Coronavirus Resources at the GTU

The GTU is committed to helping ensure the safety and health of its students, faculty, staff, and extended community, while minimizing the disruption to our students' academic progress. This page contains the latest resources and information regarding the GTU's prevention and response efforts related to novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The page will be updated regularly as the situation evolves.

(Updated April 20, 2022)

Latest News

April 20, 2022 -- The GTU intends to resume campus-based academic operations and in-person attendance requirements for new students enrolling in our PhD and MA-level programs beginning in Fall 2022, with flexibility for joining select courses via remote modalities as indicated by them prior to the start of term. To the extent that students elect to take advantage of this latter option, without compromising residency requirements related to their chosen program, the GTU maintains its commitment to hybrid learning.

February 16, 2022 -- In accordance with the revised Alameda County and city of Berkeley health guidelines, face coverings are now optional when inside a GTU building.

January 21, 2022 -- This semester, you may find differing COVID protocols throughout the GTU consortium. If you’ve cross-registered for courses, please check the websites of the hosting member schools to find the information you’ll need to start the Spring 2022 semester. Please also check the Consortial Registrar’s web page for updates. Read the full letter on preparing for the new semester, released today below.

January 3, 2022 -- In response to the widespread impact of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, all GTU faculty, staff, and students are strongly encouraged to work remotely for the next two weeks, as possible. If it is necessary to be physically present on campus, facemasks are required when inside a GTU building, irrespective of vaccine status; N-95 masks are strongly encouraged. The GTU's Vaccination Policy remains in effect; vaccine booster shots are strongly encouraged. Further updates and instructions are forthcoming.

For archived COVID-19 News, click here.

Effective August 16, 2022:

The GTU requires everyone to be fully vaccinated to enter the Hewlett Building for classes or library use. Students must submit their vaccination verification to vaccine@ses.gtu.edu">vaccine@ses.gtu.edu. Masks are optional, but we strongly encourage masks for anyone who is unvaccinated, immunocompromised, or who prefers masking for safety.

 

Below you will find some health and safety information about coronavirus. We trust the GTU community to respond to one another in a spirit of calm, empathy, and mutual support.

For archived COVID-19 Health and Safety information, click here.

Effective April 20, 2022:

  • The GTU intends to resume campus-based academic operations and in-person attendance requirements for new students enrolling in our PhD and MA-level programs beginning in Fall 2022, with flexibility for joining select courses via remote modalities as indicated by them prior to the start of term. To the extent that students elect to take advantage of this latter option, without compromising residency requirements related to their chosen program, the GTU maintains its commitment to hybrid learning.

Effective February 16, 2022:

  • In accordance with the revised Alameda County and city of Berkeley health guidelines, face coverings will be optional when inside a GTU building.
  • Bay Area health officers and the CDPH continue to strongly recommend masks be used as an effective tool to prevent the spread of the virus.

For archived COVID-19 Campus Operations info click here.

Effective August 16, 2022:

The GTU requires everyone be fully vaccinated to enter the Hewlett Building for classes or library use. Students must submit their vaccination verification to vaccine@ses.gtu.edu

The GTU does maintain a medical and religious exemption policy. Students with a medical or religious exemption are required to test negative once a week. Students who are displaying any COVID-like symptoms for any reason are prohibited from coming to campus. When possible, students who have tested positive, or who are experiencing symptoms but feel well enough to attend class, should request to attend class via Zoom. 

Masks are optional, but we strongly encourage masks for anyone who is unvaccinated, immunocompromised, or prefer masking for safety.

    For archived Academic Resources including FAQ's for International Students, click here.

    Effective August 2nd, 2022:

    Proof of vaccination is no longer required. Anyone wanting to use library resources may enter.

    Effective March 28, 2022:

    All valid (non-expired) library cardholders will be able to enter the building with proof of vaccination, this includes alumni cardholders and community patrons with borrowing cards. Please visit the library homepage if you want to renew your card or have questions.

