SJSU’s Response to CDC Update to Mask Recommendation; CSU Travel Policy Update; Reminders for Campus Repopulation and Potential CSU Vaccination Requirement

Sent: May 18, 2021
From: President Mary A. Papazian

SJSU campus community,

Last Thursday, May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced updated guidelines regarding individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer needing to wear masks or physically distance indoors or outdoors in most circumstances. An individual is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Yesterday, May 17, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced it will implement the CDC’s mask recommendation on June 15 — the same day the state is planning a full reopening.

While this is another step in the right direction for our state during this pandemic, SJSU’s mask and face covering guidelines as part of the SJSU Adapt plan remain the same. Masks or face coverings must continue to be worn at all times on campus, including outdoors. The only exception is if you are alone in a private office with the door closed. SJSU will continue to monitor the evolving mask and face covering guidelines and will update the campus community of any changes as we look ahead to the fall semester.

Reminder: Potential COVID-19 vaccination requirement

As a reminder, last month, the CSU and UC announced their intention to require the COVID-19 vaccine for students, faculty and staff, contingent on the FDA providing full approval of one of the vaccines. SJSU continues to strongly encourage members of our campus community to receive the vaccine.

With the requirement going into effect at the start of the fall 2021 semester or when one of the vaccines receives full approval and has adequate availability, whichever comes later, the CSU recommends those who have not yet received the vaccine consider doing so soon. With the two dose Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, full vaccination can take five to six weeks.

The CSU’s vaccination requirement policy and implementation details are still being finalized. We will share the policy with the campus community once it is finalized and available to share.

CSU travel policy update

On June 1, 2021, travel restrictions issued previously by the CSU Chancellor’s Office will be lifted. Campuses will evaluate travel based upon guidance from the CDC. The CDC continues to recommend delaying travel until fully vaccinated and to choose safer travel options. An additional resource is available at the CDPH website. Most systemwide meetings will continue to be held virtually.

In all cases, travelers must adhere to the latest travel guidance from the CDC and CDPH. Additionally, when returning to California, travelers are required to follow the guidelines of the CDPH and CDC as their recommendations are updated regularly.

As of June 1, 2021:

Domestic travel is discouraged for non-essential travel as travel continues to exacerbate the spread of this virus. Domestic authorization to travel will be approved by the department approving official with consideration of the travel guidance from CDC and CDPH. The Google form “Adapted Travel Process for Presidential Approval” is no longer required for domestic travel. Please remember SJSU has a list of states in the US where travel is banned based on AB 1887.
International travel is reviewed on a case-by-case basis based upon the program location or travel destination. International travel requires approval by the President and cannot be sub delegated per CSU policy. The established process for a Travel Authorization is conducted through FTS, and will automatically be routed to the President for approval. Remember there is a list of countries currently considered high-risk; consult the CSURMA High Hazardous Country List and also review each country’s current COVID-19 risk [pdf].
RSCA-related travel is approved by Mohamed Abousalem, Vice President for Research and Innovation.

For departments that have tracked and maintained employee travel vouchers, you should utilize them before they expire.

SJSU campus repopulation

SJSU’s goal throughout the pandemic has been to safely repopulate the campus as state and county guidelines allow. University Personnel has been meeting with departments across campus and finalizing staffing plans ahead of July 1, 2021, when more staff and faculty make their return to campus to meet the needs of our students who will be returning to campus for the fall semester. As we continue to move forward with repopulating the campus, email covidrepopulation@sjsu.edu with questions you may have about the process.

Thank you for your continued hard work in keeping yourself and the Spartan community safe as we near the end of the spring semester.

Sincerely,
Dr. Mary A. Papazian