Here are some important facts for you to know regarding the acceptance of these funds: 

• This money can be used for the following:
  • Food
  • Housing
  • Course materials
  • Health care
  • Child care
  • Technology-related expenses (for taking online classes)
  • Transportation
  • Other expenses you’ve incurred related to disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic

• This is a grant, not a loan. You will not have to pay back these funds.
• These funds will not be applied to any current or future balances in your college account. They will be directly distributed to you. 
• These funds will not count toward any Financial Aid or scholarships received.
•  If you have set up direct deposit in WebRunner, these funds will be electronically deposited. Otherwise, a paper check will be mailed to the address on file in WebRunner. Please check WebRunner prior to May 13 to make sure all your personal information is up to date.
• Accepting these funds affirms that you have been impacted by the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic to an extent equal to or greater than the grant total. You will not be required to provide documentation of this impact. If you choose not to accept these funds, please contact the resource below. 

The goal of the Task Force was to determine the most equitable and efficient way to provide funds to the greatest number of students. Institutions must use these CARES Act funds “to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care).” The college has determined that LBCC students experienced expenses related to the closure of on-campus dining and food pantries, additional costs for internet access, computers and other instructional materials and supplies, childcare expenses, transportation, increased utility bills, increased cell phone usage, and medical supplies and bills.

Knowing that the disruption of campus operations as a result of the current pandemic did indeed affect every student, the Task Force developed a system where every Title IV-eligible student will benefit.

The following criteria were established:

• Benefit all eligible students
• Students have a FASFA on file
• Students meet the criteria set forth in the CARES Act
• Three categories were established based on unmet need:
• 1. Less unmet need ($0-$5,000)
  2. Medium unmet need ($5,001-$10,000)
  3. Most unmet need (over $10,000)
• Using the Title IV requirements,12 credits were used as the standard for full-time and 6 credits as the minimum; awards were prorated for students based on the number of credits taken
• Smallest award (least unmet need and fewest hours) is $100. Largest award (highest unmet need and full-time hours) is $700. Awards were prorated for students enrolled in fewer than 12 credits (e.g., 6 credits equals 50% of the award amount).
  • $0-$5,000 $200
  • $5,000-$10,000 $500
  • Over $10,000 $700

CARES Act Stimulus Distribution to Students

1. Linn-Benton Community College signed and returned the Certification and Agreement, with an email acknowledgement of receipt provided to us on April 16, 2020. This is an assurance that LBCC intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
2. The total amount of funds awarded to Linn-Benton Community College is $1,303,338. To date, $659,345 have been received.
3. The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grant funds distributed to students as of June 1, 2020 is $659,345.
4. The total number of students determined to be eligible for a distribution is 2,020 based on FASFAs on file as of May 28, 2020. However, one student declined the distribution due to having no need, leaving a total of 2,019 distributions.
5. The total number of students who received a distribution was as follows:
   a. 1,993 students received funds on May 14, 2020, for a total of $650,912.
   b. 26 students received funds on June 1, 2020, for a total of $8,433.

6. Recipients of funds:
   The goal of the Task Force was to determine the most equitable and efficient way to provide funds to the greatest number of students. Institutions must use these CARES Act funds “to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care).” The college has determined that LBCC students experienced expenses related to the closure of on-campus dining and food pantries, additional costs for internet access, computers and other instructional materials and supplies, childcare expenses, transportation, increased utility bills, increased cell phone usage, and medical supplies and bills.

   Knowing that the disruption of campus operations as a result of the current pandemic did indeed affect every student, the Task Force developed a system where every Title IV-eligible student will benefit.

   The following criteria were established:

   1. Benefit all eligible students
   2. Students have a FASFA on file
   3. Students meet the criteria set forth in the CARES Act
   4. Three categories were established based on unmet need:
      1. Less unmet need ($0-$5,000)
      2. Medium unmet need ($5,001-$10,000)
      3. Most unmet need (over $10,000)
   5. Using the Title IV requirements,12 credits were used as the standard for full-time and 6 credits as the minimum; awards were prorated for students based on the number of credits taken
   6. Smallest award (least unmet need and fewest hours) is $100. Largest award (highest unmet need and full-time hours) is $700. Awards were prorated for students enrolled in fewer than 12 credits (e.g., 6 credits equals 50% of the award amount).
      1. $0-$5,000 $200
      2. $5,000-$10,000 $500
      3. Over $10,000 $700

