Fall 2021: Safeguarding Student Health

July 27, 2021

 

Dear Fresno State Students,

We look forward to welcoming you to campus for the start of the fall 2021 semester. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University has continually focused on the safety and well-being of our campus community by following state and local public health guidelines as well as California State University (CSU) policies.

CSU Chancellor Joseph Castro announced today that faculty, staff and students who are accessing campus facilities will be required to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus unless they seek an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Fresno State is in full support of the Chancellor's decision to prioritize the health and safety of our campus community, and we urge all unvaccinated members of our university to begin the vaccination process without delay. We also appreciate the unanimous support of our Associated Students Inc. executive officers in recognizing the importance of requiring proof of vaccination.

As such, all students will need to complete a simple COVID-19 Self-Certification form that will be available through your student portal beginning Monday, Aug. 2. Fresno State students must complete this certification prior to Sept. 30.

When you certify that you are vaccinated, you will need to also upload your vaccination record (with documentation of at least the first dose) by Aug. 20, 2021. For students who seek either a medical or religious exemption, the University will require mandatory, regular COVID-19 testing beginning the week of Aug. 23. We will provide more details soon about the frequency and campus location for the COVID-19 tests that will be required for unvaccinated students.

Students will need at least one dose of a vaccine prior to the start of instruction. Here are the steps for you to take:

1. Submit your Self-Certification form with the documentation of your first COVID-19 vaccination dose by Aug. 20.
2. If you are not yet vaccinated, our Student Health and Counseling Center in partnership with the Nursing Department will offer five (5) free vaccination clinics beginning Aug. 9. Free community resources are also available; find a clinic through MyTurn.ca.gov. Or schedule an appointment with your health care provider.
3. Submit your updated vaccination record documenting your second COVID-19 dose by Sept. 30.

Thank you for doing your part in protecting not only yourself, but also your Fresno State family. Learn more about Bulldogs protecting Bulldogs in our new video.

If you have questions regarding this requirement, please contact the Student Health and Counseling Center at 559.278.2734. For the latest information and updates, visit the University's Fall 2021 and COVID-19 website.

Sincerely,

Carolyn V. Coon, Ph.D.,
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

Xuanning Fu,
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs