COVID-19 Updates

Last updated: March 7, 2022 at 7:20 am

Page Outline (click links below for more details)

 

San Diego County Moves to Low Risk

SDSU is proud to report that COVID-19 cases on campus remain low and stable and that vaccination rates among students, faculty, and staff remain among the highest within the California State University (CSU) system. 

We appreciate your ongoing, collective commitment to keeping our campus community safe and healthy. 

In our region, San Diego County is now classified as having a low COVID-19 risk by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has updated its guidance for mega-events, shifting vaccinations and testing from a requirement to a recommendation. In response, SDSU has updated its in-person events guidance to align with CDPH recommendations.

COVID-19 Booster Requirement

The California State University system recently announced all students, faculty, and staff, (including auxiliary employees) eligible for the COVID-19 booster will be required to have their booster on file in HealtheConnect to be considered fully vaccinated. As always, if you don’t plan on visiting campus, please submit an online exemption.

If you’re participating in a program that follows SDSU’s academic calendar, please submit your vaccination records or request an exemption by Jan. 18, 2022.

If you’re participating in another SDSU Global Campus program with courses that begin throughout the semester, please submit your vaccination records or request an exemption before your first day of class.

What This Means For Students

All SDSU Global Campus students must be vaccinated for COVID-19 or request an exemption for one of the following reasons:

  • You are a fully online student and do not plan to visit campus for any reason (this includes using the library, visiting the book store, attending events on campus, etc.)
  • You are the in process of attaining full vaccination status
  • Medical conditions prevent you from taking the vaccine
  • You cannot take the vaccine for religious reasons

I Don’t Plan to Visit Campus

If you’re a fully-online student and you do not plan to visit San Diego State University’s campus for any reason, you’ll need to have an approved online exemption request in your HealtheConnect portal under the “Forms” tab.

If you’re participating in a program that follows SDSU’s academic calendar, please submit your vaccination records or request an exemption by Jan. 18, 2022.

If you’re participating in another SDSU Global Campus program with courses that begin throughout the semester, please submit your vaccination records or request an exemption before your first day of class.

If your class has already begun but you’re still awaiting clearance from HealtheConnect, please notify your instructor to ensure that your seat in the class is secure.

I Plan to Visit Campus

If you’re participating in an in-person course at San Diego State University, or you’re planning on visiting campus to access any in-person resources (the library, the Aztec Recreation Center, events, etc.), you’ll need to have valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption request in your HealtheConnect portal.

If you’re participating in a program that follows SDSU’s academic calendar, please submit your vaccination records or request an exemption by Jan. 18, 2022.

If you’re participating in another SDSU Global Campus program with courses that begin throughout the semester, please submit your vaccination records or request an exemption before your first day of class.

To attain clearance, you’ll need to complete one of the following steps:

If your class has already begun but you’re still awaiting clearance from HealtheConnect, please notify your instructor before your first class begins to ensure that your seat in the class is secure. You should also contact your instructor if you’ve been quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure or if you’re feeling sick and unable to attend class.

As always, please adhere to the latest facial covering guidelines when visiting campus.

International Students

If you’re an international student in our Semester @ SDSU or American Language Institute English programs, these guidelines also apply to you. Please contact us by calling (619) 594-5907 or emailing ali@sdsu.edu if you have any questions.

If your class has already begun but you’re still awaiting clearance from HealtheConnect, please notify your instructor to ensure that your seat in the class is secure.

COVID-19 Support for Semester at SDSU Students
We understand that you have travelled many miles far from home and may need some extra support to help you get settled. We at SDSU Global Campus are here to help!

As we all continue to deal with the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we know that staying healthy, finding testing sites, and other aspects of the outbreak may be a concern to you. You can reach a Global Campus representative to discuss any questions or concerns you have about COVID-19 by sending an email to Miffy Yuan at myuan@sdsu.edu.

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How To Attain Clearance

To access courses and/or visit campus, you need to submit your COVID-19 vaccination records or request an exemption through SDSU’s HealtheConnect portal. The upload process takes no more than 10 minutes.

You’ll need to use your activated SDSUid (SDSU email address) to access HealtheConnect. You won’t be able to access HealtheConnect until you’ve activated your SDSUid and your registration has been processed. Once you access HealtheConnect, please allow four days for Student Health Services to process your documentation.

Once your proof of COVID-19 vaccination has been validated or your exemption request has been approved, you’ll receive a Green Medallion in your HealtheConnect portal under the “COVID-19” tab. If you haven’t submitted the necessary documentation, your HealtheConnect portal will show a Red Medallion.

