FALL 2020 SEMESTER COVID-19 RESPONSE - Mount Saint Mary's University
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FALL 2020 SEMESTER COVID-19 RESPONSE
Version 1 – August 20, 2020
Table of Contents
OVERVIEW 4
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT 5
PLAN HIGHLIGHTS 5
LIMITING VIRUS SPREAD – PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 6
HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES 6
ATHENIANS CARE 6
ACADEMIC CALENDAR A ND SCHEDULE 7
CLASS FORMAT 7
CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS 7
HOUSING 8
STUDENT SERVICES A ND SUPPORT 8
STUDY ABROAD 10
STAFFING A ND SUPPORT SERVICES 10
STUDENT SUPPORT A ND FINANCIAL AID 10
UNIVERSITY TRAVEL 11
UNIVERSITY MEETINGS 11
VISITORS 11
WAYFINDING A ND SIGNAGE 11
CONTACT 11
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES 12
PREVENTION 12
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS, TESTING, TRACING, AND POSITIVE CASES ON CAMPUS 16
FACILITIES OPERATIONS 19
RECREATION A ND FITNESS FACILITIES 21
EMPLOYEE SCHEDULES A ND MEETINGS 22
QUESTIONS? 23
INFORMATION FOR FACULTY AND STAFF 24
CURRENT STATUS 24
AY 2020-2021 PHASED RETURN 24
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT 26
PROTECTING YOURSELF A ND OTHERS 27
FOR EMPLOYEES APPROVED T O WORK ON CAMPUS 27
UNIVERSITY BENEFITS A ND RESOURCES 28
WEBSITES A ND CONTACT INFORMATION 28
INFORMATION FOR FACULTY 29
CLASS FORMATS 29
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN 30
SYLLABUS STATEMENTS 30
CLASS SIZE/CAPACITY 30
2
CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY 30
STUDENT ACCESS TO REMOTE LEARNING 31
CLASS ACCESSIBILITY 31
ACADEMIC CALENDAR A ND POLICIES 31
GRADING A ND ASSESSMENTS 31
ADVISING/OFFICE HOURS 31
ACADEMIC COMMITTEES A ND DEPARTMENT MEETINGS 32
LIBRARY SERVICES 32
INFORMATION FOR MSMU ALUMNAE 33
CONNECT WITH US 33
INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS 34
APPENDIX A - FACILITIES SAFETY AND OPERATIONS PLAN 35
BACKGROUND INFORMATION 35
SPACE PLANNING 37
SIGNAGE 38
OPERATIONS A ND MAINTENANCE OF PHYSICAL PLANT 38
RESPONSE PROCEDURES T O HEALTH INCIDENTS A ND EXPOSURES ON CAMPUS AND ENHANCED CLEANING A ND
HYGIENE PROGRAM F OR COVID-19 39
SOURCES O F ESTABLISHED STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE 45
APPENDIX B – LOW-COST INTERNET AND COMPUTER RESOURCES 47
3
Overview
The following is a high-level summary of our plans for fall 2020. For more details, visit our
COVID-19 Information website.
This document is intended to be organic and evolving; it will be updated as additional
decisions or guidance is provided, with dates and version numbers on the front cover.
Over the past several months, we have been closely monitoring developments related to
COVID-19. We are adhering to guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, the State of California, Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles County Department
of Public Health, and the City of Los Angeles to provide the safest environment for our
students, faculty, and staff.
This plan has been developed to provide guidance and information to students, faculty, staff,
alumnae and visitors to our campuses, and has been developed in accordance with county
and state public health guidelines and in consideration of the continued severity of the spread
of the COVID-19 virus in our region.
Our academic programs will remain strong and engaging, and our community will remain
connected. Our faculty and staff have worked throughout the summer to prepare unique and
engaging virtual offerings for academics and student life to allow students to connect with
faculty members, classmates, and the greater Mount community.
We are confident in our ability to deliver a high-quality, personalized experience for every
student. We continue to be grateful to our entire community for its patience and flexibility as
we navigate this pandemic together. All of our decisions are rooted in our commitment to
equal access, social justice, care for our entire community and the dear neighbor, as inspired
by our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and are informed by local and state
public health guidance.
4
What You Can Expect
Classes begin August 24
Residence halls open with limited occupancy.
Move in begins on August 20 and occurs by appointment only through August 23, 2020
Instruction delivered predominately remotely, except nursing and DPT courses that relate to
simulation, practicums and clinical placements required to train the essential workforce per
public health guidelines
Plan Highlights
At the time of this writing, California is in Stage 2 of the Governor’s 4-stage Resilience
Roadmap and Los Angeles County remains on the State’s County Monitoring List. Based on
the current public health restrictions from the State of California and the County and City of
Los Angeles, our fall academic experience will have limited on-ground course offerings and
housing. With the exception of nursing and Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) courses that
relate to simulation, practicums and clinical placements required to train the essential
workforce per public health guidelines, courses will be delivered remotely while retaining the
academic quality of our programs. Here is an outline of our plans (which are subject to change
based on public health orders):
● MSMU will follow current L.A. County Department of Public Health mandates in all
areas of campus life, including but not limited to face coverings, physical distancing,
symptom tracking, and enhanced sanitation measures.
● Proper response protocols to positive COVID-19 tests have been developed
(screening, contact tracing, physical distancing, sanitizing, etc.).
● Class format will be predominately remote as described below.
● A limited number of students will live on campus, in accordance with public health
restrictions.
● All students will have student life programming offered in a virtual form or on campus
for those in housing (if/when allowed by LACDPH and with appropriate social
distancing and safety precautions).
● Irrespective of how classes are being delivered, the approved and limited campus
housing will remain open until the end of the semester, subject to public health orders.
● MSMU faculty and administration is prepared to depopulate campus and pivot to fully
remote learning and work at a moment’s notice should we be directed to by public
health officials.
