Dear students,
As the first week of the spring term comes to an end, I extend a warm welcome to our returning and recently moved-in students (many first-years) and thank them as they completed their arrival testing and quarantine protocols to keep our community safe.
Orange Tier
With the move last week to a slightly less restrictive orange tier in California’s system for COVID-19 openings, students will notice that socially distanced small gatherings and outdoor dining are permissible. It is our hope that as we all continue to follow the guidelines of our state and county, further activity —including larger gatherings, a majority of in-person classes, and full-capacity residence halls—will be permitted in fall. The preventive behavior we continue to follow now will help make further campus reopening possible, so thank you for your continued diligence.
On-Campus Residents
Beginning Week 2 the Residence Life team will offer in-person and virtual engagement opportunities that adhere to university, county and state guidelines for in-person gatherings. Community Facilitators (CFs) are busy planning events for the term (paint nights, movies, game nights, meditations, etc). Events and activities for residents will be finalized by Week 2 and will be publicized in communities and via email, but limited to residents only.
Spring Arrival COVID-19 Testing Results
Last week SCU conducted a total of 1914 COVID-19 tests, including entry tests for more than 600 students moving into residence halls. Of that total, there were only ten positive results (all students who live off-campus), for a 0.5% positivity rate.
This low positivity rate is a great start for our quarter. Please remember that health authorities remain worried about the risk of an outbreak at this critical juncture in the pandemic. So it is very important for all of us to keep wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and following safety protocols. This will be necessary until our region and our campus gets closer to the all-important “herd immunity” that will enable us to return to greater normalcy.
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, or to complete the “Vax Verify” process to be considered "fully vaccinated" and exempt from further testing. Vaccine verification requires bringing a CDC vaccination card showing either two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or a single dose of the J&J vaccine, along with student ID, to a COVID testing center on campus. Testing-clinic hours for spring term:
- 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.
2021-22 On-Campus Housing
With spring housing assignments completed, we now look to 2021-22 housing. Applications are open for all students for on-campus housing next year. Depending on your year in school, the application and process can be found via eCampus on the Housing Portal.
Campus Recreation
The Parking Garage Weight Room will reopen Monday, April 5 with expanded hours.
- Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Friday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
For more information about the Parking Garage Weight Room please visit the Parking Garage Weight Room website. If you have trouble making a reservation with the app, check out our Troubleshooting Guide or email campusrec@scu.edu with an explanation of the issue you are experiencing. All new students, make sure you have completed your mobile credential & waivers. Winter quarter graduates who would like access to the Parking Garage Weight Room for free through June 11 should complete this Google form.
Use of all outdoor spaces requires facial coverings to be worn at all times. This includes outdoor basketball, outdoor beach volleyball courts, and the outdoor fitness area. Runners using the track are permitted to lower their masks when not in proximity to other runners, but must lift their masks back up when crossing the path of another user.
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.
Mission Church
- Here is the schedule for Holy Week in-person liturgies:
Holy Thursday 5 p.m.
Good Friday 3 p.m.
Holy Saturday 5 p.m.
Easter Sunday 11 a.m. ONLY (No 5 p.m. Mass this week)
Information and registration links may be found at the Mission Church registration website. Preregistration is required for these special liturgies.
It has been a delight to see students back on campus, and we look forward to their post-testing enjoyment of lawn seating, outdoor dining, and small-group get-togethers.
Make sure you extend a warm welcome to all first-year students experiencing our campus for the first time, and have a great spring quarter.
Jeanne Rosenberger
Vice Provost for Student Life