Virtual Services & Resource Guide

West Hills College Coalinga Student Resources

The information in this page is subject to change.  Please return to this page frequently to receive the most updated information on what level of service is available to you.

At this time all academic support and student services will be available to you either online, via phone or in-person.  In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation the college is taking every step to address concerns of safety for all students, faculty and staff.   

As many of the services provided move online, it’s important for students to become familiar with several tools in place such as Zoom and Canvas.  Please read the information below as it pertains to information relative to services and resources to access online services 

Virtual Service & Support Center

 

Select service below to schedule call. Please note that some services will be limited as we continue to navigate through these difficult times
Zoom

Online meetings/sessions will be held through Zoom. This includes classroom sessions and/or services such as counseling/advising and tutoring. Academic and non-academic student support will be made available through Zoom, phone and in-person.

Zoom Student User Guide

View the getting started guide video for Zoom so that you get familiar with setting up and connecting to Zoom

Additional Resources

See All COVID-19 FAQs
Placeholder: FAQ list will be shown here

  • This may be your first time taking an online course. The California Community Colleges have developed a series of videos that address the real challenges experienced by online students, new and experienced, while pursuing success in online classes.

    Introduction to Online Learning Getting Tech Ready Organizing for Online Success Online Study Skills and Managing Time Communication Skills for Online Learning Online Reading Strategies Career Planning Educational Planning Instructional Support Personal Support Financial Planning
    Related: Getting Started With Canvas

  • Getting Started with Canvas

    The California Community Colleges (CCC) have adopted Canvas as the system’s Common Course Management System (CCMS). This means that even if you take a class at more than one CCC, you will use the same platform to access your classes. If this is your first time taking an online class, you may want to watch some of these short videos to get started.

    Canvas Overview Update Your Profile Update Your Notification Preferences Communicate with Your Instructor and Peers Manage Your Personal Files Keep Track of Assignments Due Submit Your Assignments Participate in a Discussion Take a Quiz Submit Peer Reviews Participate In a Group Check your grades
    Related: First time taking an online course.? View helpful resource videos to get you started

  •  

    Install OneDrive Mobile App

    1. Go to your Mobile Device App Store and Install Microsoft One Drive
      Google Play – One Drive
      Apple App Store – One Drive
    2. Once Installed, sign in using your West Hills email/password

    Scan documents with the mobile OneDrive app

    Scan documents with the mobile OneDrive app from OneDrive Quick Tips by Heather Severino

  • Here are resources for those who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or who need help coping with stress. The DSPS office at each campus can also assist you. 

    Crisis Contact Numbers

    • Crisis Text Line. Text “COURAGE” to 741741 for 24/7, confidential support from trained crisis counselors
    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 
      English 1-800-273-TALK (8255) TTY 1-800-799-4TTY (48889)
    • The Trevor Lifeline
      1-866-488-7386

     

    Kings County

    If you or someone you know is in crisis, Please contact the following numbers:

    • Kings Co. Crisis/ Suicide Prevention
      1-800-655-2553
    • Kings Co. Behavioral Health
      (559) 852-2376
    • Kingsview Counseling Services (Hanford)
      (559) 582-4481

     

    Fresno County

    • Fresno County Behavioral Health  559-600-WARM (9276)
     
     

    Online Resources, Brochures, and Fact Sheets

    Online Support Group

    For a limited time, the DRAW Program will be offering FREE online support groups via video for all students, staff, faculty, and/or community members that may be struggling with mental wellness during COVID-19.  This support group will run every Thursday from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm until further notice.

    Please call/text/email the DRAW therapist, Seng Leang Tang at 559-380-6690 or sunshineleang@gmail.com for more information.

    Draw Warm Line

    For a limited time, the DRAW Program will be offering FREE non-crisis phone/text support to students, staff, faculty, and/or community members that may be struggling with mental wellness during COVID-19.  The DRAW Warm Line can be accessed by calling/texting (559) 697-3460.  The DRAW therapist, Seng Leang Tang will be available to provide phone/text support during the following days/times:

    ·        Mon 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

    ·        Tues 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

    ·        Wed 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

    ·        Thu 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

    You may also call/text anytime to leave a message and Seng Leang will return your call/text as soon as she is able.

     

    Web Links

    Alcohol and Substance Abuse

    Anxiety

    Bipolar Disorder

    Depression

    Grief/Loss

    Stress Management

    Suicide Prevention/Loss

    Trauma

  • Are You Zoom Ready?

    If you have an upcoming Zoom appointment, please get ready by following these simple guidelines:

    Technology

    • Check your laptop or computer for a camera, microphone and speakers. Make sure it is up and running.
    • Or download the Zoom app to your phone or tablet.
    • Check your internet connection.

     Environment

    • Make sure you are in a quiet, well-lit place.
    • Reduce distractions around you.
    • If you are in your car, you must be parked.

    You

    • Please dress for a school appointment.
    • Please be seated upright with your camera steadied.

