Dear students,
Welcome back to the start of the spring term. Earlier this week, Santa Clara County moved to the Orange tier in California’s system for COVID-19 openings, which continues to limit the types of in-person instruction that can occur. We were delighted to welcome 588 more students into reduced-capacity on-campus housing for the term. Thank you to all of the students and families for following safety and social-distancing protocols, and we hope you have a fantastic quarter. Please see below for several important updates.
Academic Technology
The use of your SCU Zoom accounts now requires version 5.4.9 or higher! Here are the instructions on how to check which Zoom version you are using and to update the software. Please contact Media Services at mediaservices@scu.edu for assistance.
Academic Updates
Late Registration: the last day to add spring term classes is Monday, April 5
- The add/drop period typically runs through the end of the first week of the term. With the Good Friday holiday this week, that deadline will be extended through Monday, April 5. Students are still encouraged to make any schedule changes as soon as possible this week.
- If you are looking to add a closed class, contact the instructor and/or the department to inquire about waitlists or alternative options. If you need a particular course in a sequence such as science, math, or language, it is essential to contact those departments to discuss options.
- For other deadlines and the complete Spring Quarter 2021 Academic Calendar, click here.
- Please contact the Drahmann Center for additional assistance with scheduling. Visit our website at scu.edu/drahmann and select “Make an Appointment,” or email drahmanncenter@scu.edu.
Overloading: students enrolling above the 19-unit maximum
- Students in the Honors Program or those with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher can overload up to 25 units without approval via eCampus.
- For those seeking an exception, the overload request form is available on the Drahmann Center website, scu.edu/drahmann. Students must have at least junior standing to request an overload.
Benson Memorial Center Building Hours
Beginning Monday, March 29, the Benson Memorial Center will be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Bronco Corner Bookstore
Bronco Corner Bookstore will be open for in-store shopping and pick-up, with limited occupancy, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays, beginning Monday, March 29 through end of spring term.
Campus Dining
SCU and our dining vendor Bon Appetit are excited to welcome students back to grab-and-go dining in Benson Memorial Center. All food must be ordered ahead using the mobile ordering app. There will be something to satisfy all appetites and diets from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday - Friday and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cellar Market (a mini grocery store for students) will open in the lower level after Easter.
Campus Recreation
The Parking Garage Weight Room will be closed from Saturday, March 27 to Sunday, April 4, and will reopen on Monday, April 5 with new hours. Spring term hours will be expanded to:
- Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Friday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
COVID-19 Testing During Spring Term
Resident students and any students who will be coming to campus for classes or to use University facilities, are required to be tested weekly. Testing-clinic hours for spring term (starting March 29) will be:
- Benson Memorial Center, Williman Room - Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Lucas Hall, Room 126- Monday to Friday, noon - 6 p.m.
Those who had been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days are exempt from the weekly testing requirement. Please resume testing after 90 days have passed from the date of your positive diagnosis.
If you’ve been fully vaccinated for at least three weeks, you will be exempt from weekly testing, but you must bring proof of vaccination to the Benson Memorial testing center. For information on how to do that, please visit SCU’s Testing Protocol page.
Financial Assistance for Students - CRRSAA Fund Update
Beginning March 29, students who are not Pell Grant or Cal Grant recipients can apply for assistance from the CRRSAA Fund if they have a self-identified hardship need due to the coronavirus pandemic. Request forms will be accepted through eCampus from March 29 at 9 a.m. PST 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.
Housing Isolation & Quarantine
For spring 2021, the university has an Isolation & Quarantine protocol for students living on campus who either test positive for COVID-19 or are exposed to it via a close contact. Details about individual isolation and quarantine —as well as about residence hall building or floor shelter-in-place plans —can be found on the Prepared SCU website.
Learning Commons and Library
Reservable study space resumes April 5 (after spring term COVID-19 entry testing of campus is complete). Study space can be reserved online 24 hours in advance online at the library website. Hours for reservable study are:
- Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Other services for spring term.
The SCU community can continue to access library books and materials through the Library's electronic collections, pick-up service, residential mail delivery, and scanning service. Librarians are available to meet with students virtually for research assistance. Information about University Library services is available on the Library and Learning Commons Services Update page.
Mission Church
- In-person Sunday Masses for students only will be celebrated at 5 p.m. at the Mission Church throughout the spring quarter (except on Easter Sunday, April 4). Preregistration is required each week for these Sunday Masses.
- Reconciliation is available at 4 p.m. on Sunday (except Easter Sunday).
- Holy Week: This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. Special Holy Week in-person liturgies will be held as follows:
Holy Thursday 5 p.m.
Good Friday 3 p.m.
Holy Saturday 5 p.m.
Easter Sunday 11 a.m. ONLY
Information and registration links may be found at the Mission Church registration website. Preregistration is required for these special liturgies.
Office of Accessible Education
The Office of Accessible Education (OAE) goal remains to support SCU students with disabilities in participating fully in campus life, programs, and activities. Students interested in applying for accommodations are encouraged to visit our website to register. Drop-in hours are available weekly, please visit our website for the day, time, and link to meet with an advisor. If you have any questions or to speak with an OAE staff, please email oae@scu.edu.
Summer Session 2021
Summer registration appointments will be viewable on eCampus on March 29, and registration begins April 12. Seniors who petitioned to graduate in June will not receive a registration appointment. If your graduation plans have changed, please notify the Office of the Registrar at registrar@scu.edu (include your name and student ID number).
Given the upcoming Good Friday administrative and academic holiday, next week’s COVID-19 Update will be sent on Thursday, April 1.
Best wishes for the start of the new term.
Jeanne Rosenberger
Vice Provost for Student Life