Current Status

Find Contact Information

COVID-19 Case, Swenson Science Center Exterior Worker

Jun. 4, 2020,  12:45 pm

Dear Cal Lutheran Community,

I am writing to let you know that we were notified last night that a construction worker who spent one day outdoors on the Thousand Oaks campus tested positive for COVID-19 and may have been contagious when onsite. There is no risk of transmission to the Cal Lutheran community.

The individual worked on the exterior plaza of the Swenson Science Center on Memorial Day, May 25. The worker did not enter the building under construction and has not returned to campus since that day. On May 26, the worker experienced symptoms and got tested. The worker received the positive result yesterday.

No members of the Cal Lutheran community were exposed to the individual. The worker is an employee of a subcontractor that was the only construction group on the jobsite that day. The individual’s coworkers, who were socially distanced from the individual during the workday, have been in quarantine since the result was released and do not show any symptoms. They have all been tested for COVID-19 with those results pending.

The subcontractor notified the general contractor of the positive test yesterday. The general contractor has been following strict social-distancing protocol drafted for construction projects. As a precaution, the general contractor performed additional deep-cleaning of all portable restroom facilities on the construction site.

We will continue to monitor all developments, take action to protect the health of our community and keep you informed through emails and updates to our Coronavirus Information webpage. We will notify the campus community about COVID-19 cases if the timeline indicates there is a chance that the person was contagious when they were at Cal Lutheran locations. Please follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations to protect yourself.

If you have any questions, email covidquestions@callutheran.edu.

Thank you for all you are doing to keep our community safe and healthy.

Ryan Van Ommeren
Director, Emergency Operations Center
AVP Operations and Planning
California Lutheran University

Fall 2020 Guidelines and Survey

May. 28, 2020,  5:29 pm

Dear Cal Lutheran Community,

We have established some guidelines that will be followed as we plan for Fall 2020 and posted them here. There is information on how different academic programs will offer classes as well as plans regarding social distancing, testing, monitoring and operations.

These guidelines are based on current directives from county, state and federal public health officials and the American College Health Association. We expect changes to these directives over the following weeks. Accordingly, this document is meant as a starting point for fall planning and is expected to change over time.  

Additionally, we have developed surveys for students, faculty and staff to help us prepare for fall and work toward accommodating individual needs. Please answer the brief questionnaire as soon as possible, and update it as circumstances change.

Ryan VanOmmeren
Director, Emergency Operations Committee
Associate VP, Operations and Planning
California Lutheran University

An Update on Fall Planning

May. 3, 2020,  2:45 pm

Dear Cal Lutheran Community,

As we head into the last weeks of a spring semester deeply affected by COVID-19, I know that many are wondering whether Cal Lutheran’s operations will return to normal this fall. 

All of our graduate, traditional undergraduate and Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals programs will be offered in the fall. Our goal is to resume in-person classes in fall and bring students, faculty and staff back to our campuses and centers, following whatever social-distancing protocols public health officials enact. We are in continuing contact with local officials and closely monitoring changing requirements and projections in hopes of getting a clearer indication in the coming weeks of what restrictions will be in place before we make final decisions.

We can tell you now that, come fall, the new Swenson Science Center will be open, the new music production studio will be ready, our inaugural cohort of AmeriCorps Fellows will begin preparing to serve vulnerable populations, and we will offer the new ethnic and race studies major. A major in sports management is in the final stage of approval, and we look forward to launching it in the fall. We also will continue to provide our 4 to Finish Guarantee so that participating students can be assured they will graduate in four years or we’ll cover the cost of the extra time.

As we wait for public health directives, teams of staff and faculty members are preparing for many possible scenarios. These plans would provide varying levels of social distancing and protection for our community. Our small class sizes make this easier. Just a few of the ideas being considered are the following:

• Spreading out classes across days and times and moving classes into larger spaces
• Hybrid in-person/virtual instruction
• Changing the start of the semester
• Reducing the number of residential students living in suites
• Reducing the number of staff working on-site
• Providing for safe distancing in dining areas and expanding to-go service
• Accommodating athletics, performing arts and other extracurricular activities that can safely meet social-distancing requirements
• Expanding Health Services’ capacity for COVID-19 testing

Staff and faculty are coming up with creative approaches to following whatever requirements we may have in the fall while still providing a high-quality education and the best possible experience for students. We are well-prepared to decide quickly on a plan and implement it once we have more definitive directions from public health officials. We will immediately communicate that plan to you.

We know it is difficult to live with the uncertainty that this pandemic has brought to our lives. What you can be certain of is that we will continue to educate students and prioritize the well-being of our Cal Lutheran community. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we chart our path forward. 

Chris Kimball
President

Continued Limited Access and Social Distancing

Apr. 20, 2020,  4:25 pm

Cal Lutheran Staff and Faculty,

Over the last two to three weeks, we have asked staff and faculty to limit visits to campus and minimize contact with those who continue to work onsite, such as Campus Safety and Mailroom personnel. 

Based on electronic access control records and requests for service, we know that staff and faculty have largely complied with these directives, and we appreciate all of your efforts to keep the university functioning while staying at home.

On Saturday, the County of Ventura announced some easing of restrictions, including increasing the limit on the size of gatherings to five individuals and allowing nonessential businesses to reopen with a handful of employees but no customers. Please know that although we had already decided to allow some additional business areas to resume on-campus work on a very limited basis this week, we will not be making any changes to our current practices in response to the county’s eased restrictions.

The employees allowed to work on campus this week should have received an email with individualized “Social-Distancing Protocol” from their supervisor or vice president. Please ensure that you comply with the restrictions in the protocol, and please let me know if you did not receive the document.

Finally, employees are encouraged to cover their faces when on campus as an extra precaution to prevent spreading the virus.

Thank you for all of the steps that you have taken to keep our campus safe.

Sincerely,

Ryan VanOmmeren
Director, Emergency Operations Center
Associate VP, Operations and Planning

Students: Student Affairs Updates

Apr. 9, 2020,  4:19 pm

Dear Students,

I hope this message finds you safe and well. I have a number of Student Affairs department updates to share including sources of care and support, housing application deadlines, service opportunities, and ways to connect virtually and have some fun. 

Student Health

• Students can reach our office by calling (805) 493-3225 or emailing us at StudentHealth@callutheran.edu. We will do our best to answer or return calls and emails in a timely manner. Remember that everyone must have an appointment to come into Health Services although many visits can be accomplished virtually. Please call us for an appointment.
• We continue to see students same day or next day when an appointment is needed. We are prepared to delay routine physicals and some non-urgent visits and make other changes to our schedule to best serve our most ill students.  Health Services will also use tele-health visits and any other changes that may be recommended by public health authorities. Call us if you are concerned about medication refills or to find a provider. 
• Health Services is working very hard during this situation to keep the community healthy and take care of students and their medical needs. We appreciate any steps students take to maintain their health and the health of those around them by taking such actions as washing hands frequently and maintaining social distancing.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

• CAPS is maintaining virtual office hours Monday–Friday of 9am–12pm, and 1pm–5pm. Teletherapy is available to students who are interested and meet requirements. You are welcome to call us at (805) 493-3727 to schedule or to ask any questions.
• Please visit the CAPS website at CalLutheran.edu/caps if you need resources for mental health support.
• If you are experiencing a psychological emergency, a clinician will be able to assist you over phone during our emergency hours of Monday–Friday from 9am–10:30am, and 1pm–3:30pm. Just dial (805) 493-3727.  If you are experiencing a psychological emergency outside of office hours dial 911, call the suicide helpline at 1-800-273-8255, or text “START” to 741-741. You can also call the Disaster Distress Helpline for COVID-19 stress at 1-800-985-5990.

 Residence Life

• The Residence Life Office is not physically open but the staff are working remotely and can be contacted via email or at (805) 493-3220.
• April 7-April 15: All students who would like to live on-campus must complete the Continuing Student Housing Application for Fall 2020. If you need access to the application, or know someone who needs the application, please email reslife@callutheran.edu. The application can be found here. The new deadline for housing application submissions is April 15th at 11:59pm. Any application received after that date will not be eligible to participate in Suite Selection.
• April 16-17: All students that have completed the housing application will be emailed specific suite selection date and time, during which you can log in and select your room for next year.
• April 20-May 1: Suite Selection! Simply log on to the Residence system during your allotted time, view available rooms, and select a room for your group to live in.
• Please visit our Residence Life website for further information and FAQ’s.

CARE Team

• 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 CalLutheran.edu/care or submit a report to care@callutheran.edu. 

Career Services

• Career Services office continues to serve students via phone, email and Skype. We are also active on Instagram & Facebook (@CLUCareer) so you can message us and read the great career related content we share. We are unable to take in-person meetings at this time. 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/cover letters, discuss networking, internship searches, graduate school advising, mock interviews, salary negotiations, and helping you to navigate the waters as employers are less likely to meet in person. Some employers are still hiring and many are still screening applications even though you may not start until summer. 
• Find over 100+ sample files related to job/internship searches, resume writing, interviews, etc. available in the document library under “Resources” tab at the www.clupostings.com You can also upload a resume, cover letters, or personal statement there for review by a counselor within 48 hours. We still plan to post over 200 jobs weekly but interviews will be virtual or phone.

Student Life

• For general questions, current students can email us at stulifeapp@callutheran.edu. If prospective students have a question about Fall New Student Orientation, they can email us at orientation@callutheran.edu.  
• Student Life is implementing a series of opportunities for students to engage virtually. This includes an upcoming Primetime LIVE series on Instagram the week of April 20th-24th. Make sure to tune into Instagram Live each night at 7:00pm PST for some interactive demos!  We are also partnering with Save the Children the week of May 4th, students can upload a video of themselves on IGTV reading a children’s book to contribute to the campaign and tag @clustudentlife and #savewithstories. For each submission, Student Life will donate $5 toward the cause (up to $1,000).
• Please follow us on Instagram @clustudentlife and on Facebook.com/CLUStudentLife/ and on Twitter @clustudentlife you can also check the HUB for more information on upcoming virtual events.  