7.  Here are some important facts for you to know regarding the acceptance of these funds:

   1. This money can be used for the following:
      • Food
      • Housing
      • Course materials
      • Health care
      • Child care
      • Technology-related expenses (for taking online classes)
      • Transportation
      • Other expenses you’ve incurred related to disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic
   2. This is a grant, not a loan. You will not have to pay back these funds.
   3. These funds will not be applied to any current or future balances in your college account. They will be directly distributed to you.
   4. These funds will not count toward any Financial Aid or scholarships received.
   5. If you have set up direct deposit in WebRunner, these funds will be electronically deposited. Otherwise, a paper check will be mailed to the address on file in WebRunner. Please check WebRunner prior to May 13 to make sure all your personal information is up to date.
   6. Accepting these funds affirms that you have been impacted by the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic to an extent equal to or greater than the grant total. You will not be required to provide documentation of this impact. If you choose not to accept these funds, please contact the resource below.

NOTE: Further distributions will be made for students qualifying for aid in both summer and fall terms.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the LBCC Business Office at (541) 917-4300.

LBCC buildings are currently closed to the public and the general student body.

Most instruction is continuing via alternative and remote modalities.

Community Education classes do not have to run on the same term schedule as credit courses. For the most current information, please see our COVID-19 Extended Learning update.

Adult Basic Skills will continue but will use a remote model wherever possible.

As we prepare for fall term, we are making plans to resume some classes in person.

Each academic department is working to determine which courses and programs will remain online, and which courses and programs can safely be offered face-to-face for students. When you register for fall term, you will find a mix of both delivery methods at LBCC, according to each particular course and/or program.

With new guidance from Governor Kate Brown, LBCC is now switching from state-wide coordination to developing a focused plan with our local health authorities. This gives us more flexibility to offer a schedule that both protects the health and safety of our students and instructors, keeps you on track toward your goals.

As decisions about individual fall term courses and programs are made, we will reflect those changes in the schedule, so you can choose your path accordingly. We will also let you know when students can be allowed back on campus, and under what circumstances and safety guidelines.

Please reach out to your advisor should you need help. We are here for you.

For general questions about the closure status or anything else, please call or email us! We are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm via email: contact@linnbenton.edu.

Use our campus Single Stop tool to find resources that can connect you to housing help, transportation, healthcare and other basic needs. This is how:

• Visit the Roadrunner Resource Center and scroll to the bottom of the page. There you can Search for Resources. You will need to enter your zip code, and then click enter. 
• In the section titled Explore the Area you can again click Browse Local Resoures, and that brings you to the database.
• You will see a map, and options to click on to filter your search by tags, such as Housing.  
• Scroll through the resources to find what you need and how to contact them.

Information about how to access SNAP, Meals on Wheels, food pantries and other food assistance is being updated daily at Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. 

Free breakfast and lunch are available to all children age 1-18 every weekday at 13 different locations. Find times and locations. 

FISH is also providing home food delivery of large Snacks for Packs for those in need. If you are experiencing food insecurity and are unable to pick up these meals, please contact FISH directly and let them know that the school district sent you. They are open Monday through Friday, and you may pick up food boxes at the FISH office. If you are interested in volunteering and/or donating, please contact FISH directly at (541) 928-4460.

Expensify.org is temporarily redirecting all of its charitable funds to fight hunger.

With its ability to reimburse volunteers directly in real-time, Expensify.org is uniquely positioned to help families in need immediately. Until today, this fund was focused on paying off kids' "lunch debts", but with schools closed around the nation, their new priority is to match SNAP grocery purchases up to $50 per family.

This is how it works:

• Purchase food as normal with your SNAP card
• How to download the free Expensify app on iOS or Android
• Join Expensify.org/hunger
• SmartScan the receipt, which will tell them how much you paid and show that it was paid for with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card
• Submit it to volunteer@expensify.org
• Set up your bank account to receive the funds
• If they have funds available, they will reimburse up to $50 per family (one time), the very next day.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) is issuing emergency SNAP supplements to many SNAP households to help buy food during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Read more.

YES! Oregonians can now use their EBT online to purchase food from Amazon and Walmart. Delivery fees are not covered by EBT, but during this time of social distancing this could help people avoid going into a store.

Read about the USDA Food and Nutrition Service's Online Purchasing Pilot.

Buy food from Amazon.

Buy food from Walmart.

On March 17, Oregon expanded childcare benefits to support families and providers during the spread of COVID-19. The changes are:

• Eliminating co-pays for eligible families.
• Providing access to more families by increasing the income limit from 185 percent of the federal poverty level ($4,040 per month for a family of four) to 250 percent of the federal poverty level or 85 percent of the state median income, whichever is higher for the family size ($5,899 per month for a family of four).
• Ensuring more certainty for providers. Childcare providers are able to continue to receive payments from DHS, even if children are unable to attend or if they have to temporary shut down during the state of emergency.  

