Path to Recovery Update 9/24

Foothill Transit to Require IDs Oct. 18

Mt. SAC students, both credit and noncredit, will be able to continue riding Foothill Transit buses for free during the fall 2020 semester. Beginning Oct. 18, Mt. SAC students will likely need to show their Mt. SAC student ID card and enter the bus from the front entrance.

 Students who do not yet have a student ID card may pick one up from Mt. SAC’s bookstore, the Sac Book Rac, on Oct. 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 Previously, students were able to enter from the back of Foothill Transit buses without showing any form of ID or payment. The installation of new plexiglass protective barriers on Foothill Transit buses allows customers to pay a fare or show a pass with added protection. Most buses will have these installed and allow for front boarding and ID checks. Buses without these partitions will continue to allow rear boarding with no ID checks. Signage will instruct passengers on which way to enter the bus.

 Bus routes are following a regular schedule despite lower ridership to support social distancing. Riders are asked to:

·        Wash hands before and after riding the bus

·        Beginning Sunday, Oct. 18, pay attention to signs on the buses to determine entry through the front or back doors.

·        Support social distancing and keep a 6-foot distance from others whenever possible

·        Wear a face covering

·        Follow safety procedures on the bus

More information is available at foothilltransit.org/classpass.

 FTES Calculation Change Positively Impacts Enrollment

•         Following new guidance from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, Mt. SAC has updated the calculation of Full Time Equivalent Students (FTES). Previously, the FTES calculation translated to a drop of more than 25% FTES this fall semester. The new calculation takes into account students are studying in online formats due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The change brings FTES to 9,674 or a 7.8% drop compared to last year. This is more in line with the drops in headcount, which is currently at 8.8% less than last year.

•         The funding Mt. SAC receives from the state’s general fund is based on FTES. While Mt. SAC still shows a drop in FTES, state funding will be based on last year’s data, providing the college a cushion as we navigate the pandemic and serve students as best we can.         

The Mt. SAC Path to Recovery email provides employees a summary of large-scale efforts from the college to navigate the COVID-19 crisis, including its related economic impact. For more information, visit the Public Health website at www.mtsac.edu/covid19.