It is my hope that we will all be on campus together before too long.  Each one of you is an important member of this community and we miss seeing you!  Please continue to take good care of yourselves and each other. 

All best wishes,

Melinda Roper, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Students: Updates from Academic Affairs

Apr. 9, 2020,  1:43 pm

Dear Cal Lutheran Students,

These continue to be very difficult times that we’re living in, and we want you to know that we are concerned about your wellbeing. We hope that you and your loved ones are safe. If you need help with anything, please email us at acaffairs@callutheran.edu and we will seek support for you.

As the Academic Team at Cal Lutheran, we’ve put together the following information to keep you informed about your current and future courses:

Summer Courses:  Two days ago, we made the decision to put your health as our number one priority and to offer all of our summer courses virtually. In the past weeks, our faculty members worked hard at re-creating their in-person courses as virtual courses on the fly, and we have all learned a lot. For the summer, we have increased our online offerings and we have upgraded the virtual course experience for you. Here’s some more specific information about summer courses by program area:

• Traditional Undergraduates: You can find information on summer courses at our Summer @ Cal Lutheran website, which will continue to be updated as we finalize plans for the summer. Please also feel free to contact your faculty advisor for more information.
• Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals: You should proceed registering for your summer courses as planned.
• School of Management Graduate Students: Some of the 11-week summer term courses that were originally planned as in-person courses have been switched to equivalent 8-week courses specifically designed for online delivery. Please contact your program director or administrator for further information.

Registration for Fall Classes: If you haven’t registered yet for the fall, you should take care of this a.s.a.p. to make sure you get the classes you need. Self-Service Student Planning and WebAdvisor are available for registration for both summer and fall. If you have questions about a Business Hold on your student account that is keeping you from registering for classes, you can contact Student Accounts at stuaccts@callutheran.edu. 

• Traditional Undergraduates: If you have not registered for the fall, your faculty advisor will be reaching out to you. You can also contact Academic Services atacademicservices@callutheran.edu for assistance.  
• Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals: Registration for the 11-week fall term begins in June. You should contact your Professionals academic counselor for assistance.
• School of Management Graduate Students: Registration for the 11-week fall term begins in June.
• Graduate School of Psychology: MFT and MS Clinical Psych students should immediately contact Ms. Mengmeng Liu if you have not registered for Summer or Fall.

Access to Technology: If your circumstances change and you don’t have access to technology for your classes, please tell your faculty so they’re aware. You should also reach out to ITS if you need technical support by creating a ticket at helpdesk@callutheran.edu or calling (805) 493-3698.

Current Courses: Please be aware that faculty have been given flexibility in how to teach their courses virtually for this semester/term. Some are using Zoom, but they are not required to do so. Also, not all courses will include a synchronous meeting between faculty and students. If you are having any issues with your courses, please contact Provost Leanne Neilson at neilson@callutheran.edu.

Our best wishes to you,

The Academic Affairs Team

Additional Policies Regarding on-Campus Work or Visits

Apr. 3, 2020,  12:46 pm

Cal Lutheran Staff, Faculty and Students,

We are enacting several new policies in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to the limited number of residential students and employees remaining on our Thousand Oaks campus. These measures account for the possibility that an individual can carry this virus for days without having symptoms or knowing they have it. Every touch of a common surface on campus and every interaction with people risks spreading it. 

We ask that all members of the community treat all surfaces as if the surfaces have been exposed to the virus, and both limit touches to those surfaces and wash hands following any contact.

We also ask the following:

1) Cover your face when visiting the campus – Yesterday, Ventura County Public Health adopted new guidance regarding face coverings. Accordingly, individuals are strongly encouraged to wear non-medical face coverings when on campus.  Guidance on making a homemade mask can be found here.

2) If you are staff or faculty, do not use the mailroom for delivery of your personal packages – We need to limit contact within the mailroom to items for residential students, staff members who reside on campus and business operations. 
 

3) Do not ask Campus Safety, Facilities or the Mail Room to hold an item to transfer to another individual – Although it may be convenient to drop off an item to the remaining staff on campus to transfer to another individual, this practice exposes those employees to unnecessary risk. 
 

4) If you have retained card access, only visit the campus if absolutely necessary to perform your function and limit your visit to your specific area.

Thank you for both taking steps to limit your exposure to the virus and to ensure that you don’t unknowingly spread it others.

Ryan VanOmmeren
Director, Emergency Operations Center
Associate VP, Operations and Planning

Cal Lutheran COVID-19 Case

Apr. 1, 2020,  3:19 pm

Dear Cal Lutheran Community,

I am writing to let you know that, for the first time, a member of our university community has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. There is no threat to our campus community, but I know that hearing that one of us has COVID-19 may add to the anxiety that all of us are experiencing.

The individual is doing well, recovering from mild symptoms at home. The person last visited a university facility, a satellite center, on March 10, and didn’t experience symptoms until March 23. Based on the length of time between the person’s visit to the center and the appearance of symptoms, the Ventura County Public Health Department does not think that there was any risk of exposure to the Cal Lutheran community. Nonetheless, we appreciate that the individual notified us about the positive test results yesterday.
 
This positive test result does not change our current approach to this situation, as we had previously enacted all the measures necessary to limit campus exposure. We have reduced our on-site population to only those with an essential need to be on campus. All classes are being held virtually. By 5 p.m. today, all but 67 students who need to remain on campus will have returned to their homes. Starting today, we are restricting card access to buildings to only those employees who have been identified as needing to be on campus to provide critical services.

We will continue to monitor all developments locally and nationally, take action to protect the health of our community, and keep you informed through emails and updates to our Coronavirus Information webpage.

Thank you for the patience, compassion and support you are showing each other as we work through these challenges. We will get through this together.

Stay safe and healthy,
 
Chris Kimball
President

Further Restrictions to Cal Lutheran Facilities Starting April 01, 2020

Apr. 1, 2020,  8:55 am

Faculty/Staff: Reporting of COVID-19 testing/diagnosis

Mar. 23, 2020,  1:54 pm

Although most Cal Lutheran employees are now working from home, the need for us to monitor COVID-19 developments within our university community continues. Anyone who is tested for COVID-19 or told by a healthcare provider that they likely have COVID-19, even if they are not tested, should notify Human Resources at hr@callutheran.edu as soon as possible. Please don’t wait for test results before contacting Human Resources.
 
Thank you for helping us protect the health of our community.

Chris Kimball

Students: Reporting of COVID-19 testing/diagnosis

Mar. 23, 2020,  1:35 pm

Dear Students,

I am thinking about all of you and hope this message finds you well.  Although most of you are now attending class virtually from home, the need for us to monitor COVID-19 developments within our university community continues. Anyone who is tested for COVID-19 or told by a healthcare provider that they likely have COVID-19, even if they are not tested, should notify Health Services by going to their webpage and following the instructions for reporting as soon as possible.  Please do not wait for test results before contacting Health Services.

Thank you for helping us protect the health of the Cal Lutheran community.

Take good care,

Melinda Roper, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Campus Services for Students

Mar. 23, 2020,  1:01 pm

This is to provide additional information regarding operational services available to commuter and remaining residential students at the Thousand Oaks campus in the following areas:

1)     Campus Safety
2)     Facilities Maintenance
3)     Campus Dining
4)     Postal and Shipping Service (Mail Room)
5)     Campus Store 

This is in response to the “Stay at Home” directive from Gov. Newsom.

1)   Campus Safety – Campus Safety will operate with regular shifts and the Campus Safety office will be open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays. Campus Safety can be contacted at 805-493-3208 or, for emergencies, 805-493-3911.

2)   Facilities Management – Facilities management will provide regular facilities services such as housekeeping and emergency facilities response to occupied buildings on campus.  If services are needed, students are asked to report any immediate facilities needs to the Campus Safety number provided above.

3)    Campus Dining – Ullman Commons will be open regularly scheduled hours until March 31.  Hours following March 31 will be determined based on on-going demand.  Additionally:

1. All food will be served as take-out.
2. Ullman Commons will be open and meal plans will be able to be utilized during next week’s rescheduled spring break.
3. Starbucks at Jack’s, Jamba Juice, Ullman to Go and The Habit will be closed until further notice.
4. Students who are not on meal plans and who need financial assistant for food can contact the campus pantry at (805) 493-3228 or apply online at https://callutheran.sodexomyway.com/explore/swipe_out_hunger
5. For further Sodexo related questions students may call Patti Yantzer, General Manager, at (805) 493-3204 or email Patricia.Yantzer@Sodexo.com

4)   Postal and Shipping Services (Mailroom) – The mailroom will be open from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM starting Monday, March 23.  Mail and package distribution to students will occur as it does under normal circumstances.

5)   Campus Store

1. For students who still desire a cap and gown you may order online at http://www.jostens.com.
2. ​For students who would like to return their cap and gown and or have questions regarding commencement regalia please email Anna Wells, Campus Store Manager, at awells@follett.com
3. For students who need to return a rental book you may access shipping labels in your rental account anytime, at your convenience; as a reminder you have until May 15 to return rental books.   

• Go to clushop.com.
• Log in to your account via the top right sign-in icon.
• Select the My Account link found at the top right bar of the screen.
• From the My Account screen, choose the Rentals options.
• In the Rentals section, you should see a list of your current rentals.
• Check the box next to each rental to be returned or select return all rentals by mail link.
• Select CHECK-IN button. The Return By Mail screen displays.
• Select Continue. The Generate Your Return Label screen displays.
• Select Get Label.
• Select Print, then Close Window. A packing slip and package labels are printed.
• Place the books in a box with the packing slip and affix label to the box
• Take your package to any location that ships FedEx Ground – shipping is free!​
• (NOTE: You will not see this option if you do not have any book rentals)

For any further Campus Store related questions you may call Anna Wells, Campus Store Manager, at (805) 493-3272 or email 0846mgr@follett.com.

