Dear Peralta Employees,
I’m writing to provide you with an update regarding the Peralta Community College District return to campus plan. As mentioned previously, we are using the Fall 2021 semester to gradually and safely restore in-person support services as well as in-person instruction, which students need.
Classified Professionals
During the week of October 11, 2021, we expect Classified Professionals who have been working remotely to begin returning to the office in some capacity. The specific needs and schedules will be communicated by the College Presidents and their administrative teams (for college-based staff) and Vice Chancellors and their managers (for district office staff). I expect those messages to go out next week.
Employee Vaccination Proof
As previously announced, all employees must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 by October 7, 2021, as a condition of employment. The Board of Trustees adopted the vaccination policy to make the inevitable return to in-person instruction and student support as safe as possible for all individuals involved. If you have not done so already, please upload your vaccination information or exemption request via Company Nurse. Exemption forms are available at Safe Peralta and also must be submitted by October 7, 2021.
Vaccination Policy Enforcement
Beginning on October 8, 2021, the vaccination policy will be enforced for employees and students. For employees, failure to comply with the vaccination policy requirements may be grounds for administrative action. If you are still in need of vaccination, contact your healthcare provider, use the free Alameda County Public Health Department vaccination service, use your local pharmacy, or sign up for upcoming clinics at the colleges as posted on Safe Peralta.
Student Vaccination Proof
Students will be asked to upload their vaccination proof or exemption documents via the Campus Solutions module in PeopleSoft. Our IT department is working with Oracle developers to have the PeopleSoft process in place by the end of September. By having the data in PeopleSoft, faculty and administrators will be able to view reports showing whether students are compliant or not with the vaccination requirement, for example, by class roster.
Proof of vaccination will be checked against California state vaccination records. Remember that falsifying vaccination data such as forging a vaccination card is considered a felony as well as a breach of BP/AP 5500 and Education Code Section 87732. There will be consequences for such dishonesty.
COVID Testing
The Department of General Services (DGS) is in the process of arranging weekly COVID testing on each of the campuses including the District Office. This service is expected to begin the week of October 11.
I want to thank faculty, staff, and administrators for your hard work and support of students as we continue to expand our in-person services. I also want to thank you for your patience as we work out the soft launch of expanded student services and in-person instruction together as a community, in the spirit of Ubuntu, to help our students.
Wear A Mask
Please remember to always wear your mask properly ensuring that it covers both your nose and your mouth at all times while on Peralta controlled property.
The situation with COVID-19 and the Delta variant are changing rapidly. Please visit the recently redesigned Safe Peralta website at https://safe.peralta.edu/ to keep up with the latest developments here at PCCD.
Again, thank you all for your dedication in serving the students of the Peralta Community College District.
Be Well, and Stay Safe,
Jannett N. Jackson, PhD
Interim Chancellor
