Frequently Asked Questions
Have there been any COVID-19 cases that could have caused exposure within the Cal Lutheran community?
There have not been any cases where there was a risk of exposure to the Cal Lutheran community. We are taking every precaution recommended by county, state and federal authorities and more out of an abundance of caution so that we don't contribute to transmission of the virus. Our priority is the well-being of our students, staff and faculty and the community in which we reside.
How will people be notified if we have a COVID-19 case within our community in the future?
Going forward, we will notify the campus community about positive COVID-19 cases if the timeline indicates there is a chance that the person was contagious when they were in university facilities. We will track down anyone who could have been exposed and let them know personally. Because of how long we have had a greatly reduced population in our facilities, it has become easier for us to do this. We do not plan to notify people if the evidence does not indicate that the person could have been contagious when they were in university facilities.
When are our campuses and centers reopening? When can we come back?
Cal Lutheran is working to resume some on-campus activities in Fall 2020. Traditional undergraduate courses will be offered in a variety of formats including in-person with virtual elements and fully virtual based on safety considerations. The Bachelor's Degree for Professionals program, Graduate School of Psychology and PLTS will offer all classes virtually through December. Graduate programs in the School of Management and Graduate School of Education will follow a balanced approach of online/virtual and in-person instruction. From the beginning, we have followed the advice of public health officials to the letter, sometimes even enacting measures before they called for them and adopting more stringent measures than required, and we will continue to do so. We are still waiting for detailed guidance regarding fall, and once we have it, we will communicate it very clearly to everyone. As always, our primary objective is to keep everyone safe.
Are face coverings required on university property?
Yes, face coverings must be worn in any space, whether indoors or outdoors, where other people have access.
How is Cal Lutheran going to be able to weather this economic storm?
Like higher education institutions throughout the world, Cal Lutheran is impacted financially by the COVID-19 crisis, but we are in strong position to keep moving forward. While a few colleges announced recently they would be closing, those were institutions that had been struggling financially for years. Cal Lutheran is not in that position. Emergency reserves, reduced spending in some areas, and CARES Act funding helped us get through the spring semester, and we were able to finish the 2019-2020 fiscal year on budget. As we move into the 2020-2021 fiscal year, we need to prepare Cal Lutheran to weather the ongoing financial effects of the pandemic and emerge from them with resilience. We have implemented freezes on hiring, compensation increases, travel, goods and services, and renewal and replacement projects to give us more flexibility as the fiscal impact of this crisis continues to unfold. We will continue to evaluate our financial situation and adjust as necessary, whether by lifting these budgetary restrictions or considering additional cost-saving measures. We will remain open and operating, albeit temporarily in a different way. Our students are still learning, faculty are still teaching and advising them, and staff members are still supporting them. People throughout the entire Cal Lutheran community are being innovative and helping us find our way through these challenges. We are in good shape and plan to stay that way.
Read the CDC website for basic information about COVID-19:
Will Cal Lutheran return to in-person classes in summer?
No. In order to give faculty time as much time as possible to prepare, we have made the decision to continue virtual instruction through the summer.
What will happen with summer research?
Fifty-four students have been awarded summer research grants for projects, and all of them have plans for conducting the research virtually.
Are there any changes to registration for fall semester?
Registration for the fall semester is continuing on schedule.. We have waived the advisement requirement, although it is still recommended.
What is the plan for Fall Semester classes?
Cal Lutheran is working to resume some on-campus activities in Fall 2020. We are still
waiting for detailed guidance regarding fall, and once we have it, we will communicate
it very clearly to everyone. As always, our primary objective is to keep everyone
safe. From the beginning, we have followed the advice of public health officials to
the letter, sometimes even enacting measures before they called for them and adopting
more stringent measures than required, and we will continue to do so.
Traditional undergraduate courses will be offered in a variety of formats including in-person with virtual elements and fully virtual based on safety considerations. Opt-out options for students who choose not to participate in-person will be offered. Activity classes, such as those that meet in labs and studios, would be prioritized for meeting in-person. Continuing students have been sent their individual plans outlining how each of their classes will be taught and any schedule changes.
