COVID-19

Information and Safety Protocols

UWest COVID-19 Information

UWest COVID-19 Protocol
Spring 2023

 

Note: UWest reserves the right to modify these COVID-19 safety guidelines as necessitated by public health conditions. If you have any questions, contact reopening@uwest.edu

UWest continues to adjust our Covid-19 protocols in response to the changing public health situation. The following measures are currently in place:

Other safety measures:

  • Recommended masking. In line with public health agency recommendations, the university strongly encourages the wearing of high-quality masks in indoor spaces, including classrooms, offices, and common areas. Individual offices may enforce a masking requirement. Masks are available at the reception desk in the lobby of the AD building.
  • Social distancing. It is a safe practice to continue to physically distance when in crowded indoor or outdoor settings, maintaining at least 6 feet distance between yourself and others.
  • Stay at home if you test positive or have COVID-19 symptoms. Do not come to campus if you are ill! Contact reopening@uwest.edu for next steps.

 

Vaccination & Booster Requirement

All students, faculty, and staff must be fully vaccinated and boosted—if eligible—in order to come to campus.

The new bivalent booster shots are available for free in many stores as well as doctor’s offices and clinics. You can schedule appointments or find walk-in clinics for vaccinations and boosters at myturn.ca.gov ». Appointments can also be made by calling the California COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-422-4255.

Los Angeles County residents with disabilities or without computer access can call 833-540-0473 between 8:00 am and 8:30 pm 7 days a week for assistance with appointments.

How to know if you are eligible for booster shot

CDC recommends that people ages 12 years and older receive one updated (bivalent) booster if it has been at least 2 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose, whether that was:

  • Their final primary series dose, or
  • An original (monovalent) booster

People who have had more than one original (monovalent) booster are also recommended to get an updated (bivalent) booster.

Find more information about vaccinations and boosters here ».

Where to upload proof of vaccination and booster

Students, upload an image of your vaccination/booster record here: COVID Vaccination Verification (Student) ».
Faculty and staff, upload here: COVID Vaccination Verification (Faculty & Staff) ».

Requesting a medical exemption from the vaccination requirement

Requests for medical exemption undergo a confidential review process and must include documentation from a medical provider.

Exemption for medical reason/disability reasons:

Download the fillable PDF “Vaccination Exemption Request-Medical »”
Please fill out the required fields and have your medical provider fill out the appropriate information as well. Submit a copy of the form to Student Success and Disabilities Coordinator Dr. Keith Brown keithb@uwest.edu.
Note: Anyone with an exemption from the vaccination requirement will need to take weekly COVID-19 PCR tests and upload their results here: Negative COVID Test Reporting (Student) »

If you recently recovered from COVID-19

If you have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, it is recommended that you get a rapid anti-gen test instead of a PCR test as PCR tests may provide positive results long after an individual is recovered and no longer infectious. Alternatively, you may provide a doctor’s note verifying when you had COVID-19 and that you have recovered. Contact reopening@uwest.edu if you have any questions about this.

What if I tested positive for Covid-19?

Follow the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidelines for isolation ». Please also notify reopening@uwest.edu and let your instructors know that you are not able to attend in-person class. Do not return to campus until you have received permission from the university.

What if I have been exposed to someone who has Covid-19 symptoms and/or tested positive?

Follow the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidelines for close contacts ». Email reopening@uwest.edu if you have any questions.

UWest Safety Protocols

Our campus safety guidelines and preparations have been designed with additional layers of protection (beyond minimal standards), including:

  • Covid-19 vaccination and booster are required for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Campus is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
  • Air purifiers are placed in each classroom.
  • Classrooms are assigned to accommodate physical distancing.
  • Masks are strongly recommended for everyone when indoors.
  • Plexiglass barriers are in place in all administrative offices.
Remote Services

Remote Services continue to be available for those who are not able to come to campus.

 

Academic Advising/Counseling

Students are encouraged to meet in-person with Undergraduat Academic Advisor Jesse Marinero or your department chair for academic advising. His office extension number is 2131.

For students who are not currently on campus, please email your department chair or Jesse Marinero <jessem@uwest.edu> with your cell phone number and when he can reach you.

 

Admissions & Enrollment

Admissions Specialist Henna Hung is available during regular business hours (M-F, 9am-12pm and 1pm-6pm) by phone –(626) 571-8811, ext. 2120

Enrollment can be reached by calling (626) 571-8811, ext. 3375. If no one answers, please leave a message.

Enrollment can also be reached via text message at (626) 274-7351. Texts will be responded to during business hours (except in the event of an emergency).

Admissions/enrollment questions should go to admission@uwest.edu, except:

  • If you are working with a specific advisor – please contact them directly, or
  • If you are in need of Chinese translation – please email Henna at hennah@uwest.edu

Online Access to Admissions/enrollment »

 

Campus Tours

Individuals and small groups are welcome to schedule a live campus tour by contacting enrollmentws@uwest.eduor calling (626) 571-8811, ext. 3375. Appointments and advance health screenings are required for the tour.

