University Complying With the State's New "shelter-in-place" Order

Posted on March 19, 2020

Dear Campus Community:

Effective today (Thursday, March 19, 2020) and until further notice, the California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health has ordered all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sector. Because the California State University system, including Fresno State, is included in the 16 critical infrastructure sectors, the essential campus areas (see below) are not affected by the State’s order.

Virtual instruction for classes will continue as planned, beginning Friday, March 20, and will continue through the spring semester, ending May 22, 2020.

To be clear, it is imperative that those employees who continue to work on campus adhere to recommended hygiene etiquette and social distancing, as we have been consistently communicating. In addition, the University has implemented additional cleaning and sanitizing protocols. Please remember that any employee who feels ill should not report to work.

All managers and staff who have been approved to work remotely should do so at this time, or until the “shelter in place” is lifted. For guidance on telecommuting, please see this Technology Services website, or contact your supervisor for further instructions.

A limited number of employees will remain on campus in order to provide essential services. The following areas have been identified as essential to support virtual instruction and critical campus operations: Admissions and Enrollment Management, Auxiliary Services, Center for Faculty Excellence, College/School Offices (e.g. academic advisers), Dining Services, Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities Management, Faculty Affairs, Farm Laboratory enterprises, Financial Services (including student accounts), Human Resources & Payroll, Library (limited services to support virtual instruction), Public Safety, Student Health and Counseling Center, Student Housing, Student Services (e.g. Financial Aid, Student Cupboard, Services for Students with Disabilities, Registrar and advisers), Technology Services and University Communications. For more details, please visit the page under campus communications.

As announced previously, our campus will continue to operate on a limited basis, and most University buildings will be closed and accessible only to those with Fresno State ID card access or a building key. All public safety personnel will remain in place to maintain a safe and secure campus community.

We will continue sending regular updates to keep you informed, but please check your email and the University’s coronavirus website regularly for updates and refer to the FAQs section for guidance.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the University’s mission during this unprecedented time in our nation’s and our University’s history. The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff remains our main focus, and we will do our best to support you in any way we can.

Sincerely,
President Joseph I. Castro