Welcome to Fall ’24 + Need-to-Know Items

Dear SMC Student:

Welcome to Santa Monica College! As the Fall 2024 semester kicks off, it is my distinct pleasure to thank you for choosing SMC. Whether this is your first time at SMC or you are returning to continue fulfilling pre-determined transfer/career goals, your success and goals matter. Inside the classroom at one of SMC’s campuses or outside, skilled and caring instructors, counselors, and professionals are ready to help you navigate the pathway to your dream career or transfer university. 

This communication contains important and timely information—on beginning-of-year events, counseling hours, basic needs, transportation & safety, critical timelines, and much more. Please take a few moments to read this, and don’t forget to bookmark the Student Resources page (your one-stop shop for nearly everything you need to know!):

Mark your calendar for SMC Start Up

This fun, high-energy event will connect you to college resources and student clubs while you enjoy free food, games and live music from a Power 106 DJ. SMC Start-Up happens Tuesday, September 12, 11 am – 1 pm in the Main campus quad.  Don’t miss it!

SMC counselors are eager to engage with you: Their No. 1 goal is to support your educational goals. Here are the Counseling department’s hours through Fall 2024. 

Week 1 and Weeks 10 through 14:  
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. -7 p.m.
Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fridays: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
 
Weeks 2 through 9, and Weeks 15 through 18:  
Mondays and Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays and Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

SMC Financial Aid is here to help

The SMC Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is continuing to assist students who may have been impacted by the various challenges as a result of the new FAFSA application that the Department of Education rolled out January 1.  Financial Aid disbursements for fall semester begin at the end of the first week of classes. Whatever your circumstances, the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will work hard to get your case file complete and evaluated. Attend a group workshop or get one-on-one assistance from one of our experts. Stop by to learn if you’re eligible for a temporary book loan for textbook purchases. 

SMC is Here to Help with Your Basic Needs

Food insecurity affects many students. Check out SMC’s CalFresh Outreach webpage to see if you qualify for free grocery money. You can also connect with a CalFresh specialist by email, and get one-on-one assistance filling out the required forms. Also, drop by Bodega, SMC’s on-campus student food pantry. Open five days a week, the Bodega’s fall 2024 hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Wednesdays 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. More information at smc.edu/basicneeds.

Take care of your whole self

• Stay safe from COVID-19 by washing your hands frequently and masking in crowded spaces. Refrain from coming to on-campus classes or events if you feel under the weather. Report any positive COVID-19 tests to Healthcenter@smc.edu. Call Student Health Services at (310) 434-4262 with your COVID-related questions or concerns.
• Visit Student Health Services to take advantage of many free resources, including free STI testing, family planning services, immunizations, dermatology and more.
• Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical wellbeing. Reach out to the SMC Center for Wellness and Wellbeing for confidential one-on-one support. Make use of resources like the 24/7 emotional support hotline (800-691-6003) staffed by licensed therapists. Watch our wellness YouTube channel for short videos on managing imposter syndrome, handling stress, improving self-care and much more.

Get to SMC without a car

Choose from many free or student-discounted public options to save yourself the hassle of driving in LA traffic:

• Ride Metro, BBB and 13 other Los Angeles area transit agencies for only $22.50 for the entire semester. Just pay your Student Benefits fee and follow the instructions to get your GoPass on a TAP card or mobile phone.
• BBB’s Line 44 offers shuttle service between SMC’s Bundy campus and Main campus, running 7 am to 6 pm. BBB also provides shuttle service to the Center for Media Design and the Performing Arts Center. In the evenings, SMC will give you a free Lyft code for a return ride to Main campus. See details at SMC’s Intercampus Shuttle website.
• You’ll find e-bikes and e-scooters by Spin, Veo, and Helbiz around all SMC campuses. Low-income students can apply for discount rates.
• Biking and scootering to SMC is safer than ever thanks to new bike paths and protected bike lanes. This map shows where you can find bicycle parking on the Main campus.

Big Blue Bus Restarts Service to SMC’s Bundy Campus

Beginning August 26, 2024, on days when SMC classes are in session, BBB’s Line 44 will operate from approximately 7 a.m. through 6:30 p.m., connecting Metro’s SMC/17th Street Station E Line to SMC’s Main Campus to SMC’s Bundy Campus. Buses run every 14 minutes. BBB has also increased frequency of service on Route 7 along Pico Boulevard to the Main Campus starting August 11. Visit bigbluebus.com to plan your trip.

Install the Lifesafe app

LiveSafe is a communication platform you can access on your phone either as a standalone download or through SMC GO, the official SMC app. LiveSafe provides real-time communications with police dispatchers through voice or text. Check out the SafeWalk service, which lets you ask a friend to “virtually” walk you home. The app is free and can be downloaded from Google Play or the Apple app store.

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I hope you have a great semester! Wishing you all the best, 

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