WHITTIER – Río Hondo College is providing a full menu of online services to ensure students – especially those most vulnerable and marginalized – receive the support they need while completing spring classes via online instruction.
Services include remote counseling, online tutoring, financial aid assistance, psychological services, food pantry distribution, Chromebook loans, access to free Office 365 and internet, guidance for undocumented students, and access to local, community-based support.
The College launched online learning on March 16; students are tentatively expected to return to campus on Saturday, May 9. Until then, only essential personnel are allowed on campus.
“One of the hallmarks of Río Hondo College is our exceptional faculty, staff and administrative support for students,” Superintendent/President Dr. Arturo Reyes said. “This crisis has required us to devise innovative ways to continue providing these essential services for our students, many of whom struggle with food insecurity, housing instability and other significant challenges.”
As the campus transitioned to online instruction, the Student Success and Dream Center provided 355 students with resources ranging from free legal services, counseling sessions, Chromebook loans and assistance with financial aid.
STUDENT SERVICES PROGRAMS
Food assistance: The RíoSource Room – a combination pantry and resource location – is
providing free, prepackaged “grab ‘n groceries” for students at a campus drive-through location from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays. Contact: studentlife@riohondo.edu, (562) 908-3427.
Counseling Center: Reach out to counselors counselingcenter@riohondo.edu or (562) 908-3410.
EOP&S/CARE: Students and single parents served by the Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOP&S) and Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) can set up online appointments with counselors. Contact: eops@riohondo.edu, (562) 908-3423.
Dreamers and Undocumented Students: Río Hondo College is continuing to support undocumented students, including providing group psychological counseling at 11 a.m. Fridays. In collaboration with the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), the College is providing free legal services. Contact: dreamers@riohondo.edu, 562-463-7023.
Student Health & Psychological Services: A team of counselors is responding to messages at dsanchez@riohondo.edu and (562) 463-7302 and providing group counseling to undocumented students at 11 a.m. Fridays. Students in crisis should seek emergency aid at (800) 273-8255 or Exodus psychiatric urgent care at (323) 442-6018.
CalWorks: The program provides cash aid and services to eligible families with children at home. Contact: dsilva@riohondo.edu, (562) 463-7313.
Center for Career & ReEntry Services: Programs for adult learners who return to college after a prolonged absence. Contact: careercenter@riohondo.edu, (562) 908-3407.
Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSP&S): Provides assistance accessing College programs. Contact: DSPS@riohondo.edu, (562) 908-3420.
Guardian Scholars: Assists students formerly in foster care. Contact: msaenz@riohondo.edu, (562) 463-7472.
Financial Aid: The Financial Aid Office is responding promptly to messages at 562-463-3370 and financialaid@riohondo.edu.
Registration for Summer and Fall: Summer registration is open and the fall 2020 schedule is posted on the College website. Fall registration starts April 22. Students in special programs, such as EOP&S, CARE and DSP&S, may have earlier registration dates. Contact: admissions@riohondo.edu, (562) 908-3415.
Outreach and Educational Partnerships: The College is continuing efforts to collaborate with K- 12 school districts and community partners. Contact: outreach@riohondo.edu, (562) 463-4693.
PASS Program: Provides support to first-generation, low-income students and students with disabilities. Contact: trioprograms.rhc@gmail.com, (562) 463-3216.
RISE Program: Assists formerly incarcerated students or those impacted by the criminal justice system. Contact: risescholars@riohondo.edu, (562) 463-7765.
Transfer Center: Provides guidance for students seeking to continue their education at four-year universities and colleges. Contact: transfercenter@riohondo.edu, (562) 463-4619
Veterans Service Center: Provides a one-stop shop for services for veterans, including a place to connect with fellow veterans. Contact: veteranscenter@riohondo.edu, (562) 463-3117.
Student Affairs: Umbrella for student services programs ranging from CalWorks to Guardian Scholars, DSP&S to PASS. Contact: lnashua@riohondo.edu, (562) 908-3498.
The College also is providing students with information on community-based resources, including assistance with housing and food insecurity. For more information, visit www.riohondo.edu/student-health-services/coronavirus.
MEDIA RELEASE
3600 Workman Mill Road / Whittier, CA 90601
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE DATE: March 27, 2020
CONTACT: Ruthie Retana
(562) 463-3145