● We are also optimistic and prepared to resume additional in-person activities as the
pandemic health crisis improves and restrictions are loosened.
5
Working groups have been meeting throughout the spring and summer to plan and execute
the details in each of the distinct areas of our Fall 2020 Plan. More information will be
forthcoming and will be communicated through emails and updates to our COVID-19
website. Please check the page frequently as public health orders and restrictions are subject
to change.
Limiting Virus Spread – Personal Responsibility
All persons on campus will be required to complete an online COVID-19 training and to
acknowledge of receipt and understanding of university policies to adhere to a number of
measures to comply with public health guidelines. These include, but are not limited to,
wearing face coverings in public, maintaining six feet of distance (even while wearing face
coverings), following all directives regarding use of elevators and other spaces on campus,
and limiting the size of gatherings.
All persons on campus will be required to submit to the daily COVID-19 symptom
self-screening, testing, tracing and quarantine protocols that will be established by the
University.
Health and Safety Measures
A comprehensive Facilities Safety and Operations Plan (Appendix A) is in place under our
current Phase 2 operations and is being expanded in preparation for increased density on
campus in the fall. Protocols follow all relevant guidance including, but not limited to, that of
OSHA, CDC, and public health officials. The plan provides for considerations such as
increased cleaning and disinfection of common areas and frequently touched surfaces,
reconfiguration of classroom, office and other furnishings to facilitate six-foot physical
distancing, the use of plastic barriers where appropriate under relevant guidance, and
additional signage regarding public health protocols and to facilitate crowd control and
distancing. Additionally, departmental cleaning supplies and instructions will be provided for
more frequent cleaning of personal workspaces as needed.
The University is currently requiring that students, faculty and staff reporting to campus use
the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s self-checker tool to monitor their health and
wellness until we fully implement our Qualtrics health check tool (please stay tuned for more
information). Self-checking will be mandatory for accessing campus, leaving your residence
hall room or coming into contact with anyone on campus. It will also help you determine
whether you should seek appropriate medical care.
In the event you exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms, or are sick in any way, we ask that
members of the Mount community remain at home and take care of themselves. Students
may reach Student Health Services at StudentHealthServices@msmu.edu or 310.954.4110 for
support services and employees may contact Human Resources at HRcovid@msmu.edu or
310.954.4035.
Athenians Care
6
This fall we are launching a new wellness program to focus on public health in our
communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are called to act and care in the gracious,
compassionate, and giving spirit of our founding Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. As
Athenians, we belong to a community of care – we are all called to protect and serve one
another. Collectively supporting the health and wellbeing of our friends, families, and world,
can be as easy and effective as committing to a routine with the following proactive steps.
1. Committing to following Mount Saint Mary’s new health and safety guidelines including
to wear a face covering, practice proper hygiene, adhere to social distancing, self-monitor
and staying home if feeling unwell.
2. Committing to care for our MSMU community by participating in educational events
and community wellness activities and to respect oneself and others during this time
through self-care and/or community care activities.
thenians Care Social Commitment because you care as a
3. Placing your name on the A
“dear neighbor” inspired by our Sisters of St. Joseph and want to be a part of making
MSMU a healthier campus.
Learn more about the Athenian Care Social Commitment.
Academic Calendar and Schedule
Classes will start on August 24, as planned. Campus housing will remain open for residential
students approved to live on campus in accordance with LACDPH health orders until the end
of the semester.
Classroom furniture will be arranged to facilitate six-foot physical distancing and faculty and
students will be required to wear facial coverings in classrooms at all times. Faculty or
students who are using the rooms cannot alter the new configurations, which have been
designed for compliance with public health guidelines.
Class Format
Similar to other California colleges and universities and given the current state of the virus, in
order to limit exposure to COVID-19 and comply with public health guidance, the fall
semester must begin with most course content delivered remotely. An exception is allowed
for nursing and DPT courses that relate to simulation, practicums and clinical placements
required to train the essential workforce. For in-person learning, we will put social distancing
protocols and routine cleaning procedures in place.
We remain hopeful that conditions will improve allowing for additional hybrid and on-ground
options in the spring.
Co-Curricular Programs
We will continue to offer a breadth of opportunities beyond the classroom. Our existing
programs required modifications, and departments are planning for adapting those programs
7and creating new opportunities for personal and spiritual development, experiential learning
and health and wellness.
Housing
In order to reduce density in the residence halls, the University will limit occupancy to single
occupancy rooms only and subject to all state and county public health restrictions and
guidelines. There will also be isolation and quarantine spaces for students. Housing will be
limited for the fall. However, we remain hopeful that improved conditions will allow for
additional housing in the spring.
If we are unable to provide you with housing this semester and you want to live in the local
area, we will provide you with referrals for off-campus options.
For more information, please contact the Office of Residence Life and Student Housing at
310.954.4325
Student Services and Support
The Division of Student Affairs will offer programs in the fall predominantly remotely, with a
few exceptions for the limited number of students permitted to live on campus and those
engaged in in-person learning in our nursing and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. All
student life programs will be designed to provide opportunities for students to connect and
build community
The Women’s Leadership and Student Engagement team will offer informative co-curricular
programs as well as opportunities for civic and community engagement. The Mount Student
Government Association along with other student clubs/organizations will provide activities to
build meaningful relationships and experiences. For more information check out ENGAGE
MSMU and by following @msmuleadership on Instagram.
The Career and Professional Development (CPD) team is ready to assist our students to
prepare for a successful future through remote access to career resources, services and
events. Amazing opportunities for virtual internships and employment are currently available.
Go to HANDSHAKE, a national interactive career services tool with internship and
employment listings that allows you to connect with employers.
We also hope you take advantage of the array of programs and activities offered
by our Center for the Advancement of Women, Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and
the CSJ Institute.
