President's Spring Address will be virtual on Jan. 21

Though I always look forward to seeing members of the Hornet Family gathered together, we have decided that the President’s Spring Address will be held virtually at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 21. We will be together again soon, but we must stay vigilant, especially during the current COVID-19 surge. I invite you to watch the livestream on our campus event web page.

Please note that events and meetings currently are not prohibited, but keeping all members of the Hornet Family and our community safe and healthy remains a priority. Anyone who decides to host in-person classes, meetings, or gatherings must follow all COVID-19 safety protocols. For the most up-to-date information about campus events and other safety guidelines, please refer to our COVID-19 Information web pages.

Thank you for your continued commitment to safety and to each other. I look forward to our Hornet Family being back on campus this semester. Stingers Up!

Antiracism and Inclusive Convocation on Feb. 14 will be virtual

As we near the start of another semester, our journey to transform Sacramento State into a campus free from racism, oppression, and injustice continues. An important part of this transformation is implementation of the recommended actions from our Antiracism and Inclusive Campus Plan. To that end, our upcoming Convocation is a call to action for our entire Sac State community to commit to being an antiracism and inclusive campus.

We all play an important role in this effort, and I encourage all students, faculty, staff, and administrators to participate. The Antiracism and Inclusive Convocation, “A CALL to ACTION: Eradicate, Resolve, and Liberate,” will take place virtually from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, 2022.

To eradicate is to eliminate oppressions at Sac State. To resolve is to identify intentional solutions for the problems created by racism and exclusion. To liberate is to elevate our consciousness, challenge the status quo, and use our power and influence to enact change.

In accordance with University Policy, classes may be dismissed during a Convocation, and students who attend may do so without penalty if their classes are not dismissed. Registration will open the week of Jan. 18, when more information will be available on the Sac State home page and the Inclusive Excellence website.

Please mark your calendar and join me on Monday, Feb. 14, as we gather – virtually – to put our words into action. Stingers Up!

Most classes will be online for first two weeks of the spring semester

Jan. 4, 2022 - As we transition into a new era, moving from pandemic to endemic, Sacramento State remains dedicated to its mission of providing our students with an excellent education while maintaining the safety and health not only of our students but also of our faculty and staff. The COVID-19 numbers have been climbing in Sacramento County. We have been in close consultation with county health and other officials. We are confident that these numbers will level off and drop as the semester proceeds. Still, in an effort to minimize the fear and potential danger as the daily rates spike, we have decided that most classes and labs will be delivered virtually from Jan. 24 through Feb. 6. On Feb. 7, we will return to the published class schedule with the vast majority of classes face-to-face.

I want to be clear that the two-week shift to mostly virtual instruction is temporary and that campus will remain open even during the transition. We are committed to being a face-to-face University, but as I said above, we also are committed to keeping all members of the Hornet Family safe and healthy. Thankfully, our semester starts in late January. This temporary two-week period of virtual instruction will allow us to come back together after the projected spikes of the Omicron variant subside. Life truly has been hectic, and we all need time to take a deep breath before resuming our published schedule. We owe it to the students, who have come back to Sacramento or have rented apartments and sometimes left jobs, to be there for them. I am incredibly proud of Sac State’s high rate of vaccination – nearly 96% of our students, staff, and faculty – and individuals with exemptions are testing regularly. Our campus is a safe place to work and learn, thanks to your efforts.

Please take the time to review carefully the updates and clarifications about University operations and efforts underway as we move forward in a way that will ensure the safety of our students, staff, and faculty.

For students:

• Most classes and labs will meet virtually from Jan. 24 through Feb. 6. Students should monitor email and Canvas for messages from their professors with instructions for the first two weeks of class meetings. Classes whose professors determine that instruction should not be online and needs to be face-to-face will meet in-person.
• Residence halls will remain open and North Village check-in day is still scheduled for Jan. 21. The Servery will also open as scheduled on Jan. 21. Students will receive an email from University Housing Services about the check-in process.
• Our campus is open, and day-to-day services are available, including Information Resources and Technology, the Hornet Bookstore, Student Health and Counseling Services, and the Student Service Center.

For faculty:

• Interim Provost Carlos Nevarez will share additional information about the process to request that individual classes remain in-person for the first two weeks of instruction.
• Resources and advice about how to maintain academic continuity can be found on the Academic Continuity Planning webpage. We will update the FAQs on this page as we get more information.

For staff:

• Per my Dec. 31 message, implementation of the formal Telecommuting Agreement has been postponed until Feb. 7.
• Employees who want the option to work from home, including unrepresented employees such as MPPs, may work with their managers to create schedules that allow remote work and continuity of campus services.
• To support remote work during this period, the use of cellular hotspots has been extended through Feb. 12. Information Resources and Technology (IRT) is available to help you stay connected. IRT can be reached for assistance at servicedesk@csus.edu or 916-278-7337 during its open hours.

I wish we did not have to take this temporary precautionary action, delaying the start of face-to-face classes for two weeks. I know we are all tired of this pandemic and want to be back on campus. For members of the Hornet Family who need additional support, please consider the services and resources offered by Sacramento State. Students should visit Student Health and Counseling Services online, or call 916-278-6461. We have in-person and virtual counselors ready to help you through this difficult time. Faculty and staff should contact our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) online, or call 800-367-7474.

At this point, pivoting to remote teaching and learning is not a new experience, but it is highly troubling for most people and downright distasteful for others. Very thankfully, Sac State knows how do to the best for our students and for each other. Thank you for your resilience during these ongoing challenges, and for your patience as we pivot, yet again. I remain immensely grateful for your perseverance. Stingers Up!

Some access limited on campus as University reopens after break

Jan. 2, 2022 - Happy New Year and welcome back. Beginning tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 3, the University will be open, including the following buildings that provide services to students:

• University Union
• The Well
• Student Health and Counseling Services
• AIRC
• Lassen Hall

The Library will be open with limited access; faculty, staff, and students who have collection or service needs should call 916-278-6230.

Some buildings will have limited fob access for employees as we prepare to serve our students. Those buildings are:

• Tahoe Hall
• Sequoia Hall
• Ernest E. Tschannen Science Complex
• Eureka Hall

All other buildings will be open.

The Residence Halls are open and functioning, and beginning Monday, food services will be available in the University Union. The Bookstore will be open, as will UEI offices.

Students seeking assistance regarding classes, financial aid, or any other services should go directly to the Student Services Center in Lassen Hall where help will be available. The Student Services Center will serve as a resource for all student needs.

Additional information will be forthcoming as we safely return to campus. I look forward to seeing you all again. Meanwhile, stay safe and Stingers Up!