Welcome to the fifth edition of the CalArts Returns Newsletter, with important information about our plans for a safe and healthy fall semester including vaccine, masking, and campus entrance policies, and other news from the Covid Response and Implementation Team (CRIT).
LiveSafe Required for Campus Entry
To keep our community safe and healthy this fall, we will utilize the LiveSafe App for campus entry. The app is easy to use and required for access to campus. All students, faculty, and staff who have not already done so should download the app as part of their preparation for the fall semester.
The LiveSafe App will provide three important functions to help all CalArtians stay safe:
- Daily symptom screening. Each community member will answer three quick questions required for access to campus. A green check will demonstrate it is safe for you to enter campus. If you do not have a smartphone, you can access LiveSafe through a computer. Be prepared to show your “green checkmark” at the security gate and main entrance.
- Reporting concerns. CalArts community members can report noncompliance with COVID safety protocols (such as someone consistently not wearing a mask during a mask mandate). Reports for students will be handled through the President's Office, and for staff and faculty through Human Resources.
- Reporting positive cases. Reporting positive COVID cases, for oneself or another member of the CalArts community, can be done through the app in the same way as reporting a concern. CalArts is required to track all positive COVID cases, so we ask that you report if you test positive as soon as possible.
We encourage you to download the app at LiveSafe app if you have not already done so. If you have questions about the app please contact covidcompliance@calarts.edu.
Masks Required on Campus
Masks/face coverings are required indoors on the CalArts campus regardless of vaccination status. If you are working alone in a private space you may remove your mask. You may also remove your mask in your residence hall room, and to eat and drink in Steve’s Café.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, “face covering” means a surgical mask, a medical procedure mask, a respirator worn voluntarily, or a tightly woven fabric or non-woven material of at least two layers. A face covering has no visible holes or openings and must cover the nose and mouth. A face covering does not include a scarf, ski mask, balaclava, bandana, turtleneck, collar, or a single layer of fabric. Please see the CDC's current face covering guidance.
Vaccines Required - Upload your Vaccination Verification or Request an Exemption Today
As a reminder, for the 2021-22 academic year, CalArts requires that all faculty, students, and staff be fully vaccinated. Vaccination exemptions are available for medical or religious reasons by completing the Vaccination Exemption Form. Please submit your information today.
Please use the links below to verify your vaccination:
Faculty and Staff Vaccine Verification
Student Vaccination Verification Form
Please use the links below to request an exemption based on a sincerely-held religious belief or medical condition.
Faculty and Staff Exemption request Form
Student Vaccination Verification Form
Students with either on-campus or CalArts managed off-campus housing should not delay, as doing so will result in losing your housing assignment and potentially losing registration for the fall semester. If you have questions, or concerns please email campuslife@calarts.edu or call the Residential Life office at 661-253-7897.
Free vaccinations are available in the Los Angeles area and across the county.
Testing Protocols Announced
- Rapid testing will be made available on campus on an as-needed basis.
- Testing will also be provided by a third party and occur under the following circumstances:
- Anyone with a medical or religious exemption from being vaccinated will be required to be tested once a week (twice a week during performances).
- Anyone exposed to COVID on or off campus will be required to be tested.
Watch the Replay of Last Week’s Faculty and Staff COVID Town Halls
If you were unable to attend the faculty or staff Town Halls last week with the COVID Response and Implementation Team, you can watch the recordings on the Hub.
Faculty Town Hall (within Hub) - https://hub.calarts.edu/groups/2/files
Staff Town Hall (within Hub) - https://hub.calarts.edu/groups/4/files
FDA approval of Pfizer Vaccine for People age 16 and older
The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) has given full approval of the Pfizer vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 in people age 16 and older. The Pfizer vaccine continues to be available under emergency use authorization for people 12 to 15 and for an additional dose in certain immunocompromised people. In addition, the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines continue to be available under emergency use authorization for individuals 18 and older. These vaccines have met the FDA’s rigorous scientific standards for emergency use authorization.
COVID Response and Implementation Team (CRIT) Contact Information
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about CalArts Returns, please email the COVID Implementation and Response Team at covidcompliance@calarts.edu.