Cal State LA Affiliated Organizations COVID-19 Policy

Recognized Student Organizations  

The safety and success of all members of the Cal State LA Golden Eagles community are of utmost importance. For this reason, recognized student organizations are expected to adhere to and uphold the following policies as a commitment to their members’ personal safety and well-being, and that of the entire University community. Policies are in effect at all times and in all locations.

 

Recognized student organizations who fail to abide by University policies and procedures may be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students.  Failure to comply with these virtual student organization procedures and requirements could ultimately result in your organization’s loss of University recognition and the benefits associated with that status for the remainder of the 2020-2021 Academic Year to be reviewed for Fall 2021.  Furthermore, confirmed student organization procedure violations, including but not limited to event registration, may ultimately lead to individual student conduct proceedings as outlined by CSU Executive Order 1098, Student Conduct Procedures and § 41301(d), Student Code of Conduct, of Title 5 California Code of Regulationwhich states the following:  

 

“Conduct that threatens the safety or security of the campus community, or substantially disrupts the functions or operation of the University is within the jurisdiction of this Article regardless of whether it occurs on or off-campus.” 

 

Recognized student organizations must uphold thguidance provided by Cal State LA, in conjunction with federal, state, and local agencies, including, but not limited to the California Department of Public Health and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Recognized student organizations must also acknowledge the receipt of specific guidance and policies.  

 

The California Department of Public Health issued COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Institutions of Higher Education on August 7, 2020. This document outlines public health guidance, which expressly states that Institutions of Higher Education must “ensure that any organizations affiliated with the IHE, such as off-campus clubs, Greek organizations, etc., also follow these guidelines.   The IHE must also develop systems to enforce and hold affiliated organizations accountable for adhering to this guidance.”  

 

In conjunction with current guidance and until notified otherwise, recognized student organizations are  prohibited from holding in-person events, meetings, and activities either on or off-campusCal State LA recognized student organization events and meetings for Fall Semester 2020 and Spring Semester 2021 are required to be held in virtual format only.  This applies to the following types of previously held events and activities including but not limited to:  

  • Social events  
  • Recruitment events 
  • New membership intake events and processes  
  • Information tabling or organizational promotions  
  • Community service or philanthropic events   
  • Organization meetings (both officer meetings and general body meetings)  
  • Workshops, trainings, and speaker events  
  • Conference, conventions, and retreats  

Recognized student organizations should refer to the Student Organization Handbook for more information on updated Event Registration Form procedures that reflect the virtual event requirement.   

 

Prior to the conclusion of the Spring 2021 semester, these procedures will be reviewed and updated in accordance with University guidelines and guidance from federal, state, and local authorities. 

Recognized Student Organization Facilities  

Cal State LA acknowledges that some recognized student organizations, specific to Greek-lettered fraternities, operate housing facilities. Recognized student organizations are expected to uphold the California Department of Public Health guidance related to housing, specifically:  

  • Must ensure that facial coverings are worn over the nose and mouth while in common areas. Students must supply their own face coverings. Face coverings may be cloth or disposable and may not have vents or exhalation valves (other than approved NIOSH rated N95 masks). Facial coverings may be removed while a student is in their own room or apartment, is actively eating, drinking, or strenuously exercising. Physical distance from others must be maintained when engaging in these activities.  

  • Must have frequent reminders of COVID-19 prevention widely available in common areas and rooms.  

  • Must ensure the cleaning and disinfection of common areas and high-touch surfaces throughout the day  

  • Must ensure that their house managers/directors have participated in training on public health measures and signs and symptoms of COVID-19.  

  • May not host in-person social events or activities as per current local and state health officer orders.  

  • Must reconfigure seating in common areas to permit proper physical distancing of at least 6 feet distance apart.  

  • Must establish allowable occupancy and develop plans to monitor and enforce.  

  • Must prioritize single room occupancy wherever possible. In situations that require two students to share  a room, ensure that there is at least six feet between beds, and require students to sleep in opposite directions.  

  • Must minimize the number of residents per bathroom, and increase the frequency of cleaning bathrooms.  

  • Must restrict building access by non-residents, including outside guests.  

This policy may be subject to change based on orders, requirements, and guidance from federal, state, and local authorities.  

 

Should you or your organization have any questions regarding these policies and guidelines, please contact the Center for Student Involvement.