Dec. 22, 2021
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:
As your Interim President, I am proud of the CSU’s commitment to the safety and welfare of our campus communities. As the pandemic evolves, the systemwide policy mandating vaccinations is an example of this dedication to our collective well-being. As we head into the winter break, I want to share updated news from the CSU about this policy so that our campus community can be fully informed.
CSU News Update on Vaccination Policy
As you know, vaccination (including a booster when eligible) remains our most effective strategy against infection and severe disease. Together, our campus has demonstrated our commitment to caring for our own and each other’s health and well-being, with 99% of employees and students being in full compliance with Fall 2021 campus policy requiring verification of vaccination or exemption certification. Combined with our mask requirement, contact tracing, and notification protocols, we have worked together to make our campus one of the safest of environments in the county.
Given the current surge in Omicron infections across our nation and the globe, the CSU has shared news of revision to its vaccination policy. In Spring 2022, a vaccine booster shot will be required for all eligible students and employees to meet the policy’s revised definition of “fully vaccinated.”
The implementation of this new requirement is more nuanced because of the individualized nature of when someone is eligible for a booster. For those who received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccination, six months must have passed since the second dose to be eligible, and for those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccination, two months must have passed since the initial vaccination. The new requirement calls for individuals who are eligible now to receive a booster by Feb. 28, 2022, and all other individuals to receive a booster as soon as they are eligible.
The revised policy will be effective immediately for CSUCI students and non-represented staff, except those who have certified a qualified religious or medical exemption. Represented employees will not be subject to the booster requirement until the CSU concludes its meet-and-confer process with labor unions.
Spring 2022 Semester
At this time, we are not planning for a delay of scheduled in-person classes and support services for the start of the Spring 2022 semester. However, in consultation with Ventura County Public Health and the CSU Chancellor’s Office, we will be continually monitoring the rapidly changing conditions in the coming weeks and make a formal determination during the first week of January. In the meantime, CSUCI will continue with our ongoing communication and consultation with VPCH regarding the variant’s spread and virulence and will assess whether our campus policies and safety protocols will require modifications.
Town Halls
I know there are likely to be many questions about the updated vaccination policy and the Spring 2022 semester. We will be scheduling Town Hall sessions in the first week of January to answer questions, provide logistical details, instructions, and pertinent updates. As soon as we finalize dates and logistics, we will notify the campus with RSVP invitations. We will also be updating our website to include Spring 2022 information by early January.
Vaccinations and Testing
I know many members of our campus community have already received their booster, and we strongly recommend those who have not to do so as soon as eligible. Depending on your county of residence, information is available by visiting: My Turn California. You may also check with your healthcare provider or local pharmacies.
In addition, on-campus testing clinics will be held the first two weeks in January, and entry testing will be required for residential students.
If you have questions or concerns, please email csuci.news@csuci.edu and your message will be directed to the appropriate area for a response. Please note that there may be a short delay in response time for questions sent during campus closure from Dec. 24 through Jan. 2.
I wish you a restful and safe holiday with family and friends. We will be in touch soon.
Sincerely,
Richard Yao, Ph.D.
Interim President