Dear Students,
As a Christ-centered university, we care deeply about the safety and well-being of each member of our campus and the surrounding community. In order to maintain the safest possible living and learning environment, it is necessary for each of us to share in the responsibility and do our part. All students returning to campus this summer will be supported by our comprehensive health and safety plan that incorporates county, state, and federal health agency directives.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has updated the COVID-19 requirements for higher education. Please note that the updates surrounding social distancing, vaccination attestation, symptom tracking, surveillance testing, and masking are effective immediately.
Vaccine
For any in-person learning environment where social distancing is not feasible at all times, the best way to prevent spreading of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.
- To locate vaccination sites, visit myturn.ca.gov.
- Pending availability, the Student Health Center will resume weekly vaccination clinics starting in August.
While vaccination is not required to return to campus, we are committed to creating a safe environment for our community members; therefore, in line with state and county public health guidance, we have different expectations for those who are vaccinated from those who are not. See below for more details.
Vaccination Attestation
In order to demonstrate vaccination, please submit an image of your vaccine card or other healthcare document showing vaccination status to the MyCougar Health Portal immediately.
Unvaccinated Students
- Masks: Yes (indoors and crowded outdoors)
- Daily Symptom Tracking: Yes
- Surveillance Testing: Yes (every other week)
- Travel: Subject to travel advisories
Vaccinated Students
- Masks: Yes (indoors only)
- Daily Symptom Tracking: No
- Surveillance Testing: No
- Travel: No travel restrictions
Additional Information
- Masks: Although the COVID-19 case rate has decreased, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) announced last week the reinstatement of a county-wide requirement that all persons, regardless of vaccination status, must wear face coverings while in indoor public settings, venues, gatherings, and businesses. Please visit the link for the full LACDPH revised Health Officer Order issued July 16, 2021. The reinstated mandate applies to all Azusa Pacific University facilities and indoor activities and programs, including regional campuses. Face coverings will be made available to you if you do not have one.
- Symptom Tracking: Unvaccinated students will be required to conduct daily symptom tracking via the MyCougar Health Portal.
- Surveillance Testing: Unvaccinated students will be required to conduct surveillance testing every other week. Additional surveillance testing may be required for positions/activities that involve external engagement.
- Travel: If you are traveling this summer, it is your responsibility to be aware of and comply with all travel advisories.
- Social Distancing: At all times, social distancing is encouraged for all unvaccinated members of our community.
- Accommodations: Students who have a disability that might prevent them from fully demonstrating their abilities, which may include COVID-19, should meet with an advisor in Accessibility and Disability Resources (ADR) as soon as possible to initiate disability verification and discuss reasonable accommodations that will allow the opportunity for full participation and successful completion of course requirements. For more information, please contact ADR by phone at (626) 815-2067 or email [email protected].
- Housing: On-campus housing availability is now available to all students who are interested. If you have any questions, please email Residence Life at [email protected].
- Training Documents: All students authorized to be on campus for class, practice, or work, and those living in university housing must indicate by signature that they have read and agree to abide by the university’s training manual, which we are currently updating. The revised student training guide will be available later in July and must be reviewed and signed in order to continue accessing campus after the date it becomes available. In the meantime, please review the current training guide.
COVID-19 Policy Violation Accountability Process
COVID-19-related accountability will follow the same guidelines outlined in the general APU Accountability Process. Student hearings will be conducted via Zoom and assigned to the appropriate staff members, depending on availability. Process and appeals will follow a similar timeline, but sanctions may vary based on case details. Failure to comply with COVID-19-related expectations may result in potential removal from university housing and/or classrooms, limiting involvement in extracurricular activities (such as athletic practices or competitions), loss of scholarships, and potential university suspension or expulsion.
If state and county guidelines change, we will inform you as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Student Affairs at [email protected].
Together,
Student Affairs Team