Dear Santa Clara University Community, 

In this Prepared SCU Roundup, we share key information related to SCU’s response to COVID-19.

Going forward, we will not send weekly messages. Instead, SCU will provide periodic updates when we have critical information to share.

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Booster Update

Thank you SCU! Over 97% of eligible students and 95% of eligible faculty and staff are fully vaccinated and boosted. We appreciate your efforts to care for yourselves and our community. 

Spring Quarter COVID-19 Testing

Entry testing update: As of March 31, the first week of spring quarter testing resulted in a 0.9% positivity rate, with 23 cases identified through on-campus testing (through a combination of Color PCR testing and rapid antigen tests).  

Testing requirements after April 1: SCU is suspending the requirement of weekly asymptomatic surveillance testing, for students, faculty and staff who are fully vaccinated and boosted. 

Please get tested whenever you are experiencing symptoms and/or are concerned about possible exposure. Remember, if you tested positive for COVID in the past 90 days, you should not test with Color (PCR); instead, you should take a rapid antigen test. All positive results must immediately complete the tracking and tracing survey.

For rapid antigen tests, come by the Health Ambassadors’ table outside the Learning Commons, 11am-3pm Monday-Friday.

Students, faculty, and staff with approved COVID-19 exemptions or extensions: Weekly testing, via Color, will continue to be required for students, faculty, and staff  with approved COVID-19 vaccine exemptions or extensions. Those that have had a COVID-19 infection in the last 90 days can meet this requirement by taking rapid antigen tests with the Health Ambassadors.

New hires with vaccination or booster in progress: Mandatory weekly testing via Color will be required for newly hired faculty and staff whose vaccinations or boosters are in progress.

For additional information, please visit our Testing Protocol page.

Mask Requirements

Masks are strongly recommended but not required in most indoor settings. KN95 masks are still available at several locations across campus.

Students and faculty are required to wear a mask in the classroom at all times unless a pedagogical exception is granted by the Dean of the College or School. Please remember that eating and drinking are not allowed in classrooms. 

Students, faculty and staff who are not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations (those with exemptions or extensions) are required to continue to wear masks in all indoor settings.  

Resumption of Mitigation Efforts in the Future

We are actively working to determine the set of criteria which will activate mitigation efforts in the future if another surge or outbreak occurs. We are continuing to monitor the situation in the local and global environment and are committed to developing a game plan for how to best keep the SCU community safe now and into the future.

Stay safe and well,
SCU COVID-19 Operations Team