These FAQs - updated on an ongoing basis - are intended to provide current information about COVID-19 as it pertains to being on campus.
COVID-19 information and guidance from the State of California is available on the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) website.
* Additional questions may be submitted via email to csuci.news@csuci.edu and we will direct your question(s) to appropriate University personnel for a response.
Students
1. Is a COVID-19 vaccination be required to be on campus? [top](updated 4/12/23)
No. Per the updated CSU Vaccination Policy, the COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended for all individuals who will access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University.
All COVID-19 holds on student accounts have been cleared.
2. Are there any special health requirements for students who will be on campus? [top] (updated 4/12/23)
No. However, we recommend the following as part of your regular routine:
- Complete a COVID-19 Self Symptom Check prior to visiting the campus. If you are not feeling well, please do not visit the campus or affiliated locations.
- Continue use of good personal hygiene practices, e.g., handwashing, cough/sneeze etiquette;
- Report a positive case of COVID-19 or possible exposure
- Continue to follow isolation and quarantine guidelines
3. Where can I find support for academic and personal well-being needs? [top]
We encourage you to visit our Campus Services and Resources webpage to learn about the various resources and support available to students.
4. How do I report a positive case of COVID-19 or possible exposure? [top]
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, displays symptoms of COVID-19, or who has had a high-risk exposure should notify the Environmental Health & Safety Office using this reporting form. You may also visit our COVID Cases web page to learn more.
Employees
5. Are employees required to be vaccinated? [top](updated 4/12/23)
No. Per the updated CSU Vaccination Policy, the COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended but not required. Employees are encouraged to follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.
Employee bargaining units have been notified of this updated policy and meet and confer processes have concluded.
6. How do I report a positive case of COVID-19 or possible exposure? [top]
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, displays symptoms of COVID-19, or who has had a high-risk exposure should notify the Environmental Health & Safety Office using this reporting form.
7. I feel worried and stressed and I am having difficulty navigating policies and workplace processes. What can I do? [top]
If you would like to talk to someone, support and resources are available for employees.
- Employees can obtain confidential support services through the Employee Assistance Program or by contacting Human Resources at 805-437-8490.
- The University Ombuds office is available to support faculty by providing off-the-record and impartial help navigating change and addressing difficult work relations virtually. The University Ombuds can meet by Zoom or by phone. Appointments can be scheduled confidentially at Contact Ombuds.
University Operations
8. Are masks required to be worn on campus? [top](updated 12/20/2022)
No. Indoor masks are recommended but not required on campus or at affiliated locations (i.e., Channel Islands Boating Center, the Goleta instructional site, and the Santa Rosa Island Research Station (these policies will also be the goal for the SRIRS, but we will continue to work with our partners at the National Park Service to ensure that we meet their requirements)). Masks will continue to be available on campus at the following locations:
- Classrooms
- Dean of Students Office, Bell Tower 2565
- Student Health Center, Yuba Hall
- Broome Library Lobby
- University Police Department, Placer Hall Lobby
- Sage Hall Enrollment Center Lobby
- Housing & Residential Education Offices: Santa Cruz Village – Bldg. E HRE Main Office;
Front Desks in all four living areas: Santa Cruz Village – Bldg. G, Anacapa Village, Santa Rosa Village, and Town Center - Student Union downstairs - front desk
- Student Union upstairs - ASI suite
- Dining locations across campus and in Town Center
9. When and where will COVID-19 testing be held on campus for students, faculty, and staff? [top](updated 12/21/2023)
CSUCI will continue to offer free COVID-19 testing to students and employees at the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EH&S), when the campus is open.
See below for testing hours:
Winter Break Testing*
CLOSED: Friday, Dec. 22 through Monday, Jan. 1
*Employees who may be working during this time should inquire with their supervisors about COVID-19 tests should they have symptoms or a known exposure to COVID-19.
Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024*:
Mondays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesdays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon
Fridays: 9 a.m. to noon
*Excludes campus closures on the following dates: Jan. 15 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day), April 1 (César Chávez Day), May 27 (Memorial Day)
Testing will be held downstairs from the Environmental Health and Safety office, on Ventura Street, directly across from Manzanita Hall (in Ironwood Hall next door to the Facilities Services Work Center). Please ring the bell and wait for EH&S staff to come downstairs to assist you; do not enter the EH&S office or the Facilities Services Work Center if you are ill or seeking testing. COVID-19 testing supplies at the EH&S office are not for general public use, please do not take or remove any supplies from the EH&S office.