    Effective February 16, 2022:

    In accordance with the revised Alameda County and city of Berkeley health guidelines, face coverings will be optional when inside a GTU building. Bay Area health officers and the CDPH continue to strongly recommend masks be used as an effective tool to prevent the spread of the virus.

    Effective January 21, 2022:

    The GTU requires two vaccination shots to enter the Hewlett Building for classes or library use; in the coming months, a booster may be added to that requirement. Please continue to send your vaccination verification to vaccine@ses.gtu.edu. In compliance with California health regulations, masks are required in the Hewlett Building (through at least February 15). K95 or KN95 masks are preferred.

    For archived COVID-19 Library Services info click here.

    COVID-19 Employee Exposure Policy
    Updated May 20, 2022

    Updated guidelines from CDPH and Cal OSHA:

    If employees are exposed to someone with COVID-19 (everyone, regardless of vaccination status):

    They are able to come to work, as long as they don’t have any symptoms.
    Test within 3-5 days after the exposure.
    They should wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days.
    If symptoms develop, test and stay home until your symptoms cease.
    If test result is positive, follow isolation recommendations.
    If you are asked to get tested because of a close contact at work, you will be paid for the time that you get tested (do not use CA COVID sick leave).
    If you are getting tested for a close contact outside of work, you can use CA COVID sick leave if you get tested during work hours.

    If you test positive for COVID-19 (everyone, regardless of vaccination status):

    Stay home for at least 5 days after the start of symptoms (or after date of first positive test if no symptoms).
    Isolation can end after day 5 if symptoms are not present or are resolving and you have a negative COVID-19 test after day 5.
    If unable to test, choosing not to test, or testing positive on Day 5 (or later), isolation can end after Day 10 if fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
    If fever is present, isolation should be continued until 24 hours after fever resolves.

    If symptoms, other than fever, are not resolving, continue to isolate until symptoms are resolving or until after Day 10.
    Infected persons should wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days.
    You can use CA COVID sick leave if you have symptoms or if you are unable to work from home.

    For employees who test positive, HR will work with managers to identify possible contacts and then send notices to the employee(s).

    For archived COVID-19 Staff Resources click here.

    For the most up to date infomation about GTU events please consult our calendar. For events hosted by GTU member schools, please visit their website. 

    Updated May 25, 2022

    The GTU has partnered with DialCare, an online mental health provider, to support the mental health needs of our community. Read more about this important service here

    We also continue to live out the mission of the GTU by drawing from the wisdom in our world’s religious traditions and bringing those insights into conversation with our modern moment. We have compiled resources to help build spiritual community.  It is not an exhasutive list. 

    We also invite you to our new initiative "Spiritual Care and Ethical Leadership for Our Times" on the GTU Voices blog where we will hear from GTU scholars who offer inspiration and insight on the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The GTU also has a Health and Wellness page, a great starting point to finding resources for your health and wellness needs.

    Dear GTU students,

    This semester, you may find differing COVID protocols throughout the GTU consortium. Some schools are starting the semester with remote learning, some are offering on-line courses all semester. Some schools are requiring two vaccination shots plus a booster; some are specifying that N95 or KN95 masks be worn. 

    If you’ve cross-registered for courses, please check the websites of the hosting member schools to find the information you’ll need to start the Spring 2022 semester. I suggest that you also check the Consortial Registrar’s web page for updates, https://www.gtu.edu/students/registrar.

    Most GTU courses will be presented using remote modalities. Some are starting remotely with the hope of meeting in-person later in the semester, and a few courses are meeting in-person from the beginning. Please contact your professor if you have questions about your course format. 

    The GTU requires two vaccination shots to enter the Hewlett Building for classes or library use; in the coming months, a booster may be added to that requirement. Please continue to send your vaccination verification to vaccine@ses.gtu.edu. In compliance with California health regulations, masks are required in the Hewlett Building (through at least February 15). K95 or KN95 masks are preferred.

    Here’s hoping that this is our final COVID semester! 

    Best wishes,

    Elizabeth S. Peña, PhD
    Interim Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs
    Director, Center for the Arts & Religion and Doug Adams Gallery
    Senior Lecturer in Art, Anthropology, and Museum Studies