In-Person Classes, Services, and College Operations Resume Monday, October 21 | More Emotional/Mental Health Support Available

Dear SMC Community:

Mourning the loss of SMC Custodial Operations Manager Felicia Hudson, who passed away on Wednesday, has made this an especially difficult week for the college community. As we move forward and try to find a path to healing, we must come together in compassion, kindness, and acknowledgment of how this tragic event will continue to impact many in our community. Difficult as it is, SMC must forge ahead in fulfilling our mission. 

On-Ground Classes, Services, and SMC Operations Will Resume Monday, October, 21:

In-person, on-ground instruction, services, and college operations will resume on Monday, October 21. Please continue to prioritize your own well-being and that of students, as far as possible. There will likely be questions about the Oct. 14 incident, shock, grief, and anxiety for a while to come. Here are some resources to help us all navigate the conversations that may arise:

• It’s appropriate to acknowledge the incident and to do so with sensitivity and empathy
• Be mindful that our individual responses to a shocking event will vary widely. It is okay to feel however you’re feeling 
• There is a lot of speculation and misinformation circulating, as is usually the case after such a tragedy; please refer to smc.edu/announcements for verified facts. The college will continue to provide timely and accurate updates as often as possible

• Heightened emotional and mental health support resources will be made available for both SMC employees and students, in addition to what was already announced previously. Starting next week, SMC will be offering therapists at the Center for Media & Design (CMD) and Main Campus for colleagues. Drop-in appointments for individual and group support will be made available. Students will have continued access to services through the SMC Center for Wellness and Wellbeing with enhanced support offered at the CMD. The Department of Mental Health will also be on-site to provide additional emotional support resources for students, faculty, and staff. Please be on the lookout for more information to come from The Center for Wellness and Wellbeing/SMC Human Resources.

Please be Flexible & Understanding of Facilities Maintenance Delays:

Many across the college community are still trying to make sense of Oct. 14’s tragedy, with those who worked most closely with Felicia deeply impacted. Maintenance & Operations team members are meeting on Monday, Oct. 21, to regroup and take some first steps towards healing from this tragedy. Please note that there might be some delays in routine facilities maintenance. We ask for extra patience and understanding at this time. 

Forums for College Community Coming Soon -  Stay Tuned:

Finally, college leadership is planning activities to bring SMC colleagues together in the wake of this tragedy, and similar events will be planned for students in collaboration with Associated Students. The dates and times of those activities will be announced soon. Please continue to monitor your SMC email for updates, as well as: smc.edu/announcements.

In solidarity and with empathy,

Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D.
Superintendent/President