COVID-19: FAQS
As Los Angeles Film School (“LAFS”) continues to closely monitor this evolving global public health situation, we remain committed to keeping our community informed regarding our school’s plans and the CDC’s recommendations as events develop.
Below is a list of some frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19, how it might affect the LAFS community and resources for additional information.
Classes
When will students be allowed back on campus?
The Los Angeles Film School will start offering a limited number of on-campus production and hands-on classes and labs beginning in the April 2021 term. The Los Angeles Film School is not yet permitted to fully open in accordance with the L.A. County guidelines. The School chose courses for this initial step based upon those courses that are essential for students nearing their graduation who are in need of hands-on technical training to complete their academic requirements.
Academic Program Directors or Instructors will notify students directly via email if they are registered for a course that will have on-campus production and hands-on classes and labs or studio access. Students can also visit the Student Connect Portal for a list of the courses that will have campus accessibility.
Participation in the selected classes or lab sessions on campus is optional. If students prefer to remain remote for the April term, they should contact an Academic Advising Coach to discuss course options. Other instruction will continue to be delivered in our Learning Management System platform (LMS) and Zoom for the spring term and students will be able to complete coursework in this digital environment.
How is The Los Angeles Film School prepared to reopen the campus?
Upon review of recommendations and operational plans from the Center for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) and other governmental and higher education resources, the school has developed a “Return-To-Campus” plan.
The school has adopted health and safety policies and procedures that all faculty, staff and students will be required to follow. The policies and procedures will be sent to students via their school email and students will be required to confirm their agreement to abide by them in advance of resuming any campus activities.
What if I can’t access high-speed internet at home?
There are public options for Los Angeles residents to connect to Wi-Fi. Follow these links for information on how to access free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout Los Angeles and/or purchase available low-cost internet plans.
Are campus students still required to “attend” classes online?
Yes, students will need to attend the scheduled Zoom class meetings and complete all assignments and other activities on the LMS as outlined in the course requirements provided by course instructors.
How can I get my TechKit®?
All TechKits and textbooks for campus and online students will be shipped to students. Students will not be permitted to pick up textbooks or TechKits until the campus resumes normal operations.
Financial Aid and Federal Work Study
Does this change impact my financial aid?
No, your financial aid should not be impacted from moving into an online class so long as you continue to participate.
If I am a Federal Work Study student am I still able to work?
Campus faculty and staff are working primarily online and there is limited student access to campus. Please contact your FWS supervisor for information regarding your department’s Work Study status.
When and where can students pick up stipend checks?
All stipend checks will now be mailed to students. Students will no longer be allowed to pick up their stipend checks on campus. If students are eligible to receive a stipend check, they will receive an email on Wednesday of that week and will have 24 hours to notify the school of an address change before checks are mailed via USPS certified mail.
How are VA Students impacted by the online classes?
VA processing offices will be making no adjustments to student awards regarding COVID-19 until further notice.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Am I able to come to campus to meet with staff members or attend open door hours?
At this time, our students are not permitted on the campus unless they are registered for a course that will have on-campus production and hands-on classes and labs or studio access and have had their eligibility verified by an Academic Program Director or Instructor. We encourage all students to communicate with the student service teams: Financial Aid, Admissions, Enrollment, Academic Advising, Student Loan Management, Career Development, etc., through alternate communication methods such as phone, text, and email, which may be found at connect.lafilm.edu.
Am I able to access the Library?
Students can visit our Library’s website at library.lafilm.edu to access online resources. Many of our digital services will remain available either through our KOHA Catalog or our A-Z Database, including research-based articles, online streaming videos, electronic screenplays, music-related databases and more. For more information on how to use the catalog or access any of the databases please visit Library Tutorials.
Library Staff are available to provide assistance by phone 323.769.2705 and email lafslibrary@lafilm.edu.
Will I be allowed on campus for events/activities?
Currently, there are no student events or activities being held on campus. We are streaming all our virtual events online including graduation. All upcoming streamed events are listed on the Events Newsletter each Monday and under Student News on Connect. Virtual events are also available on the Student Connect site at connect.lafilm.edu/livestream.
Will students still be able to get technical support through the IMT helpdesk line (x2220)?
Yes, ground students and staff will get technical support from IMT helpdesk line 323.769.2220, x2220 and by emailing to helpdesk@lafilm.edu or creating a ticket at helpdesk.lafilm.com.
Online students should continue to contact the online tech support desk at 844.349.3456.
Graduation
In-person graduation ceremonies on campus are temporarily suspended. Graduation ceremonies are currently being conducted virtually each month. Students can contact their Academic Advising Coach for upcoming graduation information. All graduates will be offered an opportunity to select a future ceremony date once we are able to resume events on campus.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Are tours still being offered?
