Dear Students,
With the start of fall semester classes about a month away, I am writing to share information about how we are preparing for your in-person return to Valencia and how you can prepare for a successful fall semester. CalArts staff are working hard to make this a safe and smooth transition back to classrooms and studios, and we are especially looking forward to welcoming first- and second-year students to campus for the first time. While I am so looking forward to being back on our lively campus again soon, I’d like to reiterate that our top priority will always be the safety of the CalArts community.
Fall 2021
Based on current public health guidance we are planning for in-person classes, with some, such as lecture-based classes, taking place in a hybrid (some instruction via Zoom and some in-person, and/or required in-person coursework in studios/labs), or remote classes. You can find a description on our website about the various class modalities. Studios, performance spaces, exercise rooms, the SuperShop, Library and other areas of campus such as Steve’s Cafeteria, the CalArts store, and Tatum coffee lounge also will be operating in-person.
Preparing for Classes
You should have received a lengthy email from the Registrar on July 28 (Hub login required) packed with important information. You should also stay tuned for emails from your school and program as they are scheduling information and Q&A sessions throughout August to share their fall plans. In addition, I encourage you to check class listings on your schedule as some classes that were listed as “online only” have been updated to reflect new guidance that allows for in-person learning.
As a reminder, Tuesday, Aug. 10 is course registration day for new students and Course Advising Day is September 9. You can find important tips on preparing for registration on our website.
Ensuring Safety and Wellness
While masks will be required indoors on-campus, including in classrooms, current health guidance allows for the removal of masks for vaccinated students to participate in performances such as acting and music (audiences remain masked). Your program will continue to update you on these requirements and how they will affect your instruction.
Our goal is to keep CalArts healthy and COVID-free so we can enjoy the full experience of our community of artists in and out of class. Please remember to get vaccinated by Aug. 15 and then upload your vaccine status or request an accommodation.
Although public health guidance may change, as we have seen with the new indoor mask requirement in L.A. County, due to the Delta variant surge, our goal is to have a collaborative and exciting year. By wearing masks and having as many members of our community as possible vaccinated, we will be in a good position to weather COVID variants and surges and to continue enjoying an on-campus experience.
Enjoy your remaining weeks of summer, safe travels, and I’ll see you soon.
Tracie Costantino
Provost