The Chalon Academic Support Center is available to assist students with fall courses including
writing or analytical skills consultation, academic coaching for those with academic difficulty,
and peer tutoring. Appointments can be made with ASC staff HERE and if you’d like to
request a peer tutor, please complete this form. Additional writing and research assistance
resources, including workshop modules, videos, and test prep resources can be found on the
ASC page myMSMU.
Students who are part of the Institute for Student Academic Enrichment (ISAE) continue to
make appointments with an ISAE Counsel HERE or via email. ISAE team members continue
8to offer support services during your academic journey. Follow ISAE on Instagram for
additional updates.
Sports, Recreation and Fitness will be offered this fall predominately through remote
experiences.
NEW THIS YEAR: Sports and Wellness is excited to launch MSMU’s very first E-sports program
this fall! E-sports is an online gaming platform that will be provided predominately via remote
access. Follow Sports and Wellness on Instagram for additional information and updates.
Student Health Services will be provided predominantly remotely and through appointment
to undergraduate, Nursing and Physical Therapy students.
Student Counseling Services will be provided via telehealth and by appointment.
The Dean of Students Care Program will offer general support services remotely and by
appointment.
Campus Ministry will offer support services, community programs as well as, opportunities for
spiritual growth through prayer, music, reflection and retreat experiences. All faith traditions
and those interested in learning about spirituality are welcome. More information may be
found on Engage MSMU.
The Title IX Office remains available remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. As always,
members of the Mount community continue to have the right to be free from sexual or
gender- based harassment, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, or domestic violence, and
have the right to access resources. If you or someone you know experiences an incident of
sexual or gender-based harassment or violence, either in person or online, you are
encouraged to promptly report it to the Title IX coordinator Bernadette Robert at
titleix@msmu.edu 213-477-2511 or (cell) 310-597-9043. You may also file a complaint online
with your contact information and/or anonymously at msmu.edu/titleix. Reporting to the Title
IX office ensures that all parties can be safe, know their rights, and access resources and
options available. If you do not wish to submit a University complaint, but are seeking
information and resources you may reach out to the Title IX team, as well. For confidential
campus and community services, please see the Victim Services tab on the Title IX page for
more information.
The Lotus Initiative is the university’s education and training initiative dedicated to preventing
and responding to sexual and gender-based violence. We provide education about healthy
relationships, consent, bystander intervention, and more. We also share on campus and
community resources for survivors/victims of sexual and gender-based violence—including
sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking. You can reach Megan Staudenraus, the
Program Manager for the Lotus Initiative at mstaudenraus@msmu.edu or 213-477-2534. In
these uncertain and unusual conditions can be particularly challenging for individuals with
previous experiences of trauma – as well as those who are experiencing ongoing violence or
mental health challenges. Please know you are not alone – we are here to help and support
you.
Study Abroad
The University has made the difficult decision not to sponsor any Study Abroad programs for
the fall semester, due to CDC and State Department international travel advisories that
9remain in place as well as restrictions by many countries on international travelers. No
decision has yet been made regarding the spring semester.
Staffing and Support Services
In order to facilitate an overall lower campus density, many MSMU employees will continue to
work remotely this fall. Departments providing essential on campus services to students,
faculty and staff will have essential staff on-site to meet service needs. Service delivery will be
modified as needed to support adherence to public health guidelines, including physical
distancing. To reduce risk for all students, faculty and staff, services shall be offered by
electronic means (Zoom, phone, chat) wherever possible with in-person services requiring an
appointment.
Student Support and Financial Aid
Recognizing the unique challenges of the pandemic, the University Board of Trustees last
March made the decision that rather than implementing the necessary planned 3.95% tuition
increase, the MSMU Board elected to "freeze" tuition costs for returning students by
providing a credit to address the entirety of this increase. We will not be further reducing
tuition this year but instead MSMU has committed to expanding financial aid to assist families
on an individual case-by-case basis.
We have added more than $2 million in institutional grant financial aid for new and returning
students which has been awarded for the 2020-21 year. Through the generous support of our
donors and alumnae, we have created programs to further assist students who are
experiencing financial emergencies or housing insecurity.
We have also added up to $500,000 in MSMU funds to support the federal work study
program, as we know students rely on these wages for living expenses and want to do all we
can to help students earn funds while working remotely. We are committed to helping all
students who qualified for federal work study to earn their allotment this year and more
details will be coming on student positions.
Families that have experienced a financial impact due to the pandemic jeopardizing a
student’s ability to remain at MSMU should communicate with our financial aid office so we
can support you as best we can. Contact financialaid@msmu.edu or 310.954.4190 for more
information.
10University Travel
For the fall, only essential business travel will be approved. Approval must be obtained from
the area Vice President or Provost. We will revisit this protocol for the spring.
University Meetings
The University will continue to use Zoom or other means for virtual meetings. While strongly
discouraged, if an in-person meeting is required they should be held outside or in a room
large enough to support adherence to six-foot social distancing requirements. Facial
coverings must be worn at all times. All in person meeting requests must be approved by the
Office of the President by emailing Lucille Villegas, Executive Assistant to the President at
lvillegas@msmu.edu.
All committee, departmental, and advising meetings between faculty and students will be
conducted virtually.
Visitors
We will limit and carefully restrict visitors to campus. We will provide protocols for approval
and logistics of accessing campus. All approved visitors must adhere to all University
guidelines. Please contact Michael McFatridge, Director of Security at
mmcfatridge@msmu.edu for specifics.
Wayfinding and Signage
New signage has been installed throughout campus, to help expedite our collective
adaptation to new COVID-19 related protocols and procedures.
