With classes starting early next month, we want to update you regarding CalArts’ plans for managing COVID-19 this fall 2022.
As has been the case throughout the pandemic, this guidance emerges from careful monitoring of community and national developments, including following county, state, and federal public health agencies, as well as consultation with neighboring institutions.
CalArts community’s high vaccination rates (primary series) —nearly 98.9% when the Spring 2022 semester ended—significantly reduced the risk of severe illness and hospitalization for those who became infected.
The Institute’s approach reflects the information we have at this time; should new circumstances require changes, we will notify you as promptly as possible.
Masks
At this time, in alignment with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, California Department of Public Health, Cal-Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control, masks are highly encouraged indoors on campus.
- Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to wear an acceptable face covering when indoors.
- Faculty, staff, and students may obtain a disposable medical face covering from Student Health, Facilities, or Campus Safety.
- Acceptable face coverings include:
- Triple cloth, disposable medical face covering, KN95, or N95 masks.
- Cover the nose and mouth openings.
- Fit snugly against the face with nose wire to reduce gaps from the nose and secured ties/ear loops.
- Allow breathing without restriction.
We ask that all members of our CalArts community continue to support and respect one another’s masking choices. Vaccinations, boosters, and testing remain the best protections against serious illness and we urge those who have not yet been vaccinated or boosted to do so. In order to accommodate certain students, faculty, and staff, some spaces/courses/etc. will likely have stricter policies in place. It is important that students, faculty, and staff, who are most comfortable choosing to wear a mask, be supported in their decisions. Please respect the masking rules of the room as guided by the faculty/staff leading the session, meeting, or class. Some employees who themselves have certain health risks or who live with people at risk for severe COVID-19 may still need to, or choose to, wear masks. Faculty, staff, and students have the right to wear a mask in order to further protect themselves, their families, and their communities.
You may ask, what do I do if a faculty, staff, or student refuses to wear a mask per my request in my office or classroom?
We recommend the following steps should you encounter a CalArtian in class or in a meeting who is not wearing a mask when asked to do so:
- Gently remind the CalArtian that a mask is requested in your space out of community respect; you may provide a new mask to the CalArtian if they do not have one (Student Health, Facilities, and Campus Safety have spare masks available for distribution). Additional language to support you is forthcoming.
- If the CalArtian explains that they are unable or unwilling to wear a mask, ask the CalArtian for a side conversation with you.
- In the unlikely event that the CalArtian continues to be unwilling to wear a mask, request that the CalArtian leave the class or meeting. Please discuss this matter with your supervisor to obtain further guidance.
Vaccinations and Boosters
CalArts requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated (meaning that they have received the full initial dose(s) of their specific vaccine, along with the initial booster dose if eligible (CDC Booster info) by October 30, 2022. Submit your booster verification here (Vaccination verification). Please note, if you have already submitted this information, you are not required to resubmit.
Medical or religious exemptions are permitted for those who complete the requirements to receive (or have received) a medical or religious accommodation. To seek an exemption visit COVID-19 Vaccine Exemptions. Please note, if you have already submitted and received an exemption, you are not required to resubmit.
CalArts will host free booster clinics on campus throughout the Fall semester. They will be hosted in the Main Gallery on the dates below:
- Tuesday, September 27 10 am - 2 pm
- Wednesday, October 19 10 am - 2 pm
- Thursday, November 17 10a m - 2 pm
If you are not fully vaccinated, you can also schedule an appointment by contacting your local pharmacy or Urgent Care (COVID-19 Vaccine Locator).
Testing
If you test positive, please do not come to campus until you have completed the isolation period and have tested negative.
If you test negative, you do not need to submit your result. If you test positive, you must submit your result through the LiveSafe app (LiveSafe info) and/or email Covidcompliance@calarts.edu.
If you develop any symptoms of COVID-19 (including minor ones such as a runny nose or sore throat), please take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test as soon as possible. Tests will be available in the Student Health Center or through Campus Safety. If your test is positive, please submit the result through LiveSafe or to covidcompliance@calarts.edu.
On-campus testing will be available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11 am to 2 pm by the main entrance Blue Wall beginning September 6. Please bring your health insurance information with you. Please register with our on campus testing provider, Nobility, using your mobile phone (Nobility).
Disability Accommodations
If you require accommodations, please contact Ryan Sizemore in Human Resources to engage in the interactive process hr@calarts.edu.
We look forward to a year of support for one another and a shared commitment to reducing the risks of COVID-19 to our community. The COVID Response and Implementation Team (CRIT) will continue to keep you updated as we receive further guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Together we will make Fall 2022 a safe and creative semester.