SMC Malibu Campus Remains Closed 
Dear Emeritus Community,
Welcome to Fall 2021!
We are nearing the end of the social distancing phase of the pandemic. Fall 2021 will remain fully remote, as this is the best decision we can make about teaching modalities at this time. I am already working with Emeritus faculty to explore which classes should be considered for distance education after the pandemic. I know a number of students and faculty have shared with me that they would prefer to stay online forever. I also know there are many students and faculty who are very eager to return to the classroom. Please know that the faculty and I are well aware of this fact, and that there is student interest in both options. I do believe that once herd immunity is reached and a lot of school-aged youth are also vaccinated, more people will be interested in returning to campus.
There is no need to email me your on individual preference — though I have heard from a number of you already. I plan to explore the most flexibility for teaching modalities possible. This is partly why we added new A/V equipment into most of the classrooms before we even knew that COVID-19 existed.
As you have hopefully seen, we have had a number of virtual events, and the most recent ones have recordings posted at smc.edu/emeritus-events
The online Emeritus Art Gallery, with photo albums, is located at smc.edu/emeritusgallery
We would very much appreciate your financial support, if you’re in a position to do so at this time. The easiest way to make your donation to SMC Emeritus is online at smc.edu/emeritus (click on “Donate to Emeritus”). Donating online is quick and painless, and is processed quickly.
If you need technology help, email studentithelp@smc.edu. You may also email emeritus@smc.edu for trouble with registration. Once officially registered for the class, if you don’t have your Zoom link by 1-2 days before class, email the instructor. Contact info is available Emeritus Faculty webpage. Most faculty should respond within 24 hour, and if not, reach out to the office.
Please know that the first week, or two, of any given semester is one of high call and email volume. You can help reduce this by only emailing or calling once, and trying to get the Zoom links from faculty directly. This will help us get through the queue of calls and emails in the most expedient way possible.
Please DO NOT MAIL your registration form through USPS. Your form will be processed more quickly if you email the form to us, either through a scan, photo or filling out the form electronically on your computer, and emailing it to emeritus@smc.edu.
I hope all of you continue to be well and take care of each other.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott C. Silverman
Dean, Noncredit & External Programs (Interim)