Contact
● Employee questions on returning to campus: HRcovid@msmu.edu
● Questions on the University’s response to COVID-19: Communications@msmu.edu
11Health and Safety Guidelines
Our priority is to mitigate risk for the MSMU community during this healthcare crisis. As we
begin to transition to the fall semester, we are instituting a variety of measures to help protect
everyone, beginning with minimizing the number of people on campus while maintaining
critical operations. Employees providing essential services in support of students, faculty and
staff will return to campus for the fall, while other employees may continue to work remotely
and return over time as the pandemic situation warrants. MSMU employees and students will
complete mandatory COVID-19 training which outlines our shared responsibility in preventing
the spread of the virus.
Students, faculty, staff, and official visitors who come to campus will be required to adhere to
the following health and safety guidelines.
Please be mindful that guidelines continue to emerge and develop. We kindly ask all
Athenians to be understanding and follow current guidelines at all times. Our well-being and
ability to remain on campus is a shared responsibility!
Prevention
Daily Wellness Checks
Every member of the MSMU community and permitted visitors are required to perform a daily
wellness check to determine if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms before coming on
to campus/leaving a residence hall. We are in the process of implementing the Qualtrics
symptom checking tool to facilitate this.
Until then, as we are in our essential operations only mode, we will utilize the
CDC’s COVID-19 self-checker. Those students, faculty and staff currently allowed on campus
shall use this tool DAILY before coming to campus. It only takes a few minutes. The intent of
this self-checker is to ensure that you are not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 before
coming to campus or coming into contact with anyone on campus. It will also help you
determine whether or not you should seek appropriate medical care. You will not be required
to submit your specific results of the checker.
If you exhibit any symptoms, or are sick in any way, please stay home and do the following
immediately:
● FACULTY: Notify your department chair/program director and the Provost’s Office at
provostoffice@msmu.edu or 310.854.4015, who will coordinate with Human Resources.
● STAFF: Notify your supervisor and Human Resources at HRcovid@msmu.edu or by
calling 310.954.4035.
● STUDENTS: For support services, notify Student Health Services at
StudentHealthServices@msmu.edu or 310.954.4110.
Students in the health professions will have a higher level of scrutiny.
12Face Coverings, Masks and Other PPE
FACE COVERINGS AND MASKS: Anyone over the age of two must wear a face covering or
mask as mandated by the State of California and Los Angeles County when on the MSMU
campuses unless you have a medical exemption (employees should notify Human Resources;
students should notify the Division of Student Affairs) .
The mask must cover your nose AND mouth and be worn any time you may encounter others.
Employees who are in essential positions that require it will be provided with additional
personal protective equipment (i.e. face shields) to perform their jobs. Following are
requirements for masks/face coverings:
● Masks/face covering should be used at all times on MSMU property, whether indoors
or outdoors, whenever you are around others or may encounter others.
● If you are required to come on site to work, you are required to bring a reusable cloth
face covering or disposable mask.
● Reusable cloth face coverings (e.g., a tightly woven t-shirt or bandana that has been
folded to create multiple layers) should be worn only for one day at a time and
properly laundered before using again. Having a one-week supply of cloth face
coverings can help reduce the need for daily laundering.
● MSMU shall provide students, faculty and staff who are reporting to campus with up to
two cloth face coverings, which will be distributed through Mail Services.
● A mask or face covering is not required if you are working alone in a confined office
space or in a cubicle with partitions taller than the occupant when standing, unless
someone else enters the room. A face covering may be temporarily removed when
working alone outdoors, provided you are prepared to put it on should you be around
others.
Type and Intended Use of Face Coverings/Masks
Cloth Face Covering Disposable Mask Medical-Grade Surgical N95 Respirator
Mask
Type
Home-made or Provide effective
commercially FDA-approved masks to respiratory protection
manufactured face protect the wearer from from airborne
Commercially manufactured large droplets and
Description coverings that are masks that help contain particles and aerosols;
washable and help splashes; helps contains helps contain wearer’s
wearer’s respiratory emissions wearer’s respiratory
contain wearer’s respiratory emissions
respiratory emissions emissions
Required for campus community use in non-healthcare
settings (office spaces, general research/work settings,
shops, community areas where 6’ social distancing cannot These masks are reserved for healthcare
Intended workers and other approved areas with t
use be consistently maintained. Must be replaced daily.
(While likely necessary for ingress and egress, not Task-specific hazards determined by OESO.
required when working alone in an office).
PUTTING ON THE FACE COVERING/DISPOSABLE MASK:
● Wash hands or use hand sanitizer prior to handling the face covering/disposable mask.
● Ensure the face covering/disposable mask fits over the nose and under the chin.
13● Situate the face covering/disposable mask properly with nose wire snug against the
nose (where applicable).
● Tie straps behind the head and neck or loop around the ears.
● Throughout the process: Avoid touching the front of the face covering/disposable
mask.
TAKING OFF THE FACE COVERING/DISPOSABLE MASK:
● Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when removing the face covering/disposable
mask.
● When taking off the face covering/disposable mask, loop your finger into the strap and
pull the strap away from the ear, or untie the straps.
● Wash hands immediately after removing.
CARE, STORAGE AND LAUNDERING:
● Keep face coverings/disposable mask stored in a paper bag when not in use.
● Cloth face coverings may not be used more than one day at a time and must be
washed after use. Cloth face coverings should be properly laundered with regular
clothing detergent before first use, and after each shift. Cloth face coverings should be
replaced immediately if soiled, damaged (e.g. ripped, punctured) or visibly
contaminated.
● Disposable masks must not be used for more than one day and should be placed in
the trash after your shift or if it is soiled, damaged (e.g., stretched ear loops, torn or
punctured material) or visibly contaminated.
OTHER PPE
Healthcare workers and those in other certain roles may need to use enhanced PPE (personal
protective equipment) such as gloves and goggles/face shields. Employees will be provided
guidance, supplies and training in such circumstances.
● GLOVES – Although some staff may be asked to wear gloves, according to the CDC,
gloves are not necessary for general use and do NOT replace good hand hygiene.
Washing your hands often is considered the best practice for common everyday tasks.
● GOGGLES/FACE SHIELDS – Most staff do not need to wear goggles or face shields as
part of general activity on campus. However, face shields will be provided to those
with roles where face shields are preferred.
14Hand Washing/Sanitizing
One of the most important tools for protecting yourself against COVID-19 is to wash your
hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer made with at
least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not immediately available. It is critical that you wash
your hands thoroughly after coughing or sneezing and after entering and exiting campus
buildings. Hand-sanitizing stations will be available in every open building. Please refrain from
touching your face to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19.
Social Distancing
Everyone on the MSMU campuses is required to follow social distancing guidelines. Please
keep a minimum of six feet (about two arm’s length) between yourself and others at all times
– even if wearing face coverings. Stay out of crowded spaces and avoid large gatherings of
people, particularly in confined spaces.
Drinking Water
Use a personal water bottle to obtain water from a bottle refill station rather than drinking
water directly from fountain spigots.
Dining
As state and county regulations change, we anticipate that dine-in service may be possible at
various times during the academic year, while at other times it will be takeout only. When
dine-in service is possible, seating capacity will be reduced to provide six feet of distance
between diners.
● Before and after eating, wash your hands thoroughly to reduce the potential
transmission of COVID-19.
● Wear your mask or face covering until you are ready to eat and then replace it
afterward.
● Maintain at least six feet of distance between each person, including while standing in
lines and when seated.
● Individuals should not sit directly facing one another.
Our food service partner, Bon Appetit, has implemented numerous safety measures to
address COVID-19, including:
● COVID-19-specific training for all staff.
● Wellness screenings for their employees before each work shift.
● Personal protective equipment for all employees.
● Installation of hand sanitizer stations, plexiglass shields, and clear signage.
● Frequent and thorough disinfection of high touch surfaces.
● Made-to-order and freshly made, prepackaged meals instead of self-service options.
● Single-use containers and cutlery and single-serve condiments.
● Contactless ordering and payment (meal swipes, points, and debit/credit cards
preferred; cash is accepted).
● Contactless delivery for residential students in quarantine or isolation.
Public Transportation, MSMU Shuttles and Parking
If you take public transportation or use the MSMU shuttle, you should follow these guidelines:
15● Maintain six-foot physical distance while in line to enter shuttles – with face coverings
on.
● Wear a mask before entering the vehicle and during the entire trip.
● Avoid touching surfaces with your hands.
● MSMU shuttles have been fitted with plastic barriers between rows of seats to aid in
physical separation. Occupancy will be limited to 50% with one person per seat on
each side of each row. Please sit next to the window. Shuttles will load from back to
front and disembark from front to back. All riders must follow all guidelines and driver
or other staff directions in order to be allowed on the shuttle.
● Upon disembarking and before removing your mask, wash your hands or use a hand
sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
● Refer to the Transportation Services section in Appendix A and the MSMU
Transportation website for additional information on the use of the MSMU shuttles and
parking policies.
COVID-19 Symptoms, Testing,
Tracing, and Positive Cases on Campus
Symptoms
As of July 2020, symptoms of COVID-19 include one or more of the following:
● Cough
● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
● Fever
● Chills or repeated shaking with chills
● Stuffy or runny nose, new sinus congestion, or sinus pain
● Joint or muscle pain
● Headache
● Sore throat
● Fatigue
● New gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea and/or vomiting
● New expectoration
● New loss of taste or smell
This list is not all-inclusive and different individuals may experience different symptoms. These
symptoms are also separate from those attributable to seasonal allergies or a diagnosed
chronic medical condition.
16Testing
We encourage you to get tested if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in
contact with someone who has tested positive. Students may contact the Student Health
Services for information about testing. Employees may seek testing at any convenient testing
location off campus.
If you are sick or have any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home or in your residence hall.
You may need to quarantine for up to 14 days to ensure that you do not infect others.
● If you have questions about your exposure, have a recorded temperature of greater
than 100.4 degrees, or have any of the symptoms above, you should contact your
medical provider for an assessment.
● If you develop mild symptoms while on campus, notify Student Health Services if you
are a student or your supervisor and human resources if you are an employee. Please
call your own primary care provider for advice or go directly to the nearest hospital
emergency room.
● Employees who are ill with fever or acute respiratory symptoms will need clearance
from your medical provider before returning to work. In addition, you should not return
to work until both of the following occur:
− At least three full days (72 hours) have passed with no fever (without the use of
fever-reducing medications) and no acute respiratory illness symptoms; and
− At least 10 days have passed since the symptoms first appeared.
Contact Tracing, Quarantine and Isolation
If you test positive for COVID-19, immediately self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days, following
all MSMU safety protocols.
● Isolation spaces for potentially infected students will be provided.
● Employees should immediately notify Human Resources and their supervisor in the
event of a positive test result and self-quarantine for 14 days off campus, while seeking
personal medical attention.
● If an employee is confirmed to have a COVID-19 infection, Human Resources will
oversee contact tracing, in coordination with LA County Public Health as needed, and
notify any employees deemed to be exposed (in accordance with public health
guidelines) to the virus while still maintaining confidentiality, as required by the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
● In cases of potential exposure to COVID-19 on campus, contact tracing staff will reach
out to individuals who were potentially exposed and advise them on appropriate next
steps.
17Positive COVID-19 Cases on Campus
We expect and are prepared for positive cases to occur on campus this fall. With proper
protocols in place, in accordance with current guidelines, and in coordination with L.A.
County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), we trust that we will be able to respond
quickly and fully to any instance of COVID-19 at MSMU.
● Residence hall spaces have been set aside for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine
purposes for students. Residents Life has developed a comprehensive protocol for
isolating and caring for students who become ill with COVID-19.
● For singular, unrelated cases of COVID-19, Human Resources and/or the Dean of
Students will notify all individuals who have had close contact with the positive case
and provide further instructions for proper self-quarantine. For COVID-19, a close
contact is defined as any individual who was within six feet of an infected person for at
least 15 minutes starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic
patients, 2 days prior to positive specimen collection) until the time the patient is
isolated. In accordance with the Clery Act and LACDPH current guidelines, a
university-wide notification is not required for singular, unrelated cases.
● Those contacts who test positive (symptomatic or asymptomatic) should be managed
as a confirmed COVID-19 case.
● Asymptomatic contacts testing negative should self-quarantine for 14 days from their
last exposure (i.e., close encounter with confirmed or probable COVID-19 case)
● If testing is not available, symptomatic close contacts should self-isolate and be
managed as a probable COVID-19 case.
● If testing is not available, asymptomatic close contacts should self-quarantine and be
monitored for 14 days after their last exposure, with linkage to clinical care for those
who develop symptoms.
● In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime
Statistics Act, the University maintains a COVID-19 website, accessible from our home
page, that provides up to date information on our policies, protocols and
communications. Please visit the site for regular updates.
● In the event there are three or more positive cases within 14 days among a single
closely linked group, department or area, the University will notify L.A. County
Department of Public Health (LACDPH). LACDPH will determine if the cases represent
an outbreak, in which case they will work with the University in contact tracing and
management of the outbreak. In this case, the University will also send out an MSMU
Alert.
● Additional sanitation measures will be enacted for an area where an individual with
COVID-19 has frequented. Some procedures include:
− Wiping of all surfaces with a sanitizing disinfectant approved by the EPA to kill
COVID-19 and/or use of electrostatic disinfection machines to sanitize all surfaces.
− Whenever possible, the space will be locked and left for 24 hours prior to cleaning.
− Cleaning staff must wear PPE in accordance with OSHA and CDC guidance
18Facilities Operations
Space & Occupancy Restrictions
● Signage will be posted on campus buildings to indicate occupancy levels and traffic
flow.
● Building occupants are expected to follow signage on traffic flow through entrances,
exits, elevators, and similar common use areas.
● Campus facilities staff will be responsible for rearranging and/or reassigning
workspaces to maintain appropriate physical distance.
● High-touch areas such as restrooms, laundry rooms, employee break rooms,
conference rooms, and elevators will be limited to lower or single-occupancy use.
Other residential spaces such as kitchens, lounges and other group spaces will be
closed in accordance with the LACDPH Health Order.
● Occupancy in restrooms will be limited. Signage will be posted outside of restrooms
and every other stall will be closed. Some sinks will be disabled to facilitate social
distancing. Please follow posted signage and directions.
● Elevators should carry no more than one person at a time (unless you need someone to
assist you). If you must use the elevator, wear your mask or face covering and avoid
touching the elevator buttons with your exposed hand/fingers, if possible. Wait for the
elevator in the designated area to maintain the necessary six-foot separation.
● Shared employee break rooms and kitchenettes should be avoided or limited to one
person at a time in the space.
● Residence hall rooms will be single occupancy only.
● Residential lounges, study rooms, libraries, computer labs, and traditional gathering
spaces will be closed per LACDPH Health Orders and to reduce contamination and
contact.
● If dining on campus, wear your mask until you are ready to eat and then replace it
afterward. Individuals should not sit directly facing one another. Staff is encouraged to
take food back to office areas or eat outside if this is reasonable for your situation.
Indoor dining is not currently allowed under LACDPH Health Orders.
● Dining halls will open with touchless payment for meal swipes, points, and credit cards.
Cash will be accepted but is not preferred. All food will be served in to-go or
single-use containers. All self-service will be eliminated (e.g. buffets, salad bars).
19Building Entry Procedures
Entry to buildings may be regulated for fall 2020 to facilitate physical distancing.
● We are limiting access to some buildings to certain entrances, designating traffic flow
throughout the building to create physical separation, indicating waiting areas outside
restrooms and elevators and creating physical distance between seats in classrooms.
● Supervisors should schedule employee arrivals and departures in 30-minute increments
to reduce personal interactions at building access points including hallways, stairs and
elevators.
● If you have been instructed to return to work, you should report to or depart work
through the designated building access and at the designated time to limit the number
of people entering and exiting buildings at any one time.
● Do not hold or prop open exterior doors for any other person in order to maintain
social distancing.
● Portions or all of some buildings may be closed and locked if not occupied by essential
staff reporting to campus daily. Occasional entry to these spaces may be arranged on
an as needed basis by contacting Facilities Management.
Shared Break Rooms, Kitchens and Other Workspaces
● Avoid using shared break rooms and kitchens, if possible.
● If you need to eat in your workplace, use the break room or kitchen for the preparation
of food or drink for one person at a time, cleaning before and after use.
● All common area dishware and utensils should be removed from shared kitchens and
break rooms. Contact facilities management by submitting a work order if you need
boxes.
● You must supply your own cutlery and dishes and take them with you after use.
● Appliances and high-touch surfaces must be sanitized before and after each use.
● Shared materials or objects (staplers, pens, etc.) should be eliminated to the greatest
extent possible. If must be shared, items must be disinfected between shifts or uses.
Campus Cleaning Protocols
MSMU has instituted stringent cleaning procedures and protocols on our campuses to in
accordance with OSHA, CDC and other relevant guidance. Please protect your environment
and your health by following all cleaning requirements.
● All campus buildings that are authorized to reopen will be cleaned regularly, including
offices, workspaces, and other high-touch surfaces on campus, based on OSHA
guidelines for disinfection.