Providers and parents/caretakers may contact the DHS Direct Pay Unit with questions Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-800-699-9074.

Pacific Power has temporarily suspended disconnections and late fees for nonpayment. Read more. 

Many city offices that handle water bills and other city utilities are asking that customers contact them directly, as they understand that this is a difficult time for many, and they will be flexible in helping those whose income has been affected during this time.

Cities and states across the country are already suspending evictions and foreclosures in response to the spread of the coronavirus, and all evictions and foreclosures are suspended for 60 days. Read more. 

Summer term books will be available for purchase starting June 13^th online at bookstore.linnbenton.edu, students will be able to choose to have their orders shipped to them or pick-up via dock side drop.

Students will be able to purchase or rent textbooks online using credit/debit, Financial Aid from June 13^th- July 6^th or 3^rd Party Agency from June 13^th – Aug 6^th.

Students who choose to utilize our dock side drop, must be able to provide ID and their order #. Students can pull to the right side of the Campus Stores loading dock. Once there they can call 541-917-4959 with their name and order #, if we do not answer there is a doorbell to the left of the door.

Online order pick-ups will begin Tuesday June 16^th and be available Monday- Thursday thereafter between the hours of 9 am-3pm. COVID-19 precautions will be enforced at all times for both staff and guests. Please stay in your vehicle unless requested otherwise. Campus Store will be CLOSED and unavailable June 26^th due to inventory. The College will be closed every Friday starting July 4^th- September 4^th.

No other Campus Store transactions will be permitted inside or outside the premises.

Update: The deadline for all winter term rental books, rental calculators, and rental Chromebooks has been extended to May 8th. This is the latest we can accept rental returns, due to our agreements with third-party vendors.

You may return your rentals via one of methods listed below:

1. Mail/ship your rentals to:
   Linn-Benton Community College
   Attn: LBCC Campus Store
   6500 Pacific Blvd SW
   Albany, OR 97321
   
   * It is strongly advised to ship any rentals by April 30th, to ensure that they arrive at our facility by the due date.
   
   
2. For those who are local, we will accept rental returns in the library book return slot on the Albany campus. The slot outside of Willamette Hall, to the right of the library. 
   
   *Please do not drop your rental ay any public library. LBCC is not affiliated with the public library system. 

Direct additional questions or concerns to: orders@linnbenton.edu

Please also keep these things in mind:

• Chromebooks and calculators must not be returned through the Library book return slot.
• Books returned must not be damaged by liquids and must be in resalable condition. 

• Book Buyback:

  • Textbook buyback will be held on the Albany Campus ONLY
  • June 8-11, from 9:00am - 3:00pm, CLOSED on Friday, June 12
  • Location will be outside the Campus Store, with a drive-up/park/drop-off scenario
  • 1-way flow of foot traffic in and out of the facilities will be created
  • High School students will be expected to drop off Winter AND Spring term books

    >Specific direction should come from the individual High School. (Some schools will require individual student drop at LBCC, some want dropped at the High School)

    • See Map for location: 
      
      
      
    • ALL COVID-19 precautions and measures will be expected and maintained. This will include social distancing & employees will be required to wear masks and utilize protective equipment when necessary.
    • • Any questions/concerns should be directed to orders@linnbenton.edu 
      • Visit Book Buyback link to check buyback pricing

      > Pricing is only available June 8-11. Price quotes are based on live data and therefore is subject to change at any time.

      
      

      Spring Term Rental Books:

      • Rentals from Spring term only, will be accepted June 8-11, from 9:00am-3:00pm at the Albany Campus ONLY
      • Location will be outside the Campus Store, with same drive-up/park/drop-off scenario
      • If the student is not in the local area and cannot drop off their rental(s), you can ship the book(s) to:

      Linn-Benton Community College

      ℅ Campus Store

      6500 Pacific Blvd SW

      Albany, OR 97321

      * Any shipped books must be received by Friday, June 12th to ensure no additional charges are incurred, therefore transit time must be considered when shipping.

      
      
      • Before 9:00am and after 3:00pm, students may drop their rental book into the campus Library book return drop slot (Any excessive book damage will require the student to pay for the retail value of the book)
      • All other processes will remain the same as Book Buyback above.
      • Any questions/concerns should be directed to orders@linnbenton.edu 
      
      

      Library Books & Laptop Returns: 

      Library personnel will be available from 9:00AM to 3:00PM to receive books, laptops, and other equipment that need to be returned on the last week of Spring term, Monday - Thursday June 8-11, and the week after - Monday-Friday, June 15-19. During this time ...