Anyone needing urgent testing access because of an exposure to COVID-19 or possible symptoms of COVID-19 can call the Environmental Health & Safety office at 805-437-3550 during regular business hours to arrange testing.
Individuals who are positive or have an exposure and are symptomatic should not come to the campus. They should contact the COVID-19 Case Management Team at 805-437-3550 to arrange picking up home testing supplies.
Individuals interested in getting more information about options for COVID-19 testing can do so by visiting the sites below:
10. How do I report a positive case of COVID-19 or possible exposure? [top] (updated 1/17/24)
Please follow the steps below to report a positive case of COVID-19 or possible exposure.
COVID-19 POSITIVE CASE - Isolation Protocols
- Report the case via our COVID-19 reporting form
- Follow CSUCI EHS protocols, which include Cal/OSHA Exclusion Requirements for those who test positive for COVID-19:
- Stay home for at least 24 hours from when your symptoms begin and until symptoms are all or mostly resolved.
- Closely monitor symptoms and continue to isolate if you are continuing to have noticeable symptoms. In particular, you cannot leave isolation for at least 24 hours after you have had a fever or needed to control a fever with medication, regardless of other symptoms improving.
- Contact EHS to report you have COVID-19 and, once you are feeling better, confirm with EHS that you meet criteria to leave isolation and return to campus.
- Wear a mask when indoors or in close proximity to others for 10 days after your symptoms began.
- For students living in on-campus housing with roommates or suitemates, a negative test is required to return to a shared living space within 10 days of your symptom onset
- Follow CSUCI COVID-19 Management Team protocols, which include Cal/OSHA Exclusion Requirements for those who test positive for COVID-19
COVID-19 EXPOSURE - Protocols
- Report the case to the COVID Cases web page
- Get tested 3-5 days after last exposure
- Follow CDPH Guidance for Close Contacts – Those who are exposed to someone with COVID-19
- Monitor symptoms each day for 14 days from last exposure
- Wear a mask while around others
- Do not come onto campus if you are feeling ill or symptomatic
11. I tested on campus but have not received my test result; what should I do? [top]
Individuals who have received a COVID-19 test on campus and have not received test results may send an email to healthycsuci@csuci.edu and request a call-back. Be sure to provide an active phone number for the call-back.
12. What are the current protocols at CSUCI for isolation and quarantine? [top](updated 1/17/24)
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, displays symptoms of COVID-19, or who has had a high-risk exposure should notify the Environmental Health & Safety Office using this reporting form. Students and employees should follow direction from the Environmental Health & Safety Office about their need to isolate and their isolation timeline. They should not return to campus until they are cleared to do so by EHS.
The University continues to follow the Cal/OSHA Exclusion Requirements for those who test positive for COVID-19:
- Report the case via our COVID-19 reporting form
- Stay home for at least 24 hours from when your symptoms begin and until symptoms are all or mostly resolved.
- Closely monitor symptoms and continue to isolate if you are continuing to have noticeable symptoms. In particular, you cannot leave isolation for at least 24 hours after you have had a fever or needed to control a fever with medication, regardless of other symptoms improving.
- Contact EHS to report you have COVID-19 and, once you are feeling better, confirm with EHS that you meet criteria to leave isolation and return to campus.
- Wear a mask when indoors or in close proximity to others for 10 days after your symptoms began.
- For students living in on-campus housing with roommates or suitemates, a negative test is required to return to a shared living space within 10 days of your symptom onset
- Follow CSUCI COVID-19 Management Team protocols, which include Cal/OSHA Exclusion Requirements for those who test positive for COVID-19
The state public health officer order formerly known as Beyond the Blueprint is being updated to align with CDPH's isolation and quarantine recommendations above and includes an updated definition for a confirmed COVID-19 case. The updated order provides prevention and mitigation strategies for slowing the spread of COVID-19 in homes, workplaces, and communities.
We recommend reviewing the CDPH Guidance for Close Contacts – those who are exposed to someone with COVID-19 to stay up to date on the latest information for exposure to COVID-19.
13. When are my symptoms improved enough that I can return to campus?
COVID-19 can cause a variety of symptoms, and it can be hard to tell when your symptoms are sufficiently improved to safely leave isolation. EHS has put together the chart below to help you better understand when symptoms may be a sign to continue isolating and when you may be ready to return.
Always check with Environmental Health & Safety to confirm that you are well enough to return before coming back to campus.
| GUIDANCE | SYMPTOMS |
|---|---|
| Always continue isolating – You always need to continue to isolate if you’ve had these symptoms in the past 24 hours |
|
| Likely need to continue isolation – In most cases you will need to continue to stay at home, especially if you are having one or more of these symptoms |
|
May be able to end isolation – You may be able to end your isolation provided you are not also having more severe symptoms listed above |
|
14. Where can I find information about the availability of the COVID-19 booster vaccine? [top] (updated 4/12/23)
VCPH assures us that booster vaccine availability is plentiful in Ventura County.