Green (cleared) and red (not cleared) medallions for campus access.
Green (cleared) and red (not cleared) medallions for campus access.

Types of Exemptions

Online Exemption

If you’re an online student and you’re not visiting campus, you’ll need to submit your exemption request via HealtheConnect by the deadlines established above showing that you won’t be participating in any on-campus activities. This includes using the library or other SDSU resources or participating in any on-campus events.

Information on submitting an exemption request can be found here.

Medical or Religious Exemptions

The CSU COVID-19 vaccination requirement allows for students, faculty, and staff to seek an exemption based on medical or religious grounds. If you’re a student or a non-represented faculty or staff member and you plan on submitting an exemption request for medical or religious reasons, you’ll need to submit your exemption request via HealtheConnect by the deadlines established above. Students who receive an approved vaccination exemption will be required to have COVID-19 testing results on file every seven days.

You’ll need to use your activated SDSUid (SDSU email address) to access HealtheConnect. The process is quick and easy and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.

Information on submitting an exemption request can be found here.

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Partial Vaccination Exemption

If you’re in the process of being vaccinated, but will not be fully vaccinated by the time your course begins, you can complete a temporary waiver request. You’ll need to submit your exemption request via HealtheConnect by the deadlines established above. This means you’ll be placed in a testing program until you reach fully-vaccinated status. Students who receive an approved vaccination exemption will be required to have COVID-19 testing results on file every seven days. Please note: you’ll be considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your second dose of a two-shot vaccine or two weeks after the first dose of a single-shot vaccine.

Information on submitting an exemption request can be found here.

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Enforcement of Vaccination and Testing Protocols

As shared earlier this month, SDSU will be implementing a mandatory COVID-19 testing requirement for all students. However, with the CSU’s updated COVID-19 vaccine policy, the mandatory weekly testing will only be required for unvaccinated students with an approved exemption on file with the university. Additional information on exemptions is detailed below.

While SDSU and the CSU are allowing limited medical or religious exemptions to the vaccination requirement, as well as exemptions for those who are in the process of being vaccinated or fully-online students who won’t be visiting campus, no such exemptions are being offered for the testing requirement for those who are unvaccinated or who have not uploaded proof of vaccination. Students who receive an approved vaccination exemption will be required to have COVID-19 testing results on file every seven days.

For students who have recently had a COVID-19 infection, please get vaccinated as recommended. If your medical provider has advised you to wait for 90 days post-infection to get vaccinated, you will need to submit information to the university, including proof of your recent positive test result, and be regularly tested for COVID-19 to maintain your campus clearance.

Students who are on an approved vaccination exemption will receive weekly reminders about ways to get tested.

The COVID-19 test can be either self-administered or administered by a health professional. However, the test must be a molecular (PCR, RT-PCR, TMA, LAMP, or NAAT) test; antigen and antibody testing will not be accepted.

If you are tested at any location other than Student Health Services, you’ll need to upload documentation to HealtheConnect. We cannot accept submissions via email. Please ensure your results have your name clearly visible on them.

Because of the serious nature of COVID-19 and the importance of vaccination for individual and community wellness, the university will take action should you not adhere to the COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirement. If you miss your testing windows, you’ll receive reminders via your official SDSU email account. Students who remain non-compliant for more than 5 days after missing their testing window will need to meet with the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities (CSRR). Due to the severity of the ongoing public health concern around the global pandemic, and in the interest of individual and community safety, sanctions are possible for students who do not comply, including warnings and suspensions.

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Vending Machines with COVID-19 Tests

San Diego State University students, faculty and staff (including auxiliary employees with RedIDs) are able to access self-administered COVID-19 test kits at one of numerous vending machines across campus. Submitted COVID-19 tests will not be analyzed if the individual is not a student or employee in SDSU’s database. 

COVID-19 self testing vending machine locations for SDSU, SDSU Imperial Valley and SDSU Brawley can be found using our interactive campus map. 

In addition to testing offered through Student Health Services and off-campus locations, those who are not vaccinated as well as those who are vaccinated may rely on the kiosks for testing. 

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FAQs

I’m an online student. What do I need to do to participate in online courses at SDSU Global Campus?
As an online student, you’ll need to attain Green Status in your HealtheConnect portal. You can do this by having an approved online exemption request in your HealtheConnect stating that you won’t be visiting campus for any reason. Please see our Online Exemption Update for more information.

