COVID-19 Messages | Cal State LA

Campus COVID-19 protocols

October 6, 2023

Dear University Community:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccinations for the flu and COVID-19.

Please continue reading to learn how to protect yourself and others this fall through vaccinations.

Flu vaccine

The CDC recommends that all individuals be vaccinated before the end of October to ensure adequate protection against the flu.

Flu vaccines are available at the Student Health Center at no cost to eligible students. The cost for faculty and staff is $20. Payment is accepted by cash or check only.

You can schedule an appointment by calling the Student Health Center appointment line at 323-343-3302. Students may also schedule an appointment through the Student Health Center Patient Portal, which can be accessed under “Applications” through MyCalStateLA.

You can also find locations offering the flu shot throughout Los Angeles County on the L.A. County Department of Public Health’s website.

For more information, please visit the CDC’s flu information webpage.

COVID-19 vaccine

Public health officials also recommend that everyone 5 years of age and older get one dose of the updated 2023-2024 monovalent COVID-19 vaccine this fall, regardless of your previous COVID-19 vaccination history, as long as you didn’t receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the past two months. This will offer extended protection and may help lessen the severity of symptoms if you become infected with the virus. Your decision to get this vaccine can help keep you, your loved ones, and our community safe.

You can make an appointment with your healthcare provider, or find information about other locations offering updated vaccines from the L.A. County Department of Public Health. There are no scheduled campus COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

Sincerely,

Paul Kim, MD, JD
Director and Medical Chief of Staff
Student Health Center

Campus COVID-19 protocols

August 17, 2023

Dear University Community:

As the fall semester approaches, we are sharing reminders about the campus COVID-19 protocols.

Masks Masks are not required on campus except inside the Student Health Center. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors are always welcome to wear a mask if they choose to do so. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommends individuals determine whether to wear a mask based on their preference and personal risk.

Testing Free at-home COVID-19 antigen test kits are available on campus. Test kits for students are available at the Student Health Center Pharmacy. These tests are intended for students who do not have health insurance or who have limited access to health care resources, or students who have an immediate need.

Employees who need test kits should contact their health care provider. Employees may also contact their supervisor or resource manager for at-home test kits.

Before you come to campus All Cal State LA employees, students, and visitors shall conduct a health self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms before arriving at Cal State LA.

Reporting Cal State LA urges students who test positive for COVID-19 to contact the Student Health Center at 323-343-3302. Employees who test positive should notify their supervisor and contact Human Resources Management by email at [email protected].

Health Watch Cal State LA’s COVID-19 protocols align with the latest guidance provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and other public health agencies.

This information and additional information can be found on our Health Watch website.

New COVID-19 protocols at Cal State LA beginning May 30

May 26, 2023

Dear University Community:

Cal State LA is changing its COVID-19 protocols.

Masks

Beginning Tuesday, May 30, masks are no longer required anywhere on campus except inside the Student Health Center. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors are always welcome to wear a mask if they choose to do so.

Testing

The last day for COVID-19 testing at the kiosk located outside the University Library is Thursday, June 15. The kiosk will be removed on Monday, June 19.

Free at-home COVID-19 antigen test kits will continue to be available on campus. Test kits for students are available at the following locations:

Student Health Center Pharmacy
Basic Needs, Office of the Dean of Students (Student Services Building, fourth floor)
South Village Tower II, Housing and Residence Life Office
Phase I apartments, Housing and Residence Life Office

These tests are intended for students who do not have health insurance or who have limited access to health care resources, or students who have an immediate need.

Employees who need test kits should contact their health care provider. Employees may also contact their supervisor or resource manager for at-home test kits.

California is continuing to require insurance companies to cover the costs of eight over-the-counter rapid antigen tests per month for each insured person. The federal government is also accepting orders for four free tests per household through May 31, for those who last ordered free tests through the program before December 15, 2022.

Health Watch

These changes align our campus with the latest guidance provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and other public health agencies, in light of the end of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency.

These changes and additional information can be found on our Health Watch website.

Free COVID-19 vaccination, updated booster clinic on campus May 4

April 28, 2023

Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting the final free on-campus COVID-19 booster clinic of the semester on Thursday, May 4.

The pop-up clinic is open to the community and will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. outside University Library North.

Updated booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available. The clinic will offer Pfizer bivalent boosters for ages 12 and older and Moderna bivalent boosters for ages 6 and older.

The updated (bivalent) boosters are called bivalent because they protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5. The bivalent boosters are now approved and recommended by the CDC for use as single dose vaccines.

Remember to bring a document or ID that includes your first and last name and your vaccination card if you will be receiving your second dose or a booster. The vaccine is free regardless of your health insurance status or your immigration status. No questions will be asked about immigration status.

Appointments are recommended, but not required. Please use the links below to make appointments for the clinic. Use the dropdown to select your desired vaccine dose, then select May 4 on the calendar, and choose your desired appointment time.

May 4 – COVID-19 booster appointments

May 4 – COVID-19 booster appointments (en español)

You’re welcome to bring friends and family who are not vaccinated or have not yet received their booster shot.

The University is offering this clinic through a partnership with AltaMed. AltaMed staff will administer the shots. More information about our pop-up vaccination clinics on campus can be found on our We Are Healthy LA website.

CSU revises COVID-19 vaccination policy

April 13, 2023

Under a newly revised California State University policy, the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required at CSU campuses but is strongly recommended.

Cal State LA is implementing this policy.

Effective April 6, 2023, the revised policy strongly recommends vaccines as a safety measure to help prevent serious illness. To read the revised policy visit the CSU website.

The revised policy does not impact other health and safety measures, such as face masks, established by each campus. Students and employees must comply with these measures.

The revised policy is consistent with current federal and state regulations regarding COVID-19 safety.

Free COVID-19 vaccination, updated booster clinic on campus April 6

April 4, 2023

This is a reminder that Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting a free COVID-19 vaccination and booster clinic on campus on Thursday, April 6. An additional clinic is planned for May 4.

The pop-up clinic is open to the community and will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the Main Campus Walkway across from the Student Health Center.

First, second, and updated booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available. The updated (bivalent) boosters are called bivalent because they protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5. The clinic will offer Pfizer single doses and bivalent boosters for ages 12 and older and Moderna bivalent boosters for ages 6 and older.

Appointments are recommended, but not required. Please use the links below to make appointments for the clinic. Use the dropdown to select your desired vaccine dose, then select April 6 on the calendar, and choose your desired appointment time.

April 6 – COVID-19 vaccination and booster appointments

April 6 – COVID-19 vaccination and booster appointments (in Spanish)

You’re welcome to bring friends and family who are not vaccinated or have not yet received their booster shot.

Free COVID-19 vaccination, updated booster clinic on campus April 6

March 24, 2023

Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting a free COVID-19 vaccination and booster clinic on campus on Thursday, April 6. An additional clinic is planned for May 4.

The pop-up clinic is open to the community and will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the Main Campus Walkway across from the Student Health Center. If it rains, the clinic will be moved to outside University Library North.

Appointments are recommended, but not required. Please use the links below to make appointments for the clinic. Use the dropdown to select your desired vaccine dose, then select April 6 on the calendar, and choose your desired appointment time.

April 6 – COVID-19 vaccination and booster appointments

April 6 – COVID-19 vaccination and booster appointments (in Spanish)

You’re welcome to bring friends and family who are not vaccinated or have not yet received their booster shot.

Free COVID-19 vaccination, updated booster clinic on campus March 1

Feb. 22, 2023

Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting a free COVID-19 vaccination and booster clinic on campus on Wednesday, March 1. Additional clinics are planned for April 6 and May 4.

Appointments are recommended, but not required. Please use the links below to make appointments for the clinic. Use the dropdown to select your desired vaccine dose, then select March 1 on the calendar, and choose your desired appointment time.

March 1 – COVID-19 vaccination and booster appointments

March 1 – COVID-19 vaccination and booster appointments (in Spanish)

You’re welcome to bring friends and family who are not vaccinated or have not yet received their booster shot.

Free COVID-19 vaccination, updated booster clinic on campus Jan. 24

Jan. 18, 2023

Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting a free COVID-19 vaccination and updated booster clinic on campus on Tuesday, January 24.

The pop-up clinic will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the Main Campus Walkway across from the Student Health Center. The clinic is open to the community and offers vaccinations for those 12 and older.

Appointments are recommended, but not required. Please use the links below to make appointments for the clinics. Use the dropdown to select your desired vaccine: either Pfizer single dose, Pfizer updated booster (bivalent) dose, or Moderna updated booster (bivalent) dose. Then select your desired appointment time.

Jan. 24 – COVID-19 vaccination and booster appointments

Jan. 24 – COVID-19 vaccination and booster appointments (in Spanish)

You’re welcome to bring friends and family who are not vaccinated or have not yet received their booster shot.

Free community flu shot clinic on campus Thursday, Nov. 17

Nov. 14, 2022

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Cal State LA and QueensCare Health Centers are hosting a free community flu shot clinic on Thursday, November 17. The clinic will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the Main Walkway across from the Student Health Center.

The clinic is open to students, faculty, staff, and the community. Parent or guardian consent is required for those under 18 years old.

Appointments are recommended, but not required. You can make an appointment using the links below.

Flu Shot Clinic Appointments (English)

Flu Shot Clinic Appointments (Spanish)

Remember to bring a document or ID that includes your first and last name. The flu shot is free regardless of your health insurance status or your immigration status. No questions will be asked about immigration status. You’re welcome to bring friends and family who need a flu shot.

QueensCare staff and Cal State LA nursing students will administer the shots. More information can be found on our We Are Healthy LA website.

COVID-19 vaccination and updated booster clinic on campus Nov. 8

Nov. 1, 2022

Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting a free COVID-19 vaccination and updated booster clinic on campus on Tuesday, November 8.

The pop-up clinic will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the Main Campus Walkway across from the Student Health Center. The clinics are open to the community and will also offer vaccinations for children ages 5-11.

First, second, and updated booster doses of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine will be available. The updated (bivalent) boosters are called “bivalent” because they protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5. Updated boosters are only available for those 12 and older.

Appointments are recommended, but not required. Please use the links below to make appointments for the clinics. Use the dropdown to select your desired vaccine: either Pfizer single dose or Pfizer updated booster (bivalent) dose. Select Nov. 8 on the calendar and choose your desired appointment time.

You’re welcome to bring friends and family who are not vaccinated or have not yet received their booster shot.

Changes to on-campus COVID-19 testing

Oct. 13, 2022

Starting Friday, Oct. 14, free on-campus COVID-19 testing will be offered daily at the Library North kiosk. The kiosk on Greenlee Plaza will no longer operate.

The new hours at the Library North kiosk will be:

Monday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday: 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Visit our Health Watch website, which is regularly updated, for the latest COVID-19 related information.

Flu shots available at the Student Health Center

Oct. 11, 2022

Dear University Community:

Flu season is here again, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all individuals be vaccinated before the end of October to ensure adequate protection against the flu.

Flu vaccines are available at the Student Health Center at no cost to eligible students, and for $20 for faculty and staff. Payment is accepted by cash or check only.

You can also find locations offering the flu shot throughout Los Angeles County on the L.A. County Department of Public Health’s website.

For more information on the flu, please visit the CDC’s flu information webpage.

New mask protocols now in effect

Oct. 4, 2022

Dear Cal State LA Community:

This is a reminder that our new mask protocols are now in effect as of Oct. 1.

Under the new protocols, masks are required in indoor classrooms—including those within the University Library—labs, and health care settings on campus.

Masks are no longer required in other indoor spaces, such as offices, hallways, eateries, and non-classroom spaces in the University Library. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors are always welcome to wear a mask.

Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve monitored the data and implemented protocols to ensure the health and safety of our community. If conditions change, we will make adjustments.

Visit our Health Watch website, which is regularly updated, for the latest COVID-19 related information.

New mask protocols, effective Oct. 1

Sept. 23, 2022

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Effective October 1, the University is easing mask protocols on campus to reflect the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the new protocols, masks will be required in classrooms, labs, and the Student Health Center. Masks will no longer be required in other indoor spaces, such as the University Library, offices, hallways, eateries, and other non-classroom spaces on campus. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors are always welcome to wear a mask.

This decision follows California’s announcement that it is easing mask recommendations. The easing of mask protocols was discussed yesterday during a briefing with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The University’s new protocols are aligned with the department’s guidance.

In accordance with the county health department, anyone exposed to COVID-19 must still wear a highly protective mask around others for 10 days from the date of exposure.

Because of the declining rate of new infections and decreased number of hospital admissions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently moved Los Angeles County into the low category for COVID-19 activity. This is a positive development for the University and our region.

Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve monitored the data and implemented protocols to ensure the health and safety of our community. If conditions change, we will make adjustments.

COVID-19 vaccination, booster clinics on campus Aug. 18 and 23

August 16, 2022

Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting free COVID-19 vaccination and booster clinics on campus on Thursday, Aug. 18 and Tuesday, Aug. 23.

The pop-up clinics will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the Main Campus Walkway across from the Student Health Center. The clinics are open to the community and will also offer vaccinations for children ages 5-11.

First, second, and booster doses of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine will be available. The single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and boosters will also be offered.

Second boosters will be available at the clinics for those who are eligible, including those who are over 50 years old or are immunocompromised. You can find more information about booster eligibility on the California Department of Public Health website.

Appointments are recommended, but not required. Please use the links below to make appointments for the clinics:

August 18 Clinic

August 23 Clinic

You’re welcome to bring friends and family who are not vaccinated or have not yet received their booster shot.

Get a COVID-19 booster shot on campus next week on April 21

April 15, 2022

Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting another free COVID-19 booster clinic on campus next week on Thursday, April 21.

The pop-up clinic will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. outside of University Library North near the Main Walkway. The clinic is open to the community and will also offer vaccinations for children ages 5-11.

First, second, and booster doses of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine will be available. The single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and boosters will also be offered.

Individuals who are eligible for a second booster, including those who are over 50 years old or are immunocompromised, can sign up for a second booster at the clinic. You can find more information about booster eligibility on the California Department of Public Health website.

Appointments are recommended, but not required. Please use the links below to make appointments for the April 21 clinic:

• Pfizer vaccination appointments (ages 12 and older)

• Pfizer vaccination appointments (ages 5-11)

• Johnson & Johnson vaccination appointments

You’re welcome to bring friends and family who are not vaccinated or have not yet received their booster shot.

Get a COVID-19 booster shot on campus tomorrow, April 5

April 4, 2022

Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting free COVID-19 booster clinics on campus this month, starting tomorrow, Tuesday, April 5.

A pop-up clinic will be held on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the Main Walkway in front of the Student Health Center. An additional clinic is planned for April 21. The clinics are open to the community.

First, second, and booster doses of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine will be available. The single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and boosters will also be offered.

Appointments are recommended, but not required. Please use the links below to make appointments for the April 5 clinic:

You’re welcome to bring friends and family who are not vaccinated or have not yet received their booster shot.

COVID-19 testing now available for extended evening hours

March 16, 2022

Dear Cal State LA Community:

The hours for our on-campus COVID-19 testing sites have changed. The new hours are:

Greenlee Plaza kiosk: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Library North kiosk: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The new hours offer additional opportunities for testing in the evening.

Students, faculty, and staff who received an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement must test at least weekly. Our testing sites are also available to anyone in the University community.

For more information about on-campus COVID-19 testing, please visit our Health Watch website.

Get a COVID-19 booster at Cal State LA on March 8 or 22

March 7, 2022

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Cal State LA and QueensCare Health Centers are hosting additional free on-campus COVID-19 booster clinics on Tuesday, March 8, and Tuesday, March 22, outside of University Library North near the Main Walkway.

Pfizer and Moderna boosters, as well as first and second doses, will be available by appointment only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make an appointment now:

Remember to bring a document or ID that includes your first and last name and your vaccination card if you will be receiving your second or booster dose. The vaccine is free regardless of your health insurance status or your immigration status. No questions will be asked about immigration status.

The University is offering this clinic through a partnership with QueensCare. QueensCare staff will administer the shots. More information about our pop-up vaccination clinics on campus can be found on our We Are Healthy LA website.

Face mask requirements on campus

March 3, 2022

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Cal State LA continues to require masks in indoor settings and to strongly recommend mask wearing outdoors in crowded settings.

The recent news that Los Angeles County will lift its indoor mask mandate and its mask mandate for K-12 schools does not alter our University protocols.

Masks help reduce exposure and provide an additional element of protection against COVID-19. Please continue to follow Cal State LA mask requirements.

Visit our Health Watch website, which is regularly updated, for the latest COVID-19 related information.

Reminder to upload COVID-19 booster proof

Feb. 24, 2022

Dear Employees:

This is a reminder that non-represented employees who are eligible to receive a booster shot should do so and upload proof by Monday, February 28, to comply with the CSU booster requirement. We strongly encourage you to get a booster shot as soon as possible.

Cal State LA’s Office of Human Resources Management will provide represented employees with details about the timing of the implementation of the updated vaccination policy following the CSU meet and confer process.

If you received the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, you are eligible to receive a booster five months after your second dose. If you received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are eligible two months after you received your vaccine.

If you are not yet eligible to receive a booster shot, please plan to get the shot and upload proof as soon as you become eligible.

How to upload proof of receiving your booster

Please log into the MyCalStateLA portal and under Quick Launch, click on the HRM button. Once in HRM, select Main Menu, then select Self Service, go to Personal Information, and select CSU COVID-19 Self-Certification. You can follow this path in the top dropdown menu or on the Self Service page. You will then confirm your vaccination status.

In the box that appears, select the manufacturer/type of vaccine you received. Then enter the information for your first dose, second dose (if you received a two-dose vaccine), and booster. In the Attachment section, attach your updated proof of vaccination that includes your booster. If you had previously uploaded your proof of your first vaccination dose or doses, you will need to delete your previous attachment before uploading your updated proof. Important: Do not delete your original attachment until you have your updated proof ready to upload.

Find detailed instructions for Employee COVID-19 Self-Certification.

Helpful reminders

Your updated proof of vaccination that includes your booster should include:
- The date(s) you received each of your vaccination doses, including the booster.
- The name of the vaccine you received.
Supported image types include: .jpg, .jpeg, .pdf, .png, .jfif, .tiff, .bmp
If your booster shot proof and your proof of receiving your first doses are on separate vaccination cards, you must combine them into a single digital document for the upload. Alternatively, you can attach your official state digital vaccination record as your proof, which you can access on the state of California's Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record portal. Be sure to include the QR code and all of your vaccine administration information, rather than just the QR code.

Get a booster shot

You can make an appointment to get a booster with your healthcare provider, visit local pharmacies, or find information about other locations offering booster shots from the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

Questions?

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the vaccination and booster requirement on the Employee COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ on Health Watch.

If you have any additional questions about the process, please reach out to Human Resources Management by email at [email protected].

Employee instructions for uploading COVID-19 booster proof

Feb. 17, 2022

Dear Employees:

We strongly encourage you to get a booster shot as soon as possible. Non-represented employees who are eligible to receive a booster shot should do so and upload proof by February 28, to comply with the CSU booster requirement.

If you are not yet eligible to receive a booster shot, please plan to get the shot and upload proof as soon as you become eligible.

How to upload proof of receiving your booster

Find detailed instructions for Employee COVID-19 Self-Certification.

Helpful reminders

Your updated proof of vaccination that includes your booster should include:
- The date(s) you received each of your vaccination doses, including the booster.
- The name of the vaccine you received.
Supported image types include: .jpg, .jpeg, .pdf, .png, .jfif, .tiff, .bmp
If your booster shot proof and your proof of receiving your first doses are on separate vaccination cards, you must combine them into a single digital document for the upload. Alternatively, you can attach your official state digital vaccination record as your proof, which you can access on the state of California's Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record portal. Be sure to include the QR code and all of your vaccine administration information, rather than just the QR code.

Get a booster shot

If you still need to receive your booster, we have an on-campus booster clinic planned for Feb. 22, with free boosters available by appointment only. You can also make an appointment to get a booster with your healthcare provider, visit local pharmacies, or find information about other locations offering booster shots from the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

Questions?

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the vaccination and booster requirement on the Employee COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ on Health Watch.

If you have any additional questions about the process, please reach out to Human Resources Management by email at [email protected].

COVID-19 face mask requirements

Feb. 16, 2022

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Recent news of relaxed mask rules in Los Angeles County and the state of California may have raised questions about the impact of these changes on our campus community.

Cal State LA continues to require masks in indoor settings and to strongly recommend mask wearing outdoors.

The elimination of the outdoor masking rule in L.A. County and of California’s indoor mask mandate for vaccinated individuals does not alter our University protocols.

Masks help reduce exposure and provide an additional element of protection against COVID-19. Please continue to follow Cal State LA mask requirements.

Visit our Health Watch website, which is regularly updated, for the latest COVID-19 related information.

Message to Students: Upload your COVID-19 booster proof in GET by Feb. 10

Feb. 7, 2022

Dear Students:

If you are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot, you must receive your booster and upload proof by February 10 to comply with the CSU booster requirement. Please continue reading for instructions on how to upload your proof and other important information.

If you still need to receive your booster, we have two on-campus booster clinics this week, Feb. 8-9, with free boosters available by appointment only.

Am I Eligible?

If you are not yet eligible to receive a booster shot, please plan to get the shot as soon as you become eligible.

How to Upload Proof of Receiving Your Booster

You will use the updated COVID-19 Self-Certification module in your GET student portal to upload proof of your booster shot, following the steps below.

Log into the MyCalStateLA portal (full URL: my.calstatela.edu) and select GET.
Once in GET, select Main Menu, then Select Self Service, and click on COVID-19 Self-Certification.
Make sure the Self-Certification of COVID-19 Vaccination Status section is checked.
In the box that appears, select the manufacturer/type of vaccine you received. Then enter the information for your first dose, second dose (if you received a two-dose vaccine), and booster.
Make sure the Self-Attestation section is checked.
In the Attachment section, delete your previous attachment and attach your updated proof of vaccination that includes your booster. Important: Do not delete your original attachment until you have your updated proof ready to upload.
Click submit to complete your upload.

You can find detailed instructions for how to upload your booster proof on the Student Return to Campus website.

Helpful Reminders

Your updated proof of vaccination that includes your booster should include:
- The date(s) you received each of your vaccination doses, including the booster.
- The name of the vaccine you received.
- Your full name and birth date, which should match your Cal State LA information in GET.
Supported image types include: .jpg, .jpeg, .pdf, .png, .jfif, .tiff, .bmp
If your booster shot proof and your proof of receiving your first doses are on separate vaccination cards, you must combine them into a single digital document for the upload. Alternatively, you can attach your official state digital vaccination record as your proof, which you can access on the state of California's Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record portal. Be sure to include the QR code and all of your vaccine administration information, rather than just the QR code.

Exemptions

If you have an approved medical or religious exemption, you do not need to take any further action. You are still required to test for COVID-19 at least weekly while in-person classes are in session. Free COVID-19 testing is available for students at two on-campus kiosks, one on the south side of Greenlee Plaza near Salazar Hall and one between the University Bookstore and University Library North. If you have questions about religious exemptions, please contact the Dean of Students at [email protected]. If you have questions about medical exemptions, including temporary medical exemptions, or testing requirements, please contact the Student Health Center at 323-343-3300.

Get a Booster ASAP

We are offering booster shot clinics on campus this month in partnership with QueensCare Health Centers on Feb. 8-9, 15, and 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free Pfizer and Moderna boosters are available by appointment only.

You can also make an appointment to get a booster with your healthcare provider, visit local pharmacies, or find information about other locations offering booster shots from the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

Questions

Find frequently asked questions for students related to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement on the Health Watch website. If you have additional questions after reviewing the FAQ, you can call 323-343-3633 or email [email protected].

Spring Welcome and Return to In-Person Classes

Jan. 28, 2022

Dear Golden Eagle Family:

Welcome to spring semester 2022! As we start this new semester and new year, I’m grateful for your resilience and commitment. You’ve done what it takes to continue moving forward—learning, teaching, supporting one another—in spite of the twists and sharp turns caused by the pandemic.

A remote start to our new semester is not how many of us imagined the semester would begin, and I thank you for your flexibility as we adapted amid the surge of COVID-19 cases earlier this month. I’m encouraged by the recent data that shows COVID-19 case numbers declining in the county, as public health experts and data scientists predicted. With these improving conditions, we look forward to welcoming you back to campus on Feb. 14 to resume in-person classes as planned.

