COVID-19 Guidance for Fall 2022

(published on August 3, 2022)

Dear students, 

I hope you are having a nice summer and look forward to the start of the fall 2022 semester, which is just a few short weeks away. I can't wait to see you back on campus. But, with that excitement, we must remember COVID-19 is still with us. The omicron subvariants are a daily reminder that we must continue to prioritize health and safety to safeguard the Chico State experience we all want.

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 very high vaccination and booster rates, 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.

Our collective success in navigating life with COVID-19 allows us to plan for fall 2022 to be the most “normal” semester in nearly three years. As has been the case throughout the course of this pandemic, we will need to continue to be flexible and make adjustments as circumstances change. Below are the current guidelines. 

Masks

We anticipate that masking will remain strongly recommended at most indoor locations for fall 2022. 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. 

Masking remains mandatory in some campus locations, including the WellCat Health Center.

Vaccination & Booster Requirements

Per CSU policy, all students (except those with an approved exemption) must be current with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. That means having received a primary vaccination series and a booster shot, if eligible, and updating your vaccine status in the Student Center by August 15. 

Testing

Chico State recommends all students get a COVID-19 test before the first day of classes to ensure they are negative. You can get tested on campus at our Whitney Hall testing location with both PCR and rapid tests 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.

Students who test positive will be required to isolate for a minimum of five days (and until their symptoms resolve). Before returning to class or on-campus activities, you must obtain a negative rapid test as well as wear a well-fitted mask for another five days.

Our community has been exceptionally resilient in navigating the worst of the pandemic during the last two years. And while we must be prepared to renew our efforts again, I'm confident we'll meet any challenges that arrive together. I look forward to a successful semester. 

Enjoy the rest of your summer. We will see you soon!

Sincerely,

Gayle Hutchinson, President