General Guidance
The safety of our students, staff and faculty is our top priority. Since the start of the pandemic, we have continually reevaluated and updated our COVID-19 policies based on evolving information from the CDC, OSHA, county and state guidelines, and local trends with respect to positivity and hospitalization rates for COVID-19.
Effective, May 11th, 2023, the federal COVID-19 public health emergency officially ends. While most of our COVID policies have been significantly reduced still a few procedures for the health and safety of all individuals on campus.
The law school reserves the right to make alterations to policies and procedures, without prior notice based on changing guidelines and/or increased cases of COVID in the community.
Thank you for your help in keeping our campus safe.
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are within 6 feet of the infected person are most likely to get infected. COVID-19 is spread in three main ways:
- Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus.
- Having the small droplets and particles that contain the virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze.
- Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.
On Campus Protocols
What COVID-19 safety measures does SJCL have in place?
If you have COVID or are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, PLEASE DO NOT COME ON CAMPUS. Individuals who are showing possible symptoms of COVID-19 (vaccinated or unvaccinated) should isolate.
In the event you test positive for COVID, you are required to have complied with the CDC guidelines for quarantining before returning to campus.
These guidelines require at least five days of isolation. To calculate your 5-day isolation period, Day 0 is your first day of symptoms. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed. You can end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved. If you continue to have fever or your other symptoms have not improved after 5 days of isolation, you should wait to end your isolation until you are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved.
Does SJCL require COVID-19 vaccinations?
Effective April 21, 2022, the SARS-CoV-2 immunization requirement was suspended. Unvaccinated and/or non-boostered individuals are not required to provide weekly negative COVID-19 testing results to be on campus.
However, we continue to encourage people to get vaccinated. Local COVID-19 and general immunization information and resources are available through the County of Fresno website.
Does SJCL require masking?
Effective April 21, 2022, SJCL suspended the requirement that masks be worn indoors. We fully support and respect those who wish to continue wearing face coverings and expect everyone on campus to do so as well.
If you are ending a five-day isolation after exposure or after testing positive, the CDC recommends that you wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days, especially in indoor settings.
Disposable masks are available in limited quantity at the main entrances, Library, Proctor desk, and administrative front desk. You may also contact the Maintenance or Human Resources Departments.
Does SJCL require health screens?
Effective January 9, 2023, students and visitors are no longer required to submit a health screen when entering the building.
However, if you are an employee and experience any COVID symptoms OR if you test positive for COVID-19, please complete a COVID occurrence report, stay home and self-isolate. See below for further instructions.
Does SJCL enforce social distancing?
Social distancing is not required.
Where can I get hand sanitizer?
Each classroom is equipped with a wall-mounted hand sanitizer unit. Additionally, we have portable sanitizing stations throughout the building upstairs and downstairs. We encourage you to wash your hands often.
May I eat in the building?
Effective April 21, 2022, there are no restrictions on eating in the building except in the Library.
Are there restrictions for on-campus events?
Effective, April 21, 2022, there are no restrictions for on-campus events. An Event Application and approval is required before any event is publicized. The form is located under Student Organizations or click here (PDF).
Student Guidance
Is it possible to attend SJCL remotely via zoom?
SJCL courses will continue to be in person, except for some classes which will be fully remote. Students who wish to attend school remotely should register for the courses listed as “zoom-only.” Please see the registration packet for details.
All SJCL policies and procedures - including the attendance and preparedness policy - apply to students attending remotely. Remote learners must attend all classes on zoom with their webcams on. All students, regardless of whether they attend classes in person or remotely, will be required to take any exams in person on campus. In rare cases, students who have tested positive within the previous five days for COVID, or are experiencing symptoms, may seek permission to take exams remotely on zoom using the regular testing protocol with your work area on video via a secondary device.
What Library services are available to me if I am attending class remotely?
The library will no longer offer scanning services to students, effective May 14, 2022. If students are interested in scanning or photocopying library materials for personal use, they are welcome to do so in person as the library is completely open to all students during business hours.
What types of COVID-19 test results will SJCL accept for exam-taking, an approved exemption or for purposes of returning to an in-person class?
Effective April 21, 2022, SJCL suspended the testing requirement.
What happens if an individual does not comply with these policies?
If a student repeatedly fails to adhere to the SJCL'S safety protocols to protect each other's health and safety, it will be deemed a violation of the Honor Code. Please refer to the Student Handbook to review the Honor Code. An in-class violation of this policy will also be deemed an absence.
Of course, we are relying on your honesty and consideration for the well-being of our community. We appreciate your efforts to support a safe, on-campus learning environment.
What mental health or wellness support services available to students?
We recognize that this has been a difficult time for many. Individual, confidential short-term counseling services through a third-party provider are available 24/7 free of charge to SJCL students and your immediate family members, up to three (3) sessions per situation. Licensed counselors are available to meet telephonically, virtually and in person. Students should contact StudentLinc through Halcyon at Staff and Faculty Halcyon, 1-888-425-4800 or access the information under your student account. See the Student Handbook for the SJCL username. Note that you may not share the username with anyone outside of your immediate family members.
Students who are struggling are also encouraged to reach out to the Dean of Students, Logan Tennerelli (ltennerelli@sjcl.edu) or Beth Pitcock (bpitcock@sjcl.edu)
Staff and Faculty Guidance
What if I have COVID-19 symptoms, do I come to work?
If you are experiencing symptoms or have tested positive for COVID you need to complete the COVID-19 Occurrence Report (PDF) . Please email the report and contact Bpitcock@sjcl.edu
In the event you have had COVID, you are required to have complied with the OSHA and CDPH guidelines for quarantining before returning to campus. These guidelines require at least five days of isolation. To calculate your 5-day isolation period, Day 0 is your first day of symptoms. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed. You can end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved. If you continue to have fever or your other symptoms have not improved after 5 days of isolation, you should wait to end your isolation until you are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved.
Vaccination Resources
We encourage you to learn more about how to find credible information regarding vaccines: Finding Credible Vaccine Information | CDC
Where can I get a vaccine?
Free COVID-19 vaccines are available to eligible individuals regardless of immigration or insurance status. You can find eligibility criteria and vaccination sites nearest you through this website: https://myturn.ca.gov/. Vaccines are also readily available free of charge without an appointment at most local pharmacies.