Spring Break Change

Mar. 20, 2020,  7:12 pm

Dear Campus Community,
 
As we deal with all of the changes happening with COVID-19, we have decided to take the suggestion of many students, and the endorsement of Provost Leanne Neilson, to move Spring Break to March 21-29 and have no classes next week. This means that classes will meet April 6-9, when Spring Break was previously scheduled. Good Friday, April 10, will still be a holiday, and classes will resume after Easter on the morning of Monday, April 13.
 
Because this unprecedented situation has had such a great impact, we are canceling all classes next week, including those on the 11-week and 8-week schedules, even though they do not normally have a Spring Break. This includes Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals and many of our graduate programs. Faculty will need to adjust their syllabus to allow for this reduction of one week in the schedule.
 
As a summary, classes will meet virtually as follows:
 
- March 21 – March 29:  No classes
- March 30 - April 9:  Classes meet virtually
- April 10 – April 12:  No classes for Good Friday through Easter
- April 13 – May 15:  Classes meet virtually (Finals week is May 11-15)

Ullman Dining will remain available to residential students next week, as described in today’s email from Ryan VanOmmeren, and will be accepting student meal plans.

Stay healthy and keep the faith!

Chris Kimball
President

**********

Estimada comunidad del campus,

Mientras nos ocupamos de todos los cambios que ocurren con COVID-19, hemos decidido tomar la sugerencia de muchos estudiantes, y la aprobación de la rectora Leanne Neilson, para cambiar las vacaciones de primavera del 21 al 29 de marzo y no tener clases la próxima semana. Esto significa que las clases se reunirán del 6 al 9 de abril. El Viernes Santo, 10 de abril, seguirá siendo día de feria, y las clases continuarán después de Pascua el lunes 13 de abril.

A causa de que esta situación inesperada ha tenido un impacto tan grande, cancelamos todas las clases la próxima semana, incluidas las de los horarios de 11 y 8 semanas a pesar de que normalmente no tienen vacaciones de primavera. Esto incluye el programa de licenciatura para los profesionales y muchos de nuestros programas de posgrado. Los profesores necesitarán ajustar su plan de estudios para permitir esta reducción de una semana del horario.

Como resumen, las clases seguirán el horario siguiente:

• 21 de marzo - 29 de marzo: no hay clases
• 30 de marzo - 9 de abril: las clases se reúnen virtualmente
• 10 de abril - 12 de abril: no hay clases desde el Viernes Santo hasta Pascua
• 13 de abril - 15 de mayo: las clases se reúnen virtualmente (la semana final es del 11 al 15 de mayo)

La cafetería Ullman Commons permanecerá disponible para los estudiantes residenciales la próxima semana como se describió hoy en el correo electrónico de Ryan VanOmmeren y aceptará planes de alimentación de los estudiantes.

¡Manténgase saludable y con fe!

Chris Kimball

Presidente

Additional Information Regarding Stay at Home Directive

Mar. 20, 2020,  6:36 pm

1. Health Services – All Health Services staff are expected to work all scheduled shifts. Health Services can be contacted at 805-493-3225
2. Campus Safety – All Campus Safety staff are expected to work all scheduled shifts. Campus Safety can be contacted at 805-493-3208 or, for emergencies, 805-493-3911.
3. Facilities Management
   1. Instructions for Friday, March 20 – All staff except for individuals who are “on call” are directed to stay home. “On call” employees will only be expected to report to campus if they are called to respond to a facilities issue.
   2. Instructions starting Monday, March 23 – The Director of Facilities Management will identify a rotating “skeleton crew” to provide ongoing maintenance to facilities that remain open. Assignments will be provided today.
   3. Contacting Facilities maintenance – Please report any immediate facilities needs to the Campus Safety number provided above.
4. Food Service – Ullman Commons will be open regularly scheduled hours for takeout until March 31 or until further notice. Cal Lutheran’s food service provider, Sodexo, will schedule their staff as appropriate to meet food service needs. All retail dining services including Starbucks at Jack’s, Jamba Juice, Ullman to Go and The Habit will be closed until further notice. Please contact Sodexo General Manager Patricia Yantzer at 805-233-5149 or Patricia.Yantzer@sodexo.com with any questions.
5. Postal and Shipping Services
   1. Instructions for Friday, March 20 — All staff are directed to stay at home.
   2. Instructions Starting Monday, March 23 – The Director of Campus Services will identify a rotating “skeleton crew” to provide ongoing mail and package service. Assignments will be provided today. Mail delivery will be arranged with various departments on campus, and mail and package pickup will be available to students remaining on campus.
6. ITS
   1. Instructions for Friday, March 20 – All ITS staff are directed to work from home.
   2. Instructions starting Monday, March 23 – A “skeleton crew” of ITS staff will be on campus to support Digital Learning efforts and maintain systems as necessary.
   3. Contact ITS – The Help Desk will continue support remotely. Contact helpdesk@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3119
7. Residence Life
   1. Instructions for Friday, March 20 — Staff remain on campus and will respond to safety and security concerns.
   2. Instructions starting Monday, March 23 — Staff will remain on campus and will respond to safety and security concerns.
   3. Contact information — Residents can continue to contact staff at reslife@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3220 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After hours, residents can call their residence hall duty phone number posted in each hall.
   4. Please visit the Residence Life website for more information and updates.
8. Digital Learning – All Digital Learning staff are directed to work from home. All services to faculty will continue.
9. KCLU – KCLU will continue to broadcast. KCLU leadership will contact employees regarding required on-campus work.

Faculty Update - No Working From Campus

Mar. 19, 2020,  10:31 pm

Dear Cal Lutheran Faculty,

As you saw in the email that just came out from President Kimball, Gov. Gavin Newsom tonight issued an order for Californians to stay home, so we expect all faculty to work from home starting tomorrow. I know that some of you want to teach your classes from your campus office. This was allowed through today, but is not allowed starting tomorrow and going forward until we notify you otherwise. 

We will continue to offer classes virtually so that students’ progress toward graduation is not compromised. However, you can be very flexible in the way that you deliver your classes. Carnegie Hours are no longer in place, so you do not need to meet for a particular number of hours per week. What you need to do is ensure that you are providing the opportunity for students to achieve the student learning outcomes for your class.

Some faculty have asked if they have to use Zoom and meet with students synchronously. You do not have to use Zoom. You also do not have to record lectures. You are welcome to determine which tools and activities work for your classes. We’ve also been asked how faculty are to manage teaching from home when some of you also have kids at home from school and need home schooling. The Digital Learning Team is ready to help you think about ways that you can teach from home given your particular situation. If it is difficult to do live Zoom classes because of distractions at home, you may find it better to record lectures and communicate with students in an asynchronous manner (i.e., not simultaneously with students).

Be aware that residential students who are moving out have been told to move as soon as they can. Because of this, many students have legitimate reasons for not being present for your class or being late with assignments. I ask you to continue to be flexible and supportive of your students as we move forward.

Please contact me or your dean if you have problems teaching from home because you do not have a computer or internet access, and we will work with you to find solutions.

Thank you for your tireless efforts to continue teaching your classes.

Leanne Neilson, PsyD
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Community Update - Stay at Home Order

Mar. 19, 2020,  10:29 pm

Cal Lutheran Community,

Gov. Gavin Newsom tonight issued an order for Californians to stay home except for essential needs.

In light of this COVID-19-related order, we encourage our remaining residential students to move out as soon as they can. Students who need to return to campus to pick up their belongings are welcome to leave them here until after the order ends. If you urgently need something that you left behind, contact Residence Life at reslife@callutheran.edu. Prorated room and board credits will be applied as previously outlined. Students on meal plans will be able to pick up food from Ullman Commons.

Those who cannot move back home can stay, and we will continue to provide services for you.

To update your move-out plans and get directions on the process, click here.  

Starting Friday, March 20, we ask that only those staff members who are scheduled to work in the following areas come on campus: Health Services, Residence Life, Dining, CAPS, Campus Safety and KCLU. Limited Facilities maintenance staff will remain “on call.” Moving forward, there will be others who are asked to come to campus to provide essential services.

Classes will continue as scheduled, but we ask everyone to be flexible and compassionate with others as they deal with these changes.

March 18 Town Hall Recording

Mar. 18, 2020,  1:37 pm

Cal Lutheran COVID-19 Town Hall Webinar

Wednesday, March 18, 9:30 a.m.

Watch the video recording here

Check-Out Instructions for Residential Students

Mar. 18, 2020,  9:37 am

Dear Residential Students,

As you have likely seen per President Kimball's campus update, Cal Lutheran has made the difficult decision to close all residential facilities effective March 31, 2020. We know this is a stressful time for many of you. This is a situation that no one could have predicted and we understand that you are likely trying to navigate some challenging decisions. We want to do our very best to make these next several days as easy as possible for all of you, and want you to know that Residence Life staff members are here to support you during this time.

This email contains important information regarding next-steps for check out, key return, and other important information for the rest of this semester. Please read carefully and email reslife@callutheran.edu with any questions you may have.

First, we know many of you are concerned about whether you will receive any form of refund for the time you are not living in the residence halls. All residential students will be refunded the remaining cost of their housing and meal plan effective April 1, 2020. Meal plans will remain active through March 31, 2020. The Business Office can provide specific details as to the amount and method of your refund.

Express Check-Out

Please click here to fill out an online check-out form, where you will indicate your anticipated departure date from your residence hall. Failure to fill out this form will result in a $25.00 Improper Checkout charge. RAs will confirm your space is vacated based on your departure date. All students must vacate by 5:00 PM on March 31, 2020.

It is imperative that you fully move out of your room by the March 31st deadline. Absolutely no items can be left behind. We are working with Facilities to have large dumpsters delivered to the residential parking lots in the coming days in case you need to dispose of items or furniture. Items left behind in your room or residence hall (including in lounge areas or other common spaces) will result in a full- to partial-loss of your housing deposit.

Key Return

If you currently hold a room key to get into your room, your key must be returned to the dropbox in front of the Residence Life Office (located in Mt. Clef Hall) no later than March 31, 2020 at 5:00 PM. RAs will be leaving pre-printed key envelopes outside your door in the next day. Please place your key in the envelope, seal it well, and drop it off when you depart campus.