 

Disability Support Services & Accommodations

Keith Brown is available by email – ssc@uwest.edu
Online Access to Disability Support Services »

 

Financial Aid
  • Financial aid appointments can be conducted remotely by phone or Zoom. To schedule an appointment, email financialaid@uwest.eduwith your full name, UWest student ID number, the reason you are emailing/what you need help with, and the best days/times to reach you.
  • General financial aid questions can also be emailed to financialaid@uwest.edu– please include your full name, UWest student ID number, the reason you are emailing/what you need help with, and the best days/times to reach you.
  • Financial Aid Director Lezli Fang is available by email – financialaid@uwest.edu– and by phone during regular business hours (M-F, 9am-6pm) – (626) 656-2138.
  • Financial Aid Office Yanela Morgan is available by email – financialaid@uwest.edu– and by phone during regular business hours (M-F, 9am-6pm) – (626) 656-2122.
  • Online access to Financial Aid Office – UNDERGRADUATES » | GRADUATES »
  • Financial Aid forms can be submitted electronically. Please fill out the appropriate form from UWest forms, print it out, scan it (or take a phone picture), and email it to financialaid@uwest.edu
  • The application deadline for the Lotus Scholarship, President’s Scholarship, Dean’s Scholarship, and UWest Scholarship has changed to June 15, 2020. The Golden Benefactor Award application deadline is Monday, June 1, 2020.
International Student Services

Please contact DSO Janira Cordova (janirac@uwest.edu). She will help you plan your entry/return to the United States.

  • UWest International Student Advisor Janira Cordova is available by email – janirac@uwest.eduand by phone – (626) 571-8811, ext. 3322.
  • Janira can also meet with F-1 students over LINE, WeChat, and Zoom. Please email Janira for account information.
  • Online access to International Student Services

 

Fitness Center

UWest’s Fitness Center has reopened for all students, Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 5 PM. Please follow all posted user guidelines. Guests are not allowed at this time. If you have any questions about Fitness Center usage, please contact vanessak@uwest.edu.

 

Housing
  • UWest’s Student Life Coordinator, Eddie Escalante, manages the Residence Halls. He is available by email at eddiee@uwest.edu, and by phone at (626) 571-8811, ext. 3317.
  • Housing is available in Fall 2022 by application. Students interested in living on campus should contact RHC Eddie Bernal (eddieb@uwest.edu).
  • Proof of full vaccination is required for move-in. Please contact Eddie Escalante for more information.
  • There are currently no meal plans for residents. A café service in the Dining Hall offers healthy food to purchase, and residents may also use the Student Kitchen. (Cooking in rooms is not allowed.)
IT
  • Please direct all IT requests to helpdesk@uwest.edu
  • IT is working during regular business hours (M-F, 9am-6pm)

 

Library
  • Library access is restricted to current UWest students, faculty, and staff.Capacity is limited to 50 people.
  • Face masks are required of all visitors and staff.
  • If you are not feeling well, please stay home and refrain from visiting the Libraryuntil you feel better. Use remote services instead.

Ling-Ling Kuo and Judy Hsu continue to monitor and provide assistance through all these communication channels, M-F 9am-5pm:

  • Library email: library@uwest.edu
  • Library phone: (626) 677-3319
  • Texting number: (626) 782-5591
  • Online chat at the library website M-F 9am-5pm
  • For more information, visit the library website »

 

Registrar

 

Recreation Room

All students are welcome to use the Recreation Room, located under the Dining Hall, during opening hours to spend time between classes, study, and relax. At all times, please follow masking and distancing rules and exercise a high level of conscientiousness towards other users to avoid loss of privileges.

 

Student Accounts

Jenny Bui is available by email – jennyb@uwest.edu
If Jenny is not available, Jason Tseng is available by email – jasont@uwest.edu
Email is preferred to phone.
Online access to Student Accounts
Student Kitchen

Currently, the Student Kitchen is open to on-campus residents only. Rules are in place for number of residents using kitchen at one time as well as the regular safety and cleanliness rules.

 

Tutoring/Student Success Center

Keith Brown is available by email – ssc@uwest.edu

Online tutoring appointments

Please Remember to Select Online Appointment »
If you experience difficulty, please email Dr. Brown.

Online access to the Student Success Center

COVID-19 FAQS (according to the CDC)

 

What Is It?

A highly contagious respiratory disease spreading from person to person caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, named “coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID-19). The illness has caused a global pandemic and poses a serious public health risk. COVID-19 can cause mild to severe illness.

 

How Does It Spread?
  • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus and to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
  • The virus spreads mainly from person to person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • The virus spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • The virus can also be aerosolized and linger in the air for longer periods of time than droplets, especially indoors.
  • People who become infected with the novel coronavirus often don’t develop symptoms for up to 14 days. And some never any develop symptoms at all. However, even asymptomatic individuals can spread the virus to others. That is why masking and distancing are so important.
  • There is some evidence that the virus can be transferred to surfaces and may remain active there for up to several days.

 

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Symptoms a severe cold

This list is not exhaustive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. The CDC website has much more information », including when to seek emergency care and how to care for self or others who are ill with COVID-19.

 

How To Protect Yourself

By far the most effective way to protect yourself against Covid-19 is to get vaccinated. Other important precautions include:

 

Clean Your Hands Often!

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

 

Avoid Close Contact!

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

 

Wear a face covering

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
  • You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
  • Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. Many cities and counties require a face mask when entering shops and other essential businesses/offices.
  • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
  • The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
  • Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
  • Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

 

Double masking: Experts say you should consider wearing two masks, especially if you typically wear a single-layer cloth mask.

If you’re already wearing a triple-layer cloth mask, N95, KN95 or a KF94 mask, wearing two masks likely won’t offer additional protection.

Masking for travel: Effective February 2, 2021, masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.​

 

How To Protect Others

Stay Home If You Are Sick!

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

 

Cover coughs and sneezes!

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

 

Stay home if you are sick!

  • If you are sick: You should stay home and isolate as much as possible. If you must go out, you should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. Learn what to do if you are sick.

 

Clean and disinfect!

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Information Resources

 

COVID-19 continues to heavily impact communities and areas inside the U.S. and many countries around the world.