PLTS, the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals program and Graduate School of Psychology will offer all classes virtually through December. Cal Lutheran Community Counseling Services training and clinical service activities will be primarily virtual with the possibility of some counseling services being provided in person for screened individuals.
Graduate programs in the School of Management and Graduate School of Education will follow a balanced approach of online/virtual and in-person instruction. Opt-out
options for students who choose not to participate in-person will be offered.
Is Cal Lutheran doing anything to address students' individual needs in regard to onsite or virtual instruction?
Yes, we are surveying all students to find out if they face any barriers to onsite or virtual participation so that we can address individual needs. Please complete the survey in your MyCLU portal, and update as the situation changes. All students who are unable to attend a face-to-face class will be offered a virtual option for that class. Classrooms will be equipped with technology that will allow students to attend remotely.
What are you doing to make classrooms safe for face-to-face classes?
Furniture has been reconfigured and marked so that students will be seated six feet apart. We are upgrading to hospital-grade (MERV 13) filters in all HVAC systems in order to filter fine particles. We will increase the amount of outside air in classrooms. Acrylic barriers to instructor stations are being installed in smaller classrooms. All surfaces, door handles, instructor stations and chairs will be disinfected with an EPA-approved product each day. Disinfecting wipes will be stocked in each learning space so that users can clean surfaces throughout the day. Some classes will be moved into larger event spaces or outdoors. Tents can provide shade and spaces such as the CLU Garden have wi-fi. Faculty and students will be required to wear face coverings.
What if I don't have a computer or internet access or need technical help?
We will continue to provide internet and computer access to students who need it. We surveyed students' needs for computer and internet access, whether on campus or at home, and have been working to find solutions for everyone. Charter is offering free Spectrum broadband and wi-fi access for 60 days to college students whose households don't already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. Installation fees will be waived. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395. For more information on Charter's offer, click here. If you need access to a computer, the internet or software or technical help, contact Cal Lutheran's Help Desk at helpdesk@CalLutheran.edu or 805-493-3698.
Adjusting to all these changes is difficult. Will there be any flexibility academically? Will faculty members still be available?
Faculty members will continue to be flexible and understanding in regard to attendance and assignments to address students' COVID-19 related challenges. Please be understanding with faculty members as well. Students should contact faculty members if they have problems in regard to a class, allowing at least 24 hours for a response. If students cannot get in touch with a faculty member or are unable to resolve their issue, they can contact Academic Affairs at acaffairs@CalLutheran.edu. We will consider policy changes to address challenges.
What should I do if I am concerned about meeting requirements for an internship, a capstone, or a credential, counseling or doctoral program?
Contact your faculty adviser or program director or dean. Psychology graduate student clinicians are training on a telehealth system that will allow them to hold sessions remotely from their homes.
Is Pearson Library open?
The building is closed. If you need assistance from the library staff, email clulibrary@CalLutheran.edu.
How can I get assistance or materials from Pearson Library?
Library staff are available online. You can schedule research consultations with librarians here. All other questions can be sent to CLUlibrary@CalLutheran.edu. An updated list of resources and services, including how to access Course Reserve items, can be found on the Library Alerts & Resources Guide. If you place a hold on an item, you can schedule an appointment to pick it up in the lobby. Items can be returned to the drop box outside the entrance doors.
How can I get assistance from the Math Center and Writing Center?
Staff in the Math Center and Writing Center will continue to provide tutoring services by email and Zoom teleconferencing. To request online tutoring from the Math Center, fill out this online form. To schedule an appointment with the Writing Center, go to this website and click on Schedule an Appointment.
What would happen in fall if public health officials directed Cal Lutheran to temporarily close a building because someone with COVID-19 was in it or to cease most on-campus activities again because of a resurgence in the community?
Faculty members will be prepared to switch their in-person classes to fully virtual instruction in case it becomes necessary. Other university functions can return to the virtual formats used in spring.