If you use your Student ID Card to swipe into your room, your card access will be removed on the date of your departure. You do not need to turn in your Student ID Card.

Special Circumstances

We recognize that not every student may be able to find off-campus housing or otherwise be able to travel home at this time. Cal Lutheran has decided to dedicate one residence hall to housing students who are in this situation and will house them from April 1-May 15, 2020. To be clear, students are only eligible to live in this dedicated residence hall during this time if they do not have any other off-campus housing option. If this applies to you, please email reslife@callutheran.edu for access to the application.

Suite Selection

Given the current situation, Suite Selection will be postponed until later in the semester. More details will be sent at a later date.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we work together to navigate this unprecedented situation. If you have any questions, please email your hall supervisor, your RA, or reslife@callutheran.edu.

Sincerely,

Caitlin Hodges
Director of Housing Operations
reslife@callutheran.edu
(805) 493-3220

**********

Estimados estudiantes residenciales, 

Como probablemente ha visto en la actualización del campus por el presidente Chris Kimball, Cal Lutheran tomó la difícil decisión de cerrar todas las residencias universitarias a partir del 31 de marzo de 2020. Queremos hacer todo lo posible para que estos próximos días sean lo más fáciles posible para ustedes y que sepan estamos aquí para apoyarlos durante este tiempo.

A todos los estudiantes residenciales se les reembolsará el costo restante de su vivienda y plan de alimentación a partir del 1 de abril de 2020. Los planes de alimentación permanecerán activos hasta el 31 de marzo de 2020. La Oficina de Negocios puede dar detalles específicos sobre la cantidad y el método de su reembolso.

Salida rápida

Haga clic aquí para completar un formulario de salida, donde indicará su fecha anticipada de salida de su residencia universitaria. Si no completa este formulario, se aplicará un cargo de $25.00. Los RA confirmarán que su espacio está vacío partir de su fecha de salida. Todos los estudiantes deben mudarse antes de las 5:00 PM el 31 de marzo de 2020.

Es imperativo que se mude completamente de su habitación antes de la fecha del 31 de marzo.  Cosas o objetos dejados en su residencia (incluidas las salas u otros espacios comunes) resultarán en una pérdida total o parcial de su depósito de vivienda.

Regreso de llave

Si tiene una llave para entrar a su residencia, debe devolverla al buzón que se encuentra enfrente de la Oficina de Vida Residencial (ubicada en Mt. Clef Hall) antes del 31 de marzo de 2020 a las 5:00 p.m.

Si usa su tarjeta de identificación para entras a su residencia, el acceso de su tarjeta se borrará a partir de la fecha de su salida. No es necesario que entregue su tarjeta de identificación.

Circunstancias especiales

Reconocemos que no todos los estudiantes pueden encontrar alojamiento fuera del campus o viajar a sus casas en este momento. Cal Lutheran ha decidido dedicar una residencia para los estudiantes que se encuentran en esta situación y los alojará desde el 1 de abril hasta el 15 de mayo de 2020. Solo los estudiantes que no tienen ninguna otra opción de vivienda fuera del campus son elegibles para vivir en esta residencia. Si esto aplica a usted, envíe un correo electrónico a reslife@callutheran.edu para acceder a la aplicación.

Sinceramente, 

Caitlin Hodges
Director de Operaciones de Vivienda
reslife@callutheran.edu
(805) 493-3220

Pass/No Credit option now available for Spring 2020 courses

Mar. 18, 2020,  8:54 am

With the recent announcement regarding Cal Lutheran classes finishing in a virtual format for the rest of the academic year, we would like to let you know about a grade possibility you may want to consider choosing.   

You now have the option to request the grading of one or more of your courses to be assessed with a Pass/No Credit option.  

Pass/No Credit courses usually have many restrictions on them. Cal Lutheran is waiving the current restrictions in the Catalog.  In plain English, you may now request a Pass/No Credit for one or more of your courses without academic penalty for this Spring only.  For the Undergraduate Programs this includes allowing Pass/No Credit courses to satisfy Core 21 and Major/Minor requirements.

Undergraduate Programs: Pass (P) equals C- or above. No Credit (NC) equals D+ or lower and will not count toward graduation. Courses graded P/NC are not computed in the GPA and therefore do not raise or lower your GPA the way letter graded courses do.

Graduate Programs: Graduate School of Psychology Pass (P) equals B- or above and No Credit (NC) equals C+ or lower and will not count towards graduation. Grades of NC must be repeated.  All other Graduate Programs Pass (P) equals C or above and No Credit (NC) equals C- or lower and will not count towards graduation.

There are some very important considerations you must take into account as you make this decision:

• For those of you in undergraduate programs and are considering Graduate School please check post-graduate program requirements as some schools like Physical Therapy School, Law School, Medical School, etc... require letter grades. You should talk with your faculty advisor about this.
• If you have an employment reimbursement program at your workplace, they may require you to earn a letter grade to be eligible for reimbursement.
• For our students receiving military benefits, please check with the Veterans Resources office before making a decision as this may impact your benefits.

If you would like to change one or more of your courses to the grading option of Pass/No Credit you must fill out a newly created P/NC form.  The e-form will be available on our website for forms in the coming days.  This form must be submitted no later than midnight PST on Monday, May 11th. Exceptions to this deadline will not be made.

Thank you,
Academic Services

*********

La opción de calificar sus curos del semestre de primavera 2020 como "Pasar/Sin crédito" está disponible

Con el anuncio sobre las clases de Cal Lutheran terminando por forma virtual para el resto del año académico, nos gustaría informarle sobre una opción de calificación que puede elegir.

Ahora tiene la opción de solicitar que se califique uno o más de sus cursos como “Pasar/Sin crédito” sin penalización académica solo para este semestre de primavera. “Pase (P)” es equivalente a una nota de C- o más. “Sin crédito (NC)” es equivalente a una de D+ o menos y no contará hacia la graduación. Los cursos con calificación P/NC no se calculan en el GPA y por lo tanto no aumentan o disminuyen su GPA.

Hay algunas consideraciones muy importantes que deben tomar en cuenta sobre este tipo de calificación:

• Para ustedes en programas de pregrado y que están considerando programas de posgrado, verifiquen los requisitos de esos programas ya que algunas escuelas requieren calificaciones con letras.
• Si esta en un programa de reembolso por su trabajo, pueden exigirle que obtenga una calificación de letra para ser elegible para el reembolso.
• Para nuestros estudiantes que reciben beneficios militares, consulte con la Oficina de Recursos para Veteranos antes de tomar esta decisión ya que esto puede afectar sus beneficios.

Si desea cambiar uno o más de sus cursos a la calificación de “Pasar/Sin crédito”, debe completar un formulario. El formulario electrónico estará disponible en nuestro sitio web y se debe enviar antes de la medianoche del lunes 11 de mayo. No se harán excepciones a esta fecha límite.

Gracias,

Servicios académicos

NEW COVID-19 Related Changes through Spring Semester

Mar. 17, 2020,  12:09 pm

Cal Lutheran Community,

As the COVID-19 situation has intensified and recommended restrictions have increased, Cal Lutheran has made the difficult decision to continue virtual instruction through the end of the spring 2020 semester. We are also canceling most in-person events through May 20.

Following the recent federal recommendations to cancel all in-person events with 10 people or more for the next 15 days and those with 50 or more people for the next eight weeks, we have decided to cancel all in-person events with more than 10 people through May 20.
 
Sadly, that means that our traditional in-person Commencement ceremonies will not be held in May. We are looking into virtual options to replace them that weekend and considering in-person recognitions that would be held at a later date. The Class of 2020 has accomplished much and been through a lot. They deserve celebration, and we will find ways to recognize and congratulate them.
 
We encourage people to cancel events under the 10-person limit as well or, if they are held, to practice safe hygiene and social-distancing measures including separating people by six feet.
 
Students should make arrangements to move out of the residence halls by March 31. Prorated room and board credit will be applied to the accounts of students who move out and/or cancel the remainder of their meal plans. Commuter students can also get credit for canceled meal plans.
 
We will, however, continue to house any students who need to stay in the residence halls. You have a home here, and we will support your needs.
  
We will provide access to computers and internet for students who need them. (As a reminder, please do not come to campus if you are sick.) Staff in the Math Center and Writing Center will continue to provide tutoring services by email and Zoom teleconferencing.
 
Any students who need help arranging travel for their return home can contact Associate Director of Student Life Jaime Faucher at 805-493-3871.
 
Staff will still work under our social-distancing plan so that campus operations can continue. We ask that no one bring guests to the Thousand Oaks campus or our centers except for people helping students move out of residence halls and those invited with the approval of a cabinet member, such as final job candidates.
 
What the world is experiencing today with COVID-19 is unprecedented, and we need to do what is necessary to protect the health of our community. Still, we know that these changes are difficult. These will not be the final months of the academic year that any of us had planned or wanted.
 
We will hold a virtual Town Hall at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, to share information and answer questions. Please try to submit your questions here by 3 p.m. today.
 
Thank you all for your patience and cooperation as we adjust to these changes.
 
Stay healthy!
 
Chris

**********

Comunidad de Cal Lutheran,

A medida que la situación de COVID-19 se ha intensificado y las restricciones recomendadas se han aumentado, Cal Lutheran tomó la difícil decisión de continuar la instrucción virtual hasta el fin del semestre de primavera de 2020. También estamos cancelando la mayoría de los eventos en vivo hasta el 20 de mayo.

Siguiendo las recientes recomendaciones federales para cancelar todos los eventos en persona con 10 o más personas durante los próximos 15 días y aquellos con 50 o más personas durante las próximas ocho semanas, hemos decidido cancelar todos los eventos con más de 10 personas presentes hasta el 20 de mayo.