What is SDSU Global Campus doing to ensure that Osher, non-credit, and international students can successfully upload their vaccine records?
All current Global Campus students - including Osher students, credit, and non-credit students - are required to upload either vaccination documentation or request an exemption via HealtheConnect.

How long will it take for my course registration records to be uploaded to HealtheConnect?
Records are uploaded the morning after you register for courses. This means that once you register for a course, you’ll be able to access HealtheConnect and upload your documentation/request an exemption the next morning. HealtheConnect is updated Monday - Saturday at 4:00 am PDT.

How do I provide my proof of vaccination?
Please visit HealtheConnect and login with your SDSUid and navigate to the Immunizations tab, where you’ll identify which vaccine you received. Then, you’ll navigate to the Upload tab, where you’ll upload a photo of your immunization card. Once we verify your proof of vaccination, you’ll receive a Green Medallion in HealtheConnect that says you’re cleared to visit campus.

Click here for an overview of this process.

Do Global Campus students need to register or create a separate account to log in to HealtheConnect?
No - all current credit and non-credit students can log in with their SDSUid. If you have not already created an SDSUid account, you’ll need to create one to access HealtheConnect using the following process

  1. Register for a course using your RedID.
  2. You should receive an email within three hours of registering containing instructions on how to activate your SDSUid.
  3. At the same time, your course registration is being processed and uploaded to the HealtheConnect database. This is a nightly process. Once you’ve registered for your course, you should be able to access HealtheConnect the next morning with your activated SDSUid.

What if I have my first dose of a two-shot vaccine?
If you’re in the process of being vaccinated, but will not be fully vaccinated by the time your first course begins, you can complete a temporary waiver request. You’re considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your second dose of a two-shot vaccine or two weeks after the first dose of a single-shot vaccine.

Please see Partial Vaccination Exemption for more information.

Are other vaccinations required for SDSU Global Campus online students?
At this time, SDSU Global Campus students are only required to submit proof of vaccination for COVID-19 or request an exemption for one of the reasons listed above. This does not apply to other vaccines you may see in your HealtheConnect portal.

What if I have questions?
If you have any questions about proof of vaccination or requesting an exemption, we’re here to help. Please call (619) 594-7700 or email globalcampus@sdsu.edu. If you’re reaching out via email, please include “Vaccine Question” in the subject line.

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Next Steps for SDSU Global Campus Faculty and Staff

The updated CSU vaccine policy requires all faculty and staff, including auxiliary employees with SDSU Research Foundation, Associated Students (A.S.), and Aztec Shops, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

All non-represented faculty and staff, including auxiliary employees, should submit their completed vaccination documentation or request an exemption to HealtheConnect. This process takes 4 days, so we encourage you to submit your documentation as soon as possible if you have not already done so. The upload process takes no more than 10 minutes. Please note: This is a different process than the self-attestation form, which most faculty and staff have already completed.

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Returning to Campus Safely

As we prepare for some of our students to return to limited in-person courses, the health and well-being of all members of our community continues to be paramount.

San Diego State University has been guided by three main principles, which the University Senate has endorsed:

  • Continuity in SDSU’s teaching, research and community support at the highest possible levels given public health constraints and the broader social context.
  • Maintain student access to degree programs and services designed to enhance student success and the overall SDSU experience.
  • Ensure the safety of our students, staff, administrators, and faculty.

To achieve those three primary objectives, SDSU is collaborating with the San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) to implement public health-informed plans and controls and to slow the transmission of COVID-19 and reduce the impact on the campus community.

Vaccines are available for faculty, staff, and students by appointment through SDSU’s Student Health Services. Vaccines are also available throughout San Diego County. To find another vaccination site within San Diego County, please visit the San Diego County COVID-19 website.

SDSU has also updated its facial covering policy with requirements for those who will be on site at any university location and are fully vaccinated and those who are not vaccinated. Please review the facial covering requirements before visiting campus.

Please check with your specific program and continue to monitor our website for the latest updates regarding your course schedule.

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Keeping Our Community Healthy

While the immediate risk of the coronavirus to the SDSU Global Campus community is believed to be low at this time, we each have a personal responsibility to continue to assist in mitigating this ongoing public health threat. SDSU Global Campus students, instructors, and staff are asked to maintain healthy habits to help prevent the spread of disease.

The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to the coronavirus. It is equally important to implement practices that reduce its spread. San Diego State University urges all members of the campus community to be consistent in the following:

Physical Distancing, Facial Coverings

SDSU Global Campus adheres to San Diego State University’s facial covering guidelines, which are as follows:

For those who are NOT fully up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, including a booster dose (if eligible for a booster):

  • Facial coverings must be worn at all times while indoors. This also includes during all instructional and research activities.