Will part of tuition and/or fees be refunded because classes are being held virtually?
No. Our accomplished faculty members are still teaching their classes and advising students, and our dedicated staff are still providing services, and we continue to pay them to do so. Moving classes to virtual formats required additional work and costs.
What changes will be made to residential living for fall semester?
In order to foster a safe environment, Cal Lutheran will reduce residential capacity on the Thousand Oaks campus for fall semester below typical levels. There will only be one student per bedroom and no more than three students sharing an en suite bathroom. Indoor common gathering and kitchen areas may be closed. Students can not host any guests, including other residential students, in their residence hall suites.
Who will receive priority for available fall housing?
If there are more students registered for housing than there are beds available, we will prioritize assignments for incoming first-year and transfer students, international students, students with extenuating circumstances who cannot live elsewhere, and out-of-state sudents. Commuter-eligible students and students with fully virtual course schedules may be asked to cancel their housing contracts.
Why did you ask students to move out of the residence halls in March?
In light of Gov. Gavin Newsom's March 19 order for Californians to stay home except
for essential needs, we decided to encourage our remaining residential students to
move out as soon as they can. We needed to thin out our on-campus population in order
to reduce the risk of the virus being transmitted here. This is part of social distancing,
which public health officials have said is key to slowing the spread of the virus
so that healthcare resources do not get overwhelmed.
Will summer housing continue as planned?
Because Cal Lutheran has made the decision to continue virtual instruction through the summer and out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our campus community, the university will not be offering summer housing for students. We look forward to welcoming students back to campus housing for the Fall 2020 semester. Residence Life staff will be in contact with students who have remained on campus for the Continued Contract period because they could not move out during the spring semester and notify them of their options moving forward.
What if I can't leave the residence hall?
We will continue to house any students who need to stay in the residence halls. You have a home here, and we will support your needs. If students do not have a home outside of Cal Lutheran or are otherwise unable to travel home due to COVID-19, please contact reslife@CalLutheran.edu to inquire about the Continued Housing Contract application. In order to best protect students and staff, students will remain in their current room assignment. Everyone will have access to a kitchen and Ullman Dining will continue to provide to-go meals for those who want them. Students may not host any outside guests in their residence hall.
How can I talk to Residence Life staff?
Call 805-493-3220. The Residence Life Office is closed, but staff are working remotely.
View more FAQs for residential students
Where can I eat on campus?
Ullman Dining is providing takeout meals to students living on campus who want them. People can not eat at tables inside or outside the establishments. The Habit, Starbucks, Ullman To Go and Jamba Juice are closed. For questions, contact Patti Yantzer at 805-493-3204 or patricia.yantzer@sodexo.com.
Is the Forrest Fitness Center open?
No
Is Samuelson Aquatics Center open?
Yes. Lap swimming in the 50-meter pool is available to faculty, staff and students
from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Enter through the Community Pool, where
you will have to show your Cal Lutheran ID, pass a temperature and symptom check,
and sign in. Face coverings are required when not swimming, and six-foot distances
from others must be maintained. Only one swimmer per lane is allowed. Two public restrooms
are open. The Cal Lutheran Masters Swim Team is using the 50-meter pool at different
times. The Conejo Recreation and Park District is taking public reservations for the
50-meter pool at different times as well as the Community Pool.
Is the Student Union open?
No
Is the Campus Store still operating?
The physical store is closed. Follett Higher Education was allowed to begin curbside service from the Campus Store on May 10, but you must call first to make an appointment. Books must be ordered from the website. For any questions regarding textbooks or regalia, call 805-493-3272.
How can I return rental books to the Campus Store?
You can access shipping labels through your rental account. Log in to clushop.com. From the My Account screen, choose the Rentals option. Check the box next to each rental to be returned and select CHECK-IN. The Return by Mail screen displays. Select Continue and the Generate Your Return Label screen will display. Shipping is free through FedEx Ground. You can also arrange curbside drop-off at the store by calling 805-493-3272 to make an appointment.