Depending on your county of residence, information is available by visiting: myturn.ca.gov. You may also check with your healthcare provider or local pharmacies such as Ralphs, CVS, Rite Aid, or Walgreens, Albertsons or Vons.
The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for everyone six months and older. Learn more about why the vaccine is one of our most powerful tools to ending the pandemic by visiting VaccinateALL58.com for COVID-19 facts.
15. What safety precautions should employees and members of the public, visitors, and vendors follow prior to visiting the campus or an affiliated location (Channel Islands Boating Center, Santa Rosa Island Research Station, and Goleta instructional site)? [top]
Any individual who plans to visit the campus or an affiliated location in person, should follow the steps noted below:
- Complete a COVID-19 Self Symptom Check prior to visiting the campus. If you are not feeling well, please do not visit the campus or affiliated locations.
- Remember to wash your hands often or use the hand sanitizer dispensers located throughout the campus.
- Santa Rosa Island Research Station: Please contact SRIRS personnel to learn about the requirements for visiting the Island, including testing, vaccination requirements, and form compliance
16. What are the requirements to host an in-person event on campus? [top](added 2/3/2023)
In-person events may be held on campus as long as current safety protocols are followed. External groups should review the current event guidance for external events to ensure they are in compliance. We encourage you to visit the University Events website to learn more about hosting an event on campus.
About Coronavirus (COVID-19), Health, and Wellness
17. What is the Coronavirus? [top]
Coronavirus is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person and was first identified in 2019 during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Patients with Coronavirus (COVID-19) have experienced mild to serious respiratory illness.
18. How is Coronavirus spread? [top]
The Coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person through close contact and primarily when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or otherwise breathes out droplets and small particles that contain the virus.
19. What are the symptoms for the Coronavirus? [top]
COVID-19 symptoms can include cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, new congestion/runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) website contains additional, current information.
20. How do I know if I am at risk of contracting Coronavirus? [top]
You may be at greater risk if you have come into close contact with someone who has the virus or recently traveled to regions where there are currently outbreaks of COVID-19. Symptoms typically appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure.
21. How do I best protect myself from contracting COVID-19? [top]
The CDC and the California Department of Public Health recommend getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as well as continuing safe practices such as wearing a mask and physical distancing when in crowded settings.
Indoor mask-wearing is optional but recommended at CSUCI and affiliated locations (Santa Rosa Island Research Station, Channel Islands Boating Center, Goleta instructional site).
We continue to encourage you to actively engage in healthy habits to help prevent contracting and spreading illnesses. There are steps each of us can take to reduce our chances of getting ill — whether from COVID-19, the flu or a cold.
Treat Yourself Well
- Eat healthy
- Maintain good sleep habits
- Manage stress. Students can seek assistance through Counseling & Psychological Services. Employees can seek assistance through the Employee Assistance Program.
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. Students with food insecurities can contact the Dolphin Pantry for fresh produce and healthy options.
Make it Hard for Viruses to Spread
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wear a face covering and practice physical distancing when warranted (such as in a crowded setting)
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash; or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces within your normal surroundings.
- Check with your health care provider whether obtaining the annual flu vaccine is advisable for you.
22. Where can I get more information about the Coronavirus? [top]
Please utilize the links below as a source of current and accurate information on COVID-19.
VC Emergency
Ventura County Public Health
California Department of Public Health
U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
CSU Chancellor’s Office
U.S. Department of State
Johns Hopkins Real Time Map
County of Ventura
Santa Barbara County Public Health
23. Are there any resources for combating stigmatization, bias and xenophobia related to the Coronavirus? [top]
We understand that there is some anxiety and uneasiness around COVID-19; however, we encourage our campus community to support one another during this time.
COVID-19 is a virus that can affect all humans. Racism or stigmatism do not reflect CSUCI’s values.
If you believe you have been treated unfairly, discriminated against or harassed based on a protected status, such as disability, medical condition, race or national origin, please contact the University’s Title IX office at titleix@csuci.edu.
24. I have a question that has not been addressed here, who can I contact? [top]
Please email additional questions to csuci.news@csuci.edu and we will direct your question(s) to appropriate University personnel for a response. You may also call the University’s main number at 805-437-8400 for additional assistance. Parents of students may also email us at dolphin.parents@csuci.edu.