Student COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
Purpose
In accordance with the California Institute of the Arts’ duty to provide and maintain a safe and healthful workplace, we are adopting this policy to safeguard the health of our students and the community at large from COVID-19. This policy will comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, taking into account applicable guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health departments.
General Information
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted higher education for faculty, staff and students. The health and safety of the entire CalArts community continues to be a priority. The COVID-19 vaccination is an important tool to help us return to in person education. COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19 by helping you create an antibody (immune system) response. Clinical trials of all vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, must first show they are safe and effective before any vaccine can be authorized or approved for use. Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases and early data from clinical trials, experts believe that the COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by building immunity without the risk of severe illness. Common side effects are normal signs that the body is building protection. These side effects may affect the ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Some people have no side effects. Additional preventive tools remain important to limit the spread of COVID-19. For current information on the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the CDC’s webpage on Getting Your Vaccine.
Policy
In order to return to campus for the Fall 2022 Semester, including to live in CalArts housing, all CalArts students are required to (a) confirm they have received the COVID-19 vaccination and all boosters as eligible through applicable procedures by December 15th, 2022; or (b) obtain an approved exemption as a reasonable accommodation due to a specific medical contraindication or sincerely held religious belief by December 15th, 2022. For more information on requesting an accommodation under this policy, please contact Covid Compliance at covidcompliance@calarts.edu, or visit your Medicat log-in through your SSO (calarts.medicatconnect.com). Students who are in the process of obtaining a vaccine/booster may return to campus upon providing a confirmation of their vaccination appointment and agreeing to comply with all CalArts COVID-19 safety policies and procedures.
Any COVID-19 vaccine/booster approved for use by the World Health Organization (WHO) will fulfill the CalArts vaccination requirement.
To confirm a student has received the COVID-19 vaccination/booster, students must present written proof of vaccination/booster. CalArts regards all such information as confidential. Students who return to campus but are not fully vaccinated because (a) they are in the process of obtaining a vaccine or (b) due to a specific medical contraindication or sincerely held religious belief will be required to continue regular COVID-19 testing and, possibly, additional requirements aimed at keeping our community safe. You may upload your vaccination or booster verification through your SSO or at calarts.medicatconnect.com.
At this time, CalArts students may receive COVID-19 vaccinations at no cost at the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, located at 23845 McBean Pwky, Valencia, CA, 91355.
International Students
We are requiring vaccination for campus access. Those unable to be fully vaccinated prior to arrival will be required to quarantine for at least 5 days, and test negative for Covid-19, 3-5 days after arrival. While in quarantine, self-monitor for symptoms of Covid-19. However, CalArts will assist international students who are unable to obtain a vaccine prior to returning to CalArts in obtaining a vaccine upon their arrival.
CalArts does not require fully vaccinated students to test or quarantine upon arrival in the US prior to coming to campus.
This policy will be updated as more information becomes available regarding additional vaccinations or vaccination booster shots.
Regardless of vaccination status, all students will continue to be required to adhere to all CalArts COVID-19 safety procedures in accordance with CDC and local and state orders, regulations, guidance, and/or directives.
Please direct any questions regarding this policy to the Wellness Center.