obligations.

FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Based on the order issued by Governor Newsom on March 19, 2020, and for the health and well-being of the Río Hondo community, the District will implement our planned teleworking and remote operations protocols immediately.

SOCIAL DISTANCING REMINDER

As announced on March 16, 2020, groups of more than 10 people should not gather and avoid all unnecessary travel. The College has created a poster to remind our campus to practice Social Distancing by staying away at least six feet from others and avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people. The Social Distancing reminder (attached) has been posted in current high-traffic areas on campus and on our designated Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage. Additionally, if you are feeling ill, please stay home and notify your supervisor.

EVENTS, MEETINGS, HIRING COMMITTEES, AND TRAVEL

In keeping with recent directives from the White House and public health officials at the local, state and national levels related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Río Hondo Community College District has developed a set of guidelines for events, meetings, hiring committees, and travel for the safety and health of our campus community.

The following are effective immediately and will continue until further notice:

Events & Meetings

All College events, meetings, and gatherings will be cancelled and or postponed to avoid the gathering of groups of more than 10 people. This includes our annual A Taste of Río event, our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinics, and remaining Community Education Forums, to name a few.

Hiring Committees

Given the current situation, all hiring committees are frozen until further notice.

Travel

All non-essential travel is restricted until further notice, this includes future and previously approved conference travel. If conference registration fees, airfare and hotel have been paid, please request reimbursement at time of cancellation. If you incur any costs, immediately communicate this with your supervisor. Should you consider any travel to be essential or critical to College operations, please request consideration from the appropriate Vice President.

COVID-19 HIGH RISK POPULATIONS

Per the recommendations from both the Center of Disease Control and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order, we should identify those employees who are the most vulnerable to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and ensure their safety during this time. These populations include:

• Staff who are over the age of 65;
• Pregnant women; or
• Any employee with an underlying health issue, such as blood disorders, chronic kidney disease, asthma, chronic liver disease, compromised immune systems, metabolic disorders, heart disease, or other conditions that make them more susceptible to serious illness.

If you meet this criteria, please immediately notify your supervisor or our Human Resources Department.

It’s not too late to apply for federal financial aid for the 2021-2022 academic school year.

With the recent challenges created by COVID-19, we realize that your personal and financial situations may have changed. If you have not completed the 2021-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it is not too late.

We are here to help you and wanted to make sure you take advantage of the potential federal funding that may be available.

1. To be considered for federal financial aid, apply for a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) at https://fsaid.ed.gov by creating an FSA ID. This will allow you to sign your financial aid application electronically for faster processing.
2. Complete and submit your FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov before June 15, 2022. Be sure to complete your FAFSA using 2019 income and tax information.
3. About two weeks after you have submitted your 2021-2022 FAFSA, be sure to check your Access Rio Portal for any additional required documents to be submitted to the Financial Aid Office and to find out how much federal financial aid you may be eligible to receive. The sooner you submit all requested documents, the sooner you’ll know about your financial aid eligibility.
4. If you are determined eligible to receive federal financial aid, choose your refund preference once you receive the green envelope from BankMobile. BankMobile, the College’s third-party financial aid disbursement service, will mail you a green “Welcome Packet” with instructions on how to choose your refund preference.
5. Have any questions? Please contact the Rio Hondo College Financial Aid Office via e-mail at financialaid@riohondo.edu or by phone (562) 463-3370. Please include your name, Rio Hondo ID number and a good contact phone number.

The Rio Hondo College Financial Aid Office looks forward to receiving your 2021-2022 FAFSA and any supporting documents we might request.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to Check Your RHC Email

Financial Aid: Campus Logic

Online Orientation

Placement Tool

REMOTE INSTRUCTION (ONLINE COURSES)

Navigating Canvas

REGISTRATION HELP

How to Check Your Registration Date

How to Look Up Classes

How to add/drop classes

Adding A Waitlisted Class

Adding Your Support Class

Enrolling in Math & English

Using Cranium Cafe for On-line Counseling

How to Pick Your General Education Pathway

How to Pick Your Major Courses

College Catalog: Understanding Courses of Instruction

To best serve our students, we have created a student services virtual Zoom webpage to immediately reply to questions and provide pertinent information.  Please visit our Remote & Online Student Services webpage at https://www.riohondo.edu/remoteservices/.  These are virtual office hours where students can talk to a staff member live.

