Column: Palo Alto adapts to continue serving students

The health and wellness of Palo Alto College students and employees is our highest priority. That's why, out of an abundance of caution, the Alamo Colleges District decided to make some temporary changes to the way we provide instruction and services in light of the growing concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic.

After one week of preparing faculty and staff, the entire Alamo Colleges District resumed classes on March 23 through remote teaching and learning. We are fortunate to have the talent and infrastructure necessary for students and employees to continue teaching, learning, and working remotely.

In this time when the safety of our community depends on our employees delivering services outside the traditional campus setting, we remain committed to delivering high-quality education and support services. This flexibility has allowed our students to continue their studies remotely, so that they can continue their path toward earning their degrees and certificates.

We know every student's situation is unique. Some of our students did not have access to technology necessary for remote learning. Across the Alamo Colleges District, our employees have worked to bridge the digital divide by allowing students without a personal computer to check out laptops or mobile technology for remote learning. In addition, we have connected students who do not have internet access at home with local service providers who are offering free home internet access for students.

To help ensure our students’ basic needs are met throughout this season of uncertainty, the Alamo Colleges District has partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank while our on-campus advocacy centers and food pantries are closed.

During this time, it is especially important for us to be responsive to students’ various needs, and a Student Hotline is active to help connect students to resources at 210-212-5266. For more information about the resources available to students and the latest information about Alamo Colleges District’s response to the coronavirus, visit ngskmc-eis.net/coronavirus.

Education remains a beacon of hope even in times of uncertainty. As we continue moving forward, registration is now open for our Maymester and Summer sessions. Even as the situation with the coronavirus evolves, Palo Alto College remains committed to excellence and providing the highest quality education to our students.

This column by Dr. Robert Garza, president of Palo Alto College, was originally published in the San Antonio Express-News' Southside Reporter and mysanantonio.com.