During the remaining two weeks of the remote phase of our semester, please remember that our University offices and services are still open in person and virtually as we continue to meet the needs of our community. As we prepare for the return of in-person classes, I want to share some important information and reminders that may be helpful to you.

Booster Clinics: During February, we’re offering a series of COVID-19 booster shot clinics on campus outside of University Library North near the Main Walkway that are open to students, faculty, and staff by appointment only. The next clinics are Feb. 1-2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will also have clinics on Feb. 8-9, 15, and 22. You can make an appointment today using the links on our We Are Healthy LA website. These clinics, offered in partnership with QueensCare Health Centers, are an opportunity for you to comply with the CSU booster requirement.

COVID-19 Websites: Our Health Watch, Return to Campus: Employees, Return to Campus: Students, and Faculty Guidance websites have been updated for the spring semester and offer a wealth of information to help keep you safe, healthy, and informed. I encourage you to continue to check these websites throughout the semester as they are regularly updated.

COVID-19 Testing: Our two free COVID-19 testing kiosks on campus are open to all students, faculty, and staff. You can find the hours, locations, and more information about our free COVID-19 testing on Health Watch.

COVID-19 Hotline: If you still have unanswered questions after reviewing our websites, you can contact the Cal State LA COVID-19 Hotline. Faculty and staff can call 323-343-3385 or email [email protected]. Students can call 323-343-3633 or email [email protected].

We continue to monitor the pandemic and to stay in touch with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. We have been planning and preparing to ensure that we are ready to resume our plans for an in-person semester.

Our fall semester was successful because of our community’s care and concern for each other. Our students, faculty, and staff complied with the vaccination policy, masking protocols, and other practices. Our on-campus case numbers were low last semester, as they have been throughout the pandemic. I encourage those who are eligible and haven’t yet received a booster shot to do so as a way to keep you, your loved ones, and our community safe.

I’m looking forward to seeing you soon as we celebrate Cal State LA’s 75th anniversary together.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

Get a COVID-19 booster at Cal State LA on Jan. 25

Jan. 24, 2022

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Get your COVID-19 booster shot at Cal State LA tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 25, during an on-campus clinic at South Village Tower 2 in University Housing.

Pfizer and Moderna boosters, as well as first and second doses, will be available by appointment only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make an appointment now:

Tuesday’s event is offered in partnership with QueensCare Health Centers to help you comply with the CSU’s booster requirement. Students, faculty, and staff are required to receive booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for spring 2022 once eligible.

You are eligible to receive a booster two months after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and five months after your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

Students: If you are eligible to receive a booster shot, you should do so by February 10. As soon as the information is available, we will provide you with the details needed to upload proof that you’ve received a booster shot.

If you are not yet eligible to receive a booster shot, please plan to get the shot as soon as you become eligible. If you have additional questions about booster eligibility, find more information in the COVID-19 FAQ on Health Watch.

Important public health updates and booster shot deadline

Jan. 19, 2022

Dear Students:

In light of the COVID-19 surge, public health officials have made a few important changes to COVID-19 protocols and guidelines. As you prepare to begin classes remotely for the first three weeks of the semester, please read about the changes and other campus updates below. Following these guidelines will help us have another safe and successful semester.

Booster Shot Deadline

All students who are eligible to receive a booster shot should do so by February 10. Please read “New Timeline for Booster Shots” below to determine when you are eligible.

As soon as the information is available, we will provide you with the details needed to upload proof that you’ve received a booster shot.

If you are not yet eligible to receive a booster shot, please plan to get the shot as soon as you become eligible.

The CSU now requires students, faculty, and staff to receive a booster shot.

New Timeline for Booster Shots

The Centers for Disease Control has announced a new timeline for booster shots for those who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

Those who have completed the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series may now receive a booster shot five months after their second dose, rather than the previous guidance, which recommended boosters at six months.

For those who have received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, the recommendation to get a booster shot at two months remains unchanged.

Booster Shots Available

During February, booster shot clinics will be held once a week on campus in partnership with QueensCare Health Centers. Stay tuned for details as the dates for the clinics approach.

You can also make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit local pharmacies, or find information about other locations offering booster shots from the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

We strongly encourage you to receive a booster shot as soon as possible. Being up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, meaning full vaccination plus a booster when eligible, offers extended protection and may help lessen the severity of symptoms if you become infected with the virus.

Upgraded Masks

Surgical masks and higher-level PPE offer greater protection than cloth masks. We strongly encourage you to replace cloth masks with surgical masks, KN95 and KF94 masks, or an N95 respirator.

Outdoor Masking

Following the guidance of public health officials, we strongly recommend masks for those attending outdoor meetings, activities, and events if you are not able to distance or if there is crowding. Learn more about face masks on Health Watch.

At-Home COVID-19 Tests

The federal government is now offering four free at-home COVID-19 tests for every household in the U.S. Learn more and sign up to receive the free tests.

You can find more information about the University’s COVID-19 protocols and messages such as this one on Health Watch, which is updated regularly.

As we move through this surge and its expected peak later this month, it is imperative that we all take measures to keep ourselves and others safe.

Sincerely,

Paul Kim, M.D., J.D.
Lead Physician, Student Health Center

Important COVID-19 public health updates

Jan. 12, 2022

Dear Cal State LA Community:

In light of the current COVID-19 surge, public health officials have made a few important changes to COVID-19 protocols and guidelines for colleges and universities. By following these updated guidelines, we can help prevent the spread of the virus within our community. Please read about the changes and other campus updates below.

Upgraded Masks

Faculty and staff must now wear surgical masks or higher-level PPE such as N95 respirators or KN95 and KF94 masks on campus. This change is required by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Surgical masks and higher-level PPE offer greater protection than cloth masks.

Surgical masks are located in dispensers throughout campus. N95 Respirator Request Form (Online).

New Timeline for Booster Shots

The Centers for Disease Control has announced a new timeline for booster shots for those who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

For those who have received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, the recommendation to get a booster shot at two months remains unchanged.

Public health officials continue to strongly encourage everyone to get a booster shot as soon as possible when you are eligible. Vaccine-induced immunity wanes over time and becomes less effective. Being up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, meaning full vaccination plus boosters when eligible, offers extended protection and may help lessen the severity of symptoms if you become infected with the virus. Your decision to get a booster shot now can help keep you, your loved ones, and our community safe.

You can make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit local pharmacies, or find information about other locations offering booster shots from the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

A new CSU policy requires students, faculty, and staff to provide proof of receiving a booster shot once eligible. We will provide more information about the CSU booster shot requirement as soon as it is available.

Outdoor Masking

Following the guidance of public health officials, we strongly recommend masks for those attending outdoor meetings, activities, and events on campus if attendees are not able to distance, if there is crowding, or if the activity creates a higher risk for transmission (e.g., singing, shouting, chanting, or playing woodwind instruments).

On-Campus Testing

The demand for testing has increased in Los Angeles County and nationwide. Due to the surge, the wait time for results has increased throughout the county, including at our on-campus testing kiosks. You can now expect to receive the results of tests taken on campus within 72 to 96 hours after submitting the test sample.

If you test positive or are a close contact with someone who has tested positive, please contact Human Resources Management at 323-343-3694 and follow the quarantine and isolation instructions provided.

Daily Health Screening

Please screen yourself daily for COVID-19 symptoms and please do not come to campus if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.

You can find more information about the University’s COVID-19 protocols and messages such as this one on Health Watch, which is updated regularly.

As we move through this surge and its expected peak later this month, it is imperative that we all take measures to keep ourselves and others safe.

Sincerely,

Paul Kim, M.D., J.D.
Lead Physician, Student Health Center

Message from the President about Spring Semester 2022

Jan. 4, 2022

Dear Cal State LA Community:

As a COVID-19 surge continues, we’re taking several steps to help make this semester as safe and successful as possible. This message outlines those steps and addresses important questions you may have related to the pandemic.

Our spring semester begins on January 24 and coincides with what public health experts expect to be the peak of the largest surge in COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

Out of concern for the health and safety of our community, we’re moving to temporary remote instruction for the first three weeks of the semester. From January 24 through February 11, classes will be held remotely.

By allowing the peak of the surge to pass before beginning in-person instruction, we hope to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our University community and the other hardships it causes. We look forward to returning to in-person instruction and activities. We will keep you informed and provide you with updates in the days and weeks ahead.

Although instruction will take place remotely, our campus facilities will remain open. Student services will be available in person or virtually. We encourage students to continue to handle matters such as financial aid questions in the format that works best for them.

Just before the winter break, we announced a new CSU policy that requires students, faculty, and staff to provide proof of a booster shot. We will provide information about the rollout of the CSU booster shot requirement as soon as it is available.

We strongly encourage anyone who has not received the booster shot to get it now. Taking this important step will help protect you, your loved ones, and others. Booster shots are available through your healthcare provider and at sites throughout Los Angeles County. Our We Are Healthy LA website provides a list of local vaccination sites and resources, such as the Los Angeles County at-home test kits. We encourage you to visit the Health Watch website for updated information.

As you know, changing circumstances may require us to again adjust our plans and procedures. Throughout the pandemic, your health, well-being, and academic success have been our priority. They remain at the center of our plans and decisions.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

Spring Semester Update

Dec. 29, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

We recognize that the surge in COVID-19 cases may raise questions in our community about plans for the spring semester. This update is to inform you that we are monitoring the surge and reviewing our plans for the new semester, including our rollout of the new CSU booster shot requirement.

A few local universities have announced plans to begin their spring terms remotely due to the surge. These universities are either on the quarter system or were scheduled to start the spring semester in early January.

By contrast, Cal State LA’s spring semester is scheduled to begin on January 24. Along with other similarly situated local universities, we will continue to monitor the situation and determine the best approach for the spring semester. I met today with the director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, who did not advise that we change our current schedule. We will announce any changes in advance of January 24.

In the meantime, we strongly encourage students, faculty, and staff to get a booster shot as soon as possible when you are eligible. You can receive your booster six months after your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two months after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Last week, the CSU announced a new policy requiring booster shots of students, faculty, and staff in spring 2022. More information about uploading proof of booster shots will be shared in January.

Please do not wait until the start of the spring semester to get the booster shot. Vaccines remain our most powerful means of combating the virus and variants.

Booster shots are available through your local healthcare provider and at sites throughout Los Angeles County, including locations in neighborhoods surrounding the University. You can find information about these local vaccination opportunities on our We Are Healthy LA website.

We hope this break provides you with an opportunity to rejuvenate as we all prepare for the year ahead.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

CSU announces booster requirement for spring 2022

Dec. 22, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Today the California State University announced that students, faculty, and staff are now required to receive booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for spring 2022. Please read the CSU’s full announcement.

I strongly encourage you to get a COVID-19 booster shot as soon as possible, if you haven’t already.

Boosters help to extend protection provided by the COVID-19 vaccines. They are a critical tool in our fight against COVID-19, especially now as we see cases of the Omicron variant rising.

You can make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit local pharmacies, or find information about other locations offering booster shots from the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

We are closely monitoring developments and will have additional information after we return from the holiday break. Let’s continue to do all we can to keep ourselves and our community safe.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

Get your COVID-19 booster at on-campus clinic Wednesday

Dec. 14, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting another free COVID-19 vaccination clinic on campus on Wednesday, Dec. 15, and booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available.

The pop-up clinic will be held from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. outside of University Library North near the Main Walkway.

First, second, and booster doses of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine will be available. The single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and boosters will also be offered.

Remember to bring a document or ID that includes your first and last name. The vaccine is free regardless of your health insurance status or your immigration status. No questions will be asked about immigration status.

Appointments are recommended, but not required. Please use the links below to make appointments:

Do your part to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our community by getting a booster or COVID-19 vaccination if you haven’t already. You’re welcome to bring friends and family who are not vaccinated or have not yet received their booster shot.

Get your COVID-19 booster shot

Dec. 10, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are now widely available and strongly recommended for everyone age 18 and older. With the emergence of the Omicron variant, it is more important now than ever to be fully protected against the virus. Boosters help to extend protection provided by the COVID-19 vaccines.

If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you can receive your booster two months after receiving your single dose. For other COVID-19 vaccines, you can receive your booster six months after your second dose. You do not need to get the same vaccine type for your booster; you may receive any COVID-19 vaccine (Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, or Moderna).

Get your booster on Dec. 15 at an on-campus clinic

Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting another free COVID-19 vaccination clinic on campus next week, and booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available. The pop-up clinic will be held Wednesday, Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. outside of University Library North near the Main Walkway.

First, second, and booster doses of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine will be available. The single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and boosters will also be offered. Remember to bring a document or ID that includes your first and last name. The vaccine is free regardless of your health insurance status or your immigration status. No questions will be asked about immigration status. Appointments are recommended, but not required. Links to register will be available next week.

Additional opportunities to get your booster

There are many other opportunities for you to get your booster shot. You can make an appointment with your healthcare provider or find information about other locations offering booster shots from the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

Receiving a COVID-19 booster, or vaccination if you have not already, is critical during this holiday season as we celebrate and gather with our loved ones.

Sincerely,

Paul Kim, M.D., J.D.
Lead Physician, Student Health Center

Message from the President

Nov. 18, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Family:

I want to take this moment to express my gratitude to you for all the ways you’ve contributed to Cal State LA this semester. I’m thankful to be a part of a caring and compassionate community of faculty and staff who give their best to our students, and students who work hard to achieve their dreams.

During this holiday season, I encourage you to take precautions that will help keep you, your loved ones, and our community safe and well.

In the state of California, COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are now widely available and recommended for all adults. You can make an appointment with your healthcare provider to get a booster shot, or find information about other locations offering booster shots from the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

If you have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine, please get vaccinated. The vaccine is still the best tool we have against the virus. You can find information about where to get vaccinated from the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

The influenza vaccine is also widely available. Please consider getting a flu shot. The L.A. County Department of Public Health also provides flu shot information.

Last year the holiday season was followed by a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases. Together, we can avoid a resurgence. Please encourage your friends and loved ones to get fully vaccinated against COVID, if they have not already.

I hope this holiday season brings you rest, joy, and good times with your loved ones.

Sincerely,

Bill

Free community health fair at Cal State LA on Oct. 29

Oct. 22, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Cal State LA is hosting a community health fair on Oct. 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the bottom level of Parking Structure A. Free parking will be available in Lot 2.

You’re invited to join us and get your first, second, or booster dose of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine. Flu shots will also be available.

Don’t miss a chance to meet Eddie the Golden Eagle and hear Golden Eagle Radio live. Free boxes of food and other community resources will also be available.

Appointments are recommended but not required. You may select an appointment to receive the vaccine of your choice and/or a flu shot.

Please use the links below to make appointments:

COVID-19 (Pfizer 1^st dose only)
COVID-19 (Pfizer 2^nd dose only)
COVID-19 (Pfizer additional dose/booster)
Flu Shot

Remember to bring a document or ID that includes your first and last name. The COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot are free regardless of your health insurance status or your immigration status. No questions will be asked about immigration status. You’re welcome to bring friends and family who are not vaccinated or need a flu shot.

Cal State LA, QueensCare Health Centers, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis are hosting the health fair. QueensCare staff will administer the shots. More information can be found on our We Are Healthy LA website.

On-Campus Vaccination Clinics, Oct. 6-7

Oct. 5, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting another series of free COVID-19 vaccination clinics on campus. Pop-up clinics will be held tomorrow, Oct. 6, and Thursday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the Main Walkway across from the Student Health Center.

First and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine and the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be offered. Booster shots will not be available at this time.

Appointments are recommended, but not required. You may select an appointment to receive the vaccine of your choice on your desired date.

Please use the links below to make appointments:

Pfizer vaccination appointments
Johnson & Johnson vaccination appointments

You’re welcome to bring friends and family who are not vaccinated. Cal State LA T-shirts, masks, and other swag will be available. If you’re already vaccinated, please share this information with someone who isn’t.

The University is offering these clinics through a partnership with AltaMed. AltaMed staff will administer the shots. More information about our pop-up vaccination clinics on campus can be found on our We Are Healthy LA website.

Message to Students Requesting Vaccination Requirement Exemptions

Sept. 21, 2021

Dear Student:

We hope you are well and enjoying a successful semester, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. We are reaching out to remind you that the California State University system requires that all students be vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive approval for a medical or religious exemption to the vaccination.

Our records indicate that you have requested an exemption to the vaccination requirement based on religious or medical reasons. If you believe you are receiving this communication in error, please call or email the Dean of Students Office at 323-343-3103 or [email protected].

You must either upload proof of vaccination or supporting documentation for an exemption request into GET as soon as possible—and no later than Sept. 30—in order to avoid a hold being placed on your registration. A hold will prevent you from registering for spring semester classes.

Please be advised that students who receive approval for a religious or medical vaccination exemption will still be required to undergo up to twice weekly COVID-19 testing on campus to ensure the health and safety of the University community.

If you no longer wish to request an exemption and plan to be vaccinated or have already received a complete vaccination dose(s), please upload your proof of vaccination immediately into GET.

If you still wish to request approval for an exemption to the vaccination requirement, your request must meet the following conditions.

Medical Exemptions must be due to a medical (including mental health) condition for which an approved vaccine presents a significant risk of a serious adverse reaction.

Supporting Documentation: A request for a medical exemption must be accompanied by documentation from a certified or licensed healthcare professional.

Religious Exemptions must be due to either (i) a person’s sincerely held religious belief, observance, or practice, which includes any traditionally recognized religion, or (ii) beliefs, observances, or practices which an individual sincerely holds and that occupy a place of importance in that individual’s life, comparable to that of traditionally recognized religions.

Supporting Documentation: A request for a religious exemption must be accompanied by a personal statement or a statement from a religious leader that describes the applicable religious or other comparable belief that is the basis for the exemption request.

Next Steps

To continue with an exemption request, you must upload supporting documentation through the COVID-19 Self-Certification module in GET. If you have already selected an exemption in the module, you must return to the module and upload supporting documentation. If you previously provided documentation to the Dean of Students Office you still must upload the documentation in GET.

In order to upload supporting documentation for your request for an exemption, please:

Log into the MyCalStateLA portal and select GET under Quick Launch.
Once in GET, select Main Menu, then Self Service, then COVID-19 Self-Certification.
Select the medical exemption or religious exemption option.
Upload the necessary supporting documentation and submit.

Make sure all supporting documentation includes your name, CIN (campus identification number), and the type of exemption you are requesting. All supporting documentation will be treated as confidential and be reviewed only by qualified personnel.

Please upload your supporting documentation as soon as possible—and no later than Sept. 30—to avoid the class registration hold.

If you have a question concerning religious exemptions, please call or email the Dean of Students Office at 323-343-3103 or [email protected]. If you have a question concerning medical exemptions, please call the Student Health Center at 323-343-3302.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

The Dean of Students Office

On-campus vaccination clinics, Sept. 15-16

Sept. 14, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Cal State LA and AltaMed have been hosting a series of free COVID-19 vaccination clinics on campus. The next pop-up clinics will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 15, and Thursday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the Main Walkway across from the Student Health Center.

Don’t miss a chance to meet Eddie the Golden Eagle and hear Golden Eagle Radio live during these events. Cal State LA T-shirts, masks, and other swag will also be available.

Anyone who received a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the Aug. 25 or Aug. 26 clinics, or at an earlier clinic or other location, can receive their second dose at the clinic. The single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and first doses of the Pfizer vaccine will also be offered.

Appointments are recommended but not required. To make an appointment:

Visit the MyTurn website and select “Make an appointment.”
Use the access code BWGXDN5GFD when prompted.
Enter the address 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032.
Options will appear for each date indicating the vaccine offered: AltaMed Cal State LA (Pfizer) and AltaMed Cal State LA (J&J).
Select an appointment to receive the vaccine of your choice on your desired date.

You’re welcome to bring friends and family who are not vaccinated. If you’re already vaccinated, please share this information with someone who isn’t.

The University is offering these clinics through a partnership with AltaMed. AltaMed staff will administer the shots. More information about our pop-up vaccination clinics on campus can be found on our We Are Healthy LA website.

Message from the President to Faculty and Staff

Sept. 10, 2021

Dear Faculty and Staff:

As we wrap up the third week of the fall semester, I want to share a few thoughts about our return to campus.

It’s exhilarating to feel the campus buzzing with excitement again. Seeing students on the walkway headed to classes or the food court is a reminder of how far we’ve come, how different this semester is from the last two. It’s been good to welcome home students, faculty, and staff, and I’m grateful that we are together again.

Being on campus now is different from our pre-pandemic life together. It is familiar and yet new. There are COVID-19 testing kiosks on campus, a face mask requirement, a vaccination requirement, and other protocols. There is a new responsibility that comes with being together and a new set of expectations.

Thank you to everyone who has complied with the CSU vaccination requirement, and those who plan to comply by the deadline. Last week students learned that a registration hold will be placed on the accounts of those who have not uploaded proof of vaccination or received an exemption.

This hold and other requirements are in place to help us keep our community safe. We all want this semester to be the very best that it can be. We will continue to listen to you and to provide the needed resources, strategies, and protocols. When new situations arise, we will continue to work together to resolve them.

I’m proud of the way our community takes care of each other. Let’s continue moving forward together.

Sincerely,

Bill

COVID-19 Update

Sept. 8, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

We are committed to keeping our community safe and informed. We report confirmed cases of COVID-19 among members of our campus community on our Health Watch website.

Our COVID-19 Compliance Task Force is working with the Los Angeles Department of Public Health to follow up with confirmed cases and will reach out to all persons who are identified as having had close contact with a person who tested positive to provide quarantine instructions and information about COVID-19 testing. If you are not contacted, it means that you were not identified as having been exposed.

Please note that all information, including the name(s) of ill persons, shared regarding any Public Health investigation, is confidential in order to protect patient privacy.

The health and safety of the Cal State LA community are our top priority. As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, a few reminders:

Self-screen for symptoms before coming to campus: All Cal State LA employees, students, and visitors are required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before arriving to campus.

Cal State LA COVID-19 Hotline: The new Cal State LA COVID-19 Hotline is available at 323-343-3385 if you have any questions that aren’t answered on the University website or if you need additional information. If your call is not immediately answered, please leave a message and someone will return your call as soon as possible. You may also send an email to [email protected].

Student Health Center: Students with questions that aren’t answered on the University website may call the Student Health Center at 323-343-3300.

Free on-campus testing: Free COVID-19 testing is available for Cal State LA students, faculty, and staff at two on-campus kiosks, one between the University Bookstore and University Library North and one in Greenlee Plaza on the south side near Salazar Hall. Testing hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Find more details about on-campus testing on Health Watch.

Updated website guidance: The University website is regularly updated with new information about campus protocols and frequently asked questions for students and employees. Please visit our Health Watch, Employee Return to Campus, and Student Return to Campus websites, and our Faculty Guidance webpage.

Face masks required indoors: Face masks continue to be required indoors while on campus. Masks are recommended outdoors when in crowded settings. You are always free to wear a face mask.

Let’s continue to work together to keep our community safe.

Message to Students Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement and Class Registration

Sept. 3, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Student:

Thank you to the many students who have complied with the CSU COVID-19 vaccination requirement and are helping to keep our community safe. If you have not complied, please read this email carefully.

On Oct. 1, a hold will be placed on your registration if you have not yet submitted verification of full COVID-19 vaccination or requested a medical or religious exemption. A hold will prevent you from registering for classes.

If you have not already done so, please log into the MyCalStateLA portal to access the COVID-19 Student Self-Certification module in GET to verify your vaccination status or to request an exemption based on medical or religious grounds. Find detailed instructions for COVID-19 Student Self-Certification on the Student Return to Campus website. Please plan to submit proof of full vaccination or request an exemption by Sept. 30 to prevent a hold from being placed on your registration.

The schedule of classes for spring 2022 will be published on Oct. 11 and registration appointments will begin Oct. 25. It may take up to 48 hours to remove registration holds after you have submitted your proof of vaccination, so please plan accordingly.

Pop-up vaccination clinics will be held on campus on Sept. 15-16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are now available. Find details and instructions for signing up for the on-campus vaccine clinics on the We Are Healthy LA website. When making an appointment, use the access code BWGXDN5GFD when prompted.

You can also get free COVID-19 vaccines at state vaccination sites, county vaccination sites and city vaccination sites with no appointment needed, as well as at local pharmacies and grocery stores. Find more details about vaccination availability on the We Are Healthy LA website.

