Student COVID Policies
(Updated August 16, 2021)
The safety and success of all members of the SDSU community are of the greatest importance. For this reason, students are expected to uphold the following policies as a commitment to their personal safety and well-being, and that of the entire SDSU community. Although this policy is specific to SDSU students, the following policies are consistent with what we expect from the rest of our campus community. Policies are in effect at all times and in all locations, including residence halls, classrooms, public restrooms, open office and common spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, libraries, theaters, and other indoor spaces. Students who do not honor these policies may be reported to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Vaccinations
Testing
All residential students, regardless of vaccination status, must upload a negative molecular COVID-19 test to their University’s HealtheConnect portal at least 48 hours before they move-in, regardless of whether they have a known exposure or are showing symptoms of COVID-19. Tests must have been administered no earlier than seven (7) days prior to move-in. This pre-arrival testing requirement applies to all on-campus residents, regardless of vaccination status.
All residential students, regardless of vaccination status, must complete a provided antigen testing kit upon move-in unless otherwise instructed. They must conduct this test immediately upon arrival to their residence hall room and upload a copy of this testing to their HealtheConnect portal within 60 minutes of arrival.
Unvaccinated students must comply with COVID-19 testing requirements, regardless of whether they have a known exposure or are showing symptoms of COVID-19. Unvaccinated students must complete a COVID-19 test every seven (7) days from the date of their previous test (not the date of the results of the previous test).
Students tested at any location other than Student Health Services must upload documentation to their HealtheConnect portal. This includes results from any test taken at any facility other than SDSU’s Student Health Services (e.g. county sites, Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center, etc.). Students who do not complete testing requirements as assigned may face possible student disciplinary consequences, including suspension. There are a few testing options available for SDSU students. Students can get tested through SDSU Student Health Services, testing kits available at vending machines on campus, or their preferred healthcare provider. The test must be a molecular (PCR, RT-PCR,TMA, LAMP or NAAT) test; antigen and antibody testing will not be accepted.
Students must ensure their test results have their name clearly visible on them.
Daily Health Screening
Facial Coverings
Vaccinated students must wear facial coverings over their nose and mouth while on campus in the following spaces:
When in all indoor settings, including residence hall common areas and dining facilities, and in their own living spaces when other students are present.
When in instructional settings, whether indoors or outdoors, including classrooms, instructional labs, spaces being actively used in an instructional capacity, and University libraries.
Unvaccinated students must wear facial coverings over their nose and mouth while on campus at all times while indoors and when outdoors and unable to maintain six (6) feet of distance from others.
Any individuals experiencing COVID-like symptoms must wear a facial covering over their nose and mouth at all times while on campus, with the exception of while alone in their own residence hall bedroom.
Facial coverings may be removed while a student is in their own residence hall room or apartment, is actively eating, drinking, or strenuously exercising.
Facial coverings may be removed when required as part of an instructional music education course while physically distanced, as directed by the instructor. Aztec Recreation Center (ARC) policies may require the use of facial coverings while using ARC facilities.
Students who enter buildings and facilities and are not wearing facial coverings over their mouth and nose will be asked to leave.
Facial coverings are required for all indoor University events that involve the public, students, or uncontrolled mixing, and during outdoor events of more than 250 people that involve uncontrolled mixing. Facial coverings are also required during attendance at mega events (such as those with more than 5,000 people in attendance during athletic competitions, events or concerts), whether the event occurs indoors or outdoors.
Students must supply their own facial coverings. Facial coverings may be cloth or disposable and may not have vents or exhalation valves (other than approved NIOSH rated N95 masks). Students who are unable to wear facial coverings should contact Student Ability Success Center.
Physical Distancing
Hygiene
Students must maintain consistent hygiene practices, including frequent hand washing and cleaning of any work areas used while on campus. Students may want to consider bringing sanitizer or wipes for use in common areas, although students without those supplies will not be refused access.
Gatherings
Students must refrain from hosting or attending gatherings of groups larger than those allocated in the guidelines provided by the state of California, San Diego County, and San Diego State University.