Using our new Zoom Room for Remote and Online Sudents Services (Desktop)

Using our new Zoom Room for Remote and Online Student Services (Phone)

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced that Education workers, along with other workers who fall in phase B, 1B Tier 1, may be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine starting in March 2021. The College will continue to monitor this and send updates to keep staff informed. http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/covidvaccinedistribution/

The MyTurn California website contains vaccine distribution information as plans may vary by county. https://myturn.ca.gov/

• Resources For Students
• Homeless Resources
• Food Finders – List of Pantry’s
• Community Resources – Case Management
• WIC: Free Food for Families Affected by the COVID-19 Crisis
• Comida Gratuita Para Nuestra Familias Affectadas por la Crisis del COVID-19
• Los Angeles County Resources

Please visit our RioSource webpage for an online directory of services and resources.

Headspace

The LA County Department of Mental Health (DMH) has partnered with Headspace – a meditation and mindfulness resource.  LA County residents can sign up for Headpace Plus for free, in English and Spanish, through the end of the year.  The wellbeing of the people of Los Angeles County remains DMH’s mission.  Headspace offers another inclusive opportunity to help LA residents cope with the stress related to COVID-19 through workout videos, sleep exercises, and informative content about managing stress and anxiety.  Check it out, sign up and spread the word: www.headspace.com/lacounty

COVID-19 Rent Relief
Are you having trouble paying rent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic? This program can help you get 100% of your rent and utilities paid! Visit www.housingiskey.com

CHIRLA (COALITION FOR HUMANE IMMIGRANT RIGHTS LOS ANGELES)

Emergency care regardless of immigration status. Free hotline for questions about the Coronavirus.

Phone: (888) 624-4752

https://www.chirla.org/avada_portfolio/community-education/

Click Here for Frequently Asked Questions for Immigrants

View Virtual Press Conference for media who server the Immigrant Community

List of Resources Provided to Dreamers and Undocumented Students

• RHC Canvas orientation. https://www.riohondo.edu/canvas-orientation/
• SPECTRUM Free Internet. Those interested in enrolling are asked to call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. https://www.fdlreporter.com/story/news/2020/03/13/wisconsin-coronavirus-spectrum-offers-students-free-internet-access/5042351002/
• The coalition of organizations in Orange County and Los Angeles County have comprised a list of resources:
  LA: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SWJaMa4q3yNrEBfSFKEdSQArcNc_MTI2LiUA63Ycyg/preview
  OC: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YTSuGO_HoDbdZnALTYaTt7REAic4VKyUHeeS_m_ihUE/edit?usp=sharing
• Comprehensive list of effective resources:https://schoolchoiceweek.com/37-free-online-resources-for-schools-shifting-online-during-coronavirus/
• Immigrants Rising has created “Tangible Resources for Undocumented Communities During COVID-19” that provides various resources to support our undocumented students and families: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PxLuuH0-hwHXftUXuEi52Q1qWUDegN8_I1L4ulIFwzk/edit
• Click here to view undocumented community resource sheet
• Resource guide created by California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance available at https://ciyja.org/covid19/

Fall 2021 – How to Tell if a Class is Online, Remote or On-Campus

Student Perspective

Student Diana Laureano shares about how Río Hondo College has been supporting her during this crisis and reminds students where to access resources.

As we move forward as a campus community during these challenging times, we have additional information to share with you.

We want you to know that our faculty and staff are here to support you as we prioritize your health, safety, and well-being as well as your academic success.

To best serve you, we have created a student services virtual Zoom webpage to immediately answer your questions and provide information: https://www.riohondo.edu/remoteservices/ These are virtual office hours where you can talk to a staff member live.

If you have any challenges with accessing Canvas or with the online mode of instruction, please reach out to your instructor or the appropriate dean. Please be safe and stay engaged with your studies.

Chromebooks On Loan

Considering that some students do not have home access to computers, the District has made Chromebooks available for students to check out from the Library’s Circulation Desk.

The Chromebook will be available on a loan basis for the remaining of the spring semester. Monday to Thursday: 8 AM to 5 PM, Friday: 8 AM to 3 PM. Hours and services are subject to change. If you have any questions, please contact our Library’s Circulation Desk at 562-908-3416.

Río Hondo College students have access to Office 365 for FREE from the Cloud. For information on how to access Office 365, click here.

California Virtual Campus – Online Education Initiative

Preparing for online learning: https://cvc.edu/keeplearning/

Academic Counseling for Students

Our Counselors are here to serve you. As our College has transitioned to online instruction and counseling, please make an online appointment to speak with a counselor by phone 562-908-3410, email counselingcenter@riohondo.edu, or AccessRio (in the Academics Tab).

