Online Information & Resources for Students

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> Last update to FAQ December 7th about library returns

• Frequently Asked Questions

  I’m struggling with my expenses as a result of COVID-19.  Is there emergency financial assistance?

  LMC is offering one-time $500 COVID-19 Emergency Grants for currently enrolled LMC students who are facing unexpected expenses as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to remote classes and services.  These funds, which are grants, not loans, do not need to be paid back.  Funding is limited and is subject to the rules and eligibility requirements.  The deadline to apply is September 7, 2020. More information and the 5-minute application is available at: https://www.losmedanos.edu/financialaid/care.aspx

  I need access to a computer, headphones, or a camera to complete my courses. Is there any support for me?

  There are limited resources available for students with high need. Please fill out the following LMC Student Support Form.

  I'm not in an emergency or crisis, and I want to talk to a Wellness Counselor or a Mental Health Therapist. How can I talk to someone?
  

  For non-urgent concerns, Counselors in the LMC Counseling Department can provide resources on self-care and help you access community based resources for other mental health or wellness needs. 

  For non-urgent concerns and up to 8 sessions of free therapeutic counseling, please use this link to request services from a JFKU Wellness Counselor.  Telehealth options are currently available. JFKU Wellness Counseling

  What should I do if I have LMC Library books checked out?
  

  The due date for ALL books has been extended to December 11th. No late fees will be charged during the closure. Notices and updates about due dates will be sent to your InSite email address, and you can check the status of all items you have checked out by logging in to your Library Account. (Sign In > Click on your name > My Loans)

  I need some tutoring. How do I get help with that?

  We have a web page that list all the virtual tutoring services that are available at this time and their schedules for individual time with a tutor.

  I need to talk to someone in Admissions & Records, how do I do that?

  The Admissions & Records Department is providing services via phone at (925) 473-7500, or visit the admissions and records webpage to email or chat. 
  

  Can I still talk to a Counselor?

  Distance counseling appointments are available through video or phone with a Counselor. To schedule an appointment, please call our LMC General Counseling Department phone line at 925-318-1733 or you can book through the Counseling Website. You can also email a Counselor directly with any questions; a list of the Counselor emails and specializations are on the Counseling Website contact page. 

  Can I still talk to someone at Los Medanos College even if they are providing services online?

  We have limited phone service so please communicate via email or chat. If you would like to talk to someone during hours of operation, you can reach the Welcome Desk at (925) 473-7434.

  How do I stay up to date with changes during this time?

  Make sure you are checking your InSite email frequently. This is the only email that staff and faculty at LMC can contact you at.

  What if I do not have access to a computer or the internet? 

  Please contact your instructor for options on how to continue your course.

  Can I withdraw if I feel I cannot complete the course? If so, who do I talk to?

  Please talk with your instructor first, your instructor may have options for you. Please also consult with an LMC Counselor and Financial Aid Office before dropping a course as it may affect more than just your enrollment at LMC.

  How do I drop a class? 

  You can drop a course on your insite portal through the Plan-Progress tile.  If you are blocked from dropping a course online due to owing student fees or being on Academic Probation, you can email a request either by using the drop request form on the Admissions & Records Forms page or submitting an email request including course information to admissions@losmedanos.edu   BUT it must come from your student InSite email to authenticate your identity.

  What is an Excused Withdrawal? 

  Courses dropped for COVID-19 related reasons after the last date to withdraw to avoid a “W” will be considered an “Excused Withdrawal” (EW). This means that you will get a refund for the course you dropped and it will not count towards your allowable 3 attempts towards taking a course. 

  Note: For Anatomy, Physiology and Microbiology, you can only attempt these courses two (2) times and an Excused Withdrawal (EW) will not count towards these two attempts. For more information, please contact Admissions. 

  Is the library open?

  The library is closed until further notice but they have online resources available.

  What is the turnaround time for a response?

  There is a 24-hour response window Monday-Friday and 48-hour response window on weekends. If there are assignments due over the weekend, communicate with your instructor to create a communication plan.

  Will I still receive my financial aid disbursement?

  All scheduled financial aid disbursements will continue.

  How do I get help with Financial Aid?

  The Financial Aid Office is open and providing remote services through email and phone.
  Phone: 925-473-7525

  Your Financial Aid Representative is based on the first letter of your last name and you can email them directly. 

  Last Names: A - E
  Beverly Bui,  bbui@losmedanos.edu
  

  Last Names: F-L
  Faidra Lopez,  flopez@losmedanos.edu
  

  Last Names: M -N
  Tamara Carreon,  tcarreon@losmedanos.edu
  

  Last Names: O-R
  Deborah Baskin,  dbaskin@losmedanos.edu
  

  Last Names: S-Z
  Eva Monteverde,  emonteverde@losmedanos.edu 

  More FAQs at the CCCCD website

• Canvas, Internet, & other software help

  Online Classes Overview

  Software Access & Help

  Free Internet

  General Online Class Help Videos

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  Students & faculty:  Access Canvas from the button above, or bookmark and go directly to https://losmedanos.instructure.com.

