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.
Campus
When will students be allowed back on campus?
The Los Angeles Film School began offering a limited number of on-campus production and hands-on classes and labs for the April 2021 term.
As of September 27, 2021, ALL our campus programs will be comprised of classes that include both on-campus learning activities in classrooms and/or production spaces, as well as continued online learning via our proprietary learning management system and additional web-based platforms.
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.
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 updates or changes have been made to the school’s ventilation system?
All filters have recently been replaced and will be maintained in accordance with CDC and Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV) guidelines. LAFS has always ensured its ventilation system utilizes the optimal filters based on the MERV standardized system created by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and is used by all air filter manufacturers.
Has the air circulation been adjusted to 24/7?
The fan circulation system has been adjusted to run 24/7 to ensure optimal circulation throughout the building(s). This circulation will be in addition to the regular heating and cooling schedule each day. In compliance with California Mechanical Code Chapter 4, an outside air exchange is required in all municipal building spaces.
In spaces where doors/windows do not open to the outside, how will air circulate inside the room?
Although classrooms do not have windows or doors that open to the outside, they all have an air supply and an air return that is connected to an outdoor air exchange system that ensures proper circulation. Internal classroom doors can also be opened to enhance circulation.
What are the Campus Disinfecting Protocols?
Professional cleaning crews disinfect all classrooms and labs during regular business hours and every evening. They use a disinfectant registered on the EPA N list that is administered through an electrostatic disinfecting machine to ensure the most effective sanitization possible.
LAFS has an hourly cleaning schedule of often-touched surfaces and common areas. These high-touch areas in break rooms, restrooms and lobbies include doorknobs, light switches, countertops, door handles, door keypads, exit buttons, door glass, handrails, lobby desks, lobby desk phones.
To ensure the safest possible personal hygiene, all students and faculty are required to wipe down personal workstations with wipes (provided by LAFS) containing at least 70% alcohol before and after working at any space. Drinking fountains remain closed at this time.
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?
We are streaming all our virtual events online including graduation ceremonies. 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.
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.
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.
Are you enrolling international or overseas students?
The L.A. Film School can now begin issuing I20 Forms for international students to possibly start our Campus program in the USA.
LAFS is still subject to COVID-19 classroom occupancy restrictions so many courses are being delivered in a hybrid format whereby some class meetings are held remotely via Zoom live videoconferencing and some are held in-person on LAFS’ physical campus. By August 1, 2021, LAFS will have weekly in-person elements that are integral to the completion of courses in all programs except the Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business.
Although some the General Education Courses in the other programs (Associate of Science in Film, Bachelor of Science in Film Production, Associate of Science in Music Production, Associate of Science in Audio Production, Bachelor of Science in Audio Production, and Bachelor of Science in Animation) may continue to be offered remotely due to classroom capacity restrictions, LAFS will ensure that international students are registered for at least one course with an in-person class requirement every semester.