Lamentablemente, eso significa que nuestras ceremonias tradicionales de graduación en vivo no se llevarán a cabo en mayo. Estamos buscando opciones virtuales para reemplazarlas ese fin de semana y considerando reconocimientos en vivo que se realizarán en una fecha posterior. La clase de 2020 ha hecho un gran logro y también han superado tiempos difíciles. Merecen su celebración y encontraremos formas de reconocerlos y felicitarlos.

Incentivamos a las personas que también cancelen eventos por debajo del límite de 10 personas o, si se llevan a cabo, que practiquen medidas seguras de higiene y distanciamiento social, incluyendo la separación de seis pies entre personas.

Los estudiantes deben hacer arreglos para mudarse de las residencias universitarias antes del 31 de marzo. El crédito asignado de habitación y comida se aplicará a las cuentas de los estudiantes que se mudan y / o cancelan el resto de sus planes de alimentación. Los estudiantes con residencia externa también pueden obtener crédito por planes de alimentación cancelados.

Sin embargo, continuaremos alojando a los estudiantes que necesiten permanecer en las residencias universitarias. Usted tiene un hogar aquí y apoyaremos sus necesidades.

Daremos acceso a computadoras e internet a los estudiantes que los necesiten. (Como recordatorio, no venga al campus si está enfermo). El personal del Centro de Matemáticas y Centro de Escritura continuará brindando servicios de tutoría por correo electrónico y teleconferencia Zoom.

Cualquier estudiante que necesita ayuda para organizar su regreso a casa puede comunicarse con la directora asociado de la División de Vida Estudiantil Jaime Faucher al 805-493-3871.

El personal seguirá trabajando bajo nuestro plan de distanciamiento social para que las operaciones del campus continúen. Por favor pedimos que nadie traiga invitados al campus de Thousand Oaks o nuestros centros, excepto a las personas que están ayudando a los estudiantes a mudarse de las residencias universitarias y a los invitados aprobados por un miembro del gabinete, como los candidatos finalistas de un trabajo.

Lo que el mundo está pasando hoy con COVID-19 no tiene precedentes y debemos hacer lo que es necesario para proteger la salud de nuestra comunidad. Aún así, sabemos que estos cambios son difíciles. Estos no serán los últimos meses del año académico que ninguno de nosotros había esperado o deseado.

Tendremos un ayuntamiento virtual a las 9:30 de la mañana el miércoles 18 de marzo para compartir información y responder preguntas. Les pedimos que traten de enviar sus preguntas aquí antes de las 3 de la tarde de hoy.

Gracias a todos por su paciencia y cooperación mientras nos adaptamos a estos cambios.

¡Manténganse sanos y saludables!

Chris

Add/Drop Deadline Extension for 11-week Programs

Mar. 16, 2020,  4:20 pm

The add/drop deadline for 11-week programs has been extended to Friday, March 20th.

March 13 Town Hall Webinar Recording and Summary

Mar. 16, 2020,  2:57 pm

Cal Lutheran COVID-19 Town Hall Webinar

Friday, March 13, 10 a.m.

Watch the video recording here

Welcome

President Chris Kimball

• Thank you for your patience with both the webinar and the crisis.

Health

Kerri Lauchner, Health Services Director

• The most important action that people can take to prevent COVID-19 infection is washing your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. (You can sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice to reach 20 seconds.) If hand-washing is not possible, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Maintain social distancing, and stay home if you are sick.
• Call Health Services at 805-493-3225 if you need an appointment. We are not accepting walk-in patients, but we are open for appointments.
• People are both underreacting and overreacting. This is something we need to take seriously but not panic over.
• This is different than the seasonal flu. We are not sure of COVID-19’s fatality rate, but we think it may be higher than the seasonal flu, possibly between 1% and 3%. It very well could be less than this given that mild cases are not likely counted. We do know that it affects older people and those with chronic disease worse than younger people.
• Health Services has limited ability to test for this new coronavirus due to supply issues. We hope this will change.

Emergency Operations

Ryan Van Ommeren, Emergency Operations Center Director

• Cal Lutheran’s Emergency Operations Center is fully engaged in responding to COVID-19. Responding to a variety of events over the last two years, including fires and power outages, has resulted in the development of a strong network with local officials and among internal leadership. We have been in regular communication with this network over the past two weeks, allowing us to swiftly develop and implement our COVID-19 action plan and social-distancing plan.

Events/Visits

Matthew Ward, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing

• All events scheduled through April 5 in University spaces with expected attendance of more than 100 people have been canceled, whether organized by Cal Lutheran or outside organizations. We encourage the cancellation of smaller events as well, and most have been canceled. Please consider canceling non-essential meetings as well.
• Admissions has canceled all group visit events and tours of campus through the end of April and will replace them with virtual programming. The Admission and Financial Aid offices remain open and will meet with prospective families who choose to come to campus. Admissions has communicated to all admitted students about the limited on-campus programming and is encouraging students to set up virtual appointments.

Academic Affairs

Leanne Neilson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

As of Monday, March 16, most of our 1,200 courses will be taught virtually with a few exceptions approved by deans. As of Monday, March 16, the number of face-to-face classes is down to about nine in addition to some music lessons.

• Over a week ago, we began offering training workshops to faculty to help them transition their courses to virtual instruction.
• Various tools are being used by faculty. Some are recording lectures and others are meeting with their classes at their regularly scheduled times using Zoom.
• Each faculty member will communicate with their students about the transition to virtual instruction.
• Students without access to a computer or the internet can use computers in Pearson Library.
• We are emphasizing with faculty that they need to be flexible and understanding with students.
• Thank you so much to Mirwais Azizi and the Digital Learning team and to all of the faculty for their work to make these changes.

International Travel and Study

Christina Sanchez, Associate Provost for Global Engagement

• All students studying overseas have been instructed to return to their home residence in the U.S. Every effort is being made to allow for the academic program of returning study abroad students to continue (online, pass/fail, incomplete, etc.).
• Any faculty and staff known to be overseas have been informed of travel warning updates and invited to return home. All professional travel is restricted unless it is essential to the university.
• All faculty, staff, students and guests who are returning after having been overseas or in any high-impact COVID-19 concern zones must remain off-campus during their 14-day self-quarantine.

Residential Students

Christine Paul, Assistant Dean of Students/Residence Life Director

• There is no requirement for residential students to leave campus. They have a home here.
• We want each student to be successful so we are continuing to provide the support and on-campus resources to which they are accustomed.
• Resident assistants and Residence Life staff remain on campus and available, as well as on duty every night.
• If you live on campus, please fill out the form on your suite door as well as the Google form that was emailed to you Thursday afternoon.

Business Operations

Karen Davis, Vice President for Administration and Finance

• Operations
  • All campus offices remain open. However, a social-distancing program is starting, and many staff members will be telecommuting. Therefore, you won’t see as many people in offices, but they are continuing to work remotely and are available to provide services.
  • The residence halls remain open even though classes will be held virtually through April 5.
  • Food service venues remain open, but stations will be converted from self-service to staff-served to eliminate shared serving utensils. Our food service vendor, Sodexo, has enacted additional cleaning measures. The hours of operation may be altered depending on changes in demand, but advance notice would be given.
  • The Campus Store is open and will ship packages to you if you do not want to enter the bookstore.
  • Housekeeping staff are cleaning doorknobs and keyboards in classrooms and public areas. Many hand sanitizers are placed around campus, and signs on proper handwashing have been posted in restrooms.
  • After the Town Hall meeting, Cal Lutheran decided to close the Fredrickson Early Childhood Center from March 16 through 27 to enable children and teachers to practice social distancing. Notifications have gone out to all impacted parents.
• Payroll
  • Employee payroll will be processed as normal. Employees still record their time as “worked” if they are working remotely. Timecard submission dates remain the same. We have mandated electronic bank deposit for the few employees who are still receiving manual paychecks to avoid any delay in employees receiving their checks and to support social-distancing efforts. Cal Lutheran’s Coronavirus Information website has instructions for coding your time if an employee needs to be quarantined. Any questions can be referred to the Human Resources or Payroll departments.
• Student Workers
  • Cal Lutheran recognizes that our student employees are a vital resource to the operations of the institution. We also recognize that student employment provides valuable income and work experience. As the University practices social distancing through April 5, we ask that supervisors make every effort to honor regular scheduled hours for students who want and are able to work. Offices will remain open, where possible, to maintain operations, but given the uniqueness of this situation, modifications may need to be made to student employee work schedules. Due to the varying nature of responsibilities and jobs on campus, supervisors will need to exercise discretion in scheduling as there is no one solution that will work across all departments. Should the changes to campus operations create a financial hardship for students who are unable to work their regularly scheduled hours, please contact Student Employment Services at 805-493-3279 or studentemployment@callutheran.edu to discuss available options.

• Accounts Payable
  • All invoices for services rendered to the University will continue to be paid in a timely manner.

• Student Refunds
  • The University is continuing to provide all courses as well as residential and dining services. We have not closed the campus or the residence halls, but rather are providing virtual courses as part of a social-distancing plan that adheres to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health officials to protect the health of our community. Although we are not asking students to leave campus, students may opt to leave while instruction is provided virtually. We will continue to provide access to resources and on-campus amenities such as the Pearson Library, Math Center, Writing Center, Residence Life staff and RAs, Counseling and Psychological Services, and Health Services. Therefore, no refunds are being offered at this time.

Employee Issues

Patricia Parham, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources

• The most important thing during this time is for employees to communicate with supervisors. If you have questions, check the Frequently Asked Questions for Staff link on Cal Lutheran’s Coronavirus Information page. Contact Human Resources with any additional questions. 

Advancement/Giving Day

Regina Biddings-Muro, Vice President for University Advancement

• After the Town Hall meeting, University Advancement decided to postpone Giving Day, which had been scheduled for April 1, until further notice.

Campus Ministry

Melissa Maxwell-Doherty, Vice President for Mission and Identity

• University Chapel, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary’s weekly Eucharist and all other studentreligious services including Sunday Night Worship, Common Ground, Catholic Mass and Shabbat will take place virtually. A link for University Chapel will be sent out in the weekly announcements.
• While the Office of Campus Ministry remains open with staff staggering their work hours, religious staff are available by phone, email and Zoom conferencing.
• The PLTS Spiritual Care team is available by phone, email and Zoom conferencing.
• Both Cal Lutheran’s Community Cupboard and the PLTS Food Pantry remain open and stocked.