How does curbside service work for the Campus Store?
To arrange curbside service for book pickups, returns or buybacks, call 805-493-3272 to schedule an appointment. Appointments will be scheduled in 15-minute increments between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The drop-off/pickup location is in a clearly marked spot in the Administration Lot next to Alumni Hall at 60 W. Olsen Road. After you arrive, call the store at 805-493-3272 from your car. For pickups, open your trunk or back door and Follett staff wearing masks and gloves will place the textbooks in your car. For buybacks and returns, place books on the curb next to your car and Follett staff will collect them, process the transaction and call you with confirmation.
Are Cal Lutheran's Woodland Hills, Westlake Village, Oxnard and Santa Maria centers open?
They are all closed.
What is the status of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley?
The seminary facility is closed. Classes and events are being offered virtually.
Will there be places to study in fall?
Yes, we will work to meet students' needs for study spaces in fall.
What changes will be made to support physical distancing?
All furnishings in common areas including dining facilities, Pearson Library and the Student Union will be reconfigured so that individuals are seated six feet apart. Six-foot markings will be placed where lines tend to form. All workspaces will be configured so that workers are seated at least six feet apart. One-way paths will be marked through buildings, including stairwells.
What should students, faculty and staff do to protect themselves?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
What should students do if they have cold or flu symptoms?
- If symptoms are mild to moderate, like with most colds, we recommend treating yourself with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter cold & flu medications.
- If you have a fever or cough, please call our office at 805-493-3225 before you come in to discuss your symptoms and to determine if you should be seen at Health Services.
- If you develop shortness of breath, call your doctor and seek care immediately.
How is Health Services operating?
- Students need to make an appointment before coming into Health Services for any reason. Students can contact Health Services by calling 805-493-3225 or emailing StudentHealth@CalLutheran.edu. Staff will do their best to answer or return calls and emails in a timely manner.
- For summer, the office is open 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 to 11:15 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays.
Does Health Services have the test for COVID-19?
For Fall Semester, Health Services has purchased a system that will enable staff to test all students who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to the virus and get results in 15 to 45 minutes. They are working on plans to provide antibody testing. Currently, Health Services has a very limited supply of testing swabs and the protective wear needed to administer them. We can test for COVID-19 through Quest Diagnostics. There are some drive-through clinics for COVID-19.
Does Health Services conduct contract tracing?
Yes. Several staff members completed professional training for contact tracing. Students, faculty and staff will be notified if they may have had close contact with a COVID-positive individual on university property and instructed on what they should do to protect themselves and others.
Do I need to let anyone at Cal Lutheran know if an off-campus health provider tests me for COVID-19 or tells me I likely have it?
Yes, please email Health Services Director Kerri Lauchner at klauchne@CalLutheran.edu. Do not wait for test results.
Can students get masks at Health Services?
Health Services has a limited supply of surgical masks ONLY for students seen by a
provider in our office for respiratory symptoms and for our own staff. Surgical masks
help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19 when worn by a sick
person by catching respiratory droplets from that person’s coughs or sneezes.
What is being done to inform the campus community about how to reduce risk?
A Health Education Committee made up of staff and faculty are working to create signs, training and a social media campaign targeting staff, faculty and students with information on steps that should be taken to reduce risk. Before coming on-site for fall semester, all students, faculty and staff will need to sign a university compact agreeing to follow several protocols to protect the health of our community.
Will New Student Orientation be held before Fall Semester?
Yes, but it will be primarily virtual with some small in-person gatherings held if allowable under health regulations.
Are Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) still available?
- Yes, but all services are now provided remotely.
- Staff also are providing phone crisis management. If you are experiencing a psychological emergency, a clinician will be able to assist you during emergency hours 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Teletherapy is only available to students residing in California. If you need help finding additional resources or referrals, call CAPS at 805-493-3727
- Starting March 30, there will not be any staff in the office. Students can contact CAPS at 805-493-3727. Virtual office hours run from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.
