Coronavirus Information for Residents

Last updated: June 9, 2021

 With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affecting nearly all nations across the world, we are more dedicated than ever to ensuring your safe arrival to campus and well-being during your overall residential experience. 

Following U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state of California and county guidelines, we are proceeding with caution with our return to campus for move-in. In keeping your health and safety as our top priority, we have implemented a set of practices designed to mitigate exposure to COVID-19. 

Information, policies and procedures contained on this page are subject to change pending new guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state of California, and county, and the evolving nature of the pandemic situation.

• The University Housing Administration provides an addendum to each resident outlining COVID-19 mitigation expectations, protocols and measures.
• Detailed pre-arrival and move-in instructions are communicated to each resident and their family with practices to mitigate exposure to COVID-19 before and during housing move-in. 
• Signage and digital displays are used throughout the residential communities to display information on physical distancing, handwashing, wearing facial coverings and other measures.
• The Policy Guide (PDF) handbook is provided to each resident, outlining the policies and procedures residents are expected to follow to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
• The Housing and Residential Education team communicates COVID-19 related information and updates to each resident.
• CSU, Chico maintains a public-facing COVID-19 site with information, updates, health-related guidance and FAQs.

6/9/21 Update – In support of CSU, Chico’s commitment to health and safety for all members of its community, the University has decided to require COVID-19 vaccinations for all students living in University Housing.  

Vaccinations allow University Housing to plan for a more complete residence hall experience this fall. We are planning to fully open our recreation centers, student centers, dining facilities, and health services to provide services and programs for students. 

Currently, move-in dates are tentatively scheduled for August 16-19, 2021.  The vaccination obligation for Housing residents is separate and distinct from the campus-wide vaccine obligation that will go into effect upon full FDA approval of a COVID-19 vaccine. All Housing Residents will need to be fully vaccinated prior to move in. The CDC currently defines full vaccination as occurring: 

• 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 
• 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine 

This means, CSU, Chico will require students to have received their second (Pfizer and Moderna) or first (Johnson & Johnson) vaccination by July 30, 2021 in order to be eligible to move in during University Housing’s move-in days. 

The state of California has announced that anyone 16 or older in California is now eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19.  There is no cost to get vaccinated, but appointments are required at most vaccination sites. Please check with your county health department to schedule an appointment. 

Any vaccine authorized for use in the U.S. (currently Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson) is acceptable. As well, as any vaccine authorized for use in foreign countries (AstraZeneca).

The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination include prevention of serious illness, hospitalization, and death from the virus. Broad immunization is critical to help stop the pandemic and to protect our community. Benefits specific to the CSU, Chico community include: 

• An expedited return to pre-pandemic normal 

• Opportunities for a wider range of events and activities offered at our campuses 
• Expanded dining and recreation options at CSU, Chico 
• Greater interpersonal collaboration among staff and students 

Additional information about exemptions and instructions for providing proof of vaccination will be sent to your CSU, Chico Wildcat email. 

University Housing completed significant modifications to the residential communities and services including, but not limited to

• Installation of protective screens at front desks. 
• Signage throughout the residential communities to encourage and ensure physical distancing. 
• Hand sanitation dispensers in building entrances and exits
• Closure and occupancy limits in common areas. 

How We Clean

• Facilities Management Services (FMS) clean the residential communities each day using EPA-registered disinfectants. 
• High touch areas such as doors, furniture, and handrails are cleaned twice daily. 
• Residents are responsible for cleaning their own suite or apartment
• Appropriate cleaning protocols are in place to respond to a positive COVID-19 case.

All CSU, Chico Dining locations operate in accordance with Butte County COVID-19 guidelines. Each restaurant and dining operation has specific protocols to address unique physical distancing and cleaning/sanitation within the operation.

During the Spring 2021 semester Associated Students Dining Services will be delivering all meals to residents at University Village.  Residents may place orders using their meal plan via the GET App.

Plans for the Fall 2021 semester are still being finalized.

Events

• Residential programs and services have been revised to support no-contact delivery or appropriate physical distancing guidelines. 

• Group gatherings, events, and programs are limited per current CSU, Chico, County, and state restrictions.

• Virtual programs are held regularly for community building.

Masks

As a reminder to anyone who will be on a CSU, Chico campus or property, the university is encouraging a facial covering. Facial coverings are required by CSU, Chico and also the county for everyone on campus — indoors and outdoors. Only the following limited exceptions are offered:

• If you are alone in a private office.
• If you are eating inside or outside while physically distanced (at six feet or more).
• If the individual is a child under the age of 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the facial covering without assistance.
• When students are in their assigned residence hall room, suite, or apartment.
• When engaging in physically distanced (at six feet or more), individual strenuous exercise outdoors.

During the times when an individual is not wearing a facial covering pursuant to the limited exceptions, the individual is advised to have a facial covering available to wear as physical distancing could be compromised by another person.

Guests 

• • Guest policies are subject to change at any time to conform to public health and university guidelines. At this time, residents may not have guests or visitors in their residential spaces (including personal space and community spaces such as lounges, study rooms, and outdoor recreation areas), with the exception of assistance provided to the resident to move the resident into and out of the residential space.

Staff

• • We continue to enhance our student support services, facilities and program offerings. Our primary responsibility is to provide a safe and welcoming environment to all student residents. Students living on campus have access to inclusive living communities and the kinds of learning opportunities that will support their holistic growth. The Residential Education team, including Residence Life Coordinators, RAs, and Front Desk Assistants are available in the on-campus communities to support student success as well as safety.