On September 21, Stan State’s Associated Students Inc. virtually hosted a town hall regarding the repopulation of students on campus starting October 1. Students had questions and concerns on a variety of topics including the enforcement of testing for unvaccinated students, which student services will be available, close contact and quarantine protocols and the daily COVID-19 self-screening. 

Some Student Concerns
Rey Mendoza (senior, Biology) thought that the administration might be rushing their decision to have students come back to campus this semester. 

“I’m not really sure if they have the students’ health and safety in mind,” Mendoza said, “And it’s not just us… we all have families. I have a 90 year-old grandmother at home where I’m her sole caretaker and if something happens to me, what happens to her?” 

Other meeting attendees having had similar concerns. 

“I have small kids and immunocompromised adults in my home and I do not want to bring anything home,” said Sahira Khan.

James Lane asked, “What benefits do students, faculty and staff have accessing face to face class sessions versus the cost of spreading COVID-19, or worse, someone becoming severely ill? Why return to face to face class now instead of waiting until at least Spring 2022?”

Enforcement of Testing For Unvaccinated Students

All students will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption to be able to come onto campus October 1. Additionally, if a student has an approved exemption from the vaccine, they will be required to take and provide proof weekly of a negative COVID-19 test. 

If a student refuses to abide by these protocols, there are safety measures in place. 

“They’ll be denied access to attending in-person classes and accessing on-campus facilities and services,” explained Christine Erickson, Vice President of Student Affairs. “Violations to the university policies of all the different safety procedures can be referred to the University Office of Student Conduct.”

There is still work currently being done to ensure students, staff, and faculty complies with the vaccination policy. One of these measures is the linking of students’ vaccination status to the daily self-screening form. 

“If you’re in compliance with the vaccine policy, then you’ll have a green screen background and if you’re not in compliance you will have a red screen and it will show that you are not cleared to be on campus,” said Erickson. “If you have a red screen you will be told to contact our Warrior Take Care Team in Student Affairs which is in MSR 360.”

What Student Services Will Be Available October 1?

The Student Recreation Center will be 100% open on October 1. Hours will be Monday‒Friday 6 a.m.‒ 11 p.m. and Saturday‒Sunday 10 a.m.‒ 6 p.m.

As with every building on campus, masks will be required at all times while inside the facility, including exercise rooms. Equipment has been moved to ensure at least three feet of distance between students as well. Also, guest passes will not be provided to anyone who isn’t a student, towels will not be provided and drinking fountains will not be functioning to help mitigate any potential spread of COVID-19. 

The brand new library will also be fully open for all students looking for a place to study on campus. 

“There are classroom spaces throughout the university where students can look on the reservation app and reserve those rooms as well,” said Richard Ogle, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Stanislaus State. 
For more information regarding available student services please visit Kristin Platt’s recent story on the subject.

Student Groups On Campus

Beginning October 1, all recognized student groups and organizations will be allowed to reserve indoor space on campus in the Student Center through the 25live application. During those indoor meetings no food will be allowed. 

Despite these limitations, there are still some more spacious options for campus groups. 

“There are six conference rooms and one large valley room that exist within the Student Center,” said Stephanie Hubbard, Director for Student Leadership and Development. 

Close Contact and Quarantine Protocols 

The administration has implemented strict procedures regarding close contact with infected individuals to mitigate further spread of COVID-19. This includes a contact tracing program where representatives of the university will reach out to those who were in close vicinity with a COVID-19 positive individual.

If you are unvaccinated and have been found to be in close contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive, you will be required to self-isolate for 10 days. 

“However, if you are fully vaccinated, you do not have to isolate per CDC and California Department of Public Health as long as you don’t have symptoms,” explained Kellie Marshall, Director of Safety and Risk Management at CSU Stanislaus. “If you have symptoms, you shouldn’t be coming to campus anyway, and the daily screening will ask you questions regarding whether you have any symptoms. That’s our first line of defense.” 

Things to Remember 

Make sure you remember to do your daily self-screening, located underneath the label ‘Quick Links.’ Filling out the form is quick, easy, and it is required every time you come on campus. It is crucial for maintaining the highest level of safety for all students, staff, and faculty on campus. 

If you do test positive for COVID-19, report your case immediately by filling out this form. Reporting your positive case will not put you in any trouble with the university, and it is vital for a safe campus and stopping the spread of COVID-19.

The next Student Government Town Hall will be held on Tuesday, November 16.