To: Caltech Students
From: Jennifer Howes, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Wellness
Date: October 27, 2021
Re: Surveillance Sample Collection Hours and Instructional Masking Requirements
I write to share an update on the surveillance program that expands sample collection hours, and to remind all students of policies around masking in instructional settings. The Institute's testing program and masking policies have been critical to our successful return to on-campus living and learning, and continued compliance is essential.
Expanded Sample Collection HoursAll undergraduate students, and all graduates students who reside in Caltech housing, are required to submit twice-weekly specimen samples to the Institute's on-campus surveillance program. These self-collected samples may be returned to one of four drop-off locations around campus.In response to input from the student community, the Caltech COVID Surveillance Testing Lab will expand collection hours for its drop-off locations. All community members will now be able to return samples from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday through Thursday, at any one of the drop-off locations. The new hours are effective immediately. For more information or resources on the Institute's testing program, please visit the Caltech Together website's page on Testing.
Masking RequirementAll students are required to wear a NIOSH-approved N95 mask in all instructional settings, including indoor and outdoor locations. NIOSH-approved N95 masks are available at no cost to students through the Caltech Store. Students who present their Caltech ID will be given a pack of 10 N95 masks. Students can return at any time to the Caltech Store to restock their N95 supply.Students who report to class without an approved mask may be asked by their instructor to put on an approved mask. If they fail to comply, they may be asked to leave the classroom setting. Students who disregard this requirement may face disciplinary action and follow up from their dean's office.Each of us has a responsibility to Caltech and to one another to act in a manner that supports and ensures the health and wellbeing of all members of the Caltech community. Thank you all for your adherence with these protocols.