Dreamers and Undocumented Students

Rio Hondo College is continuing to support our undocumented students.  Additionally, in collaboration with the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), we are providing free legal services via telephone and online appointments.  For questions or assistance please feel free to call 562-463-7023 or e-mail dreamers@riohondo.edu. You may also visit the Student Success and Dream Center for live support during normal business hours.

EOP&S/CARE

Students can visit their portal (academic tab) and will see the link to directly make an appointment with an EOP&S counselor. In addition, student can call (562) 908-3423 or email eops@riohondo.edu to get questions answered/make counseling appointments. You may also visit the EOP&S/CARE webpage for live support during normal business hours.

Financial Aid

It’s not too late to apply for federal financial aid for the 2021-2022 academic school year.

With the recent challenges created by COVID-19, we realize that your personal and financial situations may have changed. If you have not completed the 2021-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it is not too late.

We are here to help you and wanted to make sure you take advantage of the potential federal funding that may be available.

1. To be considered for federal financial aid, apply for a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) at https://fsaid.ed.gov by creating an FSA ID. This will allow you to sign your financial aid application electronically for faster processing.
2. Complete and submit your FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov before June 15, 2022. Be sure to complete your FAFSA using 2019 income and tax information.
3. About two weeks after you have submitted your 2021-2022 FAFSA, be sure to check your Access Rio Portal for any additional required documents to be submitted to the Financial Aid Office and to find out how much federal financial aid you may be eligible to receive. The sooner you submit all requested documents, the sooner you’ll know about your financial aid eligibility.
4. If you are determined eligible to receive federal financial aid, choose your refund preference once you receive the green envelope from BankMobile. BankMobile, the College’s third-party financial aid disbursement service, will mail you a green “Welcome Packet” with instructions on how to choose your refund preference.
5. Have any questions? Please contact the Rio Hondo College Financial Aid Office via e-mail at financialaid@riohondo.edu or by phone (562) 463-3370. Please include your name, Rio Hondo ID number and a good contact phone number.

The Rio Hondo College Financial Aid Office looks forward to receiving your 2021-2022 FAFSA and any supporting documents we might request.

Free Internet

As many colleges have transitioned to online instruction, the following internet services will provide free internet to households with students. To enroll for Charter, call 844-488-8395; for Comcast, call 855-846-8376 (English speakers) or 855-765-6995 (Spanish speakers), or go to www.internetessentials.com.

Learning Assistance Center (LAC) Hours

Monday to Thursday: 10 AM to 3 PM
Closed Fridays and Weekends

Library Hours

The Library is open Monday to Thursday from 7 AM to 7 PM, and Fridays 7 AM to 3 PM.

Remote Assistance: Connecting with Librarians

For research help or additional information, Library Chat and Zoom Reference services are available from Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 9 PM, and Fridays from 7 AM to 3 PM.

Fall 2021 Library Services and Resources

More than 80 individual study spaces, the Copy Center, Computer Commons, Circulation Desk, and Reference Desk will be available while the Library is open. For students taking Fall 2021 courses, the Library will be accepting technology requests via this form.

Due dates will be extended for all items that are currently checked out, and no late fees will be charged. However, students no longer taking courses at Rio Hondo College need to return all equipment or will not be able to register in future. Patrons can return all Library materials at the end of a given semester. Electronic resources remain accessible 24/7.

For more information, call the Library Circulation Desk at (562) 908-3416 or connect with a librarian via Zoom.

Live Chat Support

The following departments/divisions provide live chat support during normal hours of operation. Please visit their website, if an operator is online, you will see a chat bubble on the bottom right – click to chat!

• Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Continuing Education and Noncredit
• EOP&S/CARE
• Financial Aid
• Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering
• Student Success and Dream Center
• Transfer Center
• Public Safety
• Outreach & Educational Partnerships

Math Science Center (MSC) Hours

Monday to Thursday: 10 AM to 3 PM

Online Tutoring Appointments

The Learning Assistance Center (LAC) and Writers’ Resource Center (WRC) are providing free online tutoring support for English composition and many other general courses.  Students can directly access the LAC/WRC website (below).  Students will find the “Email Us” section (at the bottom of the website’s homepage), where they can submit a request for an online tutoring appointment.  Please remember to provide your name, student ID number, and the course for which you would like tutoring.

