MARC APRIL 10, 2020 H 26, 2020

Funding for students in need

The District will be receiving more than $5 million in federal stimulus money through the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act). The money will be distributed directly to students who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. While the goal will be to support as many students as possible, the top priority for the funds is for students with the greatest financial need. Teams from Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges are working together to develop a process for allocation of the funds. Both colleges have lengthy waiting lists of students who applied for the college grants that were recently offered.  Meanwhile, Promise students at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges who are struggling financially are also getting some assistance.  A  $250 Promise Basic Needs Grant is being distributed to 1,220 Promise students. The students who qualified were not required to apply for the funds and will not have to repay the money. Although Promise students are required to attend college full-time (minimum 12 units), if they need to withdraw below full-time due to the crisis, they may request a special waiver that will allow them to maintain their Promise status for the fall semester.

New Benefit Resources Web page

Human Resources is pleased to provide a new  COVID-19 Benefit Resources web page with information and resources for employees and their family members. On the page, you'll find information about:  Mental Wellness and Support Information on free emotional support lines for both members and non-members Access to free apps for digital mental wellness benefits  Virtual Medical Office Visit Information Flexible Spending Accounts Over-the-counter medications are now an approved expense in the FSA Dependent care – qualifying events when your childcare situation has changed Retirement Readiness Virtual Appointment Has your retirement savings balance changed significantly over the past few weeks because of market volatility? Schedule a virtual appointment with our retirement plan advisor to see how to respond and stay on track for your retirement. Local Medical Provider Coronavirus Websites Accessing Voluntary Benefits Colonial Life has opened a special window to enroll in any of the income protection plans.

My home office: Dawn Heuft

Today’s home office: Dawn Heuft, Grossmont College Instructional Design Technology Specialist    1.    Describe your home office. It is set up in the corner of my living room next to the window and across from the front door, which I often leave open. I have an adjustable desk and I alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.   2.    What is a typical day for you working from home ? I stick to a routine -- it helps me feel more productive. I get up at the same time, walk my dog, take a shower and dress for work. My dress code is a bit more relaxed -- leggings and T-shirts. I have dubbed Fridays my “travel days” and I wear a T-shirt from another place. Out of consideration for my husband, some ground rules have been set. I tell him when I am in my “office” and can’t chat. I will also grab my laptop and work in another room or on the porch so that he can enjoy the living room, too.   3.    What tip would you pass on to other GCCCD employees? Find joy in what you do and shake things up. I have been working long hours over the last few weeks and it can take a toll. If I find myself getting cranky or frustrated, I take a break. I go for a walk or turn on the Wii and dance in my living room.     Share your new working conditions with your fellow employees and we'll feature them in the Remote Report. Take a photo of you in your home office and answer the three questions above. Send them to Anne Krueger . Submissions may be edited for length and clarity.

In the Remote Report, you’ll see important updates, get your questions answered, and learn ways to help us all navigate this new world of mass telecommuting. Issues of the Remote Report will be archived on the District Remote Report page If you have news to share or discovered a tip that helps you work better remotely, pass it on. Please send your items to Anne Krueger , Christianne Penunuri (Cuyamaca College) or Lorena Ruggero (Grossmont College).