This issue of Beaver Bites offers you helpful tips to get your new semester off to a great start! You got this Beavers!

The Spring 2022 semester officially begins Saturday, January 15.

For Online Classes - Some instructors may start their classes on Saturday, January 15, while some will start on Tuesday, January 18 (Monday, January 17 is the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday). Regularly check Canvas beginning Saturday, January 15 to see when your class is "live"/published. Don’t see your class? To view unpublished classes in Canvas, click on the “Courses” icon and select “All Courses”.

For In-Person Classes - Most in-person classes will have their first session Tuesday, January 18 through Friday, January 21. If you have any questions, contact your instructor.

Start by looking up your textbooks by course section on the bookstore website. Free curbside pickup is available! Select the free curbside pickup option when checking out online. You’ll receive an email letting you know when your items are available for pickup and what to do when you arrive. If you don’t need your textbooks right away, select free shipping when checking out. Your items will typically arrive within 4-7 days. Expedited shipping is also available for an additional cost. Need to pay with cash? Please contact the bookstore to make an in-person appointment.

Monday, January 24 is the deadline to return textbooks or class materials to the bookstore and receive a refund (as long as the product is in its original condition). For more information, see the Return Policy webpage.

Some online classes meet weekly at specific days and times, while others don't and will be self-paced. Check your schedule in eServices to make sure you know which of your classes meet up and put it on your calendar so you don't forget! If no days/times are listed or you see “TBD” or “1 AM to 1 AM”, that means there is no required weekly meeting for that class. Even if you don’t have a set meeting time, plan to check Canvas each week and set aside time to do your regular coursework. Some classes also meet in person on campus - check your schedule for the day, time, and meeting location.

Online and even many of our in-person classes use the Canvas learning system. If you are new to Canvas, check out these short Los Rios Canvas "how-to" videos on the most requested features.

This semester you can access student services both online and in person. Reminder: American River College requires evidence of full COVID-19 vaccination status for all students who access district and college facilities (including in-person student support services). To support you virtually, you can access online tutoring, use the "Ask a Librarian" feature 24/7, meet with a member of a support services office via Zoom, and so much more. Explore available remote resources. Limited support services will also be available in person - learn more on our Reopening webpage.

Get help with your technology needs! Check out the Technology Resources webpage to learn how to download software like Microsoft and Adobe, see if you are eligible for a free Chromebook, and find information about low-cost or free internet and wi-fi. You can also reset your password, set up security questions, or contact Tech Support if you have additional questions.

Get your basic needs met and find help for emergency needs! Check out the Beaver Cares webpage, which includes resources for financial assistance, housing, shelter, food, mental health and wellness, social services, and more.

ARC's main campus is hosting a COVID vaccine clinic Tuesday, January 11, from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, sponsored by Sacramento County Public Health. All vaccines are free and walk-ins are accepted as well as appointments. Go to the ARC online calendar for more information or to make an appointment.

For more information, visit arc.losrios.edu/vaccine

Are you on a waitlist? The waitlist status of a class changes throughout the enrollment period, so you should regularly monitor your waitlist status. If your professor gives you a permission number to add the class, follow these Use Permission Number/Enroll from Waitlist instructions for eServices.

Los Rios will not be selling semester or daily parking permits for Spring 2022. This means you will not be ticketed for a lack of a permit during this semester. However, be sure to follow all other parking rules, such as only parking in handicapped spots if you have the appropriately issued placard and no parking in fire or loading zones, as violations of these rules could result in a ticket.

The Universal Transit Pass (UTP) allows eligible students to use Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) bus and light rail services at a lower price. All eligible students are charged the UTP fee, regardless of whether or not they use the pass. Beginning this spring, the UTP is available electronically via SacRT's mobile fare app, ZipPass. Learn more at the SacRT ZipPass/Universal Transit Pass website.