● Facilities staff will maintain hand-sanitizer stations at building entrances, elevator stops,
and high-traffic areas.
● Appliances and high-touch surfaces must be sanitized before and after each use.
● Disinfecting supplies will be made available for cleaning classrooms. Students will be
encouraged to use provided disinfecting materials to clean their desktops, tables, and
seats (hard surfaces only, not cloth).
● Facilities will clean all spaces at least daily with public spaces and high-touch surfaces
receiving additional attention throughout the day. It will be the responsibility of
20building occupants to clean their own, non-public spaces such as cubicles and offices.
Facilities staff will provide disinfectants for this purpose.
● Air filtration systems will be maintained regularly, and filters changed every three-four
months, in alignment with guidelines developed by the American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
Please refer to the Facilities Safety and Operations Plan for additional information.
Recreation and Fitness Facilities
Typically, neighbors and other friends of MSMU may register to use the MSMU facilities, such
as pools and tennis courts. As a result of the risks associated with COVID-19 and the impact
social distancing will have on the availability of our facilities, all MSMU recreation and fitness
facilities (assuming they are allowed to open ) will only be for the use of current students,
faculty and staff who are authorized to be on campus this fall. We will revisit this for the
spring semester and beyond.
Pools
Currently the pools are closed. We will follow health orders issued by the Los Angeles County
Health Department for higher education to determine when the pool will reopen. Social
distancing will be implemented by:
● Reducing the number of swimmers who can access the pool (one swimmer per lane).
● Placing six-foot markers around the deck.
● Closing or limiting locker rooms.
In a further effort to maintain both staff and pool-user safety, we will:
● Require all individuals to wear a mask/face covering while in the facility (except when in
the water).
● Administer safety screenings.
● Sanitize high-touch point areas on an hourly basis.
● We may require patrons to sign up for swimming time slots via an online scheduling
system.
● Put group swim lessons on an indefinite pause.
21Fitness Center
Currently the MSMU Fitness Centers are closed. When open, the following protocols will
apply:
● Fitness center users must wear masks/face coverings at all times, including during
workouts.
● Patrons will be asked symptom screening questions and asked to use hand sanitizer
upon arrival.
● All users must maintain a minimum six foot distance while working out in the fitness
center and disinfect machines and weights before and after each use.
● Capacity will be reduced to allow for social distancing.
● Appointments may be necessary, and hours will be reduced to allow for extra cleaning.
● We may temporarily suspend or reduce equipment check out and will no longer
provide sweat towels.
● Users are encouraged to bring their own towels, if desired.
● There will be a phased reopening of the locker rooms from full closure to reduced
capacity.
Sport Courts (tennis, basketball, volleyball)
Currently the courts are closed. When open, the following protocols will apply:
● Hand sanitizer will be provided near the court gate.
● Court use is limited to singles unless all players are people who are in the same
household.
● Online reservations may be required and may be limited.
● Players must wear a mask/face covering at all times.
Employee Schedules and Meetings
Employee Schedules and Expectations
● Employees are required to stay home if sick, or if any person living in the same
residence is sick with COVID-19 symptoms.
● As essential employees come to work on our campuses, it will likely be necessary to
stagger schedules and make adjustments in work hours to accommodate social
distancing between employees.
● Employees who can effectively continue to work remotely may continue to do so (with
supervisor approval) until further notice.
● If you work in an open office environment, remain at least six feet (approximately two
arms' lengths) away from co-workers at all times. For employees working in cubicles,
there must be at least one workspace separating you from another co-worker.
● Employees are asked to avoid office gatherings, including in break rooms, and avoid
sharing office supplies and equipment.
● Failure to comply with the guidance in this Fall 2020 Plan and/or the MSMU COVID-19
Safe at Work Guidelines may result in disciplinary action, up to and including
termination of employment.
22● Further resources and support can be found on HR’s COVID-19 Resources website.
Meetings
● Meetings will be held using available online collaboration virtual meeting tools (e.g.,
Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc.) or telephone conference calls - even when on campus.
● In-person meetings should be rare, must be approved by the Office of the President,
and held in a space large enough for six-foot physical distancing, either outdoors or in
a large room. All participants must wear facial coverings.
● When onsite, communicate with your colleagues and supervisors by email, instant
message, telephone, or other available technology rather than face-to-face.
● When a job task must be performed that puts two or more employees in close
proximity of each other for more than 15 minutes, employees and supervisors should
work together to assess the exposure risks involved and determine the appropriate
controls, including a review of engineering, administrative, and personal protective
equipment controls.
Questions?
If you have additional specific COVID-19 questions that are not addressed contact us
at Communications@msmu.edu.
23Information for Faculty and Staff
Current Status
For now, and until further notice, we will retain our current mode of operations (Phase 2
below). All employees whose roles are not deemed essential for on campus service and can
effectively work remotely may continue to do so.
The University has identified certain employees as providing essential services. These
employees will report to work to support the students who remain on campus and those
services and operations that must continue and cannot be accomplished remotely.
Additionally, in late June, the Los Angeles Department of Public Health clarified that
in-person training that cannot be accomplished remotely supporting training of the essential
workforce (i.e. only physical therapy and nursing) was allowed on campus.
Department heads of functions currently on campus must ensure that this document and all
relevant guidelines for appropriate safety, cleaning and hygiene protocols have been shared
with those on campus and are being followed. Please reach out to your area Vice
President/Provost, human resources or facilities management as needed for assistance.
We continue to work with public health officials and others to plan for a continued phased
return to campus between now and the start of the fall semester on August 24 in accordance
with state, county, city, CDC and other relevant guidelines. If you have a specific need to be
back on campus on a regular schedule, please talk with your Vice President/Provost.