Best wishes for a successful academic year ahead.

Sincerely,

Margaret Garcia, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Office of Undergraduate Studies
Executive Director for Enrollment Services

Message from HRM to employees regarding COVID-19 Self-Certification

Sept. 2, 2021

This is a reminder that employees may still provide proof of vaccination through Employee COVID-19 Self-Certification.

To submit proof of vaccination, please visit the MyCalStateLA portal and click on the HRM button under the “Admin & Finance” category. Once inside HRM, select Main Menu, Self Service, and under Personal Information you will find the self-certification module. Find instructions for employee self-certification.

Cal State LA’s Office of Human Resources Management will provide represented employees with details about the timing of the implementation of the vaccination policy following the CSU meet and confer process.

If you are not yet fully vaccinated, please verify your status after you are fully vaccinated. You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, or two weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

The health, safety, and well-being of our community remains our top priority. We’ll continue to provide information and updates to help you comply with the CSU requirement for by September 30. Let’s continue to work together to keep our community safe.

Get vaccinated on campus this week

August 24, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Welcome home, Golden Eagles! Please read this email to find out about on-campus vaccination opportunities to help you comply with the CSU’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting a series of free COVID-19 vaccination clinics on campus. The next pop-up clinics will be held tomorrow, Aug. 25, and Thursday, Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the Main Walkway across from the Student Health Center.

Vaccination clinics will also be held on Aug. 30, Sept. 15, and Sept. 16.

Appointments are recommended but not required. To make an appointment:

Visit the MyTurn website and select “Make an appointment.”
Use the access code BWGXDN5GFD when prompted.
Enter the address 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032.
Options will appear for each date indicating the vaccine offered: AltaMed Cal State LA (Pfizer) and AltaMed Cal State LA (J&J). Please note: The AltaMed Cal State LA (Pfizer) option for Aug. 25 and 26 is listed at the bottom of the list of clinics.
Select an appointment to receive the vaccine of your choice on your desired date.

The health, safety, and well-being of our community are our top priority. We’ll continue to provide information and updates to help you comply with the CSU vaccination requirement.

Message to Academic Affairs: Welcome to Fall 2021

August 23, 2021

Dear Colleagues:

Welcome to fall semester 2021. I enjoyed having the chance to meet with so many of you during my visits via Zoom with the colleges on Thursday, along with our vice presidents. I am writing today to elaborate on some of what we discussed during those meetings, to add to what President Covino shared in his Convocation address that morning, and to point you to resources as we return to campus.

The start of the academic year brings the usual mix of hope, anticipation, and excitement. As I noted on Thursday, after all that we’ve been through these last 18 months, I feel an extra measure of gratitude. So let me say thank you all, yet again, for persevering in the face of formidable challenges and for dedicating yourselves to keeping our students on track and moving forward. That’s the Cal State LA way, and it has never been more true or more important.

We’re thrilled to have launched 91 tenure-track faculty searches for this academic year. We’re fairly certain that’s a record. This is a historic and timely investment in our students’ futures, and it speaks to the faculty’s central role in everything Cal State LA does. I like how Professor Talia Bettcher put it on Thursday at Convocation: If our students are the why, our faculty are the how.

Just as 2020-21 was a year like no other, it’s safe to say that this year will be unique too—though one filled with the promise for a return to something closer to the old normal. In the days and weeks ahead, I want you to know that everyone at the University is here to support you and to help you and our students navigate what comes next.

A lot of the information you need can be found on our Return to Campus page on the University website, Health Watch, the Faculty Guidance page, and the We Are Healthy LA page, which we will continue to update. These sites provide information on vaccination and testing resources, services provided by the Student Health Center and Counseling and Psychological Services, employee resources, and much more.

Many of us have been actively planning for your return to campus. Some of these preparations concern infrastructure and the critical priority to put health and safety first. To cite a few examples, we have invested in the enhancement and monitoring of HVAC systems; installed modular restrooms; and added to our supplies of masks and other personal protective equipment. Facilities Services has hired additional custodial staff to enable more frequent cleaning of offices, classrooms, restrooms, and high-traffic areas. And we are in the process of establishing a telephone hotline as a resource to help answer and direct questions related to COVID-19 and our return to campus. We will continue to make everyone’s health and safety our first priority.

For more information on major topics, as well as additional subjects that we were unable to cover during our college visits, please read this University Update. I look forward to seeing you as we proceed into this semester. I appreciate your commitment and service to our students and community.

With gratitude,

Jose

University Update from the Provost

Student Support

Our students will return to a re-energized campus and full university experience. The new residence hall has opened, with capacity for 1,500 freshmen and sophomores; Golden Eagles athletic teams are back in training and projected to have outstanding fall seasons; and scores of clubs and student organizations are resuming their usual activities as well. The Student Health Center, under new director Grace Castillo Johnson, is hiring four psychological counselors.

As our students resume their studies, they will find a robust mix of in-person and remote classes. This flexible, balanced approach should enable us to serve our students well while enabling them to return to essential hands-on learning experiences, including lab work, studio work, and performances.

We’ll keep striving to ensure that students have the resources they need to succeed. We have disbursed more than $38 million to students through Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds and we plan to disburse an additional $54 million over the next two years.

We will again provide loans of laptops and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, continuing an essential service that has kept our students on track through these many months of remote instruction. Every first-time freshman and transfer student will qualify to receive an iPad Air, with an Apple Pencil, Apple Smart Keyboard Folio and tech support, through Cal State LA’s participation in the CSU’s new CSUCCESS program.

We have created the Student Technology Resources website as a hub for all the information that students will need to find equipment and study spaces, wireless networking, tech support, and a map of campus computer labs, including four additional temporary labs.

Our academic advisors are poised to expand the exceptional support they provide to students from orientation to graduation. This past year, they have worked in person and via Zoom to meet students where they are. The Academic Advising centers will be hiring eight new advisors this fall.

During the summer, the centers conducted group and individual advising sessions to enroll first-year and new transfer students. Significantly, every first-year and second-year student has an assigned advisor in their home college. These advisors connect their advisees to campus resources, guide them in building their schedules, and help each plan a path to graduation that reflects their interests, values, strengths, and educational and career goals.

Cal State LA resumed our highly successful Early Start Program this summer. More than 900 incoming freshmen enrolled in courses in subjects including math and English. The students had the opportunity to connect and interact with our faculty and received support from the Center for Academic Success (CAS). More than 500 students completed their required first-year GE math course before their fall semester began, giving them a head start to graduation.

To ensure that they have access to resources and are informed of academic success opportunities, incoming first-year and transfer students were invited by the Center for Academic Success into a Canvas shell that houses information, webinars, and discussion forums for new students. At last count, 4,610 students, with more enrolling every day, are engaged with these materials and are connecting with each other in preparation for the start of classes.

For 2021-22, the Center for Academic Success will provide in-person and virtual tutoring and writing support to all students—from first-year students who are new to campus to graduate students completing thesis and dissertation work. CAS has extended hours through 7 p.m. every Monday through Thursday to better serve our students on campus and at home.

The University Library is open Monday through Saturday, starting Monday, Aug. 23. With seating for more than 2,000, it is ready to resume its role as Cal State LA’s town square. More than 80 individual and group study rooms can be reserved, and more than 150 computers are available for walk-in use. The library stacks are open and available for browsing. Students, staff, and faculty may access the print collections through contact-less hold pickup and self-check stations.

The return of in-person library services will be complemented by online resources, services, and activities. More information about the new semester is available at the Library Reopening website.

Our graduate students continue to excel, and Cal State LA and the CSU provided continuing or expanded financial support to help advance their scholarship. Among the highlights for 2020-21:

The faculty recommended for acknowledgement 238 graduate students who published or presented their work at professional conferences, as well as shared performances and exhibits in virtual professional and public forums.
Nine students, including seven graduate students, were awarded the CSU Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholarship, with four others awarded for the coming academic year.
Some two dozen graduate students reported that they were admitted into doctoral programs for fall 2021. Many received multiple offers with full scholarships. Their achievement is particularly impressive because many doctoral programs reduced or closed admissions in response to COVID-related funding challenges.
Twenty-three students received $2,000 Graduate Equity Fellowships, designed to increase the number of graduate degrees awarded to economically disadvantaged CSU students.
To support graduate student academic success, Cal State LA provided thesis and culminating project extensions to students whose work was affected by COVID-19 and offered UNIV 9000 fee waivers for 90 students. We will again waive the UNIV 9000 fee in fall 2021.

Faculty Support

Our Center for Effective Teaching and Learning (CETL) has been recognized by the CSU Chancellor’s Office for the valuable support and resources it provides for our faculty. Among recent highlights:

CETL offered a customized version of the Alt-Instruction Summer Institute to faculty who were unable to take it last year.
This summer, CETL launched a comprehensive program to support departments’ long-term efforts to advance their online curricula. The program will continue to be offered every fall, spring, and summer term.
CETL has been part of a team working to upgrade the technology in 100 classrooms for 2021-22, including new software, mounted cameras, mics, and dual displays.

Several initiatives have been rolled out to enable faculty and students to fully re-engage with Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (RSCA):

Twenty-one faculty members were awarded the Provost’s Faculty Fellow Award for 2021-22. The award supports mid-career faculty who have experienced delays or disruptions in their research during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than $2 million has been allocated to enable undergraduate and graduate students to re-engage in research through paid, hands-on research experiences with faculty.
The University has solicited requests from each of the colleges to fund the replacement of RSCA materials that have expired during the pandemic, such as chemicals, live samples, art supplies, and other perishable items, as well as equipment servicing necessitated by the pandemic.
Each dean was provided a discretionary allocation to stimulate RSCA among the faculty, totaling $500,000 across all the colleges.
During 2021-22, the campus had external grant submissions totaling about $95 million, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Awards totaled $26.5 million, putting us back at pre-pandemic levels.

Additional information is available on our Return to Campus page on the University website, Health Watch, the Faculty Guidance page, and the We Are Healthy LA page, which we will continue to update.

Details about the vaccination requirement, COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinics

August 20, 2021

Dear Golden Eagles:

Before classes start on Monday, here’s what you need to know about the vaccination requirement, COVID-19 testing and upcoming vaccination clinics.

The deadline to upload your COVID-19 vaccination card or other documentation of vaccination has been extended.

Don’t wait! Submit your proof of vaccination now through the COVID-19 Self-Certification module in GET through your MyCalStateLA portal. Find detailed instructions for COVID-19 Student Self-Certification.

Until you upload proof of vaccination, even if you have an exemption or are partially vaccinated, you will be required to test for COVID-19 at least weekly.

Testing kiosks are now located on campus. If you are unvaccinated, are partially vaccinated, or sought an exemption, you must begin weekly COVID-19 testing during the first week of classes. You will be contacted if you fail to obtain a weekly test. Find details about on-campus testing.

If you are partially vaccinated (one dose of Pfizer or Moderna), we ask that you upload your vaccination card or other proof of partial vaccination. When you receive your second vaccine dose, please upload your updated proof of vaccination to your portal.

If you are requesting an exemption on medical or religious grounds, you must still indicate that you qualify for an exemption through the self-certification module in GET.

As a reminder, face masks must be worn indoors by everyone at Cal State LA, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are recommended outdoors in crowded settings. You are always free to wear a mask.

Get Vaccinated at On-Campus Vaccine Clinics

Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting a series of free COVID-19 vaccination clinics on campus. The next pop-up clinics will be held Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the Main Walkway across from the Student Health Center. Appointments are recommended, but not required. When signing up for an appointment, use the access code BWGXDN5GFD when prompted. Find details and instructions on the pop-up vaccine clinics on campus and how to make an appointment.

These clinics offer another opportunity for you to get vaccinated and comply with the CSU requirement.

Prizes for Uploading Proof of Full Vaccination

Students who have submitted their proof of full vaccination will be entered into a randomized drawing for a chance to win prizes, including a season pass to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Dodgers tickets, a family pass to the Los Angeles Zoo and gift cards to Din Tai Fung and AMC. Winners will be contacted by the Office of the Dean of Students.

Questions?

Find frequently asked questions related to the student COVID-19 vaccination requirement on the Health Watch website.

If you experience any technical issues with the COVID-19 Student Self-Certification module in GET, please contact the ITS Help Desk at (323) 343-6170.

If you have any additional questions, please contact the Dean of Students by email at [email protected].

Students: Reminder to upload your proof of vaccination by today, Aug. 16

August 16, 2021

Dear Golden Eagles:

This is a reminder to upload your COVID-19 vaccination card or other documentation of vaccination through the MyCalStateLA portal, if you have not already done so. For those of you who have already uploaded proof, thank you.

By verifying your vaccination status through self-certification (verifying that you’ve been vaccinated), you’ll be in compliance with the CSU’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the fall 2021 term.

Cal State LA is requiring students to provide proof of vaccination through self-certification by the end of the day today, Aug. 16.

How to Certify

You can verify your vaccination status through the COVID-19 Student Self-Certification system in your student portal. The self-certification process is mandatory. To access the COVID-19 Student Self-Certification system, log into the MyCalStateLA portal and access GET. Once in GET, select Main Menu, then select Self Service, and click COVID-19 Self-Certification. You will be asked to self-certify that you have received an approved vaccine or that you qualify for a medical or religious exemption. Find detailed instructions for COVID-19 Student Self-Certification.

Exemptions

Explanations of who may qualify for medical and religious exemptions are provided in the self-certification system via hyperlinks. You do not need to take any additional steps after selecting that you qualify for an exemption; however, you may be asked to provide more information or supporting documentation in the future. Cal State LA may require students who receive vaccination exemptions to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing to ensure the health and safety of the University community.

What If I Don’t Certify?

Students who have not provided proof of vaccination, including those with exemptions, may be required to be tested for COVID-19 at least weekly. The CSU has imposed a deadline of Sept. 30 for all students to comply.

Get Vaccinated

Vaccination is still our most powerful tool to combat the pandemic. Getting vaccinated can help protect yourself, your loved ones and our community.

Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting a series of free COVID-19 vaccination clinics on campus. These clinics offer another opportunity for you to get vaccinated and comply with the CSU requirement. Learn more about upcoming pop-up vaccine clinics on campus for faculty, staff and students.

Find frequently asked questions for students related to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement on the Health Watch website.

Employees: Reminder to upload your proof of vaccination by today, Aug. 16

August 16, 2021

Dear Faculty and Staff:

Cal State LA is requiring employees and students to provide proof of vaccination through self-certification by the end of the day today, Aug. 16. Cal State LA’s Office of Human Resources Management will provide represented employees with details about the timing of the implementation of the vaccination policy following the CSU meet and confer process.

How to Certify

To verify vaccination, please log into the MyCalStateLA portal and click on HRM. Once in HRM, select Main Menu, then select Self Service, go to Personal Information, and click CSU COVID-19 Self-Certification. You will then confirm your vaccination status and upload supporting documentation. Find detailed instructions for Employee COVID-19 Self-Certification.

Exemptions

If you wish to request an exemption from the vaccination requirement based on religious or medical grounds, please contact Human Resources Management at 323-343-3040.

What If I Don’t Certify?

Students and non-represented employees who have not provided proof of vaccination, including those with exemptions, may be required to be tested for COVID-19 at least weekly. The CSU has imposed a deadline of Sept. 30 for all employees and students to comply.

Get Vaccinated

Vaccination is still our most powerful tool to combat the pandemic. Getting vaccinated can help protect yourself, your loved ones and our community.

Find frequently asked questions for employees related to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement on the Health Watch website.

Students: Reminder to upload your proof of vaccination by Aug. 16

Dear Golden Eagles:

This is a reminder to upload your COVID-19 vaccination card or other documentation providing proof of vaccination through the MyCalStateLA portal.

By verifying your vaccination status through self-certification (verifying that you’ve been vaccinated) you’ll be in compliance with the CSU’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the fall 2021 term.

Cal State LA is requiring students to provide proof of vaccination through self-certification by Aug. 16.

How to Certify

Exemptions

Explanations of who may qualify for medical and religious exemptions are provided in the self-certification system via hyperlinks. You do not need to take any additional steps after selecting that you qualify for an exemption; however, you may be asked to provide more information or supporting documentation in the future. Cal State LA will require students who receive vaccination exemptions to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing to ensure the health and safety of the University community.

What If I Don’t Certify?

Get Vaccinated

Vaccination is still our most powerful tool to combat the pandemic. Getting vaccinated can help protect yourself, your loved ones and our community.

Find frequently asked questions for students related to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement on the Health Watch website.

Employees: Reminder to upload your proof of vaccination by Aug. 16

Aug. 13, 2021

Dear Faculty and Staff:

This is a reminder to upload your COVID-19 vaccination card or other documentation providing proof of vaccination through the MyCalStateLA portal.

Cal State LA is requiring employees and students to provide proof of vaccination through self-certification by Aug. 16. Cal State LA’s Office of Human Resources Management will provide represented employees with details about the timing of the implementation of the vaccination policy following the CSU meet and confer process.

How to Certify

To verify vaccination, please log into the MyCalStateLA portal and access the HRM system. Once in the HRM system, select Main Menu, then select Self Service, go to Personal Information, and click CSU COVID-19 Self-Certification. You will then confirm your vaccination status and upload supporting documentation. Find detailed instructions for Employee COVID-19 Self-Certification.

Exemptions

If you wish to request an exemption from the vaccination requirement based on religious or medical grounds, please contact Human Resources Management at 323-343-3040.

What If I Don’t Certify?

Get Vaccinated

Vaccination is still our most powerful tool to combat the pandemic. Getting vaccinated can help protect yourself, your loved ones and our community.

Find frequently asked questions for employees related to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement on the Health Watch website.

COVID-19 vaccination pop-up clinic at Cal State LA today

Aug. 9, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

The CSU now requires COVID-19 vaccination for fall 2021. You can get vaccinated today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at a pop-up clinic on the Main Walkway across from the Student Health Center on campus.

The University is offering this free clinic in partnership with AltaMed to make it easier for students, faculty and staff to comply with the CSU requirement.

The vaccine is free regardless of your health insurance status or your immigration status. No questions will be asked about immigration status.

First shots of Pfizer and single shots of the Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available today. AltaMed will return three weeks later, on Aug. 30, to administer second doses for those receiving the Pfizer vaccine.

To get vaccinated today:

Park in Lot 4 (no charge) at Cal State LA.
Come to the Main Walkway on campus, across from the Student Health Center, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bring a document or ID that includes your first and last name.

Information about future pop-up vaccination clinics on campus can be found on our We Are Healthy LA website and on Health Watch.

Get vaccinated today so you’ll be ready for the start of the new semester.

Cal State LA and AltaMed to offer free COVID-19 vaccination clinics

August 6, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Cal State LA and AltaMed are hosting a series of free COVID-19 vaccination clinics on campus, starting Monday, Aug. 9. These clinics offer another opportunity for you to get vaccinated before the start of the fall semester.

The pop-up clinics are open to Cal State LA students, faculty and staff. Although you are not required to make an appointment, we encourage you to select your preferred time on the MyTurn website. First shots of Pfizer and single shots of the Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available at the clinic held on Monday, Aug. 9.

The vaccine is free regardless of your health insurance status or your immigration status. No questions will be asked about immigration status. AltaMed will return three weeks later, on Aug. 30, to administer second doses for those receiving the Pfizer vaccine.

To get vaccinated at the clinic on Monday:

Visit MyTurn to make an appointment (optional, but strongly encouraged). Use the address 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032. Two options will appear: AltaMed Cal State LA Clinic (Pfizer) and AltaMed Cal State LA (J&J). Please select an appointment to receive the vaccine of your choice.
Park in Lot 4 (no charge) at Cal State LA.
Come to the Main Walkway on campus, across from the Student Health Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bring a document or ID that includes your first and last name.

The University is offering these clinics through a partnership with AltaMed. AltaMed staff will administer the shots. Other clinics will be held on Aug. 25, Aug. 26, Aug. 30, Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. More information about our pop-up vaccination clinics on campus can be found on our We Are Healthy LA website and on Health Watch.

Please plan to get vaccinated so you’ll be in compliance with the CSU’s COVID-19 vaccination policy and ready for the start of the new semester. The policy requires that everyone on campus or in any university facility or program provide proof of vaccination or get tested at least once a week.

We hope to see you on the Main Walkway on Monday. You’re welcome to bring friends and family who are not vaccinated. Cal State LA T-shirts, masks and other swag will be available. If you’re already vaccinated, please share this information with someone who isn’t.

Message from the Office of the Dean of Students Regarding Vaccination Requirement

August 2, 2021

Dear Golden Eagles:

This email provides more details about the CSU’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

Cal State LA is requesting that students provide proof of vaccination beginning Aug. 9. This request follows the CSU’s announcement last week of a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the fall 2021 term.

The deadline to submit your vaccination status is Aug. 16.

After Aug. 16, students coming to campus who have not provided proof of verification will be required to be tested for COVID-19 at least weekly.

Mandatory Self-Certification

Through your GET student portal, you will be asked to self-certify that you have received an approved vaccine or that you qualify for a medical or religious exemption. This is the same system introduced to you via email recently. Certification is now mandatory.

If you have already completed the certification form and provided documentation, you don’t need to take further action at this time.

Accessing the Self-Certification Form

Beginning Aug. 9, you can easily access the self-certification form through your MyCalStateLA student portal. Under Quick Launch, click on GET, select Main Menu, select Self Service, and then click COVID-19 Self-Certification. (Note: These instructions were updated on Aug. 10.)

Approved vaccines are COVID-19 vaccines that have emergency use authorization from the FDA (Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson in the U.S.) or, if you were vaccinated outside of the U.S., the equivalent agency of the country.

You will also need to upload supporting documentation for your COVID-19 vaccination status. This documentation should indicate the manufacturer, date(s) of administration and administration site for the COVID-19 vaccine that you received. This can include an image of your vaccine card or a statement from a healthcare provider.

Exemptions

Cal State LA will require students who receive vaccination exemptions to undergo COVID-19 weekly testing to ensure the health and safety of the University community.

We will share more details about testing when they are available.

Don’t Wait: Get Vaccinated

On Monday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Cal State LA, in partnership with AltaMed, will host a free vaccination clinic on campus. The clinic will offer the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Bring your friends and your family and get vaccinated. You’ll receive an email later this week with additional details.

Please do your part to protect yourself, your loved ones and our community. Let’s bring an end to this pandemic.

For more information, please contact the dean of students via email at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Cal State LA Office of the Dean of Students

Details about the CSU COVID-19 vaccination requirement for employees

July 29, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

I’m writing to provide further details about the CSU’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

Cal State LA is asking employees and students to provide proof of vaccination. This request follows the CSU’s announcement earlier this week of a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the fall 2021 term. Earlier this week Governor Gavin Newsom also announced that state employees must show proof of vaccination or be tested at least once a week.

We are requesting that employees and students provide proof beginning Aug. 9. Cal State LA’s Office of Human Resources Management will provide represented employees with details about the timing of the implementation of the vaccination policy following the CSU meet and confer process.

Vaccination is still our most powerful tool to combat the pandemic. Certification (verifying that you’ve been vaccinated) will help us keep everyone in our community safe. I encourage all faculty and staff to get vaccinated and to upload proof beginning Aug. 9. By taking these steps, you’ll help protect your health and the health of others in our community.

How to Certify

To verify vaccination, beginning Aug. 9 please log into the MyCalStateLA portal. Follow the Employee COVID-19 Self-Certification instructions. You will then confirm your vaccination status and upload supporting documentation. Detailed instructions will be provided on the Return to Campus website. (Note: These intructions were updated on Aug. 10.)

Exemptions

If you wish to request an exemption from the vaccination requirement based on religious or medical grounds, please contact: Human Resources Management, at 323-343-3040.

What If I Don’t Certify?

After Aug. 16, students and non-represented employees coming to campus who have not provided proof of verification will be required to be tested for COVID-19 at least weekly. The CSU has imposed a deadline of Sept. 30 for all employees and students to comply. Details about on-campus testing locations will be provided on the Return to Campus website. On our We Are Healthy LA website, you’ll find information about where you can get vaccinated.

The health, safety, and well-being of our community remains our top priority. We’ll continue to provide information and updates to help you comply with the CSU requirement. Let’s continue to work together to keep our community safe.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

Message from the President regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirement

July 27, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Today the CSU announced that there is now a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for the fall 2021 term.

This means that Cal State LA faculty, staff, and students must certify that they are vaccinated. The requirement is mandatory and effective immediately.

If you are already vaccinated, the next step is certification—the process of verifying that you are vaccinated. You will receive further information about certification in the upcoming days.

If you are not vaccinated, please visit our We Are Healthy LA website to learn more about where you can get free vaccinations that will meet this mandatory requirement.

Throughout the pandemic, our community has demonstrated care and compassion for each other. Thank you for your continued assistance and flexibility as we implement this requirement. I will update you as more information becomes available.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

Updates on campus protocols and Return to Campus website

June 30, 2021

Dear Faculty and Staff:

Cal State LA continues to carefully plan for a strategic return to campus with your health and safety in mind.

Recent updates from Los Angeles County public health officials and Cal/OSHA have resulted in changes to protocols on our campus. As you plan your return to campus, please note:

The physical distancing requirement has been eliminated, except when eating and drinking indoors.
Face coverings are still required while working indoors or in a campus vehicle, unless you are alone.
Face coverings are recommended outdoors for unvaccinated employees if less than 6 feet from others.
Self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms is still required.
Room occupancy limits return to pre-pandemic levels.
Reopening applications to conduct research, scholarship and creative activities (RSCA) are no longer required.

We will update you about the proposed CSU vaccination policy and self-certification procedures when this information is available. We are updating campus signage to reflect our current safety protocols.

Face Coverings

The University continues to require all employees to wear face coverings while working indoors or in a campus vehicle, unless you are working alone. Face coverings are not required outdoors. Face coverings are available to all employees.

N95 Respirators

You can request an N95 respirator to wear voluntarily (vaccinated or not) on the Risk Management and EHS website using the N95 Respirator Request Form for Voluntary Use. We recommend using Chrome or Firefox to access the form.

Physical Distancing

Physical distancing and barrier requirements have been eliminated. However, if you have removed your face covering to eat or drink indoors, physical distancing is required.

Self-Screening

We continue to ask everyone to conduct a self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms before coming to campus.

RSCA

The elimination of the physical distancing requirement means faculty will no longer need to submit a reopening application to access campus spaces. If you have already received RSCA access, the occupancy limits specified in the Environmental Health & Safety site assessment are no longer in effect. Please comply with the room occupancy posted in the lab or room.

We have created a new Return to Campus website. The website provides important information and resources for employees as we begin to return to campus for work. On the website you’ll find important dates, details about planning for the fall, frequently asked questions and more.

Our Health Watch website will continue to provide information about vaccinations, COVID-19 testing, campus messages and other information.

We’ll continue to work together to prepare for the fall semester and to keep everyone in our community safe.

Sincerely,

Joyce Williams
Vice President for Administration and Finance

Message to Academic Affairs Regarding Extended Building Hours

June 11, 2021

Dear Colleagues:

Based on requests from college deans, extended hours are planned for several campus buildings starting June 15. Custodial and HVAC services will be in operation during these times to support research, scholarship, and creative activities (RSCA). Find details on the buildings with extended hours on the Campus Access and Protocols webpage.

Please note that campus buildings have been locked for safety reasons while the campus community has been largely working remotely. Faculty, staff, and students who are seeking access to campus buildings should coordinate with their college resource manager or associate dean to determine if a staff member will be available to grant them access through a locked door, or they may contact Public Safety to ask to be admitted at 323-343-3700.

In the coming weeks, some building entrances will be converted to One Card access to allow authorized personnel entry during times when the outer doors are locked.

Thank you,

Amy Bippus
Vice Provost for Planning and Budget

Campus Access Message to Academic Affairs

June 2, 2021

Dear Colleagues:

Pandemic conditions continue to improve and the state of California is preparing to further lift COVID-19 public health restrictions. In light of these improvements, we will be lifting the requirement for faculty and staff to submit pre-approval forms for campus access. As of June 15, faculty and staff will no longer be required to submit applications for Infrequent Campus Access and Instructional Activities Protocols. Faculty, staff, and students should confer with their immediate supervisor (department chair) with the date(s) and time(s) they will visit, for the supervisor to share with the college or unit resource managers. This change also applies to essential personnel who support these activities. This information will be collected to enable contact of employees who may be considered a close contact should a confirmed positive COVID-19 case be reported.

For those faculty members whose research, scholarship, and creative activities (RSCA) access has already been approved, the safety requirements specified in their Environmental Health & Safety site assessment must continue to be observed—specifically concerning the numbers and names of the individuals included in the approval and the physical distancing requirements. However, the maximum number of hours per week will be lifted. Personnel may access the building during any normal building operation hours. Those faculty who have not received prior approval to resume RSCA must still submit a RSCA Reopening Application so that their research space can be assessed for maximum occupancy and approved personnel can verify completion of COVID-19 and lab safety training.

Normal hours of operation for campus buildings are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some building hours may be extended to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday to allow for RSCA activities. A list of buildings with extended hours based on requests from college deans will be forthcoming. To park on campus during your visit, you may need to enroll or re-activate your parking payroll deduction or purchase a summer semester parking permit.

Faculty, staff, and students are advised that COVID-19 safety protocols require continuous airflow and filtration while buildings are in use; therefore, faculty, staff, and students are not permitted to work in buildings outside of the stated hours of operation. While our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system on campus is fully operational and meets code requirements, additional HVAC cleaning and upgrades this summer may impact operational hours. Researchers are advised to work with their resource managers to get updated information on operational hours for specific buildings.

I am heartened that improving COVID-19 conditions enable the campus to ease access restrictions, and we look forward to seeing many more faculty and students return to campus to resume their research and creative activities. I wish all of you a safe and happy summer.

Thank you,

Amy Bippus
Vice Provost for Planning and Budget

Return to Campus Message from the Provost

June 1, 2021

Dear Colleagues:

As we wrap up the spring term and head into the summer months, I want to thank you for the hard work and dedication you have shown to our students and community during this very difficult year. Campus administrators and I have joined faculty and staff in college meetings, advisory groups, Senate Committees, and other forums. We have heard about the challenges you have faced and the concerns you have for our students, but also the optimism you have about returning to campus and to getting back to a new normal. During these conversations, we have heard valuable input about how we can support faculty, staff, and students to overcome pandemic-related setbacks and come back stronger together. I wanted to share some of the initiatives that have emerged from these collaborations that will help as we transition back in the fall.

Faculty Support

Classes/Modes of Instruction

We recognize the need for students at all levels to have on-campus experiences, to get help in acclimating to the campus experience, to build relationships with their peers and faculty, and to have opportunities for hands-on learning. Cal State LA will be offering courses in a variety of learning modes in the fall, including remote, in-person, and hybrid (partially in-person and remote).

Recognizing that departments must meet the needs of students during this transition, the University will work with colleges to support low-enrolled courses that are critical to students’ progress toward their degrees and to add additional sections as needed to provide a robust schedule in the fall. The University will also continue to provide support to colleges to purchase necessary loaner equipment, materials, and hands-on kits for remote coursework.

CETL Programming and Course Redesign

The pandemic has been an opportunity to rethink the way we design and structure courses for learning in all modalities. In a spring 2021 survey of instructor technology preferences, many faculty members expressed continuing interest in professional development offered completely online. To this end, the Center for Effective Teaching and Learning (CETL) will continue to provide faculty programming synchronously and asynchronously for the fall, including ACUE and the new TEACH badges. Faculty who are new to the campus or were unable to take advantage of last summer’s Alt-Instruction Summer Institute can email the center at [email protected] for a customized professional program offering the same opportunity to submit an alternative instruction course to their college.

Faculty also told us that they are interested in developing more online courses to meet curricular needs. The deans have been asked to share the information about the Online Course Development Program with their faculty and submit their recommendations for a summer cohort (with the same opportunity in the fall and spring—the campus can support up to 500 courses in AY 2021-22). Participating faculty can choose from three options to develop a fully online course and receive feedback against Quality Matters standards, with a $3,000 stipend for the instructor upon approval of the course by their dean.

Classroom Technology Upgrades

Based on a CETL survey of faculty and in consultation with the Academic Instructional Resources Subcommittee (AIRS) of the Academic Senate, as well as the campus’ Scheduling Working Group, the University is upgrading the technology in 100 classrooms this summer and fall. A total of 70 classrooms will receive a baseline refresh of the projector, computer, speakers, and document camera. An additional 30 classrooms will receive an enhanced package that includes new software, mounted cameras and mics to enable lecture capture, and updated instructor podiums that include dual monitor displays for augmented visibility. These enhanced classrooms incorporate the multiple technologies that faculty indicated they would like to use to extend remote teaching best practices (e.g., archived lectures and livestreamed lectures) to their in-person and hybrid instruction.

Tenure Track Hiring

Twenty-six tenure track faculty searches for AY 2021-22 have been approved. Additional searches may be approved after the budget is finalized in early July. We are hopeful that the revised state budget that is enacted in July is more generous to the CSU than the current proposed budget.

Research Support

The pandemic has been disruptive to the research, scholarship, and creative activities (RSCA) that are so integral to teaching and learning on our campus. As conditions have improved, we have instituted safety protocols to ensure that faculty and students have been able to safely return to labs and studios to continue such activities. We have been able to approve access for all faculty and their students who have applied, up to the safe limits of the facilities. We are providing COVID-19 safety coaches to ensure students’ compliance with public health protocols in labs to complement faculty supervision. We are also working with Facilities and Environmental Health & Safety to explore possibilities for extending evening and Saturday access to RSCA facilities on campus to enable faculty and students to take full advantage of the summer months.

Faculty Fellows

The Provost’s Faculty Fellow Award (PFFA) is intended to support mid-career faculty (associate professor / full professor) at Cal State LA who have experienced delays or disruption in their research during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 20 faculty will be selected based on college recommendations for awards of six units of reassigned time or equivalent funds for equipment, travel, or other approved RSCA expenditures.

Student Research Assistantships

The University will provide $2 million in funding to colleges to provide student research assistantships to undergraduate and graduate students. This funding will provide students with valuable opportunities to re-engage in research through paid, hands-on research experiences. Faculty members may submit a request for a student research assistant to the college RSCA committee, which will make recommendations to the dean.

Research Restart

The University will provide support to enable faculty to replace research and creative activity materials that have expired during the pandemic, such as chemicals, live samples, art supplies, and other perishable items, as well as limited equipment servicing necessitated by the pandemic. College RSCA committees will review requests and make recommendations to the dean. The University will allocate funds as available within funding guidelines and priorities.

College Research Stimulus

We will be providing each dean with an allocation ($500,000 total across all colleges) to address specific RSCA needs within the colleges. Deans will have discretion over how to invest these funds to stimulate RSCA re-engagement among their faculty.

Travel

The CSU system has announced that the COVID-related travel ban will be lifted as of June 1, 2021. Faculty and students are still subject to campus travel procedures and site-specific COVID-19 travel restrictions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Student Support

Advising

Advisors are excited to continue to be available to help students navigate their journey to graduation. Advising Centers will offer both in-person and remote appointment scheduling options. To schedule an advising appointment, students should visit the EAB NavigateLA Appointment Scheduling quick link in their MyCalStateLA student portal.

New Advisors and Academic Support Student Professionals

Ten additional student support professionals will be hired to improve student success and retention and to close equity gaps. College Advising Centers and the University Academic Advisement Center will hire academic advisors to support existing efforts and play a lead role in equity-based campaigns. These staff will be brought on board in the fall. The Center for Academic Success will hire a lead coordinator for the quantitative reasoning area in spring 2022.

Writing, Tutoring, and Academic Support

The Center for Academic Success is looking forward to providing academic and peer support to all students when we return to campus this fall. To ensure we continue to offer inclusive services to all Cal State LA students, we will deliver the following services in person and remotely:

Tutoring for STEM and business courses.
Writing support for students across all disciplines.
Peer-Led Undergraduate Sessions (PLUS) for students completing their first-year quantitative reasoning requirement.
Peer leader mentoring to help first-year students connect with peers, faculty, and campus resources.

We are looking forward to maintaining all of the enhancements and innovations that were developed over the last 12 months, just as we are also excited to work with students returning in person. Please visit the Center for Academic Success website to keep informed of all our services.

Expanded Center for Academic Success

To enhance the support services we provide Cal State LA students, the Center for Academic Success will be redesigned and relocated to a larger space on the second floor of the University Library, Palmer Wing. This new center will provide additional PLUS sessions beyond quantitative reasoning courses, space for students to connect and engage with peers in a state-of-the-art learning center, opportunities for digital workshops and webinars to be streamed alongside in-person attendance in innovative and vibrant ways, and room for co-located services. The objective is to ensure that students using tutoring, peer leaders, and PLUS support can access everything they need to thrive academically. The estimated completion date of this relocation is fall 2022.

Graduate Resource Center

The Graduate Resource Center will continue to provide its services and resources during the summer and fall terms. Academic and professional development workshops, which include topics such as applying to doctoral programs and preparing for the Comprehensive Exam, will continue to be delivered as online webinars. During the summer, a writing consultant will be available online and in person by appointment to help graduate students develop their writing assignments and projects. In the fall, three writing consultants will be available for online appointments and in-person walk-ins.

Thesis formatting and submission webinars will be offered in the summer for students who are enrolled in UNIV 9000. A thesis reviewer will be available for one-on-one appointments online or face to face as needed to review students’ formatting. In the fall, three writing consultants and three thesis reviewers will be available for online appointments and in-person walk-ins.

The GRC Commons area on Level A of Library North will reopen July 1.

Enrollment Services

Enrollment Services including Financial Aid and Scholarships, Records, and Admissions and Recruitment are moving to new locations in the former Physical Sciences building. In-person services will resume once the move is complete this fall using a new queuing system to minimize congestion. Enrollment Services will continue to serve students via phone and online appointments throughout the year.

Expanded Technology-Enabled Seating and Study Areas

Students returning to campus in the fall will be seeking places to sit, study, and possibly participate in remote classes in between their in-person courses. Academic Affairs is working with Student Affairs and ITS to identify all available seating and study areas, Wi-Fi, loaner laptops, hotspots, and other tools and services, to enable students to balance their in-person and remote courses in the fall. We will also identify classrooms that can be equipped with laptops to become overflow computer labs as needed to meet student demand. This information will be made available to students and faculty to ensure that students are aware of their options for working on campus.

Supporting Summer Graduation for Graduate Students

To support the timely graduation of graduate students completing a thesis, project, or dissertation who were delayed in completion or otherwise negatively affected by the pandemic, the University will be waiving the summer and fall enrollment fee in UNIV 9000 for graduate students who meet the progress requirements. For summer, thesis advisors and committee members will also be provided a stipend for their work facilitating students’ successful completion of their theses.

University Library

The University Library will have a phased reopening of its services, collections, and spaces to serve the needs of our campus community, with the first floor reopening on June 15 to Cal State LA students (reservations will be required). By July 1, the University Library will be open to all Cal State LA students, faculty, and staff, with all floors, collections, public computers and printers, and one-person study rooms available. Library research and instructional services will be provided via Zoom, chat, and email. The Special Collections and Archives will be available by appointment beginning on Aug. 23. Additional information about the University Library reopening and online library services is available at the University Library website.

Moving Forward Together

These initiatives and plans reflect the broad collaboration and targeted support that are guiding our reopening roadmaps. More information on these initiatives and the campus reopening plans will become available as the summer progresses.

I appreciate all the ways you’ve contributed over this past year—a year that was unlike anything our University has ever experienced. But we worked together and we met the needs of our community. As we emerge from the pandemic, we will come back stronger.

Take care,

Jose

Return to Campus Message from the President

May 25, 2021

Dear Faculty and Staff:

I’ve watched recent COVID-19 developments with a sense of hopefulness and caution. California now has the lowest COVID-19 case rate in the continental United States. K-12 students are slowly returning to in-person learning. The Los Angeles Unified School District announced yesterday that it will open its campuses full time on a normal schedule and offer an online option. And many establishments are reopening. I recognize the wide range of thoughts and emotions within our community about returning to campus. Some of you are anxious and delighted to return to classrooms and research labs; and some are anxious and nervous about safety questions that arise with being together again. I want you to know that we are carefully planning for a strategic, phased return to campus starting in July. We anticipate that circumstances in July will be different; we will adjust our planning based on the best science and recommendations available at that time.

I am writing to share our planning framework so that you are aware of how the return will unfold. Please know that several planning committees have worked together to decide key points about returning to campus. We’ve held college meetings, met with stakeholders, and had other discussions to hear the thoughts of our community. Your colleagues have brought your concerns and questions to the table. As other issues arise, and we are aware that they may, this framework is in place to address them and to adjust as needed. We have learned a great deal during the pandemic and we are putting what we’ve learned to work. Through regular meetings with Barbara Ferrer and leadership of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, as well as consultation with other officials, we are monitoring the pandemic’s developments. Our planning is aligned with current local, federal, and state protocols for reopening college and university campuses, including the Protocols for Institutes of Higher Education issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which went into effect on May 11.

While we’ve planned using the most current public health guidance, we know that these directives may change, requiring us to adjust our planning. We’re prepared to shift if necessary. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve navigated local, state, and federal directives and made decisions with your health and safety in mind.

If the trajectory of the pandemic continues as it is now, I am optimistic that more restrictions will be lifted. What we see is much more than a light at the end of the tunnel. We’re preparing to emerge stronger and more well-informed than we were when the pandemic started. And we realize that the coming months will be a period of adjustment for everyone.

Here is the timeline

We are preparing for a fall semester with fewer restrictions imposed on the campus by the county and the state. CSU Chancellor Joseph I. Castro has announced that the 23 campuses will be open for in-person instruction in the fall. Last month, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California will fully reopen its economy on June 15.

In order to be ready for students to return, we need to return to campus to re-establish ourselves beginning in July. Some of you have already returned to work on campus, and more are returning each week. When you return to campus, your weekly schedule will be determined by your supervisor. In general, you can expect that work may initially be hybrid in some cases, and build toward greater or full on-campus work by the fall. Before returning to work, all employees are first required to take COVID-19 Return to Campus safety training, which is available on CSU Learn.

Most in our community shoulder family responsibilities, including caring for children or elderly parents. The upcoming months will provide us all with an opportunity to gradually adjust so that by the fall we are all back on campus. The Anna Bing Arnold Children’s Center is prepared to open to meet the needs of parents returning to work on campus.

The Spot in the food court is now open daily for breakfast and lunch. The University Bookstore is scheduled to open on June 28. Everytable is scheduled to open in late July.

On June 15, the University Library, the ITS Help Desk, and the Annex will open by appointment. On July 1, the University-Student Union will open, and the University Library, the ITS Help Desk, and the Annex will open without appointment.

Starbucks and the Cal State LA Federal Credit Union are scheduled to open on August 1.

We’re taking measures to keep everyone safe

The health of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. We have learned during the pandemic the importance of being nimble and able to shift as necessary by conditions. This knowledge guides our planning. If at any point the trajectory of the pandemic shifts, we will shift as well to ensure our community’s health and safety.

If you return to campus now, you will see many new features. Our photo gallery includes photos of our current signage, restroom adjustments, and directional guidance. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health may modify restrictions. As guidance changes, our campus facilities and safety protocols will reflect these changes.

All drinking fountains are closed. We are installing additional automated bottle-filling stations throughout campus.
We are hiring more custodians to meet the need to clean our classrooms, offices, labs, restrooms, and other areas more frequently.
Cleaning and disinfecting of classrooms, offices, restrooms, and public spaces will occur based on occupancy per Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines with EPA-approved disinfectants.
Face coverings are available to all employees.
Other personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and face shields, are available for those who have job responsibilities necessitating use. Should you need these items, please contact your resource manager.

You’ll learn more about these measures throughout this letter.

Everyone can contribute to our community’s health and safety

Each one of us plays an important role in keeping our workplace safe and in ensuring the health of our community. Everyone should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms, please call your medical provider and follow their advice. Employees should also notify their supervisor, who should contact Human Resources Management at 323-343-3694. Please do not report to work on campus if you are sick or have symptoms.

The CSU recently announced that it will require students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated for fall 2021, which begins for Cal State LA in August. The requirement applies to anyone who will be on campus or at any university facility and will be implemented provided that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers full approval of one or more of the vaccines, and that there is a supply of the vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson) that is sufficient for all those who choose to vaccinate. Exemptions for health and religious reasons may be requested.

Vaccination is a powerful tool to help end the pandemic. We continue to encourage our community to become vaccinated. At least two-thirds of our employees received vaccines at the Cal State LA Vaccination Center on campus, which opened in February. Since April 15, when vaccination became available to those who are 16 or older, we have been encouraging students to get vaccinated. We’ve also provided opportunities for them to do so on campus, including during our Cal State LA Student Vaccination Week. The FDA has now provided emergency authorization for use of the Pfizer vaccine for youth 12-15 years old.

Depending on the vaccine you receive, it can take up to five weeks to become fully vaccinated. Please keep this in mind as you plan for the upcoming weeks and months.

As we return to campus, we all must continue to follow public health protocols to keep our community safe. Until campus restrictions are lifted, please be aware that at this time:

Face coverings are still required when on campus; however, if you are alone working in an office, face coverings are not required. No eating is allowed in classrooms (while the requirement for face coverings is in effect).
Office gatherings and congregating in break rooms should be avoided.
Elevator capacity is limited to the number of people who can be accommodated while maintaining a 6-foot physical distance between riders; this number can be adjusted to a maximum number of four riders at a time for any elevator that allows for 6-foot physical distance between riders.

We’ve made changes to our facilities

Safety signage has been posted at elevators, stairwells, and restrooms as a reminder to avoid close proximity with others in confined spaces.
Air ducts are being cleaned campuswide.
Fresh air intakes are being repaired or replaced as needed, and the maximum amount of outside air that allows for thermal comfort will be brought into the building.
MERV 13 or higher filters will be used in the HVAC system as recommended by the CDC.
Airflow in buildings will be checked to ensure proper ventilation in each room. Fans will run 24/7 to continually flush the buildings.

Instruction: Remote, in-person, and hybrid

Cal State LA will offer courses in a variety of learning modes in the fall, including remote, in-person, and hybrid (partially in-person and remote). Colleges and departments have worked hard to create opportunities for students at all levels to have opportunities for both in-person and remote coursework. We recognize the need for students at all levels to have on-campus experiences, to get help in acclimating to the campus experience, to build relationships with their peers and faculty, and to have opportunities for hands-on learning.

The University Library is the intellectual hub and town square of our campus. In June, the library will begin a phased reopening of its services and spaces to serve the needs of our campus community. By July, the University Library will be open to all Cal State LA students, faculty, and staff, with occupancy assessed by a sensor system to ensure it does not exceed safe levels (currently 75%).

All floors, computer labs, and study rooms will be available with physical distancing protocols in place. Library research services will be provided via Zoom, chat, and email. The Special Collections and Archives will be available by appointment. We encourage students to make use of our valuable library resources, whether they are enrolled in remote or in-person coursework.

Open Access Labs will resume operation in the fall. New “contact-less” lockers have been installed outside the library. These lockers allow students (and employees) to pick up loaner items such as library books, laptops, hotspots, and other materials.

How will we continue to support students?

We recognize that students will need support as they transition back to in-person learning. The Center for Academic Success will provide academic and peer support. When students return to campus in the fall, the center will deliver services in person and remotely:

Direct one-on-one tutoring for STEM and business courses.
Direct one-on-one writing support for students across all disciplines.
Peer-Led Undergraduate Sessions (PLUS) for first-year students completing their quantitative reasoning courses.
Peer support and mentoring for first-year students to ensure they are engaged and connected with peers who will share their own experiences about how to navigate campus and become successful college students.

Students should visit the Center for Academic Success website to keep informed of all services.

Advising Centers will offer both in-person and remote appointment scheduling options. To schedule an advising appointment, students should visit the NavigateLA quick link in their MyCalStateLA student portal.

The Graduate Resource Center (GRC) is currently serving graduate students remotely this summer, and will continue with remote and in-person services in the fall.

The Division of Student Life is preparing to welcome students to a lively campus in the fall. Students can expect to watch our Golden Eagle athletes compete, enjoy robust programming at the University-Student Union, work out at Xtreme Fitness, and participate in campus activities such as Welcome Week. Our new housing facility will open in August. Students will have access to a new dining hall and other amenities.

How are we supporting faculty?

The pandemic has been disruptive to the teaching, research, and creative activity that is so integral to learning on our campus. During a year of hard times, our faculty had to work hard to continue forward in these areas. Yet, in spite of the pandemic, they provided students with the best learning opportunities possible. I am deeply grateful. In this transition period, much is changing: New support is available and other resources are continuing. Detailed information about faculty support will be provided by Provost Jose Gomez in an upcoming message.

We provide help for managing work life

The Anna Bing Arnold Children’s Center on campus will be open. Services that help employees manage transportation needs such as employee carpools, discounted U-Pass and transit passes, semester parking permits, and daily parking are also available. More information will be available soon on our Return to Campus website.

Employees with concerns related to disabilities or underlying medical conditions associated with an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should contact ADA Compliance Specialist Hannah Passano ([email protected]) to discuss accommodation options.

LifeMatters is the University’s Employee Assistance Program. Contact information is 1-800-367-7474 or mylifematters.com. Password is GOEAGLES.
Faculty and staff may be eligible to take advantage of COVID-19-related paid leave programs. More information is available on our Health Watch page.

Food venues will be operating in the food court in a manner that allows for proper physical distancing. Indoor seating capacity in the food court will be based on CDC and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health mandates.

We’re looking forward to fall

Even as we continue to move in a positive direction, we see the pandemic surging in other parts of the world. One of our guiding principles in returning to campus is flexibility. Please know that your health is our priority and we will adjust our plans if necessary.

We encourage you to check our websites and emails for the most up-to-date information. Health Watch includes a wealth of information about vaccination, COVID-19 cases, and other topics. We Are Healthy LA includes information about our efforts to support the larger community. Our Return to Campus website will be available soon and will include detailed information about topics related to your return to campus.

I’m grateful for the ways in which our community has weathered the worst of the pandemic. I thank you for your resilience, dedication, and hard work. Back then I said that better days are ahead. Things are getting better and we have good reason to believe that they will continue to get better. We are planning for your return with this in mind. With all that we’ve learned, and with compassion and care for all, I’m confident we can return to campus safely. By working together now, we’ll be ready for students in the fall.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

Cal State LA Student Week at the Cal State LA Vaccination Center

April 30, 2021

Dear Golden Eagles:

We are excited to announce that next week is Cal State LA Student Week at the Vaccination Center at Cal State LA.

From Monday, May 3, through Saturday, May 8, students can come to campus between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. No appointments are necessary. Vaccinations are available at the walk-up site in Structure A near Lot 2. The vaccination center is offering the Pfizer vaccine.

Please bring your Cal State LA identification card or a government-issued ID. If you drive, please follow traffic officers’ directions, park in Structure A, and check in at the walk-up vaccination site.

Vaccinations are also available through the drive-thru site at Cal State LA, but by appointment. You can make an appointment for the Vaccination Center at Cal State LA on the city of Los Angeles’ vaccination website. The city of Los Angeles operates the Vaccination Center at Cal State LA.

California State University recently announced that it intends to require students, faculty and staff who will be on campus in the fall to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement will become effective at the beginning of the fall 2021 term, or upon full approval of one or more vaccines by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, whichever occurs later.

Faculty and staff who are not yet vaccinated may also get vaccinated during Cal State LA Student Week.

Don’t wait! Get your COVID-19 vaccine to help protect yourself, your loved ones and our community, and help bring an end to the pandemic.

Sincerely,

Jose A. Gomez
Provost and Executive Vice President

Message from the President about vaccinations

April 22, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Today the California State University announced its intention to require COVID-19 immunizations for students, faculty, and staff who will be physically present on campus or at any university location in the fall.

The CSU and the University of California made a simultaneous announcement about the requirement, which will apply to the 23 CSU campuses and the 10 UC campuses.

I encourage you to read the full announcement.

The goal of this requirement, like other immunization requirements in the CSU, is to maintain the health and safety of our community.

The COVID-19 vaccination will be required provided that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fully approves one or more COVID-19 vaccines and the fully approved vaccines are available. Currently the vaccines are available under an emergency authorization.

The question of a vaccination requirement has arisen often in conversations in our community. We recognize that this is a deeply personal question with implications for our community collectively. The requirement will allow for exemptions for health or religious reasons, as indicated in Chancellor Castro’s message.

Through the Vaccination Center at Cal State LA, we have facilitated the vaccinations of many of our faculty, staff, and student workers. The center remains a resource for faculty, staff, and students who need to be vaccinated. On the weekends (Friday-Sunday), new appointments for the upcoming week are usually made available on the city of Los Angeles’ vaccination website. Our We Are Healthy LA website provides additional information about where you may be vaccinated.

We’re in the process of defining the procedures needed for implementation and verification. We will continue to provide information so that you may prepare for the upcoming academic year. As more information becomes available, we will share it with you.

In the meantime, there’s no need to delay your COVID-19 vaccination. Being fully vaccinated will protect you from infection, and allow you to re-engage with Cal State LA and be ready to participate in the vibrant campus life, in-person instruction, and student services that will be back in fall.

We look forward to welcoming you back.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino

President

Appointments now available for 16 and older at Cal State LA Vaccination Center

April 11, 2021

Dear University Community:

As of Sunday, April 11, appointments are available for the Vaccination Center at Cal State LA. These appointments are now open to anyone who is 16 years old or older. You can make an appointment for the Vaccination Center at Cal State LA on the city of Los Angeles' vaccination website.

Vaccinations are a critical tool in the effort to bring the pandemic to an end. Now that anyone over the age of 16 is eligible to receive a vaccination in California, we encourage all students to make an appointment to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccination appointments can be made at county vaccination sites and city vaccination sites. You can also contact your medical provider for vaccination information.

Let’s all do everything we can to stay healthy. Please continue to follow all public health protocols and make an appointment to get vaccinated.

Sincerely,

Jose A. Gomez
Executive Vice President and Provost

Cal State LA Vaccination Center Update

April 9, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Over the last few days you may have read or seen confusing reports about the Vaccination Center at Cal State LA.

I want to clarify this situation for our community.

These reports on social media and in the news media announcing vaccinations without appointments or eligibility brought a flood of people to campus seeking vaccinations. Many people were turned away on Thursday as our state and federal partners recognized that the demand exceeded the center's capacity.

Later in the day, the state, which operates the site with FEMA, issued a statement: “We reiterate the only way to guarantee yourself an appointment at the Cal State LA site is to register ahead of time through the MyTurn system.”

We're encouraging everyone in the Cal State LA community to receive the vaccine. And we want you to do so with the least amount of stress and in the most organized way possible.

There are many locations offering the vaccine. COVID-19 vaccination appointments can be made at county vaccination sites, city vaccination sites, as well as state vaccination sites using the MyTurn scheduling system or by calling (833) 422-4255. You can also contact your medical provider for vaccination information.

Earlier in the week the Vaccination Center at Cal State LA opened a mobile clinic at the Southeast-Rio Vista YMCA in Maywood, one of our community partners. It joins other sites that our vaccination center opened in South L.A. at Paradise Baptist Church and at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall.

I also want to share the good news that the Vaccination Center at Cal State LA will transition from a state and federal operation to a city-operated site next week. This means that our site will remain open as a resource for those seeking vaccines. The mobile clinics associated with the Vaccination Center on our campus will also continue to operate in locations across Los Angeles for at least four weeks.

This news comes as a major change in eligibility takes place next week. On April 15, anyone who is 16 or older will be eligible to receive the vaccine in California. As we enter this new phase of eligibility that includes our students, we'll continue to provide information about vaccine availability and to encourage vaccination.

Cal State LA has played an important role in providing access to COVID-19 vaccinations. We look forward to working with the city to continue contributing to the health of our communities.

Sincerely,

Jose A. Gomez
Executive Vice President and Provost

An Update on the Vaccination Center at Cal State LA

March 29, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Since the Vaccination Center opened at Cal State LA, we’ve played an important role in ensuring that hundreds of thousands of people have been vaccinated against COVID-19, including many of our faculty and staff. We’re proud of the contributions we’ve made to increase access to vaccinations in communities of color where they are critically needed.

On Friday, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that their mission at the Vaccination Center will end on Sunday, April 11. However, city, county and state officials are in conversations to transition the site to local partners and keep the Vaccination Center open. Cal State LA and our local elected officials have been working with several public agencies to ensure the Vaccination Center remains a vital part of our region’s battle against COVID-19.

The need for vaccination is still great in the communities we serve, and we are committed to continuing to help meet the need. We will keep you updated as more details about the future of the Vaccination Center become available.

Sincerely,

Jose A. Gomez
Provost and Executive Vice President

Message from the President regarding Fall 2021

March 26, 2021

Dear Faculty and Staff:

As we continue to adapt to the challenges COVID-19 has created for our campus, and to grapple with its disproportionate impact on the communities we serve, I want to express my admiration for the hard work and resilience you all have shown throughout the past year. Thankfully, we have begun to see promising signs that there are brighter days in the not-too-distant future.

Last week Los Angeles County moved into the less restrictive red tier. Protocols for Institutes of Higher Education from the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and the California Department of Health allow colleges and universities in red tier counties to resume a greater range of in-person on-campus activities. Just this week, Los Angeles County announced that it is possible that we may soon move into the even less restrictive orange tier. If conditions continue to improve, we anticipate that we will enter the yellow tier, with fewer restrictions, by fall semester, which may enable us to safely conduct more in-person activities and student services.

Once we reach national herd immunity, estimated as substantially more than 70% of the population having been vaccinated, we will be very close to returning to pre-pandemic capacities and activities.

Many students in the CSU and at Cal State LA have expressed a desire to return to campus provided they can do so safely. As conditions improve, we are optimistic that more of our students will be able to interact with their professors and peers on campus. On Thursday, Governor Newsom announced that on April 15, all California adults will be eligible to be vaccinated. This means that our students will have four months to be fully vaccinated prior to classes resuming in the fall.

In the meantime, planning is underway for implementing increased sanitation and safety protocols on campus that comply with public health guidelines. Environmental Health & Safety is working with Facilities to increase the frequency of cleaning in our classrooms, restrooms, and public areas. In compliance with CDC recommendations for ventilation in buildings and the Protocols for Institutes of Higher Education from the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, the University is investing heavily in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades on campus. All air handlers, which circulate air, will be brushed, vacuum cleaned, and sanitized; all air ducts throughout each building will be cleaned; outdoor air dampers, which allow fresh outside air to be drawn into the HVAC system, will be repaired or replaced; and air scrubbers and UV lighting will be added to further purify the air. Each room’s air flow will be measured and any room lacking the correct flow of air will undergo necessary repairs. These steps and others will help ensure a safe environment as our on-campus population increases.

To further safeguard our community’s health, we strongly encourage faculty, staff, and students to receive a COVID-19 vaccination when they are eligible to do so. COVID-19 vaccination appointments can be made at county vaccination sites, city vaccination sites, and state vaccination sites, including the Vaccination Center at Cal State LA. You may also contact your medical provider for vaccination information.

Based on the improving COVID-19 indicators and our extensive safety precautions, Chancellor Joseph I. Castro has asked us to prepare planning scenarios that would allow us to offer the majority of our fall classes in person. I have asked colleges and departments to review their course schedules to identify those courses that could tentatively return to in-person instruction in the fall. It is important that we prepare a schedule that includes a robust selection of in-person courses for our students who will soon begin registering for fall 2021 classes. The date for publishing the schedule has been extended and student registration dates have been adjusted. Registration for the fall will begin on May 10.

We’ve also been working with faculty to increase research, scholarship, and creative activities (RSCA) on campus and we’re planning for a phased approach to fully resuming participation. These planning efforts will require continued conversations with faculty, staff, and students in the coming weeks, and we must be flexibly minded moving forward in order to make adjustments in the schedule and course delivery as conditions and restrictions change.

Of course, the health and safety of our community is our top priority. We will only proceed with our plan for increased in-person classes and access to other services such as the library, food services, computer labs, and the Student Health Center if we can do so safely. If Los Angeles County moves back to a more restrictive tier or if health and safety concerns arise as we expand our in-person activities, we will respond accordingly. As our planning for the fall continues, additional details will be posted on our Return to Campus website.

Throughout the pandemic we’ve had to make adjustments based on the best available data and the guidance of public health officials. We will continue to do so. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students as we’ve navigated these changes. I appreciate the time and effort it takes to pivot and I look forward to being back on campus in the fall.

Sincerely,

Bill

Message to Employees Regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations

Feb. 27, 2021

Dear Faculty and Staff:

Beginning Monday, March 1, individuals working in education are eligible to begin receiving COVID-19 vaccinations in Los Angeles County as part of Phase 1B of the county’s vaccine distribution schedule.

Cal State LA faculty and staff can now begin signing up to receive vaccinations. We strongly encourage you to make an appointment and get vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccination appointments can be made at county vaccination sites and city vaccination sites, as well as the state and federally operated vaccination center at Cal State LA. You can make an appointment at the Cal State LA Vaccination Center through the state’s MyTurn scheduling system or by calling (833) 422-4255. You can also contact your medical provider for vaccination information.

Please continue following the important preventive measures of washing hands frequently, wearing a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth when outside and around others, keeping a distance of at least 6 feet from others outside of your household, and staying home when sick.

This message, along with other information regarding COVID-19, will be posted on the Cal State LA Health Watch website.

COVID-19 Vaccination Center Opened Today at Cal State LA

February 16, 2021

Dear University Community:

I want to update you on the free COVID-19 Vaccination Center at Cal State LA, which opened today.

The site will operate seven days a week, from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Drive-thru and walk-up appointments are offered. Those seeking a vaccination may make an appointment through the state’s MyTurn scheduling system or by calling (833) 422-4255. Appointments are required. The center will have the capacity to vaccinate 6,000 people each day and will follow the tiered priority distribution system mandated by the state of California.

Drive-thru vaccinations are offered in Lot 5. Vaccinations of those with walk-up appointments take place in Structure A. For those who use public transportation, shuttles are available from the campus Transit Center to Structure A.

Opening the site has been a massive undertaking involving several state and federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the Department of Defense, and the California Conservation Corps (CCC). Some of the personnel who staff the vaccination site are residing in student housing. We are working with our partners to minimize the site’s impact on streets near campus. For those employees who may need to visit campus, parking is available in Structure B and Structure C. Our traffic and parking officers will be present to help direct traffic.

We want you to know that the site is open to everyone, regardless of their immigration status. Earlier this month the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement about vaccination centers, in which it says: “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will not conduct enforcement operations at or near vaccine distribution sites or clinics … DHS is committed to ensuring that every individual who needs a vaccine can get one, regardless of their immigration status.”

The Cal State LA site is one of the first launched by the Biden administration as part of a national effort to increase vaccine distribution. By serving as a vaccination site, Cal State LA is helping to end the pandemic and its devastating impact on our communities, a goal that is important to our students, faculty, and staff. We are glad to provide this much needed service and will keep you updated as vaccinations open up for more tiers.

Sincerely,

Jose A. Gomez
Provost and Executive Vice President

New COVID-19 Vaccination Site Coming to Cal State LA

February 3, 2021

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Today the Biden administration announced that Cal State LA will be the site of a federally operated COVID-19 vaccination center.

This is a major development not only for Cal State LA, but for nearby communities, and for Southern California. We welcome the opportunity to serve our community and we stand ready to work with President Joseph Biden and Governor Gavin Newsom to provide badly needed vaccinations.

The University’s selection was announced Wednesday morning during a briefing of the White House COVID-19 Response Team. The Biden administration’s goal is to vaccinate 100 million people in the administration’s first 100 days.

This development reflects our deep and longstanding involvement and collaboration with the communities we serve. We recognize that our students and alumni live in communities with some of the highest COVID-19 infection rates per capita. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve helped our students and the community through our food pantry for students, community food distributions that delivered more than 120 tons of food to more than 5,000 families, a drive-thru flu vaccination clinic, and a COVID-19 testing site on campus.

We’ve named our support of the community during the pandemic We Are Healthy LA, which is a collaboration with community partners. Under the initiative, Cal State LA has worked with organizations including the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, QueensCare Health Centers, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and the Southeast Los Angeles Collaborative.

The vaccination center is the result of several months of work with local, state and federal officials to address the need in our community. We will learn more and we’ll be able to provide additional information in the days ahead. We are ready to contribute in even greater ways to defeating COVID-19.

Sincerely,

José A. Gómez
Provost and Executive Vice President

Message Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination Information

Jan. 20, 2021

Dear University Community:

As you are aware, COVID-19 vaccinations have begun to be distributed across the nation and throughout California. In Los Angeles County, vaccine distribution is administered by the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

The county remains in the early stages of its tiered approach to vaccine distribution. Find information on L.A. County’s vaccine distribution schedule and other important vaccination information on the Public Health website. Most of our staff at the Student Health Center have received vaccinations provided through Public Health.

Cal State LA is working with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and state government officials to become a future vaccination site for the community.

We strongly encourage our faculty, staff and students to be vaccinated when the opportunity arises. We ask that you stay informed and be on the lookout for information from your medical providers about vaccinations and encourage you to review the county vaccine schedule to find out when you will be eligible to receive one.

The University and Student Health Center will continue to update the Cal State LA community as we receive more information about vaccinations.

Please continue following the important preventive measures of washing hands frequently, wearing a cloth face covering when outside and around others, keeping a distance of at least 6 feet from others outside of your household, and staying home when sick.

Sincerely,

Monica Jazzabi, M.D.
Student Health Center Director

Message from the President Regarding COVID-19

Dec. 22, 2020

Dear Golden Eagle Family:

As I write to you, the situation in our region and nation is dire—and yet hopeful. The nation is witnessing the deadliest days since the start of the pandemic. In California last week, there were 203 COVID-19 deaths a day over a weekly period, and 35,200 cases a day. Every hour on average, two people die in Los Angeles County from COVID-19. But last week, we also witnessed a significant development and a reason for hope: Healthcare workers across the nation started receiving vaccinations.

Last week I participated in a virtual talk with Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Chancellor Timothy P. White. The conversation covered developments in the pandemic, including a phased distribution of vaccinations that is expected to provide significant coverage by late spring or summer. We are monitoring and preparing so that we will be ready when universities and colleges receive guidance. The vaccines are a reason for hope, but we must continue to be diligent about our actions and behavior.

In the middle of the holiday season, during this especially hard year, it may be tempting to take a chance and celebrate as you have in past years. This is a particularly deadly time in the pandemic. This is not a time to ease up on adherence to public health protocols. With the infection rate as high as it is in Los Angeles County, the possibility of you being exposed to the virus increases. Follow the revised safer at home health order and recognize that this holiday season must be different from those of the past. Please do not risk your health or the health of those you love for a Christmas, New Year, or Kwanzaa celebration or any large gathering. Please wear a face covering, wash your hands, and practice physical distancing. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued guidance on how to safely celebrate the holidays.

Cal State LA is continuing to host a COVID-19 testing site on campus. You may make an appointment for the test online. Our testing site is scheduled to close early at 1 p.m. on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31; it will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. We also strongly encourage you to get the flu vaccination. Visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s flu information website to find a low-cost or free immunization, or call 2-1-1.

Our nation and our community have endured much hardship and heartbreak this year. I am proud of our students, faculty, and staff for your resilience and for the way we have embraced each other. As we say goodbye to 2020, we look forward to a brighter 2021. I hope this break will be a time of relaxation and rejuvenation for all of us. Whatever the future holds, we as a community will continue to care for and support each other. For that, I am truly grateful and I thank you. I hope you have an enjoyable holiday season.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

COVID-19 Update for Employees

Dec. 11, 2020

Dear University Community:

Dining services on campus are closed until further notice. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution after a UAS Dining Services employee tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, December 10.

Please note that all information, including the name(s) of ill persons, shared regarding any public health investigation is confidential in order to protect patient privacy.

In accordance with public health protocols, we have contacted individuals who may have been in close contact with the person on campus and we have provided them with guidance. Cleaning and disinfecting of the exposed location are underway.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health provides detailed information about exposure:

Anyone with a confirmed case of COVID-19 should isolate and close contacts should quarantine for 14 days from their last exposure in order to prevent illness in new persons. “Close contact” means being a household member, intimate contact, or caregiver of a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case; being within 6 feet of the confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, even if wearing a non-medical face covering; or having unprotected contact with the infected person’s bodily fluids and/or secretions, for example, being coughed or sneezed on, starting from two days before illness onset.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “the risk of getting sick with COVID-19 from eating or handling food (including frozen food and produce) and food packages is considered very low … Currently there is no evidence to suggest that handling food or consuming food is associated with COVID-19.”

If you have additional questions about COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, please visit the L.A. County Department of Public Health coronavirus webpage.

With sincere gratitude for your efforts and understanding,

Monica Jazzabi, M.D.

Director, Student Health Center

Message from the Student Health Center Director Regarding COVID-19 Updates

Dec. 9, 2020

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Los Angeles County has been experiencing a sustained and substantial rise in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Over the last three weeks, hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients have increased by more than 140% to nearly 3,000. Similarly, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions have also risen to an increasingly concerning level. According to the California Department of Public Health, the adult ICU bed capacity for Southern California is now less than 11%. ICU beds are a critical resource for individuals who need the most advanced care.

These devastating figures are overwhelming the already burdened healthcare system. Without additional public health interventions and enhanced and universal adherence to personal preventive actions by the public, our hospitals risk being unable to deliver care to people suffering from COVID-19 and other illnesses. In response to the surge, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has revised its Safer at Home Health Order, and ordered the closure of several types of establishments and sites. The California Department of Public Health has also enacted stringent measures designed to stop the spread of the virus.

We are all called upon to do our part in the battle against COVID-19. Please strictly comply with the request to practice physical distancing and wear a face covering whenever you are outside of your household. Please do not leave home, except to access medical care, if you feel sick or have been told to isolate or quarantine. Please make sure to wear a face covering and keep a distance of at least six feet from others at all times while on campus, except when eating or drinking away from others or working alone in an enclosed private office.

Taking these effective actions is the right and compassionate thing to do, and is also required by public health authorities.

Testing is a useful tool in identifying symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with COVID-19 needing to self-isolate at home. Cal State LA is home to a free COVID-19 testing site that is open to students, faculty, staff and the community. You may make an appointment for the test online.

Another important step you can take is to get a flu shot, as immunization can reduce your risk of getting the flu and help combat another public health threat. Flu shots are available from doctors, pharmacies and flu immunization clinics. To find a low-cost or free immunization, call 2-1-1 or go to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s flu information website.

At Cal State LA, the Student Health Center (SHC) offers flu vaccination at no charge to students and a $20 fee to employees. To make an appointment to get your shot at the SHC while supplies last, call (323) 343-3300. Please visit the SHC website for more information.

With sincere gratitude for your efforts and understanding,

Monica Jazzabi, M.D.

Director, Student Health Center

Message from the President Regarding COVID-19 Updates

Nov. 25, 2020

Dear Golden Eagle Community:

As we approach the holiday season, the spread of the COVID-19 virus nationally and here in the County of Los Angeles is deeply concerning. The growing number of new cases, the increase in testing positivity rate, and the rise in hospitalizations suggest that we are in the early stages of a surge that is expected to last at least through January 2021. We are closely monitoring these developments. The state of California has appealed to residents to avoid all but essential travel. We ask students, faculty, and staff to follow state travel guidelines.

Recent news stories about the pandemic are both distressing and encouraging, but they have not altered our plans for next semester. Cal State LA is still preparing for a virtual spring semester. Continuing in a virtual format will allow us to provide instruction without jeopardizing the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. The rapidly changing state of the pandemic may require us to modify certain aspects of our plan.

There is good news, however, regarding vaccines. Three pharmaceutical companies have announced that their vaccines are highly effective against the virus. A vaccine may be available to the public soon, but officials note that we are months away from widespread distribution. This means we must still engage in public health practices that help keep us all safe.

With the virus spreading at an alarming rate in California and across the nation, the state and county are imposing stricter measures. This includes imposing a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. stay-at-home order and restrictions on establishments such as bars and restaurants. These measures are being implemented to help slow the spread of the virus. More information about COVID-19 restrictions is available online.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health “reminds everyone to stay home as much as possible for the next two to three weeks to change the trajectory of surging cases and save lives. COVID-19 can be unintentionally spread to other people unless we all practice the simple safety precautions that prevent spread. Virus transmission can be significantly reduced if we all keep distance from others who we don't live with, always wear a face covering properly over our nose and mouth, and wash our hands frequently.”

COVID-19 testing remains vitally important. Cal State LA is home to a free Los Angeles County COVID-19 testing site that is available to students, faculty, staff, and those in the community. Our site features comparably short wait times and a less invasive anterior nasal swab test. You may make an appointment for the test online.

The health of our community is our top priority. Please continue to follow public health protocols. Public Health has issued guidelines for celebration of the upcoming holidays and the Centers for Disease Control has issued travel guidelines.

Please enjoy your holidays, and please stay safe.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino

President

Important Message About Flu Vaccination

Nov. 19, 2020

Dear Campus Community,

The flu season is upon us, and the addition of another respiratory illness to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is expected to create challenges for the public and the already burdened healthcare system. Flu vaccination can help reduce this risk and protect us from yet another public health threat, influenza.

Flu is more than a bad cold. It can cause severe and life-threatening illness. Anyone, even healthy people, can get flu. People at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications include people over 65, pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions. Every year, tens of thousands of people nationwide are hospitalized or die from complications of flu. Even with a mild flu season, its convergence with COVID-19 could very rapidly overwhelm our society. Public health authorities stress that now more than ever, it is important to get your flu shot and protect yourself and others from flu during the ongoing pandemic.

To get immunized for flu, visit your doctor, a pharmacy or a flu immunization clinic, where both walk-up and drive-thru service is available. To find a low-cost, or free, immunization, call 2-1-1 or go to www.PreventFluLA.com.

At Cal State LA, the Student Health Center (SHC) offers flu vaccination at no charge to students and a $20 fee to employees. To make an appointment to get your shot at the SHC while supplies last, please call 323-343-3300. Please visit the SHC website for more information.

This Friday, Nov. 20, Cal State LA will host a free drive-thru flu shot clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lot 5. The free shots will be available for individuals who are 9 years old and older. No appointment is necessary. Face coverings will be required and physical distancing protocols will be followed. The event is drive-thru only.

Free bags of food and dental care kits will also be provided to participants while supplies last. The drive-thru clinic is sponsored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, QueensCare Health Centers and Cal State LA.

Many thanks for your continued efforts,

Monica Jazzabi, M.D.

Student Health Center Director

Message from the Student Health Center regarding Holiday Safety

Oct. 28, 2020

Dear Golden Eagle Community:

As the holiday season approaches, it is important that we plan celebrations and observations that are consistent with public health mandates that help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. is rising at an alarming rate. This year we must all rethink our holiday plans so that we can remain safe.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued guidance on celebrating Halloween and Día de los Muertos. Under the Health Officer Order, certain Halloween activities are not permitted, including carnivals, festivals, live entertainment, and haunted house attractions. The Department of Public Health does not recommend door-to-door trick or treating or “trunk or treating,” where children go from car to car instead of door to door to receive treats.

There are other ways to enjoy Halloween and observe Día de los Muertos. The Department of Public Health recommends:

Online parties/contests (e.g., costumes or pumpkin carving)
Car parades that comply with public health guidance for vehicle-based parades including:
- Drive-by events or contests where individuals dress up or decorate their vehicles and drive-by “judges” that are appropriately physically distanced.
- Drive-thru events where individuals remain in their vehicles and drive through an area with Halloween displays.
- Drive-in events where individuals can receive a treat bag (limited to commercially packaged non-perishable treats) or take away item from an organizer while the participants remain in their vehicles.
Halloween movie nights at drive-in theaters (must comply with the public health drive-in movie theater guidance).
Halloween-themed meals at outdoor restaurants (must comply with the restaurant protocol).

For Día de los Muertos, the Department of Public Health recommends:

Placing and creating your altar in a front window or outside so others can view from a safe physical distance.
Create a virtual space to honor lost loved ones. Share with family and friends via email or social media.
If you visit a cemetery, only visit with those you live with, wear masks and maintain appropriate physical distancing. Limit time spent to the minimum necessary.

Please remember to practice good public health hygiene:

Correctly wear a cloth face covering to prevent disease spread when outside your home and around others that are not part of your household.
Avoid confined spaces; actively stay away from indoor spaces that don’t allow for easy distancing of at least 6 feet between you and others.
Avoid close contact; stay at least 6 feet away (three or more adult steps) from all other people who are not part of your own household, especially while talking, eating, drinking and singing.
Wash or sanitize your hands often.
Clean frequently touched items regularly.
If you are sick, or you have been in contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and away from others.
Get a flu shot. Visit your doctor, a pharmacy or a flu immunization clinic, where both walk-up and drive-thru service is available. To find low-cost, or free immunization, call 2-1-1 or visit the Department of Public Health’s website on flu prevention. The Student Health Center offers the flu vaccine at no charge to students. The cost for employees is $20.

Please have a safe Halloween and Día de los Muertos.

Sincerely,

Monica Jazzabi, M.D.
Student Health Center Director

Message from the Chancellor Regarding Spring 2021

Sept. 10, 2020

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Today Chancellor Timothy P. White announced that the 23 campuses of the CSU will continue virtual instruction in the spring of 2021. Before making this decision, the chancellor spoke with presidents and other stakeholders. We all agree that the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff is paramount. Providing virtual instruction will enable our students to continue to make progress toward their degrees.

I join with Chancellor White in thanking our students, faculty, and staff for working together to continue the mission of the university during these difficult times. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Read Chancellor White’s letter online.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino

President

Message from the Student Health Center Director Regarding COVID-19

July 15, 2020

Dear Cal State LA Community:

As you are aware, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to climb in our county, and across California, forcing the governor and public health officials to order the re-closure of more indoor operations and sectors, including gyms, bars, nail and hair salons, and places of worship. The rise signals an alarming rate of community spread and underscores the importance of our actions in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

While we all have been part of the battle against this virus for months, and COVID-19 fatigue is a real phenomenon, we must remain vigilant and continue following protocols for physical distancing to protect ourselves and others. The best protection against the infection continues to be to wash your hands; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; self-isolate if you are sick; practice physical distancing; and wear a clean face covering when in contact with others from outside your households.

It is of utmost importance that people who are sick or who have been in contact with people who have COVID-19 take stronger measures to reduce the risk of infecting others. Those with symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate at home, as advised by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Individuals who are close contacts of people with COVID-19, or of people who are suspected of having COVID-19, should follow home quarantine instructions. Public Health recommends that symptomatic persons and those exposed to COVID-19 get tested for the virus. Please note that Cal State LA is a COVID-19 testing site. Please note that Cal State LA hosts a Los Angeles County COVID-19 testing site at our Luckman Gallery on the Street of the Arts. Testing is by appointment only. Everyone who visits Cal State LA is required to wear a face covering.

Each day, we learn of an increasing number of people across our community who are suffering tremendous loss as the result of COVID-19. Undoubtedly the pandemic has had a profound impact on all of us. Fortunately, however, the battle against this virus is winnable through our collective efforts and actions in preventing its spread. I thank you for doing your part.

Sincerely,

Monica Jazzabi, M.D.

Director, Student Health Center

Important Message from the Student Health Center Regarding L.A. County Reopenings

June 12, 2020

Dear Cal State LA Community:

As establishments in Los Angeles County begin to reopen—resulting in more people being around one another—it is crucial that we continue to practice good public health hygiene. These openings, and an increase in large public gatherings, may result in more transmission of COVID-19 in our county. We are still in the midst of a serious pandemic; please remember to practice physical distancing, wear a clean cloth face covering when around others outside of your household, and wash your hands frequently.

To learn more about the openings, please read What Is Open in Los Angeles County from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Additionally, I encourage you to visit the state’s COVID-19 website, which provides guidance on specific topics such as getting a haircut, attending church, and voting.

In accordance with the guidance of public health officials, students, faculty, staff, and members of the public should not visit Cal State LA. We remain under the Safer at Home Order for Control of COVID-19. University employees should continue to work remotely. Remote instruction will continue in the summer and fall.

I also want to remind you that Cal State LA is home to a free Los Angeles County COVID-19 testing center. The center is located on Paseo Rancho Castilla, across from the Department of Public Safety. To schedule an appointment to be tested, please visit the L.A. County COVID-19 testing website. Under “State Testing Sites,” please select “Register with OptumServe (Walk-up)” and follow the provided steps. You may receive the test even if you are not experiencing symptoms. However, individuals with symptoms will receive priority consideration.

Please remain vigilant. COVID-19 is still a serious risk, and it is vitally important that we continue the practices that will help reduce the spread of the virus.

Sincerely,

Monica Jazzabi, M.D.

Director, Student Health Center

Message from the President to the Class of 2020

May 21, 2020

Dear Class of 2020:

Congratulations, Class of 2020! You are now graduates of Cal State LA. We hope that you are as proud of yourself as we are of you. Today we are publishing the Class of 2020 Recognition website to honor your outstanding accomplishment. We invite you to visit the website and share it with friends and family.

Click on your college and you’ll find your name listed under the degree you’ve earned. The website also includes my video message to the Class of 2020 and videos from the deans. The website features stories and photos of outstanding graduates, who represent the brilliance, resilience, innovation, and creativity of the Class of 2020.

To help you celebrate, we’ve also created Class of 2020 downloads, including printable signs, digital photo frames, and social media graphics. Many of you are sharing your photos, feelings, and plans on our #CalStateLAGrad social media campaign. It’s exciting to see your posts and to share your joy; please keep it up.

In your colleges, some of your faculty are also organizing events to honor your achievements. We hope you take part and enjoy. Remember, these events and the Class of 2020 Recognition website are not substitutes for Commencement 2020.

As I said in an earlier email, Commencement 2020 will take place when we can gather safely. However, you do not have to wait to receive your diploma. We will mail your diploma and diploma cover.

The faculty, staff, and administrators of Cal State LA wish the Class of 2020 the very best. We hope you’ve enjoyed your time with us, and we look forward to seeing more of you as alumni and ambassadors for Cal State LA.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino

President

Message from the President Regarding Fall 2020

May 14, 2020

Dear Cal State LA Community:

As we plan for fall 2020, our foremost concern is the health, safety, and welfare of our students, faculty, and staff. Throughout the pandemic, our decisions have reflected the guidance of public health officials.

Yesterday the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced that the stay-at-home orders will remain in place indefinitely, and both the city and the county have indicated that social distancing and the wearing of protective face coverings will be warranted in the weeks and months ahead. Further, public health officials nationwide are predicting additional waves of the pandemic as we look ahead through summer and into fall.

Because of the continuing threat posed by the pandemic, Cal State LA is planning to deliver classes through virtual modalities for fall 2020, rather than on campus, and to provide enhanced support for students and faculty. Our planning is consistent with Chancellor Timothy P. White’s widely publicized comments to the CSU Board of Trustees, and input and advice we’ve received from students, faculty, staff, and our public health partners.

Our approach is prudent and will allow students to make steady progress toward their degrees, while ensuring the safety of everyone in our community. I am confident that Cal State LA students will continue to receive an excellent education that prepares them for future success.

Enhanced Student Support

Our preparations for the fall are focused on enhancing support for our students. We will provide additional Wi-Fi hotspots and laptops to those students who need them, and robust financial aid remains available to most students. We recognize that our students are facing unparalleled changes and challenges. Academic advisors and counselors will provide support that ensures that students thrive.

Faculty Support

We are also enhancing support for our faculty as they prepare for the fall semester. Many of our faculty will participate in ALT-Instruction, a summer teaching institute offered by our nationally renowned Center for Effective Teaching and Learning (CETL). Faculty will continue to receive training in developing cutting-edge courses that are innovative, equitable, and designed for remote delivery.

As the pandemic persists and evolves, we must all remain flexible and prepared to adjust in ways that allow us to fulfill our ultimate goal of educating and graduating students who are equipped to lead and serve.

I’ve been proud to see the way our community has worked together in the face of the pandemic. Let’s continue to stand together in the months ahead. And let’s continue to take care of each other.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino

President

Message from Housing and Residence Life to Housing Applicants

May 12, 2020

Dear Cal State LA Housing Applicants:

Given the evolving situation with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not possible to determine at this time what changes to operations in student housing and residential life may occur in Academic Year 2020-2021. Consequently, we are not offering a housing guarantee at this time but will continue to accept applications. We will make a concerted effort to provide timely updates as we know more; please check our webpage and your email account for the latest information.

Please see below our most recent changes to our 2020-2021 housing process timeline.

Roommate Search and Select Option - process on hold

As our department focuses on the needs of our current students that reside on campus, we will be delaying the online Roommate Search Wizard for both new admits and continuing students.

Students qualified to participate in the roommate search wizard students have submitted an online application and agreement, including a $340 initial payment for 2020-2021 Academic Year.

Please continue to check your email for notifications, updates, and reminders regarding the housing process and timeline. We will continue to communicate primarily through your Cal State LA email account.

Please contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life at [email protected] if you have questions.

Message Regarding COVID-19 Testing Site at Cal State LA

May 7, 2020

Dear Cal State LA Community:

A free COVID-19 testing site has opened at Cal State LA to serve the community. The site is a collaboration between the University, Los Angeles County, and the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. On Friday morning, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis will hold a news conference at the site to announce the opening.

By serving as a testing site, Cal State LA will play an important role in the effort to help end the COVID-19 pandemic. Our participation in the testing network reflects Cal State LA’s longstanding commitment to engagement and service for the public good.

The testing site will operate in the Cal State LA BioSpace Incubator in our new Rongxiang Xu Bioscience Innovation Center building, which is located across the street from the Department of Public Safety on Paseo Rancho Castilla. Parking is now permitted on the west side of Paseo Rancho Castilla for testing site visitors only. The site will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Unlike at drive-up sites, visitors to our testing site will walk inside the building to receive the test.

The site is open to the public by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, visit the Los Angeles County COVID-19 testing website. Those who do not have access to the Internet may call 2-1-1 and speak with an operator about testing.

The health of our community remains our priority. The site will serve the public, but it will also allow essential workers at Cal State LA to receive the test right on campus. All Cal State LA employees may be tested, including those who are asymptomatic. Ease of access to testing, when testing is needed, will help keep our community safe. The county will provide custodial services for the site through an outside vendor.

As the nation and the world work to contain the virus, we will continue to do our part to serve the public good and to meet the needs of our community.

Sincerely,

Jose A. Gomez
Executive Vice President &
Chief Operating Officer

Reminder regarding grading options for spring 2020

May 7, 2020

Dear Students:

Please remember that the deadline to request non-traditional grading is May 9. We have received many emails and have addressed the most frequently asked questions on a special Spring 2020 Grading FAQ webpage. Forms for the non-traditional grading options are located on the webpage of the Office of the Registrar.

Many students prefer to remain with the traditional grading option and do not need to take any action. Please note that for students who maintain traditional grading, “F” grades will be converted to a grade of No Credit on the transcript and will not be calculated into the GPA.

May 9 is also the last date to withdraw from courses, with instructor and department approvals. If students stop coming to class but do not withdraw, their transcript will reflect a grade of Unauthorized Withdrawal (WU). WU’s remain on the transcript and are calculated into the GPA with 0 points. If you are contemplating a non-traditional grading option but don’t know which option is the best for you, please reach out to your advisor.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to direct them to Associate Vice President and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Michelle Hawley at [email protected].

Message from Housing and Residence Life Regarding Summer Housing

May 7, 2020

Dear resident student,

As we near the end of the spring semester, we need to assess your individual housing needs.

Please complete this survey to let us know if you plan to:

Move out by May 16, 2020
Need to request an extension
Need summer housing accommodations

This information will assist us as we develop our transition plan for the summer.

Housing and Residence Life will review requests for extensions and summer housing on a case by case basis and based on health and safety guidance we receive from state or local agencies.

For students requesting extensions and summer housing, please be aware that:

There are additional housing fees associated with residing in housing past the current contract term ($36.66 per day, $256.88 per week).
Summer housing will be located in Phase II and East side based on the number of residents who apply.

If you will be facing housing insecurity or have questions about food and housing security issues, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at [email protected].

Students who are interested in applying for emergency housing support can do so by filling out an Emergency Housing application.

Students who are essential employees: If you need to stay over the summer because of your job as an essential worker, you will need to upload a letter from your supervisor with the dates of your summer employment along with your survey.

Please contact the Housing office at [email protected] with any questions.

Message from the President Regarding the Class of 2020

May 6, 2020

Dear Class of 2020:

This is a momentous time in your life. Soon you will become a graduate of Cal State LA. I hope you feel a sense of pride, accomplishment, and joy. This wonderful achievement merits celebration and recognition. We’ve spent a lot of time discussing how to hold a celebration in the midst of a pandemic, and we’ve kept you and your family at the forefront of our thoughts.

Given the restrictions in place because of COVID-19, Cal State LA plans to schedule Commencement 2020 for a later time when we can gather safely and in accordance with public health orders. We will determine the date and the parameters of the event based on the guidance of public health officials. For updates, please visit the Commencement website.

This is still a very special time for you and your family and we want to acknowledge it. Later this month, we will publish our Class of 2020 Recognition website. This website will include short video messages to the Class of 2020 from me, the deans of the colleges, and CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White. Your name and the degree you have earned will be featured on the website. Please keep in mind that this website is not a substitute for Commencement; this is an addition. We will let you know when the website goes live. The colleges may also host smaller presentations that feature your achievements. Again, these are not substitutes for Commencement. Lastly, you’ll also see graduate recognition on our social media platforms this month and we invite you to take part.

The COVID-19 pandemic has cast a shadow over so much of our lives, but it cannot rob you, the Class of 2020, of your success. In your resilience and determination, you have demonstrated what it means to be a Golden Eagle.

I wish you well as you finish your classes and begin preparing for finals. Please be safe and let’s continue to take care of each other.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

Message from the President Regarding CARES Act Funding

April 30, 2020

Dear Golden Eagles:

I am pleased to share some good news regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Cal State LA has now received and is preparing to distribute the allocation earmarked for students. Soon you will receive funds that you can use to cover expenses related to the coronavirus. This may include food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, child-care expenses, and other priorities.

Within the Cal State LA community, students will receive varying amounts of assistance. Grants are based on each student’s financial need as reflected in financial aid documents. Most students, regardless of need or financial aid award, will receive a baseline amount of assistance and will not need to complete an application to receive the funds. They will be sent automatically. Those students who have set up a direct deposit account in GET will receive the funds via direct deposit. Other students will receive a check via U.S. mail.

Students who receive an automatic CARES Act grant or who are not eligible for financial aid, and still face need, may apply for a CARES Act emergency grant. To be considered for additional funding, students must complete and submit a CARES Act emergency grant application by May 11.

We believe that this is an equity-based approach to distribution that reflects our desire to assist all students, yet recognizes that we must consider a student’s individual needs.

Students, I am proud of you for being resilient and committed to your educational goals. Even in the face of the massive changes taking place in our nation and the world, you have remained in school working toward your degree and preparing for a brighter future. Cal State LA pledges to work with you and to continue to look for new ways to help you reach your goals.

For more information, please visit the Cal State LA CSU Cares Program webpage.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino

President

Message to Employees from the Chancellor

April 29, 2020

Dear Faculty and Staff:

Please read this message from Chancellor Timothy P. White.

William A. Covino
President

Message from the President

April 27, 2020

Dear Golden Eagle Family:

As we close out our first month of alternative instruction, I hope you are as proud of yourselves as I am of you. I know the past several weeks have not been easy, but our community has come together to respond to this crisis. The University pivoted (swifter than anyone imagined possible) and moved to alternative instruction and remote work as the pandemic spread. During this transition, I’ve seen your compassion and care, your ingenuity and creativity, and I am humbled by all I’ve witnessed.

Our faculty have done a remarkable job of responding to the crisis, maintaining their role as educators, mentors, and advocates for students even as the world changed drastically. Our faculty cares deeply for our students and the larger community. This concern is driving innovation in the virtual classroom and in research and scholarship. Through our nationally renowned Center for Effective Teaching and Learning we are equipping faculty to thrive in the world of remote teaching so our students will continue to excel. In an article posted on the University’s homepage, we featured CBE and ECST faculty, students, and staff who are using AI and Big Data to help in the fight against COVID-19. These innovations exemplify the civic-minded contributions public universities make during a time of crisis.

A small number of staff remain working on campus to ensure that critical functions continue. This group of staff includes those in Student Life who are working expeditiously to meet the wave of emergency needs now facing our students; the staff in the Office of Admissions and Recruitment who are preparing for the new class of first-year and transfer students; and staff in Payroll, Human Resources, and the Cashier’s Office. Our on-campus staff also includes the custodians, groundskeepers, and a small cadre of food service workers who are maintaining a healthy environment on campus. And our Department of Public Safety is still hard at work, keeping the University safe and secure. We appreciate the continued presence of these staff, those who are working in other offices on campus, and those who are working remotely.

I want our students to know that whether our faculty and staff are working at home or on campus, Cal State LA remains committed to you and your success. At this difficult time, that means understanding that your needs and those of your families have changed. We are always concerned about whether our students have housing, food, and access to the resources they need to succeed, but the pandemic has deepened your needs and required the University to respond in new ways. We are moving with urgency to provide emergency grants, Wi-Fi hotspots, laptops, and referrals to outside resources and virtual student services such as those provided by the Student Health Center. And as we learn the names of those who are ill because of COVID-19 or who have suffered the loss of a loved one, we are reaching out to offer assistance. Recently we announced that we will have another tool to help students in need: funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. We’ll share more information about our CARES Act funding as it becomes available.

To the Class of 2020: I want you to know that we all recognize how important Commencement is to you and to your families. I am committed to honoring the Class of 2020 in a manner that is befitting of your achievements. I appreciate your patience as we work to determine how best to celebrate given the ever-changing constraints imposed by the pandemic. You and your families are always at the forefront of our minds as we plan. We will share plans soon.

Thank you to everyone for pulling together, and let’s keep it up. Now, more than ever, we need each other. Let’s continue to stand strong and united in the weeks and months ahead. Let’s continue to take care of each other.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

Message from Human Resources Management Regarding Social Distancing Protocol

April 15, 2020

As part of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Safer at Home Order for the Control of COVID-19, Cal State LA has implemented the following protocols to safeguard employees and visitors.

Signage has been posted at each public entrance to inform all employees and visitors to avoid entering the facility if they have a cough or fever, to maintain a minimum six-foot distance from one another, and to wear face coverings at all times.
Everyone who can carry out work duties from home has been directed to do so. Employees have been told to not come to work if they are sick. All employees who are working on campus have been provided face coverings to be used, and workstations have been configured to allow social distancing.
Breakrooms, restrooms and common areas for employees remain open and are being cleaned and disinfected daily. Hand sanitizing stations have been installed across campus. Soap and water are available in all restrooms and breakrooms across campus.

For more information about COVID-19 please visit the campus Health Watch page.

Message Regarding Student Resources and Updates

April 15, 2020

Cal State LA continues to assist students who face increased needs because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are providing the updates and information listed below to keep you informed. Please continue to check your Cal State LA email and our Health Watch webpage for pandemic developments, University messages, and links to useful information.

Wi-Fi Hotspots

A limited number of Wi-Fi hotspots are now being distributed to students who do not have access to Wi-Fi or have problems accessing the Internet at home. Please contact the Dean of Students to make an appointment if you need assistance.

Emergency Grants

Emergency grants are available for students in need. These grants may be used to cover basic necessities such as food, housing, and technology. To apply for assistance, please submit an emergency grant application form. If you have questions, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students.

CARES Act Funding

The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act includes funding for schools, colleges, and universities. The CARES Act provides $18.95 million in emergency grants to Cal State LA students in need, as required by the U.S. Department of Education. Although additional institutional funding has been announced, allocations have not been provided. We will provide more information as it becomes available.

Additional Resources

The Office of the Dean of Students has also compiled a list of Student Resources on campus and in the surrounding community.

Message to Students Regarding Staying Connected with the Cal State LA Community

April 14, 2020

Dear Golden Eagles,

As you navigate the many challenges caused by COVID-19 and continue to focus on your studies, I wanted to share some of the many ways for you to stay connected and get support from your community at Cal State LA.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) – Zoom chat with CAPS Director Jonna Fries and Counselor Rachel Gonzales on methods of strengthening self-support in challenging times, Thursday, April 16 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meeting ID 911-3701-2525, password: Workshop.
Career Development Center – virtual group advising and career workshops and online tools to support your career goals. For details, visit the Career Center website.
Cross Cultural Centers – the Gender and Sexuality, Pan African Student, Chicanx/Latinx, and Asian Pacific Islander resource centers host weekly Community Engagement Zoom Hours.
Xtreme Fitness – releases at-home work-out routines every Tuesday and Thursday on their Instagram account and hosts sessions with fitness instructors on Mondays and Wednesday from 1 – 1:50 p.m. on Instagram Live.
Glazer Family Dreamers Resource Center – virtual hangout on Zoom, Mondays from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Email [email protected] for details.
Veterans Resource Center – coffee hour for military-connected students on Thursday, April 23 at 3 p.m. Email [email protected] for details.
ASI Military-Connected Student Representative – virtual hangout for military-connected students on Zoom, Tuesdays from 2 – 4 p.m., starting Tuesday, April 14. Email [email protected] for details.

During these times of physical distancing, it’s important to remember you are not alone. I hope you will take advantage of these opportunities to socially connect with your fellow students, faculty, and staff.

I would also like to remind you to complete the 2020 Census. Federal funding for hospitals, schools, fire departments, and other services in our communities is allocated based on census results. Your participation in the 2020 Census is critical to ensuring fair distribution of resources.

Take care of yourselves and stay well.

Sincerely,

Nancy Wada-McKee
Vice President for Student Life

Message Regarding Update on Face Coverings

April 13, 2020

Dear University Community:

We all need to continue our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Recent health reports indicate that individuals with the infection can be contagious unknowingly and before the onset of symptoms. Wearing a facial covering over your nose and mouth helps protect others from possible exposure to infectious droplets produced during coughing, sneezing, and talking. Facial coverings also reduce the tendency to touch your face with unwashed hands. In light of this information, Los Angeles city and county officials have issued new orders.

All employees working on campus at Cal State LA and anyone who is present on the grounds of the University are required to wear face coverings to comply with a revised Health Order issued April 10 by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The order requires individuals to use clean face coverings when they will be in contact with other people in public spaces. While healthcare workers and those whose work requires close contact with potentially ill people should wear N95 or surgical masks, members of the general public can safely wear cloth face coverings. When it is necessary to leave home or be in the presence of others, those ill with COVID-19 symptoms should use face coverings if surgical masks are not available to them.

A face covering is a material that covers the nose and mouth. It can be secured to the head with ties or straps or simply wrapped snugly around the lower face. It can be made of a variety of materials, such as cotton, silk, or linen. A face covering may be factory-made or sewn by hand or can be improvised from household items such as scarves, T-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels. It is a good idea to wash cloth face coverings frequently, at least daily. Please view the “How to Make Your Own Face Covering” video by the U.S. surgeon general.

It is important to note that face coverings are not a substitute for practicing good public health hygiene and abiding by stay-at-home orders. Our best community and individual defense against COVID-19 continues to include washing hands frequently; avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; avoiding being around sick people; and practicing physical distancing, especially by staying at home.

Please be assured that our collective efforts are working and continue to make a positive difference in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thank you and take good care,

Monica Jazzabi, M.D.
Director, Student Health Center

Message to Students Regarding May and Summer Session Payment Plans

April 9, 2020

To all students:

The University has installment payment plans to assist students with enrolling in May and Summer Session courses. Information about the different plans can be found on the payment plan webpage.

The deadline to enroll in an installment payment plan is Wednesday, April 15. Students may enroll via the Cal State LA ePayment webpage. Payment due dates will be based on enrollment dates.

If you have questions, please call the Cashier’s Office at (323) 343-3630 or email [email protected].

Find additional information about May and Summer Sessions.

Message Regarding Grading Options for Spring Semester

April 7, 2020

Dear University Community:

Cal State LA is committed to lessening the impact of COVID-19 on our students. The Academic Senate has been working on ways to give students more flexibility as they approach the completion of spring semester and continue to make progress toward their degrees. To this end, we have made the following emergency grading options available to students this spring:

Undergraduate Student Grading Options for Spring 2020

Instead of traditional letter grading, undergraduate students may elect to be graded on an ABC-/NC basis, or on a Credit/No Credit basis, for any of their courses. These non-traditional grading options may apply to general education courses, courses in the major, or elective courses. Students will be able to select one of these options until May 9.

For all undergraduates who do not select non-traditional grading, any “F” grade will be changed to a grade of No Credit and will not be calculated into the GPA. No action is required; this will happen automatically.

Graduate Student Grading Options for Spring 2020

Graduate students may elect to take any of their courses on a Credit/No Credit basis instead of traditional letter grading. Grades of “B” or above will count for Credit; grades of “B-” or lower will count as No Credit. Students will be able to select this option until May 9.

Withdrawals for All Students

All students have until May 9 at midnight to withdraw from any or all of their courses. This extended deadline applies to all students, including undergraduate students, graduate students, and credential students. (There will be no emergency withdrawal period, which had been scheduled to begin April 24. Instead, students will be able to drop any course with instructor and department approval until May 9.) No additional documentation will be required aside from the electronically signed Withdrawal Petition.

More information about how to select these options will be available by Tuesday, April 14, and will be posted on the registrar’s webpage.

We strongly advise students who are considering any of these options to consult with their academic advisor first. It may be best for most students to keep the traditional letter grade, especially since all “F” grades will be automatically converted to a No Credit grade. Students in many programs, including those that lead to credentials, licensures, and graduate degrees, may be best served by traditional grading.

Sincerely,

Michelle Hawley
Associate Vice President
Dean of Undergraduate Studies

Karin Elliott Brown
Associate Vice President
Dean of Graduate Studies

Message Regarding Alternative Instruction for May and Summer Sessions

April 3, 2020

Dear Students:

Cal State LA will offer all May and Summer Session courses in formats that do not require face-to-face instruction. Alternative instruction complies with public health mandates intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19, while allowing students to progress toward a degree.

We understand that some students encountered challenges during our recent transition to alternative instruction for the spring semester. We are making adjustments designed to address those challenges.

Here are some frequently asked questions about May and Summer Sessions:

What technology will I need for May and Summer Sessions?

At a minimum, you will need access to the Internet and a computer. You can then obtain course materials and readings, submit assignments, and participate in discussion boards. If you don’t have a web camera or microphone and your instructor utilizes Zoom for a class session or office hours, you can call in.

What assistance is available to help students access technology?

Emergency grants are available for needs such as food, housing, and technology. To apply for assistance, please submit an emergency grant application form. If you have questions, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some Internet providers are offering free or low-cost services to households with students and low-income families. Please note that these are services from third-party providers and not from any University department. These services are listed under Internet Access on the Information Technology Services’ webpage for IT Resources for Remote Access.

If classes do not meet face-to-face, why are class times still listed on the May and Summer Session website and in GET?

Although classes do not meet in person, there may be times when a class meets virtually. For example, there may be Zoom meetings for lectures, discussions, or exams during scheduled class times. Therefore, please avoid registering for two classes at the same time or scheduling other events that conflict with the scheduled class meeting times.

If I have questions about May and Summer Sessions, who should I contact?

You may contact the Programs Department at the College of Professional and Global Education (PaGE) at (323) 343-4910 or by email at [email protected]. Programs Department staff members are currently working online due to the current COVID-19 prevention measures, but are responding via phone and email. Please include your name, phone number, and questions in your email. You can also visit the May and Summer Session website for additional information.

We would also like to remind you to visit the Office of the Dean of Students website for a list of resources on campus and in the surrounding community that can help with learning tools for alternative instruction, emergency housing, financial support, mental health, and other resources and services.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this rapidly evolving and uncertain time. We know it has been difficult to adjust to the new reality we are all experiencing. Cal State LA remains committed to supporting your educational goals and success.

Message Regarding Annex Link Lab Closure

April 2, 2020

In an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have closed the Annex Link Open Access Lab until further notice. This action complies with public health orders and protects the health and safety of our University community.

A small number of students used the Annex Lab during the first week of alternative instruction. We have contacted each of them to help them access the technology needed to participate in their classes.

Emergency grants are available to pay for needs such as technology, food and housing. To apply for assistance, please submit an emergency grant application form. Please contact the Office of the Dean of Students if you have questions.

Some private communications companies are also providing free Internet access and other assistance. You can find a list of technology resources under Internet Access on the Information Technology Services’ webpage for IT Resources for Remote Access.

Message from the President and First Lady

April 1, 2020

Dear Cal State LA Community:

Debbie and I want you all to know that we’re thinking about you during this difficult time, and hoping that you stay well. Take good care of yourselves, and of one another.

Sincerely,

Bill and Debbie Covino

Message Regarding Spring Break and COVID-19 Case in University Community

March 30, 2020

Dear Cal State LA Community:

During spring break, I strongly urge you to abide by the stay-at-home orders issued by officials. Please practice social distancing, remain at home except to access essentials, and avoid non-essential domestic or international traveling.

We have learned that a second Cal State LA student has tested positive for COVID-19. The student has not been on campus for nearly three weeks, days before starting to experience symptoms, and has not physically been in contact with anyone in our community since that time. I have spoken to the student and determined that this case has not posed a threat of exposure to the University community. The student is self-isolating at home and is currently doing well.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County and beyond is growing, suggesting the likelihood that many people have been exposed to the virus. We urge those who test positive for COVID-19 to contact the Student Health Center at (323) 343-3302. When Cal State LA learns of individuals in our community who test positive, we can offer direction and support, and assess any potential issues that may need to be addressed. We will target further outreach to those individuals who may need to take additional measures to safeguard their own health or the health of others.

Most people with COVID-19 will have a mild illness and can get better with proper home care and without needing to see a healthcare provider or be tested. Treatment includes taking fluids, resting, and taking over-the-counter medications. If you become ill with symptoms of COVID-19, please take action:

Call your medical provider and follow their advice. We ask that you call the Student Health Center at (323) 343-3302. For other information and hours of operation, please visit the Student Health Center webpage. Employees should contact their healthcare provider and notify their appropriate administrator.
Stay home for at least seven days after your symptoms start, and at least three days after you have recovered, whichever is longer.
Separate yourself from people and animals, staying at least six feet away at all times.
Use a separate bathroom. If this is not possible, clean the bathroom after use.
Do not prepare or serve food to others while you are sick.
Wear a mask if you do need to be around other people.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trashcan; immediately wash your hands.
Avoid sharing personal household items.
Clean your hands well and often.
Clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces often.
Seek urgent medical care for serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or inability to keep fluids down. People with life-threatening symptoms should call 911.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has ordered those who have come in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 to self-quarantine. Close contact includes living in the same household, intimate partner, caregiver, or being within six feet of the ill individual for more than 10 minutes. If you have come in close contact with someone who has the coronavirus, please:

Contact the Student Health Center at (323) 343-3302 if you have questions or concerns.
Self-quarantine for 14 days from your last exposure and monitor your health.
If you must leave home, please do not use public transportation and do keep distance from others.
Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, cough, and shortness of breath or trouble breathing. Symptoms may also include chills, body aches, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and a runny nose.

Please continue to check your campus email and the Cal State LA Health Watch webpage, which includes all updates as well as other important information.

These are stressful times for everyone, and I ask that you please be kind to yourself and others as we battle this pandemic together.

Take good care,

Monica Jazzabi, M.D.
Director, Student Health Center

Message Regarding Emergency Grants

March 27, 2020

Dear Students:

I want to remind you of resources that continue to be available to Cal State LA students during the COVID-19 crisis. Emergency grants are available for needs such as food, housing, and technology. To apply for assistance, please submit an emergency grant application form. If you have questions, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students. The Office of the Dean of Students has also compiled a list of Student Resources on campus and in the surrounding community.

As you adjust to the many changes caused by COVID-19, please remember that Cal State LA continues to support you. Please take care of yourself during the upcoming break and stay well.

Sincerely,

Nancy Wada-McKee
Vice President for Student Life

Confirmed COVID-19 Case in Cal State LA Community

March 27, 2020

Dear Cal State LA Community:

We have just learned that a Cal State LA student has tested positive for COVID-19. Our medical director, Dr. Monica Jazzabi, has been in touch with the student and has determined that the student’s diagnosis does not pose a risk to our campus community. The student has not been on campus for more than three weeks and has not been in physical contact with Cal State LA students, faculty, or staff since that time. The student is recovering at home in self-isolation and feeling better.

The University continues to follow the guidance of public health officials. The health of our students, faculty, and staff remains our priority. I encourage you to be diligent about social distancing, following stay at home orders, and practicing good public health hygiene. We urge those who test positive for COVID-19 to contact the Student Health Center at (323) 343-3302.

We will continue to provide you with updated information on our Health Watch webpage.

Sincerely,

Nancy Wada-McKee
Vice President for Student Life

Message from the President

March 26, 2020

Dear Cal State LA Community:

We continue to closely monitor Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) developments and follow the guidance of public health officials. Each day, there is an increase in the number of individuals in the U.S. with positive test results. As the virus spreads and as testing increases, we can expect to see more confirmed cases.

We urge anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 to contact the Student Health Center at (323) 343-3302. When Cal State LA learns of individuals in our community who test positive, we can offer direction and support, and assess any potential issues that may need to be addressed. We will target outreach to those individuals who may need to take additional measures to safeguard their own health or the health of others.

If you think you have come in close contact with someone with COVID-19 (living in the same household, intimate partner, caregiver, being within six feet of the ill individual for more than 10 minutes), please take the following steps:

Stay informed, and use phone and technology to communicate with friends and family to avoid isolation.
Call your medical provider and follow their advice. We ask that you also contact the Student Health Center. For other information and hours of operation, please visit the Student Health Center webpage.
Self-quarantine for 14 days from your last exposure and monitor your health.
If you must leave home, please do not use public transportation and do keep your distance from others.
Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, cough, and shortness of breath or trouble breathing. Symptoms may also include chills, body aches, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and runny nose.

The CDC offers guidance on what to do if you are sick with, or if you have been exposed to, COVID-19.

As the pandemic continues, I encourage you to continue to practice good public health hygiene:

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissue followed by thoroughly washing hands.
Routinely disinfect frequently touched items in your home.
Maintain physical distance from others.
Get plenty of rest, consume ample water, eat healthy meals, and stay physically active at home or outdoors while keeping at least six feet away from others.

I recognize that COVID-19 has introduced a heightened sense of uncertainty and fear. In our battle against the virus, adherence to public orders, good public health hygiene, and accurate information are powerful tools. We will continue to keep you updated as information becomes available. Please continue to take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

Off-Campus Internet Access

March 26, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some Internet providers are offering free or low-cost services to households with students and low-income families.

Note that these are services from third-party providers and not from any University department.

FCC agreement (PDF) stating that providers will waive late fees, not cutoff service for lack of payment, and open hot spots.
Comcast: offers free WiFi for two months to low income families plus all Xfinity hot spots are free to the public during this time.
Charter/Spectrum: free internet offer for two months.
AT&T: offers open hot spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans for low-income families.
Verizon: no special offers, but following the FCC agreement.
Sprint: follows FCC agreement, provides unlimited data to existing customers, and, starting March 17, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
T-Mobile: follows FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers, and coming soon, will allow all handsets to enable hot spots for 60 days at no extra charge.

These services are also listed under Internet Access on the Information Technology Services’ webpage for IT Resources for Remote Access.

Remaining Secure When Online

March 25, 2020

As the University community copes with trying to live virtually while working to keep the spread of COVID-19 under control, we must continue to be diligent in making sure our online activities are secure.

Avoid “Zoombombing” by locking down your Zoom events so that outsiders can’t intrude. Zoombombing is the latest threat that cybercriminals are using to disrupt virtual events by sharing shocking graphic content to attendees. See tips on securing your Zoom sessions.
As always, beware of email messages you aren’t expecting – virus themed phishing scams are on the rise. Cybercriminals use current situations to social engineer people into responding or reacting to messages that install malware and/or steal user credentials.
When doing work from home, make sure that any files you download to your personal computer are secured by setting a password with encryption. When finished with files, make sure to delete them from that device. Or better yet, store your encrypted files on OneDrive. It’s more secure to store files there instead of on a personal computer used by multiple family members.
Keep your software and anti-virus programs on personal devices up to date by installing patches and updates as soon as possible.
Review and think first before sending. Make sure your email messages don’t contain information that shouldn’t be shared with others. Review attachments and the people you’re sending messages to. Remove unnecessary attachments and consider sending to multiple recipients as a “Bcc” instead of using “To” or “Cc.”

If you have questions related to the legitimacy of any email message, immediately email the ITS Help Desk or call (323) 343-6170.

Stay safe and healthy.

Message from the Provost

March 23, 2020

Dear Colleagues:

Today is the start of our first week of alternative instruction, the latest step of our journey into uncharted territory. We have shifted instruction, services, and business operations—and we have done all this without the luxury of time or the stability we felt in the world before the coronavirus.

Our efforts during this crisis will help our students keep their educational dreams in sight. Their reality has dramatically changed. For a time, at least, their college experience no longer includes the classroom activities and campus life they have come to know and expect. However, it may bring a sense of normalcy and comfort to know that although the method of delivery has changed, the commitment and care remain the same. Faculty are still teaching, and advisors are still guiding. We are still Cal State LA.

I recognize that your continued presence and attention over the last few weeks have come with sacrifice. You have families—spouses, partners, parents, children, extended family—neighbors, and friends who need your time and attention. Each one of you has maintained a professionalism and a resilience that have contributed to our ability to move forward. From our faculty and advisors to our groundskeepers and custodians; from leaders in our Academic Senate to our union leaders; from our enrollment services teams to our IT professionals; from our psychological counselors to our healthcare and food service workers; and to many others—everyone has continued to give their best.

Lately we have heard the expression “we are all in this together.” These are unsettling times for everyone. We remain committed to providing for our students, taking care of our colleagues, and being good neighbors to our larger communities. This has not been a perfect or seamless transition. There are and will be challenges and rough patches. We will continue to work together to navigate these uncertainties. I am grateful to each one of you for all that you have done and continue to do. Behind the scenes and in plain view we are working together to get through these tough times—and we will.

All my best,

Jose A. Gomez

Important Student Resources During COVID-19 Crisis

March 20, 2020

To all students:

In light of the public gathering restrictions announced by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and other government officials, students should avoid coming to the University until further notice. Essential student services can be accessed in ways that do not require in-person interactions.

The health and safety of our University community and supporting students on their paths to graduation are our top priorities. Our actions are informed by advice and guidance from public health experts. Practicing social distancing and avoiding contact with others at Cal State LA and other public spaces can help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Below is a list of student resources and how you should receive assistance without having to come to campus:

Office for Students with Disabilities

Staff will be available to assist students through Zoom sessions or telephone consultations. To schedule an appointment, please email [email protected] or call (323) 343-3140 or VP: (323) 275-9052.

Student Health Center

The Student Health Center will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please call ahead of time at (323) 343-3300 to schedule an appointment.

Counseling and Psychological Services

Counselors will be providing teletherapy. Please call (323) 343-3300 to schedule an appointment.

Office of the Dean of Students

Staff will be available to assist students. Please call (323) 343-3103 or email [email protected].

Center for Academic Success

You can make tutoring appointments using the same online features that have been offered previously on the Center for Academic Success website.

On the morning of your appointment, you will receive an email with a Zoom link or phone number. After opening Zoom, staff will greet you in a virtual experience where they can continue to connect you with other students and a tutor in reception rooms and breakout rooms. Students and tutors can also set up lounge areas where they can interact and chat with other students.

The center will also continue to offer online tutoring through NetTutor.

Smart Start

Smart Start academic coaches and PLUS Leaders will be providing their services through Zoom to help you navigate your academic courses. For information, including setting up a virtual meeting with an academic coach, please visit the Smart Start website.

University Registrar

Many self-service options are offered through the My.CalStateLA.edu portal (including GET), online transcript ordering services and other platforms. University Registrar forms are available online.

Most smartphones and tablets can photograph a page and transform forms into a scanned document. Sign, snap, and email those scanned documents to [email protected]. We will accept email approvals for the required signatures on the forms. Just include them with your form when sending.

If you must drop off documents, you can use a secure drop box located outside the Cashier’s Office (ADM 128) next to service window #2. Put all your documents in an envelope, seal it, write “Records” on the outside, and drop it off at your convenience.

You can also mail your documents to: Records Office, California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032.

Financial Aid

For financial aid advising, please complete an advising request form. An advisor will respond to your request via email. Forms for financial aid and scholarships can be accessed via the financial aid webpage. The financial aid office can be reached at (323) 343-6260.

Documents can be mailed to: Center for Student Financial Aid, Student Affairs Building - Room 124 (SA-124), California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032.

Student and Financial Service Centers

You can make payments online by visiting the Cashier’s Office website.

If you need to drop off paperwork, please leave it in the secure box to the left of the window. You can also mail payments to: Cashier’s Office, Administration Building, Room 128, California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032.

You can call the Cashier’s Office at (323) 343-3630 or email [email protected]. For student loans, call (323) 343-5357 and for the Service Center call (323) 343-5430 or email [email protected]. For additional information, check the Student and Finance Service Centers website.

Office of Graduate Studies and Graduate Resource Center

Staff will be available for consultation via telephone, email and Zoom. General questions can be sent to [email protected].

Requests for appointments with thesis reviewers and writing consultants can be sent to [email protected]. Please note in the subject line “Thesis Reviewer Appt” or “Writing Consultant Appt.”

Message from Housing and Residence Life

March 20, 2020

The current guidance from the Governor regarding health and safety during the Covid-19 pandemic requires us to have residents move home as quickly as possible. Only students who rely on Housing and Residence Life as their primary residence (i.e. international students, Guardian Scholars) will receive an exception to remain. All other students must move out by Monday, March 23, 2020, using an Express Checkout envelope located at the Housing Office.

To facilitate your move, you may elect to leave belongings behind and take what you need for the duration of the semester. We will lock premises and schedule a move out date with you before May 16, 2020. However, it is best if you are able to completely move out at this time. Additional instructions will be sent to your Cal State LA email.

Because your contract will be canceled, you will receive a prorated reimbursement of rent and meal plan (if applicable). This means that the sooner you move out, the greater the refund. Students who return keys and move out by Monday, March 23, 2020 will receive refunds effective March 20, 2020.

For example, if you were in a double space in Phase I or II, the refund effective today, March 20, would be $2126.28.

If you need to remain on campus, please complete this survey. We will review requests to stay and confirm via an email response. If approved to stay, guests will not be allowed to minimize exposure that can affect the health and safety of our community. It is also likely that you will move to another apartment to consolidate the community for safety purposes.

Housing and Residence Life will continue its operation in order to support residents who need to stay. Hours of operation will be modified, but staff will be available to address emergency and safety concerns.

At this time, the dining common will continue to provide meals through the end of the semester, including spring break, with to-go service only, beginning Saturday, March 21, 2020.

Current Dining Hours:

Breakfast: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Dinner: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Brunch (Sat & Sun): 9:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

Dinner (Sunday): 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.

Please remember that campus services such as the Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, Food Pantry and other resources will continue operations, though most departments will be conducting business through virtual methods and by telephone.

Room Selection will continue for the next academic year. We will continue to communicate information through your Cal State LA email account and extend deadlines to accommodate the current challenges.

Please continue to use the Cal State LA Health Watch website for the latest updates, especially as it relates to our campus. Following recommendations from the California Department of Public Health, Cal State LA, and Housing and Residence Life, please continue to practice social distancing as a precaution for avoiding infection.

Stay well and thank you for your patience as we work together to support a healthy community.

Please contact the Housing Office at [email protected] or call (323) 343-4800.

Thank you for your patience and please continue to check your Cal State LA email for messages and updates.

Housing and Residence Life

Alternative Instruction Extended Through Spring

March 19, 2020

Dear Cal State LA Family:

Last week we announced that alternative instruction would begin on March 20 and continue until April 24. Since then, several COVID-19 developments have taken place that require us to re-evaluate our plan.

We have decided to extend alternative instruction through the end of the spring semester. Students will continue to receive instruction that does not require face-to-face interactions.

Extending alternative instruction will enable students to proceed with their studies and progress toward a degree without further disruption.

Earlier this week, the CDC advised against gatherings of more than 50 and Governor Gavin Newsom has asked those who are 65 and older, or who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, to remain in their homes. Officials across the state and nation have announced other actions designed to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Informed by expert advice and guidance, we continue to accelerate our transition to telework and the expansion of online services, while maintaining essential campus personnel.

Never before in my lifetime in academia has an incident so thoroughly re-written our plans for the semester. What we see taking place across the nation is without precedent and our actions are equally unparalleled. Our decisions and actions reflect public health officials’ best knowledge about the virus and its expected trajectory, and are driven by our common dedication to the health, well-being, and academic success of our campus community.

Please continue to read all University email and visit our Health Watch webpage to learn of updates and developments.

Thank you again for your flexibility as we work our way through this crisis. And please take care of yourselves and of each other.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

Message Regarding Bookstore Closure

March 18, 2020

Dear University Community:

The Cal State LA University Bookstore is transitioning to online-only transactions and has closed its physical location until further notice.

This preventative measure allows the University Bookstore to continue operations while eliminating face-to-face interactions, which aligns with public health guidance to promote social distancing to reduce transmission of COVID-19. There are no known cases of coronavirus among Cal State LA students, faculty or staff.

Textbooks, apparel and supplies can still be ordered online from the University Bookstore.

Barnes and Noble Education and VitalSource are also offering students and instructors at Cal State LA and other universities access to a catalog of free e-textbooks to assist with obtaining needed course materials for the rest of the semester. Please review the VitalSource Helps Frequently Asked Questions webpage for more information.

For questions regarding textbook rentals and returns or online orders, please email the University Bookstore at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Nancy Wada-McKee
Vice President for Student Life

Updates Regarding Cal State LA's Response to COVID-19

March 17, 2020

Dear Golden Eagle Family:

In light of the threat posed by COVID-19, and following the guidance of public health officials, Commencement 2020 will not be held this spring. This difficult decision aligns with actions being taken by other CSU campuses. In the months ahead, we will address the question of how best to acknowledge the hard work and achievement of our students and the support of their families, faculty, and staff.

I recognize that this causes disappointment, inconvenience, and further disruption. Yet, this is the most prudent action to take given the unsettling circumstances facing our nation. There are no known cases of coronavirus among our students, faculty, or staff. Over the last several days we’ve taken several other steps:

Telework

Our staff and faculty are transitioning to telework. Technology offers us the opportunity to continue operations in a way that does not increase the risk of exposure. During this crisis, we will provide services to our students and continue certain operations in a manner that significantly minimizes in-person interactions.

University Library

The University Library is closed until further notice, effective today, March 17. All Library services and access to Library resources are available remotely. The Library has created a dedicated guide (Library Resources for Alternative Instruction/Learning) to provide updates on Library operations, guidance on online/remote access, and links to Library electronic resources, and online services. You can also access this guide from the Library homepage. Students may contact Library personnel online 24/7 to help students navigate searches and use online tools for research.

Instructional Labs, Studios, and Performance Spaces

In-person instructional labs, studios, and performance spaces are closed. Students should contact their instructors for further information.

Student Services

The Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, Food Pantry, and other resources will continue operations. The University-Student Union will be closed, effective tomorrow, March 18, until further notice.

We’ve asked students living in campus housing to return to their homes if they are able to do so. This measure will help us reduce the congregating of students. We are allowing students who need to remain in campus housing to stay in their apartments.

Meals are being provided to students with meal plans in a manner that promotes social distancing.

Food Court

Eateries in the Food Court offer take-out service only. The dining area of the Food Court is closed. UAS Dining Services now offers an online ordering menu. Orders are placed online and picked up at The Spot in the Food Court.

In these uncertain times, we continue to be guided by the values and ethos that we hold as a community. I’m proud of you all for the strength of character, resilience, and dexterity you’ve displayed during this crisis. Please continue to take care of yourselves and of each other.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

Message Regarding Library Closure

March 16, 2020

Dear University Community,

As a preventive measure and following the guidance of public health officials, the University Library will be closed until further notice, effective Tuesday, March 17. The Library will provide all library services and access to library resources remotely.

The Library has created a dedicated guide (Library Resources for Alternative Instruction/Learning) to provide updates on Library operations, guidance on online/remote access and links to Library electronic resources, online services and more. You can also access this guide from the Library homepage.

Additional updates regarding Library operations will be posted on the Library website and social media channels as they become available. The Cal State LA Health Watch webpage includes all updates as well as other important information.

During this time, we encourage our faculty and students to utilize the Library’s electronic resources and online services as much as possible. A network of librarians are also available online 24/7 to provide research support.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we thank you for your continued understanding and support.

University Library

Message from the Student Health Center

March 16, 2020

Dear University Community:

The Student Health Center (SHC) is closely monitoring the evolving Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and following the guidance of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. We are not aware of any known cases of COVID-19 in our University community at this time.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you become ill, please:

Stay home and avoid contact with others, except for seeking medical care if needed.
Students may seek medical care from the Student Health Center (SHC). Please call first at (323) 343-3300 before visiting the SHC. The SHC is following the guidelines of Public Health in assessing and caring for patients presenting with symptoms. For other information and hours of operation, please visit the Student Health Center webpage.
Employees should contact their health care provider and notify their supervisor.
Do not travel while sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissues in trash and wash your hands immediately.
Separate yourself from other people in your home and avoid sharing personal items.
Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Seek urgent medical care for serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or inability to keep fluids down.

Public Health urges the public to stay informed of the facts and take positive steps to reduce their risk. As with other respiratory illnesses, there are steps that everyone can take to reduce the spread of infection:

Avoid close contact with sick people.
Practice social distancing by avoiding non-essential travel, public gatherings, and places where large groups of people congregate and limit the gatherings of individuals at higher risk for severe illness, such as people older than 65, people with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women, to no more than 10 people.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning agent.
Stay informed.

Please continue to check your campus email and the Cal State LA Health Watch webpage, which includes all updates as well as other important information.

Take Good Care,

Monica Jazzabi, M.D.
Director, Student Health Center

Message from the President to Employees

March 15, 2020

Dear University Community:

Earlier today Governor Gavin Newsom asked all Californians who are 65 and older or who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 to remain in their homes. In line with the governor’s guidance, all Cal State LA personnel who are 65 and older or who are vulnerable to COVID-19 should contact their supervisors and stay home until further notice. The California Department of Public Health has provided examples of underlying medical conditions that place individuals at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19.

University administrators are developing operational plans to minimize the number of personnel on campus during this crisis. Essential and mission-critical personnel will continue to serve and support our students and campus community. We will prioritize operational necessities and accommodate the needs of our colleagues and their families.

We are taking these actions as part of our continued commitment to the health and safety of our community and to promote social distancing, as advised by public health officials. The Cal State LA Health Watch webpage includes all updates as well as other important information.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

Message from the President to Staff

March 13, 2020

Dear Colleagues:

I want to express my deep gratitude for your hard work and dedication to our students. During this rapidly changing COVID-19 outbreak, the commitment of Cal State LA staff has remained consistent. Because of you, we will continue to support our students during this crisis.

I want you to know that we are thinking about you and your well-being as we forge a path forward. With each decision we make, we consider the impact on staff and we consider your concerns. This week we announced major changes, including the cancellation of public events, a four-day cancellation of classes, and a move to alternative instruction.

Cal State LA will remain open and we will continue to take measures to keep our community safe. Following the guidance of health officials, we are implementing social distancing in a variety of ways across the University. Our enhanced deep cleaning and sanitizing of bathrooms, offices, classrooms and other spaces will continue. We continue to encourage those who are sick to remain home. Please visit our Health Watch webpage for updated information.

With the closure of schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District and other districts, you may have childcare needs. If this has happened, please coordinate your time away from campus with your appropriate administrator. We are developing plans regarding working remotely. We will keep you updated on developments. Circumstances change swiftly, requiring us to be nimble and adjust quickly. We ask that you bear with us as we navigate this new landscape.

The changes that we see taking place on campus and across the nation are unsettling. I know you are concerned about your well-being and the well-being of your family and loved ones. Please know that we are taking every measure available to us to keep you safe and to keep you informed. We value you and thank you for your contributions every day, but especially now.

Sincerely,

Bill

Message from the VP for Student Life to Students

March 13, 2020

Dear Students:

With so much news and so much change happening, it can be easy to miss important information. I want to make sure you know about developments that impact your lives as Cal State LA students.

For four days beginning Monday, March 16, through Thursday, March 19, all classes are canceled. Beginning March 20, alternative instruction begins.

This four-day cancellation of classes gives your professors time to prepare to teach in a way that does not require students to meet in person. This is also a good time for you to prepare for this change. Please look for communications from your instructors and follow their instructions. I suggest that you check your clutter and spam files often so you won’t miss important emails.

There are resources available for students that may help in the transition to alternative forms of instruction such as Zoom. You can familiarize yourself with the web conferencing tool using Zoom how-to guides provided by ITS. The University has also created a webpage with links to other resources that can assist with communicating and sharing documents using other applications such as Office 365, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams.

The University is remaining open to support you during the period of alternative instruction.

The Library

The University Library will remain open with reduced building hours until further notice.
The Library has created a dedicated guide (Library Resources for Alternative Instruction/Learning) to provide updates on Library operations, guidance on online/remote access and links to Library electronic resources, online services and more. You can also access this guide from the Library homepage.

Advising, Tutoring, and EOP

All advising centers and the Center for Academic Success will meet with students by phone, Zoom, or other alternative methods. Face-to-face appointments will only take place if necessary (for example if a student needs a form signed).
EOP counselors will meet with students by phone or by Zoom.

OSD

Staff from OSD are working with students to ensure that their accommodation needs are met for courses that transition to alternative methods of delivery. Find more details in our FAQ for students. You can contact OSD at (323) 343-3140 or [email protected].

On-campus housing

Housing and Residence Life is allowing students to remain in their apartments. We realize that some of our students may be unable to return home or rely on their apartments as their primary residence.
Dining services will be provided during the period of alternative instruction.

In the days ahead, you may have other questions. Please rely on University sources for answers and accurate information. We have created an FAQ for students on the Health Watch webpage.

If you or someone you know is struggling because of challenges created by COVID-19, please reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (323) 343-3300 at the Student Health Center, which will remain open.

One last note for now: spring break is coming soon. Although travel prices are low, we strongly urge students against non-essential international or domestic travel. Travel may increase the risk of exposure. Across the nation and the globe, things are changing very quickly in ways that make traveling more risky and uncertain.

As you consider the changes that are taking place, please remember that our goal is to keep you safe and to allow you to continue working toward your goal of earning a university degree.

Sincerely,

Nancy Wada-McKee
Vice President for Student Life

Message from the President Regarding Suspension of Face-to-Face Instruction

March 11, 2020

Dear University Community:

In these extraordinary times, I have considered every option available to keep our students, faculty, and staff healthy. There are no known cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in our University community at this time. However, as a preventive measure and based on the guidance of health officials, Cal State LA is temporarily suspending face-to-face, in-person classroom instruction. We believe that this is the best course of action to take given the present circumstances.

We are encouraging faculty to transition now to alternative methods of instruction that do not require students to congregate. Local, state, and national health officials have recommended social distancing as a strategy to prevent the spread of the virus. This suspension of face-to-face instruction reflects the guidance of communicable disease experts.

Classes Canceled March 16 -19

We are canceling classes for four days—Monday, March 16, through Thursday, March 19. During this transition period, faculty will prepare to offer alternative methods of instruction. Any faculty who are ready to move to these methods now may do so immediately. Students should watch for communications from their instructors and follow their instructions.

Alternative Instruction Begins March 20

Classes will resume on Friday, March 20, with faculty using means of instruction that do not involve face-to-face gathering. Alternative instruction will continue for four weeks through April 24. As we approach the end of this period, we will re-evaluate the situation.

Cal State LA Will Remain Open

Cal State LA is not closing during the transition period or during the four weeks of alternative instruction. University operations and services will continue and employees will continue working. We encourage anyone who feels ill to remain home.

We will keep the library and computer labs open and available to students who lack access to technology. Student services, residence halls, and dining halls will remain open. The Student Health Center, including Counseling and Psychological Services, will continue to see students.

Public Events Canceled

Earlier this week, out of an abundance of caution, we canceled non-essential public events on campus. These events will not resume during the suspension of face-to-face classes.

Circumstances are changing rapidly. We are working through issues as they arise. I recognize the impact this decision will have on our community. It will take effort on the part of our students, faculty, and staff, but we can accomplish much by working together. I appreciate your patience and your commitment. Together, we will get through these challenging times.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

Message from the President Regarding Events and Travel

March 10, 2020

Dear University Community:

Although Cal State LA has no reported cases of coronavirus at this time, we continue to take measures to maintain the health of our University community.

Consistent with California Department of Public Health recommendations, we are promoting social distancing by canceling all public events effective today, March 10, through May 31, 2020. This decision covers all events and gatherings, including, but not limited to:

Banquets, luncheons, receptions, dinner galas
Conferences and workshops
Sporting events, guided campus tours, performances

When possible, events may be rescheduled, or modified using technology. Event planners who have questions should visit our Health Watch webpage for more information. This decision will help us keep our community safe and allow instruction to continue. We will address the question of Commencement as the situation evolves.

Given the rapid spread of the virus globally, Cal State LA is suspending all international and non-essential domestic travel effective today, March 10, through May 31, 2020. This suspension includes all Cal State LA auxiliary organizations.

We strongly urge our community against non-essential personal travel outside of the U.S. during the upcoming spring break. Flight cancellations, border closings, and quarantines may occur, making travel and a return to the U.S. more difficult. Please take note of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel warnings.

We recognize that these measures may cause inconvenience and disappointment. As this challenge evolves, we must remain nimble and ready to adjust as necessary. At this time, classes will continue as scheduled; however, we are asking faculty and students to prepare for alternative forms of instruction.

We are acting in the best interest of students, faculty, and staff, while supporting wider public health goals. Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

Message to Students from the Vice President for Student Life

March 9, 2020

Dear Students:

It is normal to feel anxious and stressed when you hear, read, or watch news about COVID-19. This is an evolving situation. I want you to know that Cal State LA is taking precautions to keep you safe and to prepare for different scenarios related to coronavirus.

We are working closely with medical experts from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The department has determined that the risk to the general public is low and that there is no need to cancel classes. Faculty are receiving information on how to make course materials available to students online if circumstances change.

During these challenging times, it is important to care for your own physical and mental health and reach out in kindness to others. Here are some actions you can take that might help:

Manage Your Stress
- Make time to rest. Keep a positive attitude.

Refer to the University for Updates and Answers to Your Concerns
- Avoid sharing unconfirmed news, which can create unnecessary fear and panic.

Be Informed and Inform your Family
- Become familiar with medical and mental health resources in your community.

Connect with Your Community
- Keep in contact with family and friends and accept their help.
- Consider an act of kindness for those affected by the situation.

Be Sensitive
- Speak up in kindness when you hear false rumors or negative stereotypes that foster racism and xenophobia.
- Encourage welcoming environments for all members of our community.

We can all do our part to help one another by following a few simple preventive actions:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue away in the trash immediately. If you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
Avoid shaking hands. Some people instead put their hand over their heart and smile.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with sick people. Practice social distancing.
Stay home if you are sick. Call your medical provider’s office before going in for care.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Maintain your immune system by getting plenty of rest and following a nutritious diet.
Get a flu shot if you have not done so this season.

As we noted above, staying informed is one of the best things you can do.

It is also important to check for Health Watch updates and keep an eye on your inbox for emails from the University.

All of us in Student Life are here to answer your questions or listen to your concerns. Please feel free to call us at (323) 343-3100 or visit our office in Student Affairs 108. Our hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Sincerely,

Nancy Wada-McKee
Vice President for Student Life

Message from the President to Faculty and Staff

March 9, 2020

Dear Colleagues:

We are continuing to monitor Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) developments. The University is working closely with communicable disease experts from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) and following their guidance. Public Health has determined that the current coronavirus risk to the general public is low.

Classes at Cal State LA are continuing as scheduled, but we urge you to be prepared for the possibility that Public Health guidance may indicate a temporary shift to non-classroom instruction utilizing online modalities.

The Center for Effective Teaching and Learning (CETL) has created a webpage on preparing online course materials. Faculty can use Canvas to share their videos, PowerPoints, and Word documents; to communicate with students; and to accept submissions of assignments and exams.

CETL holds weekly workshops to help you prepare. Consult the CETL calendar. In addition, CETL is offering a new Canvas Basic Training workshop with some sessions offered both in-person and as online webinars.

The University has created a website with links to other resources that can assist you in communicating with students and sharing documents using such applications as Zoom, Office 365 OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams.

We realize that no single platform is the best solution for everyone. I’d ask that you employ the modalities that will work best for your students. Please begin your planning now.

We also ask that you remind your students of the steps that everyone can take to reduce the spread of infection:

Avoid close contact with sick people.
Avoid shaking hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning agent.
Stay informed.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Anyone who is ill should please:

Stay home and avoid contact with others, except for seeking medical care.
Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
Not travel while sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.

We will keep you updated as new information becomes available. Please visit our Health Watch website for links to resources and the latest information regarding coronavirus. Thank you for your commitment to our students during this difficult and rapidly changing situation.

Sincerely,

Bill

Enhanced Cleaning Protocols Campuswide

March 6, 2020

Dear Golden Eagle Community:

Given concerns about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), we are enhancing and increasing cleaning protocols across the University.

We have added four new crews to meet the need for additional cleaning of classrooms, hallways and restrooms. Crews are disinfecting and deep cleaning surfaces such as desktops, keyboards, push bars, light switches and doorknobs. This is being done with specialized equipment.

Crews are also disinfecting and deep cleaning restrooms with equipment that enables them to sanitize spaces from top to bottom.

Next week we will begin providing portable hand sanitizing units in spaces where large gatherings are taking place.

To remind our community of the importance of practicing good public health hygiene, we are displaying messages on our digital display boards on the Main Walkway and other campus areas.

There are steps that everyone can take to reduce the spread of infection:

Avoid close contact with sick people.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning agent.
Stay informed.
Avoid shaking hands.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you become ill, please:

Stay home and avoid contact with others, except for seeking medical care.
Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
Do not travel while sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.

Students may seek medical care from the Student Health Center. To contact the center, please call (323) 343-3300. For other information and hours of operation, please visit the Student Health Center website.

The Employee Assistance Program has created LifeMatters, a website that offers support resources. Our password is GOEAGLES.

You can also visit the Cal State LA Health Watch website for information about COVID-19 and links to resources and FAQs.

Sincerely,

Lisa Chavez
Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer

A Message from the President

March 4, 2020

Dear Golden Eagle Community:

This morning the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors declared a state of emergency regarding Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). There are now seven known cases in Los Angeles County.

At this time, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has determined that there is no need to cancel school, social events, or public gatherings. The department has concluded that there is no immediate threat to the general public.

I am working with University leadership to ensure that our community is prepared for scenarios that might occur in the wake of the continued spread of the disease. We are focused on campus-wide planning and preparation designed to keep our community safe, allow instruction to continue, and ensure employees are informed of actions to take in the event of an interruption of business.

As we plan and prepare, we are following the guidance of local and national agencies. I ask that you please stay informed by reading emails and other communication regarding coronavirus. Our Health Watch webpage includes useful information. The CSU’s coronavirus webpage also offers links and updates.

When planning for spring break, be aware of the risks associated with international travel. This is a very fluid situation. Flight cancellations, border closings, and quarantines may occur. The University strongly urges our community to avoid non-essential personal travel outside of the U.S. and to take note of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel warnings.

We all can help keep our community safe by practicing good hygiene, which includes avoiding contact with sick people and washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

As we work to prevent the spread of the virus, we must also work to prevent the bigotry that can accompany fear. No one in our community should be excluded from activities because of their race, country of origin, or recent travel if they do not have symptoms of respiratory illness. No one should be ostracized.

Sincerely,

William A. Covino
President

Message from the Provost

March 4, 2020

Dear Faculty:

I know that many of you are monitoring the evolving Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation and are concerned about what it may mean for our University community.

At this time, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has determined that coronavirus poses no immediate threat to the general public and that no special precautions are required. Still, many faculty are wondering how we can prepare in case coronavirus or another emergency results in extended student absences and a displacement of instruction. To prepare for such a scenario, the Center for Effective Teaching and Learning (CETL) has created a webpage for faculty with suggestions on how to use Canvas to help reduce disruption to courses and continue instruction remotely.

Faculty are highly encouraged to:

Upload your syllabus to your Canvas course shell if you have not already, and make the course visible to students.
Upload all course materials (videos, PowerPoints, Word docs) in your Canvas course shell so that students can access them remotely.
Set up Canvas to accept submission of any assignments or final exams should this become necessary.

CETL is also providing suggestions for clear communication with students and has a number of current workshops that can assist with the above. The CETL calendar of workshops can be found on the CETL homepage. Please consult also with your chair or dean as directed.

If you receive inquiries from students about extended absences, we encourage you to visit the faculty handbook. Please consult with your department chair and/or associate dean regarding specific incidents. Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Jennifer Miller is an additional resource if faculty become aware of students who have been affected by coronavirus. Faculty who are personally affected should alert their department chair to arrange for coverage of classes.

Our campus leadership is monitoring coronavirus developments and sharing information we receive on our Health Watch webpage.

The University’s Pandemic Business Continuity Plan will be enacted as needed.

We will keep you informed as the coronavirus situation unfolds and let you know if there are any additional actions that need to be taken.

Sincerely,

Jose A. Gomez
Provost and Executive Vice President

Response to COVID-19

March 4, 2020

The information below is intended to help ensure that accurate information regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is shared with our internal and external community should questions arise.

The L.A. County Department of Public Health has determined that coronavirus does not pose an immediate threat to the general public and that no special precautions are required, at this time.
At this time there are no reported cases of coronavirus in our University community.
Officials at Cal State LA are working to make sure the campus is ready for any potential direct impacts from coronavirus.
Groups from across the University are preparing for an array of possible scenarios, including disruptions to classes, transportation, housing, work, and travel.
Faculty members are receiving information on how to make course materials available to students online should classes be cancelled.
Our Student Health Center has been working closely with the county Department of Public Health.
The Department of Public Health has concluded that, at this time, there is no need to cancel University events. There are also no restrictions on public gatherings.
The University has created a webpage, Health Watch, where all messages about coronavirus and links to information and resources about the disease are posted. The website can be found at: www.calstatela.edu/healthwatch.
University leadership has sent emails to students, faculty, and staff regarding coronavirus.
The CSU system-wide International Programs (IP) have suspended the program in Seoul, South Korea.
The University is urging the community to be aware of risks associated with international travel.
We urge against sharing information on social media about alleged cases of coronavirus to avoid spreading misinformation and stoking fear and anxiety.

A Message Regarding Coronavirus

February 27, 2020

Dear University Community:

The Student Health Center (SHC) is closely monitoring the evolving Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation and following the guidance of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health). While the potential for COVID-19 to spread widely is high, the individual risk depends on exposure. At this time, for the general public, the immediate health risk from the disease is considered low.

Public Health urges the public to stay informed of the facts and take positive steps to reduce their risk. As with other respiratory illnesses, there are steps that everyone can take to reduce the spread of infection:

Avoid close contact with sick people.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning agent.
Stay informed.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you become ill, please:

Stay home and avoid contact with others, except for seeking medical care.
Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
Do not travel while sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.

Students may seek medical care from the SHC. To contact the Student Health Center by phone, please call (323) 343-3300. For other information and hours of operation, please visit the Student Health Center website.

Take Good Care,

Monica Jazzabi, M.D.
Director, Student Health Center

Coronavirus Information

January 28, 2020

Dear University Community:

As you may know, there is a global outbreak of a respiratory infection caused by a new strain of coronavirus that originated in Wuhan City, China. Several cases have been reported in the United States, including one each in Orange and Los Angeles counties involving travelers from Wuhan, China. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is working to identify persons who may have had close contact with the ill individual in L.A. County. There is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission in L.A. County. The risk of transmission of coronavirus in the county remains low, based on current information.

Symptoms of the novel coronavirus illness include fever, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Coronavirus is most commonly spread by coughing, sneezing and close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands, or touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for illness caused by the novel coronavirus.

As with other respiratory illnesses, there are steps that everyone can take to reduce the risk of getting sick:

Avoid contact with sick people.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your face without first washing your hands.
Stay informed.

Good public health hygiene is the precaution everyone needs to practice. If you or someone you know has traveled to Wuhan and feel sick, please:

Stay home and avoid contact with others, except for seeking medical care.
Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
Do not travel while sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.

Students may seek medical care from the Student Health Center (SHC). To contact the Student Health Center by phone, please call (323) 343-3300. For other information and hours of operation, please visit the Student Health Center webpage. The SHC is following the guidelines of Public Health in assessing and caring for patients presenting with symptoms.

Public Health has determined that there is no immediate threat to the general public and people should not be excluded from activities based on their race, country of origin or recent travel if they do not have symptoms of respiratory illness.

This message will be posted on the Cal State LA Health Watch webpage. See the Public Health website for frequently asked questions and other information regarding coronavirus.

Take Good Care,

Monica Jazzabi, M.D.
Director, Student Health Center