What should I do if I am concerned about another student?
The Campus Awareness, Referral, and Education (CARE) Team remains a resource for any students of concern. If you are worried about the well-being of a peer, you may go to the CARE webpage at https://www.callutheran.edu/care/ or submit a report to care@CalLutheran.edu.
Are Disability Support Services still available?
Yes. Accommodations for students with disabilities will still be delivered, but modifications may need to be made for virtual learning. Contact the office at dss@CalLutheran.edu or 805-493-3464.
Will Student Life activities continue?
Student Life is implementing a series of opportunities to engage virtually. Please follow us on Instagram @clustudentlife, on Facebook.com/CLUStudentLife/, and on Twitter @clustudentlife.
How can I receive help from Career Services?
- Career Services will be serving students via phone, email and Skype. The office is also active on Instagram and Facebook so you can message the staff and read the great career-related content they share. The office is closed for in-person meetings with the exception of processing student worker employment paperwork (one at a time to ensure six-foot foot distance between people). Directions are posted on the front door on how to proceed with on-campus work student job paperwork. For those needing counseling or advising, please complete the “MAKE AN APPOINTMENT” form or “Ask a Question” on our homepage.
- We will continue to answer career questions, review resumes and cover letters, discuss networking, search for internships, advise on graduate school, conduct mock interviews, assist with salary negotiations, and help students and alumni navigate the current waters when employers are less likely to meet in person.
- Find over 100+ sample files related to job/internship searches, resume writing, interviews, etc., in the document library under the Resources tab at www.clupostings.com. You can also upload a resume, cover letter or personal statement there for review by a counselor within 48 hours. We still plan to post over 200 jobs weekly.
Is the mailroom still operating?
Yes, mail and packages will continue to be distributed, although we are implementing social-distancing practices to avoid contact between people. The mailroom is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Are Campus Safety officers still on campus?
Yes, Campus Safety is continuing to operate on its full shift schedule and keeping its office open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily to keep those who remain on campus safe and be responsive to their needs. Call Campus Safety at 805-493-3208. For emergencies, call Campus Safety at 805-493-3911.
What staff remain on campus to serve students' needs?
Health Services, Residence Life, Campus Safety and Facilities (including housekeeping) staff are among the personnel who will continue working on campus. Facilities staff are operating with "skeleton crews." Others are working from home to continue business operations. Report any immediate facilities needs to Campus Safety at 805-493-3208. If you need assistance from any other office on campus, such as Financial Aid or Student Support Services, begin by calling or emailing that office.
What can I do if COVID-19 has impacted my financial ability to continue my education?
Contact Financial Aid at finaid@CalLutheran.edu or 805-493-3115.
How can I receive care from Campus Ministry?
Campus Ministry will be offering a number of virtual resources. By visiting the Campus Ministry website, you can request a prayer, set up time to talk one-on-one with a member of the Campus Ministry staff, find opportunities to worship and receive a pep talk.
How do I access food, gift cards and meal swipes from the Community Cupboard inside Samuelson Chapel?
Although the Chapel is locked, the cupboard is still accessible to students by calling Campus Safety at 805-493-3208 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After 5 p.m. and on weekends, call Campus Safety at 805-493-3911, and they will meet you to let you inside. To receive grocery story gift cards, contact Chris Paul at clpaul@CalLutheran.edu or the Residence Life Office at reslife@CalLutheran.edu or 805-493-3220. To apply for Ullman Commons meal swipes, click here. Note the number of meals per week that you think you will need. Students will be notified by email once meals have been added to their ID card and given instructions on how to use those meals.
How is student employment being handled?
- If you are able to continue working virtually or in person, you will be allowed to
do so. Please make arrangements with your supervisor and fill out your Web Time Entry through Self-Service as usual. Students may continue
to work up to 15 hours per week.
What is the status of the 2020 Commencement ceremonies?