Yes, Virtual Tours are being conducted Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (PST) and are hosted LIVE by one of our LAFS Tour Guides. Prospective students are encouraged to book directly through our website or speak with their Admissions Representative for scheduling.
Am I still able to attend the All-Access Studio Tour?
Yes, the LAFS All-Access Studio Tour will be conducted virtually once a month. For the next All-Access Studio Tour date and to confirm your attendance online, please visit lafilm.edu/rsvp or contact your Admissions Representative for more details.
QUESTIONS ABOUT COVID-19
Q1. WHAT IS COVID-19?
COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus, is a respiratory virus. Learn about COVID-19 at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Q2. HAS ANYONE AT THE SCHOOL BEEN INFECTED?
No case of COVID-19 has been reported at LAFS. Should a case be positively identified, appropriate communications as guided by the Department of Health will take place. For additional information regarding locations impacted by COVID-19 visit the CDC’s global map and the California Department of Public Health’s website.
Q3. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND COMPLICATIONS THAT COVID-19 CAN CAUSE?
Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Read about COVID-19 symptoms.
Q4. HOW DOES THE VIRUS SPREAD?
Coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person to person between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet). The virus spreads via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes and their droplets either land in the mouths or noses of nearby people or are inhaled into their lungs. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface that has the virus on it and touching their mouth or eyes before washing their hands, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. For more information, visit the CDC page on How COVID-19 Spreads.
Q5. HOW CAN I HELP PROTECT MYSELF?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) the best preventative steps for any communicable disease include simple but important measures to practice as part of your daily routine, including:
- Wear a mask.
- Stay 6 feet away from others outside of the home.
- Get Vaccinated.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
- Monitor your health daily and watch for symptoms.
- Cough or sneeze into your arm or into a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands soon after.
- Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system.
Additional information is available from the CDC.
Q6. I AM NOT FEELING WELL AND NEED TO MISS CLASS/WORK. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
- Campus students who are ill should not attend class. They should contact their instructor or student advising (advising@lafilm.edu) to discuss appropriate accommodations.
- Online students who are ill and unable to complete coursework should contact their instructor via the LMS or student advising (onlineadvising@lafilm.edu) to discuss appropriate accommodations.
- Faculty who are ill should not attend work. Please contact your immediate supervisor and/or the HR department by telephone or by text to discuss possible work continuation and/or accommodations.
- Staff who are ill should not attend work. Please contact your immediate supervisor and/or the HR department by telephone to discuss possible work continuation and/or accommodations.
Q7. WHAT IF I HAD CLOSE CONTACT WITH SOMEONE, I BELIEVE TO HAVE COVID-19?
- Take your temperature twice a day and remain alert for fever, coughs, or difficulty breathing.
- If you develop a fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing, self-isolate and contact your primary care physician.
Students: In addition to seeking medical assistance, contact your instructors via email or telephone to discuss appropriate class adjustments or accommodations. You can also contact your student advisor directly or advising@lafilm.edu (campus students) onlineadvising@lafilm.edu (online students) for assistance.
Faculty: In addition to seeking medical assistance, please contact your immediate supervisor and/or the HR department by telephone or text to discuss possible work continuation and/or accommodations.
Staff: In addition to seeking medical assistance, please contact your immediate supervisor and/or the HR department by telephone to discuss possible work continuation and/or accommodations.
Additional information and guidance can be found by visiting the CDC page, Interim US Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Persons with Potential COVID-19 Exposure in Travel-Associated or Community Settings.
Q8: WHAT WILL THE SCHOOL DO IF THERE IS A POSSIBLE CASE IDENTIFIED AMONG STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF?
Should a case be positively identified and confirmed, appropriate communications as guided by the California Department of Public Health will occur and CDC protocols will be followed. Protocols are in place for cleaning campus facilities, classrooms, labs and workspaces of affected students, faculty and staff. Administrators will work to make accommodations for extended student/staff absences.
Q9. HOW IS THE SCHOOL KEEPING STUDENTS, PARENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF INFORMED?
LAFS is communicating with our community through the following channels:
• Via All Users Email Blasts – To Staff and Students
• Website: www.lafilm.edu/alerts
• Via LAFS’s Emergency Notification System –“School Messenger”
Q10. IS THE SCHOOL PROVIDING MASKS?
Yes. Masks will be provided and required for all campus visitors who do not bring their own.
Q11. WILL ADDITIONAL CLEANING MATERIALS AND HAND SANITIZER BE PROVIDED FOR ON CAMPUS USE?
Yes. The school will be providing additional hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in areas across campus for student, staff and visitor use.
Q12. WHERE DO I GO FOR MORE INFORMATION?
- Contact your medical provider for personal health questions.
- Non-medical support resources:
Students:Contact your Student Advisor
Faculty/Staff: Contact HR Department - Public information related to the virus: