Latest Alert
January 14, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.
Remote Instruction January 13-17
Otis College remains safe and is not located in a warning or evacuation zone. However, In response to the wildfires that continue across Los Angeles County and their impact on regional air quality, the first week of our spring semester (January 13-17) has transitioned to remote instruction.
As of today, L.A. County highly recommends wearing N95 or P100 masks when outside. Surgical masks do not provide sufficient protection. Free N95 masks are available in the Ahmanson lobby and the Campus Safety and Security Office.
Details about the air filtration in campus buildings are included under the Campus Operations tab below.
Metro has extended free fares for all bus and rail service through the weekend. Visit www.metro.net/ for details.
Additional Information and Resources
Support and Aid
- California Fire Foundation offers financial assistance to both firefighters and victims of fires across the state.
- California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund focuses on immediate relief and long-term rebuilding efforts for affected communities.
- Pasadena Humane Society: Assists animals injured or displaced by the fires, ensuring they receive necessary care
- For comprehensive information on wildfire assistance, including resources for recovery and support, visit LA Fire Mutual Aid Resources.
- California for the Arts: Southern California Fires Resources 2025
- The Los Angeles Makery: artist supply donations and pick-up
Information
Below are additional resources for helpful information:
- Track ongoing wildfires
- Monitor alerts
- Visit LAFD for alerts, or follow LAFD on Instagram at @losangelesfiredepartment or on X at @LAFD.
- Calfire Incidents
- Available Evacuation Centers
- FEMA Assistance
- NBC Los Angeles: list of resources for transportation, shelter, housing, utilities, health, pet care, culture, food
- Mutual Aid Network LA / @mutualaidla has compiled a growing list of resources.
- Hyperallergic: “A Running List of Resources to Help Artists Impacted by LA Fires”
- Artsy: “A List of Resources and How to Support Artists and Art Workers Affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires”
- Reporting and tracking power outages: Visit www.ladwp.com/outages or call 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397).
- Report blocked roadways: Visit www.lacity.gov/myla311 or call 311; Angelenos are also encouraged to download the MyLA311 mobile app.
- Outage updates: LADWP will regularly update residents of power outages via X.
- Weather updates: Visit KTLA5 for a hyperlocal forecast for your community, or visit the National Weather Service for the regional forecast.
For Otis Students
Otis students who are significantly impacted may contact Counseling and Psychological Services at 424-207-2492 for assistance.
For Otis Faculty and Staff
Otis employees and their households may access counseling support anytime using Aetna’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by visiting resourcesforliving.com or by calling 888-238-6232.
Emergency Relief Fund
In response to this crisis, we have established an Emergency Relief Fund to provide immediate financial assistance to members of the Otis College community affected by the fires. Your donation, no matter the size, will go directly to those in need, helping them recover during this challenging time.
- Enhanced Air Filtration
- Our campus uses MERV-13 and pleated filters as the standard for all HVAC systems.
- These filters are typically changed quarterly; however, due to heightened air quality concerns, they will be replaced ahead of schedule during this cycle to ensure optimal performance.
- Routine Maintenance and Monitoring
- HVAC equipment is maintained on a regular schedule by both trained in-house staff and HVAC industry specialists.
- Our Automated Building Management Systems continuously monitor air quality and temperature in all indoor conditioned spaces, providing real-time alerts to Otis Facilities staff should any issues arise.
- Outdoor Campus Conditions
- Campus Safety and Facilities staff are monitoring outdoor conditions 24/7.
- Any ash or dust present on walkways and common areas is promptly cleaned or washed as needed to maintain safe and clean outdoor spaces.
- Residence Life
- Our Residence Hall and Park West remain open. Students living on campus should keep their windows closed and turn on the air conditioning to cycle the air. When outdoors, a mask is recommended in response to fluctuating air quality. Returning students who currently live on campus can move back into their assigned room at their convenience. Elaine’s dining hall is open and meal plans are active.
- Students moving in this week and over the weekend may contact Residence Life and Housing should they need to reschedule.
- All residential students MUST keep their windows closed and locked to protect from any air externally coming into the buildings and rooms.
- Events
- All events are cancelled or postponed during the week of January 13 through January 19.
We are actively addressing any challenges as they arise and are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy campus for all.
Classes Transitioning to Zoom January 13-17, 2025
Classes will transition to remote instruction using Zoom for the first week of spring semester (January 13-17). Students should check the Nest to locate the Zoom links for classes. Instructors may also email these to students along with any changes to their course syllabi.
Remote access to the computer labs will be available via Splashtop. More information below.
Students who are not able to attend class should contact each of your faculty. Faculty will support you to complete the work asynchronously if you are able. If you contact your faculty, you will earn an excused absence.