For those who ARE fully up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including a booster dose (if eligible for a booster):

  • Facial coverings are still required in these settings: 
    • When in instructional settings, whether indoors or outdoors. 
    • In classrooms, instructional labs, and any other spaces being actively used in an instructional capacity. 
    • When inside the University Library.  

      NOTE: As before, instructional faculty, teaching assistants and interpreters can remove their facial coverings when teaching as long as students are masked in the classroom.

Also, for those who are fully vaccinated and boosted, if they are eligible, facial coverings are recommended, but not required, indoors as follows: 

  • When gathering for events, meetings, and other functions with others, even if no members of the public or students are present. This provides some flexibility for vaccinated individuals in non-instructional settings and spaces on campus. 

Individuals who are fully vaccinated and boosted may voluntarily wear a facial covering in any setting if they wish to do so.

For all, no matter one’s vaccination or booster status:

  • Any individuals experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms must wear a facial covering if they are on campus to seek testing or as they exit campus to return home if they have an onset of symptoms while on campus.

NOTE: Facial coverings will continue to be required for all individuals in limited environments that have licensing or other requirements, such as the Children’s Center and Student Health Services. 

In-Person Events Guidance

Aligned with the state-wide timeline and effective April 1, 2022, separate vaccination and testing checks are no longer required at the door of SDSU-affiliated events. This includes “mega-events” of over 1,000 people and large events of 250-999 people.

Masking Best Practices

Carry a facial covering with you at all times and use it. It is also recommended to wear surgical or medical N95, KN94 or KN95) masks or a medical mask covered by a cloth mask, especially as these options are shown to be the most effective coverage in protecting against COVID-19 transmission. Cloth masks, alone, have not been shown to be as highly effective in protecting against transmission and are increasingly being recommended to be combined with surgical or KN95 masks. All university employees are able to request facial coverings through the university’s Work Request site. Click on the “COVID Material Requests” icon.

More information is available on the university’s General Prevention site.

San Diego State University is following the guidelines of county, state, and federal public health officials and other authorities as it continues its academic and research mission during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the university’s COVID-19 site and SDSU Flex site for more information.

Stay at Home if Sick

All SDSU students, faculty, staff, independent contractors, and vendors must stay home if they are unwell.

  • Do not come to campus if you do not feel well. Remain home and monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention as needed.
  • Contact your supervisor or faculty member to notify them of your absence.
  • COVID-19 can result in mild to severe symptoms, and older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19.

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Additional Resources

Resources for Students, Staff, and Faculty

Testing/Vaccinations

Health Guidance

Campus Updates/Resources

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Helpful Health Tips

  • Wear a facial covering when you are on campus or any other SDSU property.
  • Monitor your health daily, and take appropriate action (stay home, call your doctor) if you begin to feel sick. 
  • Remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing noses, coughing, or sneezing. 
  • If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and avoid personal contact with people who are sick. 
  • Avoid sharing food, cups, or utensils.
  • Avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places and minimize handling cash, credit cards, and mobile or electronic devices.
  • Custodial professionals will continue to disinfect high-touch surfaces (i.e., doorknobs, restroom fixtures, etc.).

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SDSU Global Campus Program Academic Updates

Grading Basis Update:

Credit/Non-credit Grading Basis Option: Cr/NC option has been extended for the duration of the pandemic. The last day to submit a Cr/NC request for the spring 2021 semester is May 6th, 2021. Requests may be submitted here: Petition for Cr/NC due to COVID-19.

Undergraduate Students: A grade of Credit (CR) is awarded for work equivalent to a course letter grade of C (2.0) or better. No Credit (NC) is awarded for work equivalent to all grades, which earn less than 2.0-grade points (C- through F).

Graduate Students: A grade of Credit (CR) is awarded for work equivalent to a course letter grade of B (3.0) or better. No Credit (NC) is awarded for work equivalent to all grades, which earn less than 3.0-grade points (B- through F).

Financial Aid Impact: CR/NC grading may have an impact on your financial aid eligibility. Receiving an NC grade in a course may negatively impact future financial aid eligibility, if overall, during the academic year (summer 2020, fall 2020, spring 2021) 75% of your courses were not completed. Please review the COVID-19 Related Questions web page on the Financial Aid and Scholarships website for more information.

Questions can be directed to ces.registrar@sdsu.edu.

 

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