Stanislaus State will start the spring semester remotely at the recommendation of local public health officials and the Campus COVID-19 Consultation Team, the university announced.
The return to online classes is in response to a surge in positive COVID-19 cases on campus and the spread of the Omicron variant in Stanislaus County.
According to the Stanislaus County COVID Dashboard, there have been 2,961 confirmed cases since their last update with 35.4 percent coming from people ages 15-34.
Classes will start on schedule on Jan. 28, however, all courses will be conducted remotely until Feb. 14.
“We realize that this is another disruption (albeit necessary) to our ongoing efforts to serve our students and fulfill our mission,” said university President Ellen Junn in an announcement. “Faculty, staff and students have been profoundly flexible in adjusting to the pandemic. Each time we have adjusted, faculty, staff and students have stepped up to the challenge.”
The University Police Department, Housing & Residential Life, Warrior Food Pantry, Capital Planning & Facilities Management, Human Resources, Payroll, Stan Prints and necessary Financial Services personnel will remain open on campus.
When students do return to campus, there will be changes to the COVID-19 protocols.
Stan State’s COVID-19 safety protocol and guidelines will be updated to require surgical masks or higher-level respirators, such as N95s, KN95s or KF94s, which are strongly recommended by the California Department of Public Health. Cloth masks will no longer meet the campus’ face covering requirement. The university will make surgical or KN95 masks available on campus for faculty, staff and students.
Faculty and staff can request three-ply surgical masks, KN95 or N95 masks through the COVID-19 supply store. Students can obtain three-ply surgical masks at building entrances and in classrooms. KN95 masks will be available at Warriors Take Care tables, as supplies last.
Prior to Feb. 14, all faculty, staff and students are encouraged to obtain COVID-19 test results 24 to 72 hours before they plan to return to campus. Walk-up testing in Lot 11 is available to Stan State students, faculty and staff, with Warrior ID. The university is also encouraging students and staff to receive their COVID booster shot, which is now required. More information on certifying booster shots will be coming soon.
“Thank you to our dedicated staff, excellent faculty and administrators for working tirelessly to ensure our campus safety,” said Junn. “Your steadfast efforts to adhere to health and safety protocols is why our campus continues to be a very safe working and learning environment. I’m confident our Warrior spirit will shine through, and we will emerge healthy and safe.”
