SJSU Mask Policy Update; Additional FD&O and EH&S Safety Measures

Sent: July 15, 2021
From: Traci Ferdolage, Senior Associate Vice President of Facilities Development and Operations

SJSU campus community,

As we look forward to welcoming more students, faculty and staff to campus beginning next month, I wanted to share steps Facilities Development and Operations (FD&O) and Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) are taking to keep you safe.

SJSU Mask Policy Update

First, to reiterate the campus mask guidance that will goes into effect today, July 15:

  • Individuals who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks. Fully vaccinated individuals can continue to wear a mask if they feel more comfortable doing so.
  • Individuals who are not fully vaccinated must wear a mask indoors at all times, when in a university vehicle shared with others, and outdoors when it is not possible to maintain six feet of physical distance from others. There are a few exceptions where individuals not fully vaccinated do not have to wear a mask: 1) Alone in a private office with the door closed; 2) If the work you are conducting cannot be achieved safely with a mask in place or 3) If an individual has an approved accommodation. Individuals who are not vaccinated and who do not have a private space indoors to take breaks or eat should do so outside. 

Masks are still required regardless of vaccination status in the Student Wellness Center and Child Development Center. Individuals are also still required to wear a mask while riding public transit. The TSA has extended its mask requirement for all transportation networks through Sept 13.

Additional FD&O and EH&S Safety Measures

Building Access
As a reminder, all buildings on campus are locked and require your Tower ID card to access buildings on campus. We realize the start of the semester is also a transitional period where many individuals may be receiving their Tower ID card (i.e., new faculty/staff, late student enrollees, etc.).

As a result, we will ensure buildings remain unlocked for the first two weeks of the semester during times classes, programs, and activities take place. Starting Monday, September 6, your Tower ID card will be required to access buildings. If you do not have a Tower ID card, please contact the Tower ID card office. If your Tower ID card is malfunctioning, please contact the FD&O Customer Service Center.  

Signage
New signage will be posted around campus regarding masking requirements for individuals who are and are not fully vaccinated. 

Distancing Requirements
Space capacity limitations and physical distancing requirements have been lifted and are no longer applicable within campus facilities. 

Break Rooms
Break room refrigerators, microwaves and other appliances can be used. 

Protective Equipment
Protective supplies and equipment will be available via request using the COVID-19 Safety Supply Request Form. Hand sanitizer, disposable face covers and disposable gloves will also be available at supply stations located in common areas of campus buildings.

Protective barriers (Plexiglas) will remain or continue to be placed at high traffic customer facing locations, such as service desks and checkout windows. 

Building HVAC Systems  
Building HVAC systems have had their filtration systems modified to higher level of filtration (MERV-13) and configured to maximize outside air intake to provide a greater level of fresh air to the building. We continue to work with our consulting mechanical engineer to fine tune these systems to improve safety. 

Custodial Cleaning and Sanitation
Our custodial crew will continue cleaning spaces overnight and disinfect high touchpoint locations (handrails, bathrooms, elevator buttons, etc.). If there is a determined COVID-19 positive individual who used a campus space during their infectious period, that area will be isolated until custodial staff can perform a deep cleaning and disinfection of that area.  

The health and safety of our campus community continues to be our top priority and we look forward to welcoming many of you back soon.

Sincerely,

Traci Ferdolage
Senior Associate Vice President of Facilities Development and Operations