Dear Students,
I hope you are doing well as we end Week 8 and begin to look forward to the long-awaited gradual reopening of our campus for spring 2021 term. The news from our state and county continues to improve: Santa Clara County yesterday announced that we are likely to move out of the most-restrictive purple tier of the Blueprint for a Safe Economy for allowable activities by March 3. Here on our campus, the news has also been good: of 1779 COVID-19 tests conducted in the last week, none have been positive!
Against this promising backdrop, we are moving ahead with plans to welcome back additional students for spring term on-campus housing. We have set move-in dates for those who have requested housing for March 24-28. Information on move-in procedures, what to expect when you arrive, and when in-person classes might begin to resume is below.
Housing
We expect to welcome an additional 650 students or so (450 of whom are first-year students) to our residence halls beginning March 24. Students will receive their housing assignment, procedures for scheduling their 2-hour window for move-in, and other information via email no later than March 8. Please note: students will have 24 hours from when they receive their housing assignment to cancel their housing contract if their circumstances have changed and they no longer wish to live on campus.
There is a lengthy Housing FAQ available online, including information about housing charges, room assignments, and more. We look forward to welcoming a team of Community Facilitators (CFs) back to campus and they along with the Resident Directors will be planning virtual and in-person events to help students connect and feel welcome. These teams will work within current guidelines and are ready to shift quickly when those change. Either way, professional and student staff will be available and present to support the student experience and ensure students feel welcome and connected.
Spring Term COVID-19 Testing and Protocols
More information will be forthcoming, but students moving to on-campus residence halls (as well as students living in nearby off-campus housing) should plan on being tested twice upon arrival at SCU, and to quarantine in between tests. This will be mandatory for on-campus students, and strongly encouraged for off-campus students—in order to catch positive cases early and prevent an outbreak that could result in onerous restrictions on activity. During entry testing quarantine, students may leave their rooms only for essential tasks like COVID-19 testing or grabbing pre-ordered “grab and go food” from Benson. Students are required to maintain social distancing protocols and wear face coverings during spring term.
Quarantine, and Isolation Quarters
We are prepared to respond effectively should positive cases occur. On-campus resident students who test positive will be required to isolate. Students identified as close contacts, (e.g., suitemates), will be required to quarantine. The university will provide support during isolation and quarantine. Isolation facilities are only available for students who are living on campus.
Dining
Because social distancing will still be necessary during spring term, students should plan on ordering their meals via a mobile ordering app, and picking up on a “grab and go” basis. There will be several different venues open seven days a week to accommodate all dietary restrictions. Outdoor dining will be available, with social distancing until further notice from the state, county, and SCU.
Fitness Facilities
Campus Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of the parking garage weight room on Monday, March 1 at 8 a.m. Please visit the Campus Recreation website to learn more and to make a reservation for your first visit.
Classes
Students can log on to eCampus to view course modality information and determine which courses will be offered in hybrid or modified face-to-face mode. With Santa Clara County’s announcement that we should soon be in the red tier, Santa Clara University will be able to expand the number of courses (approximately 10 to 15 percent) offered at a reduced capacity in a modified face-to-face manner. We will notify you when this shift occurs and provide you with more information on those course updates.
Spring Term Registration - All students should now be enrolled!
The initial enrollment period has concluded, and all students are now able to register for spring term classes. If you have not yet registered, please do so immediately. If you have any questions about your spring term schedule, please make an appointment with an advisor in the Drahmann Center. In addition, please contact your assigned faculty advisor listed on eCampus if you have any questions related to your major requirements. Students should order their course materials now for shipping, curbside, or in-store pick up.
Winter Term COVID-19 Testing
On-campus testing will have expanded hours until the end of winter quarter. Saliva testing is available during all open hours. Nasal swab tests are only available 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Benson Center (Williman Room)
- Mondays through Wednesdays (9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed for cleaning from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.)
- Thursdays & Fridays (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
- Open during spring break week (March 22 through March 26), hours TBA.
- Lucas Hall (Room 126)
- Monday through Wednesday (9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed for cleaning from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.)
- Open until March 17, then closed until spring quarter starts March 29:
Travel Away from Campus
We have urged students who live on campus or in nearby off-campus housing to refrain from traveling during spring break. If you are planning to leave the area, make sure to test before you leave, to keep your family and friends safe, and then test twice the week you return for spring quarter.
Mission Church
In-person Sunday Masses for students only will be celebrated at 5 p.m. at the Mission Church. Preregistration is required each week for these Masses. Reconciliation is also available at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Health and Counseling
As winter quarter comes to a close, some reminders from Cowell Center:
- Be sure to properly nourish your body with nutrients, rest and good sleep hygiene.
- Don’t forget about the CAPS’ SCU Bootcamp (next session of the physical, mental, and support service program starts April 2021).
- To help with your goals, CAPS is still offering “Unique for YOU 1:1 Coaching” on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. Call 408-554-4501 for any available virtual appointments.
- CAPS counselors are available and currently do not have a waiting list. Call 408-554-4501 for a virtual appointment.
Celebrating the Class of 2021
We know that students and families are anxious to learn more about the upcoming commencement activities for the Class of 2021. We expect to announce information about commencement within the coming weeks.
We are looking forward to welcoming more students to campus in the spring. To ensure that we do that safely, it is critical that every student commit to supporting the health of our entire community. There will be a period of restricted activity in the beginning of the quarter due to the county rules. Please know that we will do all we can to provide safe and appropriate opportunities for our students to enjoy campus life, get reacquainted with the campus and each other, and position our community for greater and greater openness as the COVID-19 threat recedes.
Continue to stay safe Broncos.
Jeanne Rosenberger
Vice Provost for Student Life