As we transition between semesters, we wanted to provide reminders regarding the campus’s COVID-19 protocols to help you keep safe and healthy.
COVID-19 Campus Protocols
Isolation guidance for those testing positive:
- Stay home if you have COVID-19 symptoms until you have not had a fever for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication AND other COVID-19 symptoms are mild and improving.
- If you do not have symptoms, you should follow the recommendations below to reduce exposure to others.
- Mask when you are around other people indoors for the 10 days after you become sick or test positive (if no symptoms). You may remove your mask sooner than 10 days if you have two sequential negative tests at least one day apart. Day 0 is symptom onset date or positive test date.
- Avoid contact with people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 for 10 days.
Close contacts (exposed individuals) should follow the suggested protocols.
The university provides notifications of close contacts and possible exposures to keep our campus community informed and to comply with applicable state regulations. Keep up to date with our CSUSM on-campus worksite exposure dashboard.
General Health and Safety Reminders
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are not required. However, the campus strongly recommends following the recommendations adopted by the CDC and the California Department of Public Health. COVID-19 vaccinations
Masking is not required on campus, except as required by the isolation and return protocol.
Rapid antigen (at-home) tests are free and available to U.S. households from COVID.gov. CSUSM has new wellness vending machines with tests available for purchase.
Additional COVID-19 information is available at the COVID-19 resources and guidelines website.
Latest Student Announcements
- Seeking Healthy Adults to Participate in Exercise Training StudyHealthy adults ages 18 - 64 years old who exercise less than two days per week are needed to participate in an exercise training study conducted at CSUSM. Participants will complete 2 sessions per week of exercise for 12 weeks, during which time you must maintain your lifestyle. Upon completion of the study, you will be paid $250.00. Please email Dr. Todd A. Astorino, Dept. of Kinesiology, at astorino@csusm.edu for more information about the study.
- Civil Rights Office Offering Enhanced Reporting ToolsWe are enhancing how our civil rights office manages reports of discrimination, harassment or retaliation. While the way you submit a report will remain the same, our team now will have better tools to support you. What This Means for You Faster response times – cases will move more quickly through the process. Consistency across CSU – you’ll receive the same high-quality support no matter your campus. Confidentiality and trust – reports are handled securely and with care. Clearer communication – our office can keep you better informed about resources and next steps. Your voice matters, and we want to ensure that you feel supported throughout the process. To learn more about reporting and resources, visit https://www.csusm.edu/title9/.
- Campuswide Evacuation DrillA mandatory campuswide building evacuation drill will be held on Feb. 12 at 9 a.m. The drill complies with a California State University policy that requires each campus in the system to conduct a building evacuation drill at least once annually. On Feb. 12 at 9 a.m., a message will be sent via the emergency notification system to start the evacuation drill. Multiple modalities may be utilized, including desktop alerts, digital signage, library PA, Cougar Central PA and text messages. Your building’s fire alarm also may activate. The drill is expected to last 20-30 minutes. Please evacuate the building, report to the nearest evacuation zone and wait for the “all clear” before re-entering. You can review the building evacuation zone assignments at https://www.csusm.edu/em/documents/csusmevaczones24.pdf. Contact Emergency Management at em@csusm.edu with any questions.
- Checking the Status of Campus ElevatorsDid you know there are three ways to check the working status of CSUSM’s 40 elevators and five wheelchair lifts? 1. Facilities Development and Management tracks the working status of our elevators with this interactive map. https://workrequest.csusm.edu/elevator/status.php 2. You can also sign up for email notifications that automatically alert you when our elevators are taken out of service or returned to service here. https://m.csusm.edu/default/kurogo_message_center/channels?feed=messages_channel_eac8ab41-0a30-45fd-aa4b-e1bca1ec9644 3. You can also receive automatic notifications on your phone through the CSUSM App. To sign up do the following steps: • Sign in to the CSUSM App • Go to “Maps” • Click on “Elevator Status” • Click on the “Opt In” button
- Resources and Support for Undocumented and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Students and EmployeesThe Office of Inclusive Excellence invites you to join us for an information session on resources and support for CSUSM's undocumented and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) students and employees. The session is Thursday, Dec. 12 at noon via Zoom (link to be provided upon registration). Learn about the resources and support available to undocumented, TPS and immigrant members of the CSUSM community. This session will provide information on campus and community resources, highlight available services, and discuss ways to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all. The event is open to students, staff and faculty interested in learning more about these important resources and how to support members of our campus immigrant community. Click here to register. For questions or accommodations, please contact the Office of Inclusive Excellence.
- Parking and Commuter RemindersAs the fall semester kicks off, remember to set aside some additional time for your commute to campus. The first few weeks are always a busier period with students, staff and faculty getting back into the swing of things. Whether you are walking, driving or biking, expect a little extra hustle and bustle on the campus pathways and parking areas. Planning ahead can help ensure you arrive on time and stress-free for your classes or meetings. Avoid additional driving stress and parking fees by choosing one of the many free or highly discounted forms of sustainable transportation at CSUSM. Biking, transit, carpool and vanpool options are available here. Contact our sustainable transportation coordinator at 760-750-7029 or commuterprograms@csusm.edu for more information. Welcome back, Cougars, and have a great start to the semester!