Otis Staff
Please plan to work remotely through Friday, January 17 with the approval of your manager or supervisor. Campus is open for those who prefer to work from campus. When on campus, a mask is recommended when outdoors due to variable air quality.
Splashtop Access to Computer Labs
To support faculty and students during this first week of remote instruction, we have enabled remote access to the computer labs using Splashtop. You should have received an email from Splashtop with information for initial access, and we have a Knowledge Base article with instructions. If you have any issues with access, please open a ticket at helpdesk.otis.edu.
Student Health and Wellness Center
The SHWC is available to any student for telehealth appointments. Call 310-846-5738 to make an appointment.
Labs and Shops
The Student Learning Center, Teaching Learning Center, Library, Audio and Video Lab and Computer Labs are open. The wood and metal shop, model shop, lab press, printmaking, and photo lab are closed Monday through Wednesday, January 13–15, then open for the rest of the week per the schedule below.
- Ceramics Studio
- Thursday :11:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Saturday: Open 24/7
- Laboratory Press
- Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Friday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Model Shop
- Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Friday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: closed
- Photography Lab
- Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Printmaking Lab
- Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Friday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Wood and Metal Shop
- Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Friday: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Past Alerts
January 11, 2025 | 6:30 p.m.
Remote Instruction January 13-17
Otis College remains safe and is not located in a warning or evacuation zone. However, in response to the wildfires that continue across Los Angeles County and their impact on regional air quality, we have made the decision to transition the first week of our spring semester (January 13-17) to remote instruction. Students are encouraged to visit the Nest to access the Zoom links for their classes. Students who are unable to attend class should contact each of their faculty members. Faculty will support students in completing work asynchronously if they are able, and contacting faculty will ensure an excused absence.
Our campus remains open, and students may use classrooms should they require more private spaces to attend online classes or complete coursework. Campus security is available to open rooms if more private spaces are needed. Additionally, Elaine’s dining hall will be open, and our meal plans remain active for students living on campus or those coming to campus to utilize resources. Our emergency response team continues to assess campus operations and make decisions informed by current conditions. The safety of the Otis community remains our top priority.
Faculty, students, and staff are encouraged to review the sections below for additional details and guidance during this time.
January 10, 2025 | 5:45 p.m.
Otis College is Currently Open
Otis College remains safe and is not located in a warning or evacuation zone. There is no imminent threat or danger to our campus at this time. We continue to monitor air quality throughout the day.
Our Emergency Response Team continues to meet multiple times daily in order to make decisions in real time, given the dynamic nature of this situation. The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff are our top priority.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
Based on information on AQI (Air Quality Index), the area around Otis College is currently at 64 as of 5:45 p.m. today, which is considered a low “moderate” reading.
An AQI range of 50-100 means If you are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, you should consider reducing your activity levels or shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
You can view a map with air quality levels.
January 10, 2025 | 11:40 a.m.
Otis College is Currently Open
Otis College remains safe and is not located in a warning or evacuation zone. There is no imminent threat or danger to our campus at this time. We continue to monitor air quality throughout the day. Our Emergency Response Team continues to meet multiple times daily in order to make decisions in real time, given the dynamic nature of this situation. The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff are our top priority.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
Based on information on AQI (Air Quality Index), the area around Otis College is currently at 98 as of 11:30AM today, which is considered a “moderate” reading.
An AQI range of 50-100 means If you are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, you should consider reducing your activity levels or shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
You can view a map with air quality levels.
January 8, 2025 | 3:30 p.m.
Otis College is currently safe during ongoing fires in Los Angeles County. There is no imminent danger or threat to campus and our operations continue as usual. We are monitoring the situation closely as well as air quality in our area and will share additional updates as they become available.
Classes are still scheduled to begin on Monday, January 13. International Student Orientation will now take place Friday, January 10, and will begin with our regularly scheduled New Foundation and Transfer Student Orientation at 9:00 a.m. on campus in The Forum. An updated schedule can be found on our website. If students are moving into campus housing and would like to move in later than planned, they may email our housing staff who can be flexible with move-in times.
Air Quality: We are closely monitoring the air quality around the College. The current air quality around Otis College is at a moderate level. A map with air quality levels can be found here.
We have implemented the following measures to ensure the well-being of our students and staff:
- Ventilation Systems: Our facilities team is ensuring that air filtration systems are functioning at optimal levels to mitigate indoor air pollution.
- Health Monitoring: If any student feels that they are having a respiratory issue, please call or stop by the Student Health and Wellness Center (SHWC), Ahmanson 1st floor, Room 107, 310-846-5738.