Welcome Back Spartans

Sent: August 10, 2022
From: Interim President Steve Perez

Fellow Spartans,

As we begin a new academic year at San José State University, we would all love to be able to say that the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on our campus and our routines are behind us. Unfortunately, that is not the case. COVID-19 continues to challenge us.

Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) metrics, COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations in Santa Clara County are high. Thus, we must remain vigilant and continue to take necessary precautions to slow the spread of infections. The safety measures taken in the spring and over the summer have kept our positivity rate lower than those of surrounding areas.

For now, we will continue to require masks when indoors at SJSU facilities, with limited exceptions. We are aligning our campus safety measures with CDC Community Level metrics. As Community Level changes in the county, so will the safety measures.

When the county moves from higher to lower Community Level, SJSU will communicate plans to change safety strategies after three full weeks of stability at the lower community level.
When the county moves from lower to higher Community Level, SJSU will communicate plans to change safety strategies after giving one week’s notice.

Additionally, SJSU will continue to adhere to required safety measures from the California Department of Public Health and the Santa Clara County Public Health Department.

Masks

As our Community Level remains “high” by CDC metrics, face coverings are currently required in all indoor settings at SJSU. Limited exceptions exist for those actively eating or drinking and when in a closed room without other occupants. Masking guidance will shift to “recommended” once there is sustained improvement in Community Level at the “medium” or “low” levels. Should “high” Community Level return, masks will once again be required.

Vaccinations

Students must continue to comply with the CSU Vaccination Policy and SJSU Presidential Directive 012022 [pdf]. Employees are also required to comply with the CSU Vaccination Policy. This policy also requires that students, faculty and staff remain current on boosters for which they are eligible. Vaccination clinics will take place on campus every other Wednesday starting August 31 at the Student Wellness Center, Room 122 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. They can be scheduled at this link. Here is a flier with more information.

Student Testing

As we remain at “high” Community Level, testing is available for students and weekly testing is required for all unvaccinated students and can be arranged through the Student Wellness Center. Testing is recommended for students who are experiencing symptoms and in these cases, students can schedule an appointment with the Student Wellness Center. University Housing will communicate with resident students on testing required in relation to move-in.

Employee Testing

As we remain at “high” Community Level, testing is required for all unvaccinated employees. Testing is recommended for employees who are experiencing symptoms and employees are encouraged to make an appointment with their healthcare provider.

Quarantine and Isolation

Required quarantine for close contacts and isolation for positive cases will continue in line with Santa Clara County guidance [pdf]. Isolation in University Housing will operate with an isolation-in-place model, prioritizing the allocation of isolation spaces for situations involving cases or roommates with high-risk health concerns.

Monkeypox

The leadership team continues to monitor developments around the emergence of Monkeypox. Although case numbers are small relative to the general population and COVID-19 cases, it is a health concern for anyone exposed. Exposure happens primarily through skin-to-skin contact with someone who is symptomatic. Learn more about the symptoms of Monkeypox and precautions you can take here. We will provide updates as warranted.

Our overall approach essentially remains the same, based first and foremost on the care, health, and well-being of our campus community. Our goal from the beginning has been to monitor County and CDC recommendations in order to take measures that align with expert guidance and lead to the healthiest possible environment for all of us.

As the situation continues to change and evolve, we’ll adjust and modify our approach, and our decisions about campus protocols and practices. Like we’ve been doing for more than two years now, we should all be prepared to be flexible as we respond to this continuing roller coaster ride that is COVID-19.

We’ll continue to communicate whenever there are changes to our policies and approaches. Thank you, as always, for your flexibility and willingness to adapt. And, welcome back Spartans!

Sincerely,

Steve Perez
Interim President