  To access your Canvas account login with your InSite username and password.

  Note: Any changes made to your InSite account, such as resetting your password or adding/dropping a course, will be updated in Canvas in three hours.

  Using Canvas

  For help with using Canvas you can use resources like the Canvas Student Guide, the Canvas Support Hotline (845) 592-2198, or the Canvas Support Live Chat.

  If you want a quick tour of Canvas, check out this Canvas Overview video to learn how to navigate your courses!

   

   Ensure that you are signed up for Canvas Notifications and forward Canvas emails sent to your Insite email to a personal email.

  • Add an additional email as a contact method in Canvas
  • Set your notification preferences

  • Canvas Student Video Tour
  • Canvas Student Getting Started Guide
  • Find answers in the Canvas Student Guide

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  Using Canvas FAQ

  Assignments

  • How do I submit an online assignment?
    • Learn more about Canvas Assignments 

  Discussions

  • How do I reply to a discussion?
    • Learn more about Canvas Discussions

  Quizzes

  • How do I take a quiz?
    
    • Learn more about Canvas Quizzes

  Gradebook

  • How do I view my grades on Canvas?
    • Learn more about Canvas Grades 

   

  Mobile Device Support for Canvas

  The Canvas by Instructure app is the mobile version of Canvas that helps you stay current with your courses anywhere you go. Please note: the apps are more limited in functionality than the desktop version of Canvas. We recommend submitting work in the desktop version of Canvas.

  Do you plan to use the iPhone/iPad CANVAS mobile app? Read the Canvas by Instructure iOS guide. Check if you have the most up to date version of the Canvas app.

  Do you plan to use the Android CANVAS mobile app? Read the Canvas by Instructure Android guide. Check if you have the most up to date version of the Canvas app.

  Free Microsoft Office

  You can find updated Office 365 instructions in InSite. First, login to InSite.

  Click on the Resources tile, and select the Free Microsoft Office link.

  

  The next page has current Office 365 download instructions.

  

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  Using Zoom

  In-person classes will be taught via Zoom.  Students just need to click on the meeting link to join a Zoom meeting - no account required.

  All students have a Zoom account by using their InSite email login credentials.

  Overview of ConferZoom in Canvas

  How to use Zoom

  Download the latest version of Zoom 

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  Adobe Creative Cloud

  

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  Need more help with software?

  We have online chat help with common software issues located at 

  Student Peer 2 Peer tech support

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  Comcast 

  As the Contra Costa Community College District begins to transition face-to-face courses to online instruction for remote education, we want to make students aware of a resource for 60 days of complimentary internet access. If you live in a Comcast service area, you may be eligible for this service. 

  Internet Essentials: New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month.

  For more information about eligibility and to apply, call 1-800-934-6489 or visit their website at https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19.

  For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit http://.xfinity.com/wifi.
  Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser.

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  California Connects
  

• Student Assistance Program (SAP)

  These are uniquely stressful times for everyone, filled with rapid change and uncertainty, and we expect that many people could find themselves in need of additional care and support.

  Los Medanos College (LMC) and Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) want to remind all of our students about a robust resource already in place called the Student Assistance Program (SAP).

  SAP stands ready to provide up to five (5) individual counseling sessions, per issue, per policy year, either in person, or by telephone or web-video conference for problems related to:

  • Childcare and eldercare assistance;
  • Daily living services (arranging help with errands);
  • Stress, anxiety, changes in mood, sadness;
  • Grief, loss or response to traumatic events (like COVID-19);
  • Financial or legal services; and/or
  • Concerns about use of drugs or alcohol

  These services can be accessed 24/7 either by calling 

  (800) 227-1060       (TTY users call 711)

  – or by visiting –

  https://members.mhn.com/external/public/default/login

  LMC/CCCCD Student login code:  ccccdstudent

  Use of these services is confidential between you, the SAP, and the individual professional providers with whom you are connected.  

  No personal information is shared with LMC or the District.

Student Support Services 

Need help with any subject? Our tutors and labs are virtually online to help you. Visit the tutoring web page to learn the different ways and to view the different schedules. LMC Tutoring

Distance Counseling Providing phone, video, and email counseling and career exploration for new, returning and veteran students. Schedule an appointment

Wondering about your future?Transfer and Career Services can help you explore your options and get ready for transfer. They can help you streamline the process and set you on the path that is right for you. Explore your options now

Need some tech help?  Your fellow students are just a chat away to help you solve common problems with Canvas, Zoom, Microsoft office products and more! If they don't know the answer they will find someone who does! Peer 2 Peer Tech Support

Have a writing assignment? The Center for Academic Support has been providing online writing consultations for years. That's not all... they also provide peer tutoring in all subjects, not just writing!  Center for Academic Support

LMC Marketplace Weekly Hours  Mondays & Thursdays   1 PM-3 PM Open to ALL LMC Students

Student Services at a glance (hours & services available)

Support Legend:
Live Chat   , Email Consultations   , Video Conferencing   , Phone Support  , Additional Support