LAC: https://www.riohondo.edu/communications-and-languages/labs/learning-assistance-center-lac/

WRC: https://www.riohondo.edu/communications-and-languages/writers-resource-center/ Make an appointment: https://appointments.riohondo.edu/esars/wrc/esars.asp

The Math and Science Center (MSC) is providing free online tutoring support for Math, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.  Students can directly access the MSC’s website (below).  Students will find the “Contact Us” section (at the bottom of the website’s homepage), where they can submit a request for an online tutoring appointment.   Please remember to provide your name, student ID number, and the course for which you would like tutoring.

https://www.riohondo.edu/mathematics-and-sciences/math-science-center/

RioSource Room

If you have questions regarding our Food Pantry or Housing Insecurity questions/issues, please contact us by email: studentlife@riohondo.edu or phone: (562) 908-3427

RioSource Food Pantry

Reminder: bring reusable grocery bags, as inventory is low, so you can carry your groceries home.  Parking will be available in the students lots for free as the tram is currently not running as we are following CDC guidelines.  You may be asked to wait in the Upper Quad and enter the pantry two guests at a time.  Although there may be limits on certain items per student, our goal is to get as much food home with you as possible while still aiming to serve all our students.  We greatly appreciate your patience and kindness during this time.

Social Distancing Reminder

Please remember to practice “Social Distancing” by keeping 6 feet away from others. Avoid groups of 10 or more people. The Social Distancing poster is below.

Student Health & Psychological Services

The Student Health and Psychological Services (SHPS) is adhering to the Los Angeles County Public Health guidance and in-person services are not available to our students during the College’s period of remote instruction.  During this time, our modified services include individual and group psychological counseling, and referrals to mental health resources. To make an appointment for mental health counseling, call (562) 463-7302 or email dsanchez@riohondo.edu.  Since counselors are not on call, please do not leave messages of urgent/critical concerns here.

If someone is reporting suicidal thoughts/intentions or experiencing a mental health emergency please use the following resources:

• 24 hour Suicide Hotline:  1-800-273-TALK
• Crisis Text Line:  741741 with the word “COURAGE”
• Exodus Urgent Care Center:  (323)276-6400
• Emergencies:  911
• LA Department of Mental Health Crisis Counseling: Students:  (855) 952-9276 or 211

Additional Resources

For a list of community resources, including our very own campus RioSource Food Pantry and a variety of social and public services, please visit our RioSource online directory at: www.riohondo.edu/riosource/.

If you have any questions about Student Services, please contact Dr. Earic Dixon-Peters, Vice President of Student Services at EDixon-Peters@riohondo.edu  or 562-908-3489; or  Loy Nashua, Executive Dean of Student Affairs at lnashua@riohondo.edu or 562-908-3498.

We will continue to provide updates as they become available. Please routinely check your email, Canvas, and our website, as the facts related to COVID-19 are changing rapidly.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during these unprecedented times.

Teresa Dreyfuss, Superintendent/President
Stephen Kibui, Vice President of Finance & Business
Don Miller, Vice President of Academic Affairs
Earic Dixon-Peters, Vice President of Student Services
Tina Kuperman, Vice President of Human Resources
Stephanie Juanillo, Human Resources Coordinator
Angelica Martinez, Faculty Liaison, Guided Pathways
Catherine Page, Dean of Health Science & Nursing
Dorali Pichardo-Diaz, President, Academic Senate
Kevin Smith, Past President, Academic Senate
Gary Van Voorhis, Director of IT
Grant Linsell, Dean of Arts & Cultural Programs, Distance Education
Heba Griffiths, Acting Dean, Student Success
Leigh Ann Unger, President, Management & Confidential Council
Lisa M. Chavez, Dean of Counseling
Rudy Rios, RHC Faculty Association President
Sandra Rivera, CSEA President
George Lopez, Manager Operations & Maintenance
Ruthie Retana, Director of Marketing & Communications
Russell Castaneda-Calleros, Director of Government & Community Relations
Jason Dwyer, Lead Custodian
Siraaj Muhamed, Athletic Trainer, Kinesiology, Dance & Athletics
Paola Castellano Martinez, Rio Hondo Student
Esmeralda De Anda, Rio Hondo Student
Dylan Rodriguez, Rio Hondo Student
Vanessa Garcia, Rio Hondo Student
Jonathan Si, Rio Hondo Student

Vaccination Locations

Visit the following Los Angeles County website to schedule your COVID-19 vaccination or booster at a location near you: https://myturn.ca.gov/

Your local CVS Pharmacy may also be administering COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots. Visit https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine to view locations near you and schedule an appointment.