As MSMU works from Phase 2 through the remaining phases of our phased reopening of our
campus (see below), the health and safety of the entire MSMU community remains our
priority. The faculty and administration have been working to prepare for a range of
contingencies. Because the challenge we face is the prevention of COVID-19, our carefully
laid plans must also be fluid, capable of responding to the shifting pressures of the pandemic.
To do that, University leadership maintains constant communication with the Los Angeles
County Department of Public Health (LADPH) as well as health experts in the MSMU
community.
AY 2020-2021 Phased Return
To ensure that we return to campus as responsibly as possible, we are relying on expertise
and guidance from OSHA, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the State of
California and L.A. County Departments of Public Health. Based on their orders and
guidelines, we will be implementing a phased approach to reopening the MSMU campus that
prioritizes student and employee health while delivering critical services and some in-person
instruction.
Employees will return to work in phases, over a period of time, to ensure appropriate physical
distancing, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), and our capacity to clean,
24disinfect, and screen for COVID-19. Screening will include self-reporting of symptoms and/or
external testing for the COVID-19 virus. MSMU will assess staffing plans based on
mission-critical operations, the ability to control and manage specific work environments, and
the need to deliver in-person support services and/or access on-site resources. These
decisions, once approved, will be communicated through your respective Vice
President/Provost or Human Resources.
Our phased plan for our return to the 2020-2021 academic year is summarized below.
Phase 2a Re-entry Plan
● For the most part, employees that are not required to perform essential on-campus
functions are encouraged to continue to work remotely for the duration of Phase 2a.
● Administrative units and academic departments that perform customer service or other
functions requiring on-campus preparation (reconfiguring spaces, adding signage,
practicing new service protocols, etc.) prior to the start of the fall semester will be
contacted by their supervisor to develop a work schedule for coming to campus.
Phase 2b Re-entry Plan
● Division Vice Presidents/Provost working with their department heads will determine
which employees are essential workers for Phase 3.
● Many employees may continue to work remotely (likely for the remainder of the fall
semester) while others will work split or staggered shifts on campus or will use other
measures to promote social distancing.
Phase 3 Re-entry Plan
To be outlined for the spring 2021 semester.
25What You Can Expect
● TRAINING: Employees (faculty & staff) must complete COVID-19 training through
Everfi, Staying Healthy in a Changing Environment for Higher Ed, before you return to
campus. All faculty and staff will receive an automated email from Everfi to complete
the on-line training requirement. The training is meant to ensure that each staff
member has a shared understanding of their individual responsibility for mitigating the
risks associated with COVID-19. MSMU students will also be required to complete
training.
● SYMPTOM SCREENING: All students, faculty, staff and on-site contracted services
employees must complete a daily symptom self-screening. We are implementing a
Qualtrics app for this purpose. In the interim, please use the CDC’s COVID-19
self-checker. The intent of this screening is to ensure that you're not exhibiting
symptoms of COVID-19 before coming to campus, leaving your dorm room or coming
into contact with anyone on campus. If you exhibit any symptoms, or are sick in any
way, please stay home. Students should contact Student Health Services
at StudentHealthServices@msmu.edu or 310.954.4110 and employees should call your
supervisor and contact Human Resources at HRcovid@msmu.edu or by calling
310.954.4035.
● LIMITING ON-CAMPUS DENSITY: We will need to reduce the number of people on
campus at any one time (lowering our density) to meet physical distancing
requirements. This will likely continue for some time to come.
● FACE COVERINGS/PPE: You will be required to wear a face covering or disposable
mask and/or other required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
● SOCIAL DISTANCING: Any employee returning to work must practice appropriate
measures for social distancing that may involve staggered shifts and other scheduling
adjustments. See the Employee Schedules and Meetings section of our Health and
Safety Guidelines for details.
● REMOTE WORK: Employees whose role facilitates remote work may volunteer to
continue to do so until further notice, with supervisor’s approval as part of the Vice
President/Provost area plans.
● ON-CAMPUS WORK: Only those deemed essential or otherwise approved for on
campus work for the university operational status will work on-site. Once decisions to
expand on-site staffing in certain areas have been made, employees should follow the
policies and protocols for returning to work on campus.
26Protecting Yourself and Others
Please review the University’s Health and Safety Guidelines to understand the full scope of the
protocols we all need to follow when on campus. Specific planning considerations for
returning to campus include:
● Prior to allowing employees to return to campus, departments will assess building
spaces to institute measures to physically separate and increase distance between
employees.
● Department supervisors may also consider rotating or staggering employee work
schedules in order to allow space for physical distancing in smaller groups.
● Lower occupancy limits for common-use areas such as break rooms, conference rooms,
and restrooms will be implemented to maintain adequate physical distancing.
● Facilities staff will have primary responsibility for cleaning offices and workspaces and
other high-touch point surfaces on campus, based on OSHA guidelines for disinfection,
but we encourage you to clean your workspaces before and after use as well. Cleaning
supplies and instructions will be provided in departmental common areas.
● Facilities staff will maintain hand-sanitizer stations at building entrances, elevator stops,
and high-traffic areas.
For Employees Approved to Work on Campus
All employees who are approved to work on campus must comply with state and county
safety standards, which will be communicated through a campus training and attestation
module. This includes, but is not limited to:
● Do not come to work if you are sick.
● Perform a symptom self-check before coming to campus using CDC’s COVID-19
self-checker.
● Use of face covernings/masks at all times while on campus.
● Practice healthy hand hygiene – wash hands often or use sanitizer with at least 60%
alcohol.
● Social distancing, ensuring that you remain six feet from others – even if wearing face
covering.
● Engage in regular cleaning and disinfecting of your workspace and shared equipment.
● Complete Mandatory COVID-19 training. You will receive a link from Everfi.
● Read and follow the MSMU COVID-19 Safe at Work Guidelines found on the Human
Resources COVID-19 page.
● Regularly review our COVID-19 website for additional updates, resources and
information.
27You can also read
