July 30, 2021
Dear Peralta Community,
Our campuses have been officially closed (with some exceptions) since March 2020 in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. While we are excited about the prospect of opening the campuses for in-person instruction and vibrant campus activities, caution and diligence are still needed to help keep our community safe and healthy.
As I mentioned at the June 22nd Board of Trustees meeting, we are taking a phased approach to our return to campus. The health and safety of students and employees has been and remains our top priority. The Board of Trustees has endorsed the following policy:
Peralta Community College District Board Policy
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
Policy Statement:
As a condition of employment all existing and new Peralta Community College District (PCCD) faculty, classified employees, administrators, hourly employees (short-term temporary employees), contract employees, and student employees (henceforth referred to as “employee groups”), must provide proof of “full” COVID-19 vaccination (as defined by the U.S. Center for Disease Control) or submit a request for exception on medical, disability, religious grounds, or a deferral based on pregnancy. In addition, all non-COVID-19 vaccinated employee groups will be required to wear N95 Masks at all times while on PCCD controlled property; and must be tested weekly for COVID-19.
Effective August 2, 2021
Historical Perspective
Since the California economy reopened on June 15th the cases of COVID in Alameda County have increased dramatically. On July 9, an announcement was sent on behalf of the Alameda County Public Health Department to warn about the spread of COVID, including the highly contagious Delta variant.
On July 26th, Governor Newsom announced that all state workers and workers in health care and high-risk congregate settings will be required to either show proof of full vaccination or be tested at least once per week. The new policy for state workers – which includes employees of the Peralta Community College District – will take effect August 2nd. Alameda County residents who are not yet vaccinated can sign up for the vaccine here.
The campuses were officially closed through July 31 with exceptions for in-person labs, athletics conditioning, and other work activities deemed essential. With the end of the summer session, we intend to extend the general campus closure policy to August 22, 2021. Between July 31 to August 22, along with the above exemptions, employees performing tasks that are deemed essential in support of the expanded in-person course offerings scheduled for the fall semester and/or maintenance and security personnel will be allowed on campus.
On August 23, we plan to change the language from “closed with exceptions” to “open with limits” while we safely and deliberately plan for a full return to campuses in January 2022.
“Open with limits” will look very much like “closed with exceptions” with employees and students required to check in before attending class, athletic training, or essential on-campus work. In other words, the campuses will be open but limited to critical staff necessary to provide support services, maintenance and safety personnel, faculty and students that have in-person labs and classes, as well as coaches and athletes participating in athletic activities.
Next Steps
Throughout the Fall semester we will continue to refine our return to campus plans and the systems needed for safe operation like HVAC for air flow, drinking water and plumbing, etc. During the semester, we would like to offer limited in-person student services, but the start of this service is still to be determined while working with key stakeholders. As return to campus plans are solidified, they will be negotiated with each of the collective bargaining units and then communicated to the District community.
In the meantime, I again want to thank all of you for the amazing work you do to help our students succeed.
Visit https://safe.peralta.edu/ for the latest information about the COVID-19 pandemic and Peralta Community College District. This policy as well as the associated administrative procedures can be found there.
Thank you, and stay well,
JANNETT N JACKSON, PhD
Interim Chancellor