Because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that all in-person events with 50 or more people be canceled for at least eight weeks and those with 10 or more people for 15 days, we have canceled all such in-person events through May 20. Unfortunately, that means that our traditional in-person Commencement ceremonies cannot be held in May. We will hold virtual ceremonies during the weekend of May 15-16. The virtual Graduate Commencement ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. May 15, and the virtual Undergraduate Commencement will be held at 10 a.m. May 16. Go to CalLutheran/Commencement to view them.
We will also hold in-person Commencement ceremonies at a later date. We will do the same for PLTS. A survey of graduating students showed that their preference would be to hold the in-person ceremonies in December. The Commencement Committee is putting together plans for holding the in-person ceremonies on Dec. 18 and 19 in hopes that COVID-19-related restrictions on large gatherings will be lifted by that time. If we find out we can go forward with these dates, we will share the details with graduates. The Class of 2020 has accomplished and been through a lot. The students deserve a way to celebrate, and we will find ways to recognize and congratulate them.
Can I still get a cap and gown? Can I get a refund for an order I already placed?
Jostens began shipping caps and gowns that had been ordered but not delivered yet on May 3. Jostens expects that students should receive their orders by May 10. You can still order a cap and gown online through Jostens. Students who want to return their cap and gown or have questions regarding regalia should email Campus Store Manager Anna Wells at awells@follett.com.
How can I get the cords I earned and ordered?
The Registrar's Office mailed honors cords to students' homes on April 24. For more information, email academicservices@CalLutheran.edu.
Will graduation fees be refunded because in-person Commencement ceremonies will not be held in May?
Graduation fees not only go to part of the cost of Commencement ceremonies, but also to diplomas, transcripts and other costs not related to the ceremonies. And Commencement ceremonies will still be held. Virtual ceremonies will be held in May, and in-person ceremonies will be held at a later date. If costs decrease, we could refund a portion of the fee.
Cal Lutheran realizes our international students have special considerations regarding the policies/procedures related to COVID-19.
Read the FAQ from the Office of International Students and Scholars
Cal Lutheran requested in spring that all students come home immediately to their residence in the U.S. from their study abroad/away program and later extended the suspension of international study aborad programs through Fall 2020.
- Absence and Sick Leave Process FAQ (en español)
- View instructions for accessing the campus VPN
- How to forward your Shoretel phone calls to your cell phone
Who should be reporting to work in person?
A limited number of employees have been authorized by cabinet members to work onsite.
We request that everyone else work remotely from home.
Will more staff members work onsite during Fall Semester?
Yes, but those who can continue to work successfully from home will be asked to do so.
Is Cal Lutheran doing anything to address employees' individual needs in regard to planning for more people to work onsite in fall?
Yes, we are surveying all employees to find out if they face any barriers to working from home or onsite so we can address individual needs. Please complete the survey in your MyCLU portal, and update as the situation changes.
What changes will be made to support physical distancing?
All furnishings in common areas including dining facilities, Pearson Library and the Student Union will be reconfigured so that individuals are seated six feet apart. Six-foot markings will be placed where lines tend to form. All workspaces will be configured so that workers are seated at least six feet apart. One-way paths will be marked through buildings, including stairwells.
What if I want to access my office?
Employees who periodically need to visit campus as part of essential work can do so
if authorized by the president or vice president overseeing their division. Starting
April 1, card access to all buildings will be restricted to only those with this authorization.
If any other staff members want access after this time, they need to request it in
advance by emailing campussafety@CalLutheran.edu. We ask the following of everyone while in our facilities:
- Visit our facilities only if absolutely necessary to perform your essential functions and only enter your specific area.
- Wear non-medical face coverings over your mouth and nose.
- Limit touches to any surfaces and wash hands following any contact.
- Do not use the mailroom for delivery of personal packages.
- Do not ask Campus Safety, Facilities or Mailroom staff to hold items for transfer to other individuals.
What is the plan for the Fredrickson Family Early Childhood Center?
The center's staff is consulting with parents in order to begin developing plans for reopening.
How should I submit requests for payment if I am working from home?