Athletics/Fitness Center

President Chris Kimball

• NCAA and SCIAC have cancelled winter championships and the spring seasons. After the Town Hall meeting, NCAA announced it would issue blanket eligibility waivers for student athletes in spring sports.
• In the Forrest Fitness Center, staff have increased cleaning and are limiting the number of people who can access it at one time. Hours have been reduced.

Conclusion

President Chris Kimball

Thank you for your patience, commitment and cooperative spirit.

Telecommuting Update

Mar. 15, 2020,  6:30 pm

In response to Gov. Gavin Newsom‘s request today that people who are 65 and over isolate themselves at home, Cal Lutheran asks all employees in this age range to not report to work in person starting Monday, March 16. If possible, they and those who have underlying health issues that make them more at risk from COVID-19 can work from home at the direction of their supervisors. If the employee’s job cannot be performed remotely, the employee should report their time as “Emergency Closure” on their time entry and contact their supervisor.

Thank you for helping us protect the health and wellness of our community.

Ryan Van Ommeren
Director, Emergency Operations Center
Associate VP, Operations and Planning

Fredrickson Family Early Childhood Center Closure

Mar. 13, 2020,  6:12 pm

Dear FFECC Families,

Please know that the Fredrickson Family Early Childhood Center will be closed between Monday, March 16 and Friday, March 20 due to COVID-19 concerns.  Although we understand the inconvenience that the closure will bring for many families, we believe that maintaining consistency with Conejo Valley School District (CVUSD) schools is an appropriate step to ensure the safety of our students and teachers.

At least for the time being, we will continue to follow the decisions of CVUSD and reopen when the district schools reopen.  This decision may change, however, based on other circumstances.

Families will be credited for the closure time in the following month’s tuition.

Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Blessings,

Kathryn Dean, MA
Preschool Director

New COVID-19 Actions - Implementation of social distancing

Mar. 12, 2020,  11:41 am

In order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 within the Cal Lutheran community and surrounding area, we have decided to begin transitioning to our social-distancing plan starting Friday with full implementation by Monday, March 16. While our campuses and centers are not in areas that have had community transmission of the virus, this will help us reduce the chances of it occurring.

Through at least April 5, the following policies will be in effect for undergraduate and graduate programs on our Thousand Oaks campus and centers in Woodland Hills, Westlake Village, Oxnard and Santa Maria. PLTS will continue to follow social distancing policies established in conjunction with the Graduate Theological Union. Spring break will remain as scheduled from April 4 through 12. Plans for beyond April 6 will be communicated soon.

CLASSES

We will move to virtual instruction for classes. Faculty have been preparing for this and exploring creative options for classes such as labs and the arts, but there may be a few special exceptions made for some classes to continue to have in-person components. Faculty members will contact students with specific plans for each class.

RESIDENCE LIFE

Residence halls will remain open. With instruction moving online, students may choose to return to their permanent place of residence or decide to remain in on-campus housing, where appropriate social distancing and enhanced hygiene measures will be in place. We ask all students to make the choice that is best for their own personal situations, while considering whether they have adequate access to the internet, computers and textbooks to continue their studies effectively in an online environment.

FOOD SERVICE

Food service will continue. Ullman Commons will switch from self-service to staff-served food.

PEARSON LIBRARY/OTHER FACILITIES

The library and all other facilities will remain open and staffed. 

WORKPLACE

Offices will implement the social-distancing plans they developed in order to significantly reduce the number of employees on campus. While many employees will work from home, offices will remain open and fully functioning.

EVENTS

All events with an expected attendance of more than 100 people are canceled, whether sponsored by Cal Lutheran or outside organizations. We encourage the cancelation of smaller events as well. All chapel and other student religious services will be virtual starting Friday. 

ATHLETICS

SCIAC has canceled all conference competitions for the remainder of the spring season, though a few members plan to continue playing. Cal Lutheran teams can compete in non-conference competitions as long as the total number of athletes and spectators is not more than 100.

TRAVEL

All faculty and staff international business travel and non-essential domestic business travel is prohibited. Personal travel to or through areas for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued Level 2 and 3 Travel Health Notices is strongly discouraged. Employees need to follow CDC guidelines for self-quarantining.  

STUDY ABROAD

We are working with all of our students who are studying away/abroad to return immediately to their home residence in the United States. Students need to follow CDC guidelines for self-quarantining and are not eligible to use on-site campus resources such as the library and computer labs until they have completed the quarantine period.

MORE INFORMATION

Everyone will receive information on a webinar scheduled for 10 a.m. tomorrow where you will be able to ask questions and get more information. Additional information can be found on our COVID-19 website.

Again, these policies are in effect through at least April 5. Plans for beyond April 6 will be communicated soon.

Chris Kimball
President

Class Attendance

Mar. 10, 2020,  4:30 pm

Faculty were instructed yesterday to be flexible with their attendance policies as we work to protect our community from COVID-19. We want anyone who is sick to please stay home. Students should notify their professors via email. Faculty should not ask students to get a note from Health Services. If you have a problem with faculty allowing absences, please contact the office of Provost Leanne Neilson at acaffairs@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3145. 

Faculty have also been directed to prepare to switch their classes to an online format in case that becomes necessary. We do not have plans to move online at this time, but we will let you know if that changes.

Melinda Roper, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

COVID-19 Preparedness Plan

Mar. 9, 2020,  6:04 pm

Cal Lutheran's COVID-19 Preparedness Plan was posted on this page today.

Faculty Preparations for COVID-19

Mar. 9, 2020,  4:05 pm

As we prepare for what’s ahead with COVID-19, Cal Lutheran has plans for various scenarios, including social distancing, as well as campus closure with courses continuing online.

We are asking all faculty, staff, and students to stay home if you are sick. If you have a fever you should stay home until your temperature is below 100 degrees for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications (such as Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve and their generics - acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen). Students are being told to do the same, so it is important for you to be flexible with attendance. Also, please do not require your students to get a note from Health Services as they are not able to provide these notes.

You must be prepared to switch your classes to an online format in the event that we shift some or all of our classes to be offered online. Twelve workshops are being offered this week by our Digital Learning department to help you make this transition. We developed a website which includes a list of the workshop dates and other materials. By Wednesday this website will include a recording of the Digital Learning workshop and materials to support shifting your courses to online. If you have questions about how to make this happen, please read through the materials on the website and feel free to contact Mirwais Azizi (mazizi@callutheran.edu) who can assist you. Other staff in Digital Learning are listed below with their contact information.

COVID-19 Case in Ventura County

Mar. 6, 2020,  4:12 pm

Ventura County Public Health just announced it has preliminary confirmation of one case of travel-related COVID-19 in the county. In a conference call with Cal Lutheran and other local educational institutions this afternoon, a County Public Health official emphasized that there is no evidence of community transmission and that we should continue business as usual. We expect information on the case to be posted soon to Ventura County’s incident information site. A press release is posted here.

Ryan VanOmmeren
Emergency Operations Center Director
AVP Operations and Planning

Faculty and Staff Travel Policy

Mar. 6, 2020,  1:46 pm

In a change to a policy outlined in yesterday’s COVID-19 update, Cal Lutheran has decided to prohibit university-related business travel to or through areas for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued Level 3 Travel Health Notices, which indicate widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19. Personal travel to a Level 3 country is strongly discouraged. The CDC is asking people who traveled to Level 3 countries to self-quarantine for two weeks after their return. Currently, Level 3 countries are China, Iran, Italy and South Korea.

In addition, we discourage travel to areas for which the CDC has issued Level 2 Notices reflecting sustained community transmission of COVID-19. Currently, this only applies to Japan.

As the situation evolves, policies may change and updates will be communicated. For more information, visit the CDC’s Travel Information webpage.

Ryan VanOmmeren
Emergency Operations Center Director
AVP Operations and Planning

University's Steps Addressing COVID-19

Mar. 5, 2020,  6:15 pm

Although Cal Lutheran does not have any COVID-19 cases and is not under any threat from the virus and there are no confirmed cases in Ventura County, staff from throughout the university have been working together to make plans to address multiple scenarios that could possibly arise so that we are prepared to take any action necessary to protect our community.

We have a comprehensive pandemic emergency response plan in place that has been updated to reflect current circumstances. At the direction of the Ventura County Public Health Department, we have developed a “social distancing” plan for reducing person-to-person contact that we can implement if directed by the Public Health Department. This plan includes such steps as moving more classes online, arranging for employees to work from home and eliminating self-service dining stations. It encompasses our main campus, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and centers in Woodland Hills, Westlake Village, Oxnard and Santa Maria in case “social distancing” becomes necessary at any location. We have also developed multiple plans in case members of our community need to be quarantined or are diagnosed with COVID-19, depending on the amount of time they have spent on university property, where they live and the circumstances involved.

We have already taken the following steps to protect our community and prepare for multiple possible scenarios:

• Health Services, which serves students, will no longer take walk-in patients in order to protect the health and safety of patients and staff. All students must call 805-493-3225 before coming to Health Services to make an appointment, ask questions or drop off forms. Same-day appointments are usually available, and the change should not impact the schedule. 
  
  
• We ask that you stay home if you are sick. Eat and sleep separately from others and use different utensils. If necessary, call Health Services (for students), your doctor, an urgent care or hospital so they can direct you on next steps. For most people, COVID-19 starts with a fever and dry cough and gets better without special care.
  
  
• We ask that everyone clean frequently touched surfaces with disinfectant at least once a day. People should regularly clean their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or, if that is not available, with hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. If you cough or sneeze, do it into your sleeve or use a tissue, immediately dispose of the tissue in a closed trash can, and clean your hands. Facilities staff will refill hand-sanitizer stations and provide cleaning supplies to all departments as supplies last. Signs with hygiene recommendations will be posted where appropriate.
  