      • Please place books to be returned in the Library's exterior book drop
      • Please return laptops, chargers, and wireless hotspots directly to Library personnel. There will be a table set up just inside the Library entrance for you to drop devices off. Make sure to receive verbal acknowledgement from us before you leave.
      • If you need to use computer equipment during Summer term, please contact Bryan Miyagishima directly at miyagib@linnbenton.edu and he can arrange an extended checkout.

LBCC faculty have been asked to deliver courses remotely whenever possible using Moodle, our learning management system, as well as Zoom, LBCC’s web-conference tool. Zoom allows you to have video meetings with instructors or support staff, share screens, and whiteboard. Zoom is already available to all students. 

You can get started using Zoom by clicking here and logging in with your LBCC (Google) email address and password. This will create your Zoom account automatically. Your first use of Zoom will require a one-time download. The Zoom mobile app works similarly.

Your use of Zoom will usually come from a link provided by your instructor in regard to an online lecture, class meeting, office hours, etc. After the initial download, Zoom will launch automatically for you when you click a Zoom meeting link. The Zoom mobile app works similarly.

You may wish to read Zoom's tips for participating in online learning prior to your first use.

If you need help accessing these tools, please contact the Student Help Desk at 541-917-4630,  email us at student.helpdesk@linnbenton.edu or visit the support website.

Moodle is LBCC’s Learning Management System. Each course at LBCC is assigned a Moodle “shell,” which is like an online home for your class. You can use Moodle to access course materials, view lectures, turn in assignments, and more. To learn how to access and use your Moodle account, watch this video.

If you need help accessing these tools, please contact the Student Help Desk at 541-917-4630, email us at student.helpdesk@linnbenton.edu or visit the support website.

Your instructor may also give you instructions on how to participate in the course using Google Docs or other online system. All of these can be accessed through a web browser rather than downloading software. Your instructors know that these technologies might be new to you and are eager to help you navigate them successfully. Please ask lots of questions to make sure you understand how to use any tool.

You will need internet access and a computer running an updated, currently supported operating system. Ideally, your computer needs to have a video camera, a microphone, speakers, and the ability to stream video to enable videoconferencing with Zoom. If you do not have a camera and/or microphone, you will still be able to access Moodle and Google Chat and you can still use Zoom with a computer and telephone.

If you do not have a computer or compatible device that you can use, please call the library at 541-917-4630 to learn about the options available to you.

You have several options:

1. If you have a cell phone with unlimited cellular data you may be able to use your cell phone as a wifi hotspot. Follow instructions for your particular phone and operating system. If you are having problems learning how to do this, contact the Student Help Desk at 541-917-4630 or student.helpdesk@linnbenton.edu or through Zoom at this link.
2. The following programs are currently offering free or reduced-cost internet access:
   • Comcast's Internet Essentials is free for 60 days for qualified low-income families. Call 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
   • Spectrum Broadband is free for 60 days to households with a K-12 student or college student who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. Installation fees will be waived for new student households as well. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395.
   • LifelineSupport
   • everyoneon.org  
3. Xfinity is also currently offering free access to their wifi hotspots throughout our area. Libraries or businesses in your area may offer good wifi access. Park your car nearby and connect to the public wifi.

 If you are having trouble getting internet access at home, please email the library at libref@linnbenton.edu for assistance.

Yes! The Advising Center is available for remote appointments by Google chat or  Zoom. You can email or chat at onlineac@linnbenton.edu to set up your appointment. You may also schedule an appointment online. If your advisor is a program faculty member, please send them an email with your request to meet.

Contact CFAR at cfar@linnbenton.edu or 541-917-4789 and they will work with you to answer your accommodation questions.

Your instructor of your course will notify you by email before the start of term to let you know the plan. If you are not familiar yet with Moodle, watch this video. If you have not yet heard from your instructor on the Friday prior to the start of term, please email us at contact@linnbenton.edu.

If you drop your classes before the end of the add/drop period, you will not be charged for your classes. We encourage you, however, to continue your enrollment if possible. Students who remain enrolled are more likely to complete their educational goals (plus, this is great “soft skills” training in being flexible and adaptable!). If you are considering dropping, please call, email, or Zoom the friendly folks at firstresort@linnbenton.edu. They will help you with the decision and ensure that you are set up for success now or in the summer term.

The First Resort is our troubleshooting office — it’s their job to work with you on anything you are struggling with that you aren’t sure how to handle. They are available remotely via Google chat, email, and Zoom. Please email or chat at firstresort@linnbenton.edu to set up an appointment or visit their web page.

