Dear Students,
As President Ferguson shares in his video message, we are excited to increase our campus access over the summer months in accordance with state and county guidelines and in preparation for our full Fall 2021 return. Below are many important details regarding our staged return.
In-Person Summer Course Offerings Will Resume
Starting in June, the following summer sessions will be in person: five-week summer II and III and eight-week summer II. Please refer to the schedule of course offerings, and contact departments about specific course details. Classrooms will be at a maximum 50% occupancy, providing 6 feet of social distance between all participants. Relevant department faculty and staff will return to campus to facilitate these course offerings.
Unfortunately, we have not yet received guidance from the county to permit increased on-campus residential options. Summer course offerings and housing availability will be as follows:
- Students already living in university housing/living locally may participate in face-to-face coursework and training.
- Vaccinated students and students with no alternative housing option can request university summer housing to participate in face-to-face classes.
- Students who do not qualify for a housing exception can join summer courses via hyflex technology.
In addition to in-person course offerings, student support offices will be available in person at 25% capacity and approved on-campus research opportunities will also resume as directed by supervisors.
Facilities
All facilities will be sanitized and equipped according to the guidelines by June 1 (see Destination APU FAQs).
Food Services
During the summer months: Paws n’ Go on East Campus and Hillside Grounds on West Campus will be open. Most of the remaining eateries, with the exception of the 1899 Dining Hall, will be ready for our fall semester reopening.
Fall Return
All employees will return to on campus work by August 1 with Fall 2021 classes to begin on August 30. Pending continued decline in case rates and increases in vaccinations, we anticipate that restrictions will continue to loosen as we approach the fall semester, and we will keep you apprised of any changes based on the state and county updates.
Important Reminders
Students must complete COVID training (updated version will be available June 1) and familiarize themselves with the symptom tracking (MyCougar HealthPortal) ahead of coming to campus. APU encourages vaccination and weekly COVID vaccine clinics will continue to occur on campus pending vaccine availability. In accordance with the current guidance from L.A. County, COVID vaccination is not required; however, vaccinated individuals will be asked to submit proof of vaccination and unvaccinated persons will be required to conduct surveillance testing in order to protect the health and safety of our community. More information will be provided about this process as soon as possible.
We know that there are still many more questions to be answered and we will continue to provide updates as more guidelines are clarified. We also invite you to submit your questions for review. We look forward to being back on campus together!
Megan Prosser, PhD
Senior Advisor to the President and Chief of Staff
Chair, Return to Campus Task Force