  
• Academic Affairs is distributing distance-learning strategies to faculty and providing additional training sessions so they can continue providing instruction in case we need to reduce the number of people gathering for in-person classes, accommodate quarantined students or faculty members, or close locations.
  
  
• None of Cal Lutheran’s study abroad students are in cities identified as high risk, but we have instructed our students in Central Italy to return to the U.S. out of an abundance of caution because there are COVID-19 cases in Northern Italy. Our Office of Education Abroad staff is closely monitoring all other programs and has been in communication with all participating students. If circumstances change for current or future programs, staff will contact impacted students and help them navigate matters such as return transportation, academic credit and program refunds if needed. Our staff is also contacting faculty, administrators and students scheduled to participate in university-sponsored short-term travel programs and monitoring the locales to assess whether they will go on as planned.
  
  
• We are asking faculty and staff to complete the online gForm to notify the university of business-related international travel. Business travel to areas categorized by the Department of State as Level 3 or 4 risks is not authorized without pre-approval from the center and our insurance provider, and travel to countries impacted by COVID-19 is not recommended.
  
  
• We do not intend to cancel any events, but we are developing contingency plans for holding events virtually if it becomes necessary. We are implementing procedures and providing guidance to prospective students and families visiting campus to reduce the possibility of disease transmission.

State and county emergency declarations will help authorities prepare for and contain the spread of the coronavirus, but they do not mean that our community is threatened. Know that Cal Lutheran administrators are continuously monitoring COVID-19 developments locally, nationally and internationally and will implement plans as needed to protect our community. We encourage you to stay informed as well by checking for updates on the coronavirus websites of the County of Ventura, California Department of Public Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization.

Ryan VanOmmeren
Emergency Operations Center Director
Associate Vice President for Operations and Planning

Teaching Continuity Plan

Mar. 5, 2020,  1:52 pm

Dear Cal Lutheran Faculty,

As part of Cal Lutheran’s Pandemic Preparedness Plans, we need to be ready for faculty and student illnesses or quarantines, or campus closure. An essential part of this preparation is faculty being prepared to create online opportunities to continue offering their courses. The Digital Learning team has developed the attached Emergency Preparedness Online Teaching and Learning Continuity Plan, which offers instructions and best practices for shifting courses to an online format. Please read through this document and begin planning how you can offer your classes and connect with your students virtually.

The Digital Learning team will assist you by offering 45-minute workshops daily through next week (and beyond, if needed) to review the information in the Emergency Preparedness Teaching and Learning Continuity Plan. Attached is a schedule of these workshops - RSVP if you are able to attend. Instructions will also be available in an online format. We are preparing a webpage with all materials and information, including the online instructions. More information on this will follow later.

A third document is attached, which provides Academic Policies in the event of a campus closure, faculty or student illnesses, or quarantines. Please carefully read the document and let me or your dean know if you have any questions.

I appreciate your immediate attention to these materials.

Leanne Neilson, PsyD
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

International Travel for Faculty and Staff

Mar. 4, 2020,  4:27 pm

Faculty/Staff Travel Protocol

While California Lutheran University does not presently have a system for notifying the university of business-related international travel for faculty/staff, until one is created, all faculty and staff are requested to update the provided gForm if you plan to travel internationally for work (e.g., research project, conference attendance, paper presentation, etc.). In addition to updating CGE, all faculty/staff should complete the online registration for the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive more timely updates regarding your specific location of travel. We encourage enrollment in the Travel Risk Intelligence Portal through the EIIA provider EuropAssist.

Any university business travel to a country categorized as a Level 3: Reconsider Travel and Level 4: Do Not Travel is not authorized without pre-approval from the Center for Global Engagement, in consultation with our insurance provider. Travel Advisory information is found online. Be certain to read the entire country breakdown notice as areas within some countries (e.g., specific cities/states) may be at a higher warning level than the entire country (e.g., Mexico is Level 2 in general, but Cuidad Juarez, Mexico is Level 3).   

Faculty and staff receive travel insurance with EuropAssist. All faculty and staff are enrolled for coverage without additional paperwork as long as the international travel occurs as part of official university business. Support from EuropAssist is 24/7 at +1(240)330-1551 outside of the USA or ops@erupoassistance-usa.com. 

Travel to (or through) countries impacted by Covid-19 (the novel coronavirus) is not permitted under our policy. Countries under explicit restriction by the Center for Disease Control for Travel Health Notice include China, South Korea, Iran, and Italy for Covid-19, and Venezuela for “outbreaks of infectious diseases.” Japan is noted as a Level 2 alert for “enhanced precaution.” The Health Services Office (studenthealth@callutheran.edu / x3225) and the Office of Education Abroad (studyabroad@callutheran.edu / x3750) are monitoring updates on a continuous basis. The Cal Lutheran community Covid-19 updates are posted on the website. Remember, situations can change at any time, so be prepared to be flexible should circumstances require modification/cancellation of plans.

International Students at Cal Lutheran

California Lutheran is proud to host 230 international students from more than 44 countries. The largest regional representation is by students from Asia, with most of our students in this region from China, India and Taiwan. While there have been several news reports regarding inappropriate treatment of people from Asia following the outbreak of Covid-19 (the novel coronavirus), to the knowledge of the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), there have been no xenophobic incidents on campus toward people from Asia, and we want to remain incident-free. The University is in the process of reviewing its Bias Incident reporting structure. Until further instruction is provided, if you are aware of any incident of bias impacting our international community, please contact OISS at international@callutheran.edu.

For our continuing international students from countries under explicit restriction due to Covid-19 cases (e.g., China, South Korea, Iran, and Italy), the OISS is in communication with our students to offer support and to send well-wishes for their families at home. We appreciate the outreach faculty have shared in concern for students who will graduate soon. Any F-1 international student preparing to graduate in the immediate future has a 60-day grace period after the completion of the program until s/he needs to leave the country. If a student applied for and received Optional Practical Training (OPT), then s/he is eligible to remain in the USA for 12 months of employment in the USA. Students with a STEM-designated degree can request authorization to remain a total of three years (STEM-OPT). Students concerned about traveling home should make an appointment using the OISS online scheduling request to discuss the matter.

At present, we have continuing international students and new admit students from China who are not able to travel into the United States yet. Due to the timing of the Lunar New Year festivities, several currently enrolled students were unable to fly out of China before the travel restrictions were put into effect. Questions about international admissions can be directed to intladmission@callutheran.edu and questions about international students presently enrolled with California Lutheran programs can be addressed at international@callutheran.edu.

Study Abroad Students

We are delighted to have 44 students studying abroad in more than 11 countries. The Office of Education Abroad along with our overseas study abroad providers and Cal Lutheran Health Services are carefully monitoring Covid-19 developments, including review of updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the US Department of State.

At this time, most locations where our students are studying abroad remain without incident. Travel to countries impacted by Covid-19 is not recommended. At present, none of the other Cal Lutheran students are in a city location identified as high risk.

As a proactive measure, five of our study abroad students in Italy are returning to the United States. Even though our students were all located in the non-impacted zone of Central Italy, in consultation with in-country program providers, the university has directed those students to return to the USA as a precautionary action due to the cases reported in Northern Italy. The Office of Education Abroad and campus partners are working with the five impacted students to maintain their academic eligibility for the semester. All other study abroad programs are under ongoing monitoring.

Questions/concerns about our students abroad can be directed to studyabroad@callutheran.edu.

Case in Alameda County

Mar. 2, 2020,  10:43 am

There is one known case of COVID-19 in Alameda County. For the most up-to-date information on the virus, please go to the CDC’s website for COVID-19 or the California Department of Public Health website.

Update and Precautions

Feb. 28, 2020,  3:36 pm

Cal Lutheran’s administration and health care professionals understand that recent news about COVID-19 may concern many in our community. Please know that we are closely watching developments as they evolve and will provide updates by email and post them here as the situation changes.

There are still no known cases in Ventura or Alameda counties. The risk to people in California remains low.  

Cal Lutheran’s Health Services, Residence Life, Student Affairs, Facilities, Campus Safety, President’s Office, Cabinet and Center for Global Engagement, which includes International Programs, have been working together to plan for and monitor the situation. 

Cases of COVID-19 have continued to increase both in China and outside of China with 60 countries reporting at least one case. Numbers have increased in the United States and, as of this morning, there are 62 reported cases.

There has been one case reported in each of the following counties: Los Angeles, Orange and Humboldt. Two cases have been reported in each of the following counties: Sacramento, Santa Clara and San Diego.  These do not include the cases from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, but they do include the one case of community-acquired COVID-19 in Sacramento County. The California Department of Public Health reports 33 positive cases in the state when the Diamond Princess numbers are included. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are quarantining potentially exposed travelers who do not have any symptoms at several military bases across the United States, including at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu. Those quarantined are being kept in isolated barracks and watched by security for precautionary reasons only. Local travelers from overseas who have potentially been exposed abroad have been asked to stay in their own homes for quarantine.

Ten steps you can take to protect yourself and others:​

1. ​Clean your hands regularly with an alcohol-based hand rub, or wash them with soap and water. Touching your face after touching contaminated surfaces or sick people is one of the ways the virus can be transmitted. By cleaning your hands, you can reduce your risk.
2. Clean surfaces, for example kitchen benches and work desks, regularly with disinfectant.
3. Educate yourself about COVID-19. Make sure your information comes from reliable sources – your local or national public health agency, the World Health Organization website or your health professional. Know the symptoms: For most people, it starts with a fever and a dry cough, not a runny nose. Most people will have a mild form of the disease and get better without needing any special care.
4. Avoid traveling if you have a fever or cough. If you become sick while on a flight, inform the crew immediately. Once you get home, contact a health professional and tell them where you have been. 
5. If you cough or sneeze, do it into your sleeve or use a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately in a closed trash can, and then clean your hands.
6. If you are over 60 years old or if you have an underlying condition like cardiovascular disease, a respiratory condition or diabetes, you have a higher risk of developing severe disease. You may wish to take extra precautions to avoid crowded areas or places where you might interact with people who are sick.  
7. If you feel unwell, stay at home and call your doctor or local health professional. They will ask about your symptoms, where you have been and who you have had contact with so they can give you the right advice, direct you to the right health facility and prevent you from infecting others.
8. If you are sick, stay at home, eat and sleep separately from your family and use different utensils and cutlery to eat.
9. If you develop shortness of breath, call your doctor and seek care immediately.
10. It’s normal and understandable to feel anxious, especially if you live in a country or community that has been affected. Find out what you can do in your community. Discuss how to stay safe with those at your workplace, school or place of worship.