COVID-19 ON CAMPUS TESTING FOR EMPLOYEES

For any employee who is unvaccinated due to an approved deferral for pregnancy reasons, or a religious or medical exemption, are no longer required to test once a week until further notice. However, if you are under a special program that requires the COVID-19 vaccination or weekly testing by the county, and you are not vaccinated, you must continue to take a COVID-19 test at least once a week or as required by the special program.

On-site testing for employees and students is located at Parking Lot E on Mondays 8:00am -2:00pm through Cosmos Health Solutions. To ensure a smooth testing process, please create an account with Cosmos ahead of time. Please adhere to social distancing and wear your mask. After you have completed your test, you may leave as you will be notified of your results via text/email. Cosmos provides both antigen tests and PCR tests, and recommends the former for those with active symptoms and the latter for close contacts. Antigen test results should be available within 20 minutes, while PCR results could take up to 72 hours.

Both tests are at no cost to the employee and are covered by insurance. If you do not have insurance, when you create your account, please indicate “none” in the insurance section. For PCR tests, the PCR form will need to be completed.

Employees may also seek testing elsewhere. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests through https://www.covidtests.gov/. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. In the rare instance where an employee is required to pay for a rapid

antigen test out of pocket, the employee may submit a request for reimbursement with their supervisor.

Testing Locations

Visit the Los Angeles County website to find testing locations near you: https://covid19.lacounty.gov/testing/

Below are reliable websites for more information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and resources:

• Free at-home COVID tests website is now available to order test kit. You can visit the site at https://www.covidtests.gov/, to register and order 4 free at-home COVID tests per household to be shipped via USPS.
• COVID-19: LA County Pick-up Testing Kit Program
• Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters (California Department of Public Health)
• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH, County)
• Stay Home Except for Essential
• Newsom orders all 40M Californians to stay home in nation’s strictest state lockdown
• California Department of Public Health Guidance for Mass Gatherings and Large Community Events (PDF)
• California Department of Public Health Higher Education Guidance (PDF)
• California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Resources for Undocumented Immigrants and their Families During COVID-19
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Multiple Campuses Transitioning Courses Online in Response to COVID-19
• Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty
• Student Resources | California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office
• Press Release: California Community Colleges Chancellor Takes Additional Actions to Help Students and Ensure Continuity of Instruction at 115 Colleges
• COVID-19 Response Toolkit
• COVID-19 Resources Guide
• Employee Rights: Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act)
• Governor Newsom Launches Campaign to Protect Health and Well-Being of Older Californians During COVID-19 Pandemic
• https://covid19.ca.gov/manage-stress-for-health/
• https://covid19.ca.gov/
• Los Angeles County Emergency Operations Center – COVID-19 Update
• CCCCO COVID-19 Webpage
• CCCCO Vision Resource Center
• Safety Planning – COVID-19
• IRS: Non-filers Enter Payment Info Here
• Mercury Insurance: Giving back 15% of monthly auto insurance premiums for two months
• State Farm Good Neighbor Relief is returning $2 billion dividend to Mutual auto insurance customers
• Angeleno Card: Financial assistance for in-need households via no-fee prepaid cards
• Talking to Children About COVID-19: A Parent resource
• Session Five: Connectedness and Healthy Relationship
• COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments (“Stimulus Checks”)
• Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook
• LA Department of Mental Health Crisis Counseling: https://www.211la.org/211search/more?site_id=1064930001
• California State Resources for emotional support and well-being
• Home Isolation Instructions for People with Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19)
• Americas Job Center LA County: Funds to help you pay your bills
• 2020 Helpline – Free Income Tax Preparation Services Resuming in Unincorporated South Whittier

• CA ha lanzado una línea directa para brindar servicios y ayuda a los californianos mayores: 833-544-2374
• En Español: Lo que necesita saber sobre la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
• Kids Book on COVID-19 (Spanish)
• Hable con sus hijos sobre el COVID-19: Un recurso para padres
• Formas de prevenir la propagacion de COVID-19
• COVID-19 Pagos por Impacto Economico (“Pagos de Incentivo”)
• Instrucciones de Aislamiento en el Hogar para Personas con la Enfermedad del Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
• Libro de Ejercicios para la Ansiendad por Coronavirus
• Preparacion de impuestos gratis disponible ahora en unincorporated South Whitter