     

     

  • General On Campus WiFi - To learn how to access WiFi on campus visit the Access Guide   

    • Campus Parking Lots – whcl-campusdirectory.png

      Off-Campus Access to Wi-Fi

  • Low-Cost and Free Internet Access

    Several companies throughout California are offering free or low-cost internet access to students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    AT&T AT&T is providing free access to its WiFi hotspots across the country.
    California Connects California Community Colleges students are eligible for this eligible for this mobile hotspot servicepowered by Sprint, which offers nationwide 4G LTE connectivity and allows users to connect up to 10 WiFi enabled devices for up to 10 hours on a single charge for only $19.99 a month.
    Charter Charter is offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi accessfor 60 days to households college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Additionally, all WiFi hotspots are now free of charge.
    Comcast Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, Comcast is offering two months of free to Internet service through the Internet Essentials program. This offer is available to new and existing customers. Additionally, Xfinity WiFi hotspots are now available free of charge to the public.
    T-Mobile T-Mobile is providing unlimited data to all current customers who have plans with data for the next 60 days. It will also provide additional data to mobile hotspot users.
    Sprint Sprint is providing unlimited data for 60 days to customers with metered data plans and giving 20 GB of free mobile hotspot to customers with hotspot-capable devices.
    Verizon Verizon is waiving late fees and suspending service termination for customers negatively impacted by the global crisis.

     

    Additional Details

    AT&T 

    For the next 60 days, AT&T will not terminate service for any wireless, home phone, or broadband residential or small business customer due to inability to pay. 

    They will also do the following: 

    • Waive late payment fees. 
    • Keep their public Wi-Fi hotspots open for anyone who needs them. 
    • The service will also be offering unlimited internet data and offer internet access for limited income households at $10 a month through the Access from AT&T program. 

    Read More

     

    Comcast Xfinity 

    • The company is opening their Xfinity WiFi network for free along with providing unlimited data. To help people stay connected with school and work, Comcast is opening up their Xfinity WiFi network for everyone, as well as: Hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free, including non-subscribers. You can find a map of hot spots view hotspot map. Just use “xfinitywifi” network name and launch a browser. 
    • Data plans will be paused for 60 days, which will give all customers unlimited data for no additional charge. 
    • No late disconnects or late fees for those who contact the company about not being able to pay their bill. 
    • Internet Essentials, their broadband adoption program, is free to new customers 

    Read More

     

    Verizon Free WiFi 

    Verizon also took the pledge and is offering similar services: 

    • The company will not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay bills due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus. 
    • Waiving late fees for those impacted by COVID-19 
    • Tripling data allowance for Verizon Innovative Learning schools 

    Read More

     

    Charter Spectrum Free WiFi 

    Charter is offering similar services during the coronavirus pandemic. As of March 16, the company will offer: 

    • Free spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students who don't have a Spectrum broadband subscription. Call 1-844-488-8395 to enroll. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. 
    • Open Wi-Fi hotspots 

    Read More

     

    Sprint 

    Sprint has joined the Keep Americans Connected Pledge and is opening up their network to their customers and: 

    • Won’t terminate service if customers are unable to pay due to coronavirus issues 
    • Waive late fees caused by economic disturbances related to the coronavirus pandemic 
    • By 3/17: Customers with international long-distance plans will get complimentary international calling rates from the U.S. to countries defined by the CDC as Level 3. 
    • By 3/19: Customers with metered data plans will have unlimited data per month for 60 days at no extra cost 
    • Customers will get an extra 20GB of mobile hotspot data per month for 60 days. 
    • Coming soon: Customers with mobile hotspot-capable handsets without a hotspot will get 20GB per month for 60 days at no extra cost. 

    Read More

     

    T-Mobile 

    The wireless provider already has a majority of customers with unlimited talk, text, and data, but they’re doubling down on their effort to keep their customers connected. 

    • All current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers who have data plans will have unlimited smartphone data, excluding roaming. 
    • T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers will get an additional 20GB of mobile hotspots/tethering service for the next 60 days. The company says this feature will be coming soon. 
    • Work with Lifeline partners to get customers extra free data up to 5GB per month over the next two months 
    • Increase data allowance for free to schools and students for the next 60 days, which means at least 20GB of data per month for each participant 

    Read More 

     

    California Connects Mobile Internet 

    Inspired by the original digital literacy program, California Connects Mobile Internet aims to close the broadband gap in California and nationwide. California Connects includes a mobile hotspot that lets you stay connected to the internet in school, at home, and on the go. The new mobile hotspot service, powered by Sprint, offers nationwide 4G LTE connectivity and allows users to connect up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices for up to 10 hours on a single charge, no contract required. 

    Users pay $19.99 for every month thereafter with no throttling, suspension, or overage charges.* 

    https://foundationccc.org/What-We-Do/Student-Success/California-Connects 

     

    Federal Communications Commission - Affordable Connectivity Program

    The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

    The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

    The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

    For more information visit: https://www.fcc.gov/acp

     

    • Student Device Guide 
    • Affordable Devices through College Buys - powered by the Foundation for California Community Colleges, offers discounts of up to 85 percent on a wide range of educational products—from industry-leading software and technology to high quality office and classroom furniture.