If you get sick with a fever and cough or shortness of breath requiring hospitalization AND you have recently traveled to China, Iran, Italy, Japan or South Korea or you have been close to an infected person, you may need to be tested. If this applies to you, please isolate yourself from others by staying in your room or at home.

• If you are a Cal Lutheran student, please call Health Services at 805-493-3225 or your own local doctor, a local urgent care or hospital and tell them your symptoms and your travel and/or exposure history. 
• If you are a PLTS student or employee or a Cal Lutheran employee, please call your own local doctor, a local urgent care or hospital and tell them your symptoms and your travel and/or exposure history. 
• If your symptoms are severe, call 911 and tell the operator the information.

For more information about this virus, please see the CDC’s website for COVID-19 or the California Department of Public Health website.

To see how to properly cover coughs and why we recommend washing your hands, please view the following video: “Why Don’t We Do It In Our Sleeves?”

Please keep all those who have been affected in your thoughts and prayers. 

Kerri Lauchner, MS, PA-C

Director, Health Services

Update and Precautions

Feb. 25, 2020,  3:47 pm

Cases of COVID-19 have continued to increase both in China and outside of China. Currently, there is no community spread of this disease in the United States. 

The CDC is currently quarantining potentially exposed travelers who do not have any symptoms at several military bases across the United States, including at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu. As of right now, those quarantined at Naval Base Ventura County are not showing any symptoms. They are being kept in isolated barracks and watched by security for precaution only.

There are still no known cases in Ventura County at this time. Please know that Health Services and the university are closely watching developments as this is an evolving situation.

Information you should know:

• The best way to prevent getting this virus, or other respiratory viruses, is by frequently washing your hands and to avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose and mouth.
• If you get sick with a fever and cough or shortness of breath and you have recently traveled to China or another country with ongoing transmission of the virus, or you have been close to an infected person, please isolate yourself from others by staying in your room or at home.  
  • Then, please call your own local doctor, a local urgent care or hospital, and let them know your symptoms and your travel and/or exposure history. 
  • If your symptoms are severe, call 911 and let the operator know that information.

• Do not assume that someone of Asian descent is more likely to have COVID-19. All persons in the U.S. — including those of Asian descent — who have not traveled to China or been in contact with someone with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case in the last 14 days are at low risk of becoming sick.

For more information about this virus, please see the CDC’s website for COVID-19 or the California Department of Public Health website.

To see how to properly cover coughs and why we recommend washing your hands, please view the following video: “Why Don’t We Do It In Our Sleeves?”

Please keep all those who have been affected in your thoughts and prayers.

Kerri Lauchner, MS, PA-C

Director, Health Services

25 de febrero del 2020, 3:47 p.m. 

Los casos de COVID-19 han aumentando tanto en y fuera de China. En este momento no hay propagación comunitaria de esta enfermedad en los Estados Unidos.

Actualmente el CDC esta poniendo en cuarentena a los viajeros posiblemente expuestos, pero que no tienen ningún síntoma, en varias bases militares en los Estados Unidos, incluida la base naval del condado de Ventura, Point Mugu. A partir de ahora, los que están en cuarentena en la base naval del condado de Ventura no muestran ningún síntoma. Están siendo mantenidos en barracas aisladas y vigilados por la seguridad por precaución.

En este momento todavía no se conocen casos en el condado de Ventura. Tenga en cuenta que el Consultorio de Salud y la universidad están observando los acontecimientos, ya que esta situación está evolucionando.

Información que debe saber:

• La mejor manera de evitar contraer este virus u otros virus respiratorios es lavarse las manos frecuentemente y evitar tocándose la cara, especialmente los ojos, la nariz y boca.
• Si se enferma con fiebre y tos (o falta de aire) y ha viajado recientemente a China u otro país con transmisión continua del virus, o ha estado cerca de una persona infectada, por favor aléjese de los demás y quédese en su habitación o casa.
  • Luego llame a su médico, un centro de atención de urgencia u hospital local y déjeles saber sus síntomas y su historial de viaje o exposición.
  • Si sus síntomas son severos, llame al 911 y dígale al operador esa información.
• No asuma que alguien de ascendencia asiática tenga más probabilidades de tener COVID-19. Todas las personas en los EE. UU., incluidas las de ascendencia asiática, que no han viajado a China o han estado en contacto con alguien con un caso COVID-19 confirmado o sospechoso en los últimos 14 días, tienen un bajo riesgo de enfermarse. 

Para obtener más información sobre este virus, visite el sitio web del CDC para COVID-19 o el sitio web del Departamento de Salud Pública de California.

Para saber cómo cubrir la tos adecuadamente y por qué recomendamos lavarse las manos, vea el siguiente video: "¿Por qué no estornudamos en nuestras mangas?"

Por favor mantenga a todos los que han sido afectados en sus pensamientos y oraciones.

Kerri Lauchner, MS, PA-C

Directora del Consultorio de Salud

Update and Precautions

Feb. 6, 2020,  5:00 pm

As of this afternoon, there are only 12 confirmed cases of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus infection in the United States and no deaths. 

Keep these statistics in mind as you may want to compare them to the current seasonal flu in the U.S. As of Jan. 31, the CDC estimates that so far this flu season there have been at least 19 million flu illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths from flu in the United States.

Please know that Health Services and the university are closely watching developments. There are still no known cases in Ventura County at this time. We will update you should the situation change.

Directives from the CDC:

• Do not use face masks. The CDC does not recommend the use of face masks for the general public to prevent the spread of 2019-nCoV.
• Do not show prejudice to people of Asian descent because of fear of this new virus. Do not assume that someone of Asian descent is more likely to have 2019-nCoV. All persons in the U.S. — including those of Asian descent — who have not traveled to China or been in contact with someone with a confirmed or suspected nCoV case in the last 14 days are at low risk of becoming sick.

Information you should know:

• The CDC still feels, at this time, that the threat from this virus to the general American public is low.
• The virus is contagious through close contact with an infected person through respiratory secretions, such as from coughing or sneezing.
• The best way to prevent getting the virus is by frequently washing your hands and to avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Also, avoid all non-essential travel to China.
• If you get sick with a fever and cough or shortness of breath and you have traveled to China or you have been close to an infected person, please isolate yourself from others by staying in your room or at home.  
  • Then, please call your own local doctor or a local urgent care or hospital and call your local public health department. (For Ventura County Public Health, call 805-981-5101. For other counties, check here.) Let them know your symptoms and your travel and/or exposure history. 
  • If your symptoms are severe, call 911 and let the operator know that information.

For more information about this virus, please see the CDC’s website for 2019 Novel Coronavirus or the California Department of Public Health website.

To see how to properly cover coughs and why we recommend washing your hands, please view the following video: “Why Don’t We Do It In Our Sleeves?”

Please keep all those who have been affected in your thoughts and prayers, especially those living in or who have family and friends living in China, as this infection has greatly affected that nation. 

Kerri Lauchner, MS, PA-C

Director, Health Services

Update and Precautions

Jan. 30, 2020,  1:32 pm

As of midday today, there are only six confirmed cases of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus infection in the United States. The newest confirmed infection is in Chicago and is someone who currently resides with a known patient with the virus. Also, the World Health Organization has now declared this outbreak as a global public health emergency.

Please know that Health Services and the university are closely watching developments. There are still no known cases in Alameda County or Ventura County at this time. We will update you should the situation change.

Information you should know:

• The CDC still thinks, at this time, that the threat from this virus to the general American public is low.
• The virus is contagious through close contact with an infected person through respiratory secretions, such as from coughing or sneezing.
• The best way to prevent getting the virus is by frequently washing your hands and to avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid all non-essential travel to China.
• If you get sick with a fever and cough or shortness of breath and you have traveled to China, or you have been close to an infected person, please isolate yourself from others by staying in your room or at home.  
  • Then, please call your own local doctor or a local Urgent Care or hospital, and call your local public health department. (For Ventura County Public Health, call 805-981-5101. For other counties: check here.) Let them know your symptoms and your travel and/or exposure history. 
  • If your symptoms are severe, call 911 and let the operator know that information.

For more information about this virus, please see the CDC’s website for 2019 Novel Coronavirus or the California Department of Public Health website.

To see how to properly cover coughs and why we recommend washing your hands, please view the following video: “Why Don’t We Do It In Our Sleeves?”

FYI: The Coronavirus is not named after any drink. When viewed under an electron microscope, the virus looks somewhat like a crown. In Latin, crown is corona.

Please keep all those who have been affected in your thoughts and prayers, especially those living in or who have family and friends living in China, as this infection has greatly affected that nation.

Kerri Lauchner, MS, PA-C

Director, Health Services

Update and Precautions

Jan. 27, 2020,  4:56 pm

Health Services and the university are closely watching developments related to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.  There are no known cases in Alameda County or Ventura County at this time. We will update you should the situation change.

Information you should know:

• The CDC thinks, at this time, that the threat from this virus to the general American public is low.
• The virus is contagious through close contact with an infected person through respiratory secretions, such as from coughing or sneezing.
• The best way to prevent getting the virus is by frequently washing your hands and to avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose and mouth.
• If you have traveled to China or you have been close to an infected person and then you get sick with a fever and cough or shortness of breath, please call a local Urgent Care or hospital and let them know your symptoms and your travel and/or exposure history. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 and let the operator know that information.

For more information about this virus, please see the CDC’s website for 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

Kerri Lauchner, MS, PA-C

Director, Health Services