COVID - FAQs

General Guidance

Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. In addition to the virus that causes COVID-19, there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The good news is there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses by practicing good hygiene, covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing your hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

Effective May 11^th, 2023, the federal COVID-19 public health emergency officially ended. While most of our COVID policies have been significantly reduced, there are still a few procedures for the health and safety of all individuals on campus.

The law school reserves the right to make alterations to policies and procedures, without prior notice based on changing guidelines and/or increased cases of COVID in the community.

Thank you for your help in keeping our campus safe.

How does COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch.

Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms. Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and others.

On Campus Protocols

What COVID-19 safety measures does SJCL have in place?

If you have COVID or are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, PLEASE DO NOT COME ON CAMPUS. Individuals who are showing possible symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate immediately; until your symptoms are getting better overall AND you have not had a fever for 24 hours without using fever reducing medication.

If you are ending an isolation early after experiencing symptoms or after testing positive, the CDC and CDPH recommends that you wear a well-fitting mask around others for the next 5 days, especially in indoor settings. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html

Masks are available in a limited supply at the Front Desk, Library Proctor Desk, Maintenance or Human Resources Departments.

Does SJCL require COVID-19 vaccinations?

Effective April 21, 2022, the SARS-CoV-2 immunization requirement was suspended. However, we continue to encourage people to get vaccinated. Local COVID-19 and general immunization information and resources are available through the County of Fresno website.

Does SJCL require masking?

The CDC recommends taking precautions such as wearing a well-fitting mask around others if you have symptoms or ending isolation early for the following five days, especially in indoor settings, which can help reduce this risk. After these five days, you are typically much less likely to be contagious. However, some people, especially those with weakened immune systems, can continue to spread the virus for longer.

Disposable masks are available in limited quantity at the Front Desk, Library Proctor Desk, Maintenance or Human Resources Departments.

Where can I get hand sanitizer?

Each classroom is equipped with a wall-mounted hand sanitizer unit. Additionally, we have portable sanitizing stations throughout the building upstairs and downstairs. We encourage you to wash your hands often.

Student Guidance

Is it possible to attend SJCL remotely via zoom?

Students are permitted a number of “Flex Days,” which allows them to obtain attendance credit by attending a class in the non-selected modality. If a student uses all allotted flex days, attending a class session outside of the chosen modality will result in an absence. See Maximum Absences and Flex Days in the student handbook.

All SJCL policies and procedures - including the attendance and preparedness policy - apply to students attending remotely. All students, including students in the Remote Option program, must take exams in-person, on the SJCL campus, unless the student resides more than 100 miles from campus. Students who reside more than 100 miles from campus may elect to take the exam remotely.

In rare cases, students who have tested positive within the previous 24-hours for COVID, or are experiencing symptoms, may seek permission to take exams remotely on zoom using the regular testing protocol with your work area on video via a secondary device.

What happens if an individual does not comply with these policies?

If a student repeatedly fails to adhere to the SJCL'S safety protocols to protect each other's health and safety, it will be deemed a violation of the Honor Code. Please refer to the Student Handbook to review the Honor Code. An in-class violation of this policy will also be deemed an absence.

Of course, we are relying on your honesty and consideration for the well-being of our community. We appreciate your efforts to support a safe, on-campus learning environment.

What mental health or wellness support services available to students?

Individual, confidential short-term counseling services through a third-party provider are available 24/7 free of charge to SJCL students and your immediate family members, up to three (3) sessions per situation. Licensed counselors are available to meet telephonically, virtually and in person. Students should contact SimpleEAP, 1-888-425-4800 or access the information under your student account. See the Student Handbook for the SJCL username. Note that you may not share the username with anyone outside of your immediate family members.

Students who are struggling are also encouraged to reach out to the Dean of Students, Logan Tennerelli (ltennerelli@sjcl.edu) or Beth Pitcock (bpitcock@sjcl.edu)

Staff and Faculty Guidance

What if I have COVID-19 symptoms, do I come to work?

If you are experiencing symptoms or have tested positive for COVID you need to complete the COVID-19 Occurrence Report (PDF) . Please email the report and contact Bpitcock@sjcl.edu