Dear students,
As we close out the winter term and prepare for finals, we are encouraged that our region remains in the red tier for COVID-19 restrictions on activity, and appears on track for continued easing of some restrictions in the weeks ahead. While testing results from last week showed a slight uptick in positive cases (9/2399) the overall test positivity rate is very promising. We want to reiterate the advice of health experts to limit travel if possible during spring break week — March 22-26. Let’s not risk our hard-won gains by compromising safety guidance at this critical juncture. Please read on for important information.
Financial Assistance for Students - CRRSAA Fund Update
Last year, Santa Clara University received and distributed funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. More recently, Santa Clara University has been allocated $1.77M in federal funds to disburse directly to students who have exceptional financial needs due to the pandemic. These funds will be disbursed to students in the form of financial aid grants made available through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). SCU will distribute the funds two different ways:
Eligible students who are pre-designated as having exceptional need based on their qualification for federal Pell Grants or state Cal Grants will receive grants of $1500 each. We expect approximately 75% of the CRRSAA funding will be disbursed to students in this group, who will receive further information later today in a separate email.
Beginning March 29, students who are not Pell Grant or Cal Grant recipients can apply for assistance if they have a self-identified hardship need due to the coronavirus. Request forms will be accepted through eCampus until Friday, April 16 at 5 p.m. PST. Such requests will be reviewed, and SCU will divide the remaining amount of CRRSAA funds equally among eligible students who have submitted a valid application. Additional information about this program can be found in the SCU CRRSAA Fund FAQ page.
Academic Support Resources
As a reminder, the following academic support resources remain available to students during finals week. Select hours will be available, therefore we encourage you to schedule your appointments soon.
- Academic Advising: Visit the Drahmann Center website and select “Make an Appointment” to schedule an appointment time.
- The HUB Writing Center can help you with many of your writing projects. Make an appointment to discuss your essays, research papers, lab reports, cover letters for internships or other applications, and more. Access the appointment system through the HUB’s website.
- The Office of Accessible Education (OAE) is designated by the University to ensure equal access for students with disabilities to all academic and University programs. Students with disabilities seeking academic accommodations may apply online. Please visit the website to learn more about how OAE may be able to support you. Virtual drop-in hours are also available weekly, please visit our website for the day, time, and link to meet with an advisor. You may also email oae@scu.edu to schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor.
Learning Commons and Library
Reservable study space is available Sunday, March 14 through Friday, March 19. Study space can be reserved online 24 hours in advance at https://www.scu.edu/rooms. Hours for reservable study during finals are:
- Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
- Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
COVID-19 Testing During Finals Week and Spring Break
Please note testing-clinic hours for finals week and spring break week (Benson location only):
- Finals week
Monday to Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. for cleaning)
Thursday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Spring break week
Monday to Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
The Testing Protocol page has new information about how to register for a nasal-swab COVID-19 test, if you are among the small number of people who have difficulty being tested using saliva samples.
Spring 2021 Resident Student Arrival COVID-19 Testing & Quarantine Protocol
All students moving into campus housing for spring have been instructed they will be required to participate in SCU arrival testing and quarantine protocols. Most students will be required to take a COVID-19 test within 12 hours of arrival; maintain restricted activity for five days; and test again on day six. (Exceptions will apply for some students who can document they’ve been fully vaccinated for three or more weeks or that they tested positive within the last 90 days.)
In between tests, students may leave their rooms only for essential tasks including COVID-19 testing, picking up pre-ordered food in Benson Memorial Center, or partaking in outdoor solo physical activity. Assuming the final test result is negative, the quarantine is complete on day seven.
Other important information about moving in can be found at the COVID-19 Spring Move-In page.
Vaccines and Facility “Passports”
As more and more campus members (faculty, staff, student workers) are vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines, our testing team has provided a system for registering those who have received vaccines. This will be important in spring and fall, as either proof of vaccination or proof of a recent COVID-19 test will be necessary to enter some buildings and/or classrooms, including the library. Please get in the habit of saving all emails indicating that you have been tested; that you have received a negative test result; or that you are no longer required to participate in testing due to having been fully vaccinated (three weeks after the second dose for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or four weeks after the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine). These, along with your student ID, will help serve as a “passport” into some locations on campus.
Please see the Testing Protocol page for further instructions on how to register vaccination information.
Campus Recreation
The Parking Garage Weight Room (PGWR) will be open during finals week from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. The schedule for spring break will be posted on the Campus Recreation website.
Students returning to campus in the spring should be sure to sign the online waivers and set up ACCESS credential (mobile or card). To verify, log into your ECampus and confirm you have signed your waiver/s and check out this video from the ACCESS Card Office about setting up your ACCESS credential (mobile or card). We look forward to seeing you at the PGWR!
Cowell Center
Please check your email for a list of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and virtual resources to help you to stay well and healthy, especially during final exams.
Mission Church
In-person Sunday Masses for students only will be celebrated at 5 p.m. at the Mission Church. This coming Sunday will honor St. Joseph and Italian-American devotions. Preregistration is required each week for these Masses. Reconciliation is also available at 4 p.m. on Sunday. There will also be a 5 p.m. Mass on Sunday, March 21 (during the break), and on Palm Sunday, March 28. Preregistration will be required to attend.
As you prepare for your upcoming exams, please take a moment to reflect on your uncompromising resilience, flexibility and grace. You’ve got this, Broncos!
Take good care of yourself.
Jeanne Rosenberger
Vice Provost for Student Life