You can submit all documentation for payment electronically by email. Send scanned copies of the invoice, request for payment, reimbursement request and purchase requisition. An approval response via email will suffice in lieu of the signature on the document. Send the entire email chain with documents and approval to accountspayable@CalLutheran.edu. If you have additional questions, email Accounts Payable or call 805-493-3641.
What is the university's travel policy?
All travel is restricted for university personnel. Until Cal Lutheran lifts the travel freeze, university funds cannot be applied for any faculty or staff travel: international or domestic. The following considerations need to be kept in mind:
- The university has placed a freeze on all university-related travel as of March 2020.
- The Business Office is not processing reimbursement/advancement for travel as it is presently restricted.
- The university’s international insurance policy (EIIA/EuropAssist) is not in effect for non-authorized university international travel.
- If the university releases its freeze on travel, the ability to travel to an international location is still dependent upon certain factors and requires vetting through the Center for Global Engagement (CGE):
o What is the country’s DOS/CDC/WHO rating?
o Is the city’s warning level different from the country warning level?
o Is the university’s international insurance provider (EIIA/EuropAssist) providing coverage in the destination?
- Any faculty or staff member planning business international travel should submit their information to the Cal Lutheran Faculty/Staff Travel Registry gForm so the CGE can provide guidance and notify individuals if restrictions are lifted.
Please contact CGE at global@CalLutheran.edu with any questions about the travel freeze and/or the Travel Registry.
How will meetings be held in fall?
Staff and faculty will be asked to conduct all meetings, even those with few participants, in a virtual format.
Should employees be concerned about job security?
We are not closing. We are continuing to provide education and services to students, and the faculty and staff are doing great work in spite of the current challenges. We are continuing to employ and pay staff and faculty on a regular basis. The university is still moving forward.
Read the Academic Affairs Continuity Plan to learn about offering your courses in a virtual delivery format
Read the March 9 update on Faculty Preparations for COVID-19
View instructions for accessing the campus VPN
How to forward your Shortel phone calls to your cell phone
Is Cal Lutheran doing anything to address the individual needs of faculty members in regard to planning whether courses will be offered virtually or in-person in the fall?
Yes, we are surveying all faculty members to find out if they face any barriers to teaching virtually or in-person. We are not requiring any faculty member who feels they are unable to teach classes in-person to do so. Please complete the survey in your MyCLU portal by July 10.
What are you doing to make classrooms safe for face-to-face classes?
Furniture has been reconfigured and marked so that students will be seated six feet apart. We are upgrading to hospital-grade (MERV 13) filters in all HVAC systems in order to filter fine particles. We will increase the amount of outside air in classrooms. Acrylic barriers to instructor stations are being installed in smaller classrooms. All surfaces, door handles, instructor stations and chairs will be disinfected with an EPA-approved product each day. Disinfecting wipes will be stocked in each learning space so that users can clean surfaces throughout the day. Some classes will be moved into larger event spaces or, with faculty approval, outdoors. Tents can provide shade and spaces such as the CLU Garden have wi-fi. Faculty and students will be required to wear face coverings.
What changes will be made to support physical distancing?
All furnishings in common areas including dining facilities, Pearson Library and the Student Union will be reconfigured so that individuals are seated six feet apart. Six-foot markings will be placed where lines tend to form. All workspaces will be configured so that workers are seated at least six feet apart. One-way paths will be marked through buildings, including stairwells.
Can I come on campus if necessary?
Faculty who periodically need to visit campus as part of essential work can do so
if authorized by Provost Leanne Neilson. Starting April 1, card access to all buildings will be restricted to only those with
this authorization. If any faculty members want access after this time, they need
to request it in advance by emailing campussafety@CalLutheran.edu. We ask the following of everyone while in our facilities:
- Visit our facilities only if absolutely necessary to perform your essential functions and only enter your specific area.
- Wear non-medical face coverings over your mouth and nose.
- Limit touches to any surfaces and wash hands following any contact.
- Do not use the mailroom for delivery of personal packages.