Yes! All library services are available remotely, including reference services / research help, technical assistance from the Student Help Desk, and interlibrary loan of journal articles. The library offers these services by phone, email, or Zoom. Don’t be shy — they are eager to be there for you as you navigate these challenging weeks. Please see the Library website for the current details on how to get in touch. 

Access the Student Help Desk. 

Unfortunately, the Library is unable to check out physical library books, DVDs, etc. Instead, the library is promoting access our eBook and streaming video collections. If there are specific library materials that you need to access, please contact the Reference Desk at (541) 917-4645 or libref@linnbenton.edu. The Library website will have more information on the availability of Library resources and how to access them.

Materials may still be returned in the Library book drop, but please do not come to campus just to return your library checkouts; you will not accrue fines.

All LBCC Library checkouts currently have their due dates extended until June 12 or later. The Library has waived all late fines from every student and employee account, even those that accrued prior to COVID-19 related closures.

For items that belong to other libraries (interlibrary loan items), the issue of fines is in the purview of the lender. In those instances, please email libill@linnbenton.edu or return the items to the book drop just outside the Albany Campus Library.

Yes! The Learning Center staff are offering remote help either by appointment or drop-in via phone, Zoom, or Google chat! Don’t be shy — they are eager to be there for you as you navigate these challenging weeks. Please see the Learning Center website for the current details on how to get in touch.

Until at least May 1, on-campus events will not be permitted. This includes athletic events. For updated information on specific events, please check this list.

In-person meetings of student clubs and co-curriculars are postponed. Zoom video conferencing can be used to hold remote meetings, but no meetings may occur in person until further notice.

All LBCC-sponsored (employee and student) travel will be suspended. Summer program trips will be evaluated at a later date.

Social distancing could include things like:

• Temporarily reducing socializing in public places such as entertainment or sports events
• Reducing of non-essential public transport
• Taking classes online
• Working from home
• Staying more than 3 feet away from people

LBCC will notify the college community as soon as we become aware of any positive COVID-19 cases in the LBCC community that are verified by the corresponding county health authority.

There are simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 as well as influenza and other illnesses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with sick people or animals.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that you frequently touch.
• Avoid non-essential travel to regions listed in CDC travel advisories.

It is also important to keep your body resilient:

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Exercise.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Stay up-to-date on routine vaccines. This includes the flu vaccine. It is not too late to get a flu shot to protect yourself from the flu, which continues to cause illness in Oregon.

You are not alone. This is a time of uncertainty and it can be hard to think about much else. We can’t expect that anxiety will go away, but it’s important that it doesn’t take over.

Here are some suggestions:

• Take reasonable precautions to put your mind at ease. Limit contact with others, wash your hands, keep spaces clean, sleep, and stay home if you’re sick. 
• Take breaks from news and social media. The news about coronavirus is constant. It can be difficult to focus when alerts and notifications can disrupt you at any time. Try putting your phone on silent or placing it in another room for set periods of time. Check news and updates only every one or two hours and allow yourself to focus on something else.
• If even after taking the steps above you are having trouble completing coursework, communicate with your instructors. 
• Finally, if you regularly struggle with overwhelming anxiety, now is a good time to reach out to a mental health professional for support. If you already have a relationship with a therapist, they may be able to talk with you via phone or video chat. If you don’t have a therapist and you find yourself in a mental health crisis, call the 24-hour crisis lines below.

The Financial Aid and Veterans Office have moved to remote services.  You can call the Financial Aid and Veterans Office Monday – Friday (8:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.) and leave a message at 541-917-4850.  Because of the volume of calls, it may take up to 48 hours to receive a return call from a staff member. 

You may also reach the Financial Aid Office Monday – Friday at faoffice@linnbenton.edu.

We appreciate your patience.

This schedule will be in place until further notice.

The disbursement date for financial aid will be April 13th.

Students are encouraged to submit their paperwork through our Campus Logic system. Enter into the Campus Logic system through your WebRunner Account.

If you have other paperwork (Financial Aid Appeals, Revision Requests, DPP Declarations, etc.) for the financial aid office other than your 'outstanding requirements', please submit them through email to faoffice@linnbenton.edu.

If you have questions, please call 541-917-4850.

You can pay your bill online through Webrunner using debit/credit or savings/checking. You may also pay over the phone by calling the Business Office at (541) 917-4312. Online payment is strongly encouraged at this time to avoid a physical exchange of cash or check.

There will be no late fees or financial holds placed on your student account if you are unable to pay your balance by the initial due date of April 6, 2020. Your account will need to be paid by June 1, 2020 to avoid fees and/or holds at that time.

View the LBCC refund policy. Make sure to sign up for direct deposit on Webrunner so any refund due can be delivered to you electronically.