Online classes continue to play an important role at San José City College, offering students flexibility and access to education beyond the traditional classroom. For many students, however, the experience can vary depending on communication and feedback.

Several students shared that their main concern was not the coursework itself, but uncertainty about how they were performing. One student who did not want to be identified said waiting weeks for graded assignments made it difficult to stay confident.

“You just want to know if you’re doing things right,” the student said.

Another student described struggling with unclear quiz questions in an online science course. She said the lack of explanation made it hard to understand expectations, even after seeking outside help. “It wasn’t about failing,” she said. “It was about not knowing what the professor wanted.”

To better understand how students can address these situations, I spoke with James Carranza, Dean of Language Arts. He said open communication is always the first step.

“Students should reach out to their professors early,” Carranza said. “Most faculty want to support their students, and office hours exist for that purpose, even in online courses.”

Carranza added that if communication stalls, students are encouraged to contact their division dean.

“Meeting with a dean isn’t a disciplinary step,” he said. “It’s a support step.”

Mia Nguyen-Rusali echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that students are never expected to navigate concerns alone.

“Our job is to listen and help students understand their options,” Nguyen-Rusali said. “Sometimes a conversation is all it takes to resolve the issue.”

Students who met with deans described the experience as reassuring and constructive. One student said she felt heard and supported after discussing her concerns.

Beyond faculty and administration, student leaders also play a role. Hazel Tran, president of the Associated Student Government, said ASG serves as a bridge between students and the college.

“Our goal is to represent student voices and connect students to the right resources,” Tran said. “If a student feels stuck or unsure where to go, we want them to know they’re not alone.”

Tran acknowledged that not all students are aware of ASG or how it can help, something the organization is working to improve through classroom outreach and campus engagement.

For students who continue to experience issues, SJCC offers confidential reporting tools through Maxient and student referral forms. According to administrators, reports help the college identify trends and improve instructional practices. Reports do not affect grades during the semester.

Online reporting options include:
https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SanJoseEvergreenCCD&layout_id=5
https://sjcc.edu/about/title-ix/student-referral-and-reporting-forms.aspx

Carranza said student feedback is essential to strengthening online education.

“Online classes should still feel connected,” he said. “Learning should never feel like you’re doing it alone.”

While online education comes with challenges, students, faculty and administrators agree that communication and awareness of resources make a difference. With support systems in place, students have multiple paths to seek help, ask questions and stay engaged.