Residential students must abide by residence hall guest policies, as outlined in the Guide to Community Living. Consistent with fire marshall requirements, residents are allowed no more than two guests in their room. Residents living on-campus may only have guests in their residential spaces (including personal space and community spaces such as lounges, study rooms, and outdoor recreation areas) who live in on-campus residential communities. The resident and their guests must wear facial coverings. The only exception to this policy relates to those providing assistance to move the resident into and out of the residential space. Such assistance must comply with all current public health guidelines (including physical distancing and the use of personal protective equipment) and must be limited to the actual time required for move-in or move-out. Each student may be accompanied by no more than two family members or guests during move-in. Facial coverings will be required for all students and their guests throughout the move-in process.
Positive COVID-19 Test
All students who test positive for COVID-19 must inform the University of their positive test within two (2) hours of learning of the positive test result. Students tested at any location other than Student Health Services must upload documentation to HealtheConnect. This includes results from any positive test taken at any facility other than SDSU’s Student Health Services (e.g. county sites, Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center, etc.). Results must have the student's name clearly visible on them.
Students who test positive for COVID-19 may not return to class until:
At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared, AND
Symptoms have improved (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
At least 24 hours have passed since the student’s last fever.
COVID-19 Symptoms
Symptoms include: runny nose or congestion, sore throat, fatigue, headache, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, high fever, chills, body/muscle aches, nausea/vomiting, and a new loss of taste or smell.
Students living in the residence halls must seek testing within 6 hours of the onset of symptoms, even if they choose to leave campus or go home. Students living in a residence hall may only leave their room to get tested or to receive medical care.
Students living off-campus must seek testing within 24 hours and remain home until they have received negative test results. Students living off-campus may not come to campus for any reason other than testing or receiving medical care while they are experiencing symptoms and are awaiting test results.
There are a few testing options available for SDSU students. Students can get tested through SDSU Student Health Services, testing kits available at vending machines on campus, or their preferred healthcare provider. The test must be a molecular (PCR, RT-PCR,TMA, LAMP or NAAT) test; antigen and antibody testing will not be accepted.
If the COVID-19 test is negative, students may not return to class until at least 24 hours have passed since their last fever and symptoms have improved.
If the COVID-19 test is positive, students may not return to class until:
At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared, AND
Symptoms have improved (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
At least 24 hours have passed since the student’s last fever.
Exposure
Isolation and Quarantine
Residence hall students must comply with all directives related to isolation and quarantine.
Students living off-campus must comply with all directives related to isolation and quarantine.
Students who have been diagnosed with, or are likely to have COVID-19, must isolate in their home or another residence for at least 10 days from the date of positive COVID-19 test results (asymptomatic), or 10 days from the date symptoms first appeared and at least 24 hours have passed since last fever and symptoms have improved. Students may only leave their place of isolation to receive necessary medical care.
Students must quarantine themselves in their home or another residence for 14 days after they have been within six (6) feet of a person who has or is likely to have COVID-19 for more than 15 minutes, have had unprotected contact with the body fluids and/or secretions (i.e., being coughed on or sneezed on, sharing utensils or drinking out of the same container), or if they are assigned to quarantine by a public health official or designee. Students may only leave their place of quarantine to receive necessary medical care.
Non-residential students may not enter the grounds of the San Diego State University campus during isolation or quarantine periods, or if they are exhibiting COVID-19 related symptoms for any reason other than testing or receiving medical care.
Campus Access
Please note, if you are unwell, diagnosed with COVID-19, or are quarantining due to exposure to someone who was diagnosed with COVID-19, you must contact your instructor to inform them of your situation. Communication with your instructors is key. Update them on your situation to ensure absences are accounted for and you have clear instructions for making up assignments.
All members of our campus community are expected to follow all COVID-19 safety protocols and policies. Signage will be placed around campus to remind students, faculty, and staff that face coverings are required and how to properly wear a face covering. For additional information, visit sdsu.edu/covid19.
* This policy may be subject to change based on orders, requirements, and guidance from federal, state, and local authorities, or from the University.
Report a student violation of COVID-19 policies.
For additional information, please refer to Standards for Student Conduct and San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency guidance.
As a reminder, when students chose to participate in student housing, they agreed to abide by the terms set forth in the housing license agreement, the COVID-19 Addendum, and the COVID-19 Notice and Disclosure. Students are responsible for their actions within a community and the impact those actions can have on others. Students are asked to continue to be responsible and considerate of their community.