- Do not ask Campus Safety, Facilities or Mailroom staff to hold items for transfer to other individuals.
What is the plan for the Fredrickson Family Early Childhood Center?
The center's staff is consulting with parents in order to begin planning for reopening.
How should I submit requests for payment if I am working from home?
You can submit all documentation for payment electronically by email. Send scanned copies of the invoice, request for payment, reimbursement request and purchase requisition. An approval response via email will suffice in lieu of the signature on the document. Send the entire email chain with documents and approval to accountspayable@CalLutheran.edu. If you have additional questions, email Accounts Payable or call 805-493-3641.
What is the university's travel policy?
All travel is restricted for university personnel. Until Cal Lutheran lifts the travel freeze, university funds cannot be applied for any faculty or staff travel: international or domestic. The following considerations need to be kept in mind:
- The university has placed a freeze on all university-related travel as of March 2020.
- The Business Office is not processing reimbursement/advancement for travel as it is presently restricted.
- The university’s international insurance policy (EIIA/EuropAssist) is not in effect for non-authorized university international travel.
- If the university releases its freeze on travel, the ability to travel to an international location is still dependent upon certain factors and requires vetting through the Center for Global Engagement (CGE):
o What is the country’s DOS/CDC/WHO rating?
o Is the city’s warning level different from the country warning level?
o Is the university’s international insurance provider (EIIA/EuropAssist) providing coverage in the destination?
- Any faculty or staff member planning business international travel should submit their information to the Cal Lutheran Faculty/Staff Travel Registry gForm so the CGE can provide guidance and notify individuals if restrictions are lifted.
Please contact CGE at global@CalLutheran.edu with any questions about the travel freeze and/or the Travel Registry.
How will meetings be held in fall?
Staff and faculty will be asked to conduct all meetings, even those with few participants, in a virtual format. Student advising meetings will be held virtually.
Should employees be concerned about job security?
We are not closing. We are continuing to provide education and services to students, and the faculty and staff are doing great work in spite of the current challenges. We are continuing to employ and pay staff and faculty on a regular basis. The university is still moving forward.
Are any Cal Lutheran facilities open to the public?
No, all of our facilities are closed. The William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art and Kwan Fong Gallery of Art and Culture are offering free virtual exhibits and lectures. For more information, check the Arts & Events section at CalLutheran.edu, email rtschmid@CalLutheran.edu or call 805-493-3697.
Can the public come on the Thousand Oaks campus?
Yes, but only walking, running or biking through campus is allowed until further notice in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Basically, we ask that you keep moving. Gathering in groups is not permitted. Please also cover your mouth and nose. Your cooperation will enable us to keep our beautiful campus open to the public while protecting the community and the limited number of students and staff who remain on-site. We look forward to the day when we can once again open up our campus more widely to the community!
Are face coverings required on university property?
Yes, face coverings must be worn in any space, whether indoors or outdoors, where other people have access.
What is the status of athletics?
NCAA and SCIAC canceled winter championships and the spring seasons. NCAA announced it would issue blanket eligibility waivers for student athletes involved in spring sports. If Cal Lutheran teams compete in fall, it would be SCIAC competitions only. We are awaiting SCIAC's decision on whether there will be fall sports. If there are fall sports, we would follow guidance from health, conference and NCAA officials regarding athletic practices and games.
Will in-person events be held in fall?
On-campus university events will be restricted in fall. Criteria, including gathering limits, will be released prior to the fall semester. Events sponsored by outside groups will be severely restricted, if not eliminated.
Why has Cal Lutheran changed its policies in regard to COVID-19 so many times?
Cal Lutheran administrators are continuously monitoring COVID-19 developments and the recommendations coming from county, state, federal and global agencies. The situation changes daily, sometimes hourly, and we constantly re-evaluate our policies to make sure we are doing everything we should to protect our community. This has led to several changes, and may lead to more. We also plan to hold a virtual PLTS commencement in spring followed by an in-person ceremony at a later date.