August 3, 2022 - COVID-19 Guidance for Fall 2022

Dear Campus Community, 

I hope you are as excited as I am to welcome students back for the fall 2022 semester, which is just a few short weeks away. I can't wait for our campus to come alive with the energy students bring. But with this excitement, we must remember COVID-19 is still with us and the omicron subvariants are a daily reminder that we must continue to prioritize health and safety.

The good news is that we have proven we can successfully manage COVID-19 together, as we did over the 2021-22 academic year. We have a community with a very high vaccination and booster rate, which reduces the likelihood of severe illness. And, our COVID hotline protocols for students and employees to self-report positive tests and/or symptoms have enabled the University to alert the campus to potential exposures and effectively manage cases.

Below are the current guidelines. As has been the case throughout the course of this pandemic, we will continue to be flexible and make adjustments as circumstances change.

Masks

We anticipate that masking will remain strongly recommended at most indoor locations for the fall 2022 semester. Masking is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others, especially indoors. Please continue to respect an individual’s decision to wear a mask even if it is not required.

Vaccination & Booster Requirements

Per CSU policy, all employees (except those with an approved exemption) must be current on their COVID-19 vaccination status. That means having received a primary vaccination series and a booster shot if eligible.

Chico State is requiring all students who are booster-eligible to certify having received their booster by August 15. For those employees who have not certified their booster status, please do so right away in the PeopleSoft portal.  

Finally, though the CDC has recommended a second booster for people over 50 years old, that shot is not yet officially part of the CSU policy. 

Testing

Chico State recommends any employee who experiences COVID-19 symptoms get tested as soon as possible at the Whitney Hall testing location. Both rapid and PCR tests are available.

We also recommend you stock up on a couple of at-home rapid tests to use as needed this semester so you can test promptly any time you think you've been exposed or might have symptoms. You can order free at-home tests at www.covid.gov/tests.

Isolation and Dealing with COVID-19 Symptoms

Anyone who begins to feel symptomatic or believes they have been exposed to someone who is COVID-19 positive should call the COVID Hotline at 530-898-2222. Hotline staff will help assess the situation and provide next steps, such as directions to get tested.

Employees who test positive will be required to isolate for a minimum of five days (and until their symptoms resolve). Before returning to work, employees must obtain a negative rapid test and then must wear a well-fitted mask for another five days.

Our community has been exceptionally resilient in navigating the worst of the pandemic. And while we prepare to renew our efforts again, I am confident we will meet any challenges that arrive together. I look forward to a successful semester. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
Gayle Hutchinson
President