COVID-19 Information

Announcements

COVID-19 Call Center:   (707) 664-2880 If you have any questions or concerns about SSU and its response to the pandemic, please call our COVID-19 Call Center. You may speak to someone Monday-Friday between 10 a.m.-2 pm., or leave a message after hours.

The situation regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is evolving rapidly both in the United States and across the globe. We anticipate that the information we currently have will change frequently as well. As a result, we will be continually updating this page and other campus communications concerning COVID-19.

Sonoma State University is committed to the safety and well-being of our community. The campus is working closely with the federal, state and local  public health agencies and the CSU Office of the Chancellor to respond to current conditions and to prepare for the possibility of the virus spreading in our region. 

Campus Status

Sunday, March 29, 2020, 9 a.m.

  • SSU transitioned to all remote instruction on March 24. During this time there will be no face-to-face classes on campus.
  • SSU has locked down most of its buildings with the exception of the first floor of the Student Center and residence halls. Students who need to use the Student Health Center must call ahead. Faculty, students and staff should refer to the post-spring break message for guidance.
  • The Library is now closed for the rest of the semester.
  • Spring Commencement has been postponed to a date to be determined. See President's message. 
  • There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at SSU.
  • A shelter-in-place order has been issued for Sonoma County. SSU employees are to stay home unless deemed on-site critical. Sonoma State has transitioned to all-remote instruction through spring 2020.

Campus Updates

Message from the Provost - Friday Afternoon Gratitude

March 27, 2020, 4:59 p.m.

Thank you for the incredible work you have done to help SSU get through its first ever week of all-remote instruction. This historic transition period has been challenging, so I am particularly grateful to you for everything you have done to get us to this point. Here, I also provide a few other updates from this week.

Read more about Provost's Friday Gratitude

Temporary Administrative Leave for COVID-19 Pandemic - Further Clarification

March 27, 2020, 4:40 p.m.

SSU has received further clarification of the recently received Chancellor’s Office memo regarding Temporary Paid Administrative Leave Provisions during the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The memo detailed the provision of up to 128 hours of COVID-19 Temporary Paid Administrative Leave to be used for COVID-related absences by eligible employees beginning March 23, 2020, through December 31, 2020.

Read more about temporary paid administrative leave clarification

Reminder - Live Pay Warrant Distribution on March 30; Cesar Chavez Holiday on March 31

March 27, 2020, 2:29 p.m.

The upcoming payday for faculty and staff is Monday, March 30. Arrangements have been made for those without direct deposit. March 31 is an observed holiday, Cesar Chavez Day.

Read more about payday and Chavez Day 

ProCards and Temporary Purchase Limits

March 25, 2020, 12:56 p.m.

Given the dynamic situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the university needs to limit all purchases to only essential goods and services. 

Read more about purchase limits

Message from the President

March 25, 4:19 p.m.

Because of the growing likelihood that the COVID-19 pandemic is going to have a lasting impact on our economy and, in particular, state revenues, Chancellor Timothy White has asked that all CSU campuses slow down hiring effective immediately.

Read more about hiring processes

March 20-24, 2020

Message from AS President Daniel Yoeono

March 24, 3:34 p.m.

Dear Seawolves, Welcome back from spring break. Things are going to be different for a while. The choices we make in the coming weeks and months will contribute directly to how difficult this crisis gets for everyone. 

Read more about Daniel Yoeono's message

Message for Faculty and Academic Affairs Staff

March 23, 2020, 6:18 p.m.

As we begin offering remote instruction tomorrow, I want to thank you for the flexibility you are showing in these unprecedented times. Your creativity, persistence, and commitment to educating our students in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic are truly inspiring.

Read more about the message for faculty and Academic Affairs staff

Message to Students: Transitioning to Remote Instruction

March 23, 2020, 5:26 p.m.

Tomorrow, March 24, we begin our first day of all-remote instruction. Sonoma State is ready to help you as we transition to all-remote teaching and learning.

Read more about transitioning to remote instruction

Temporary Administrative Leave for COVID-19 Pandemic

March 23, 2020, 3:54 p.m.

We recently received a Chancellor’s Office memo regarding Temporary Paid Administrative Leave Provisions during the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) (PDF).

Read more about temporary paid administrative leave provisions

Important Post-Spring Break Message for Faculty, Students and Staff

March 22, 2020, 12:56 p.m.

As spring break ends, we want to acknowledge that we have never experienced a public health crisis of this magnitude in modern times. First and foremost, it is important to remember that all of us are in this together. 

Read more about post-spring break message

Supporting Employees During COVID-19

March 20, 2020, 8:42 a.m.

We recognize that these are very challenging times for everyone in our community, and particularly for parents, caregivers, and people in high-risk groups. We have created resources to help the SSU community be as resilient as possible in these difficult times.

Read more about Supporting Employees During COVID-19

March 17-19, 2020

Supporting Employees During COVID-19 for MPPs

March 19, 2020, 7:35 p.m.

Thank you for working hard to help us continue to deliver on our two priorities: (1) protect the health and safety of Sonoma State students, faculty, and staff by doing all we can to contain the pandemic; and (2) continue to deliver high-quality instruction to our students.

Read more about supporting employees during COVID-19 for MPPs

Message from the Provost: Remote Teaching and Learning through Spring 2020

March 19, 2020, 11:58 a.m.

Dear Faculty and Staff in Academic Affairs, I want to start by expressing my deep gratitude for all you are doing to help all of us at Sonoma State navigate this extremely difficult – and frankly frightening – public health crisis.

Read more about Provost's message regarding remote teaching and learning through spring 2020

Message from Vice President Sawyer: Fully Remote Semester and Commencement Postponement

March 19, 2020, 10:08 a.m.

As of today, Sonoma State University has decided to suspend face-to-face instruction through the end of the spring semester. We also have postponed the spring 2020 Commencement. 

Read more about Message from Vice President Sawyer

Message from the President: Fully Remote Semester and Commencement Postponement

March 19, 2020, 9:42 a.m.

Sonoma State will not resume face-to-face instruction for the remainder of the spring semester, and it will postpone Spring 2020 Commencement and cultural celebrations.

Read more about face-to-face instruction and Commencement

Student Employee and Intermittent Employee Scheduling and Compensation during COVID-19 Pandemic

March 18, 2020, 7:23 p.m.

Sonoma State has recently received guidance from the Federal Work-Study Program and the Chancellor’s Office that authorizes the payment of Student Employees during this emergency.

Read more about student employees and hourly intermittent employees

COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place: Guidance for Appropriate Administrators

March 17, 2020, 7:11 p.m.

Sonoma County has announced a shelter-in-place order effective at midnight tonight. Here are guidelines for Appropriate Administrators.

Read more about shelter-in-place guidance

Urgent Update from the President Regarding Shelter-in-Place

March 17, 2020, 6:24 p.m.

Sonoma County has announced that, effective at midnight tonight, it will be joining seven other Bay Area counties in issuing a “shelter-in-place” order effective through April 7, 2020. Effective March 18 through April 7, employees are NOT to come to campus. The only exception will be for employees who are deemed on-site essential by their Appropriate Administrator. 

Read more about shelter-in-place order

March 16, 2020

COVID-19 Telecommuting Requests, Guidance for Appropriate Administrators

March 16, 2020, 10:45 p.m.

Guidance for appropriate administrators for any employee requests for telecommuting during the COVID-19 period of declared emergency.

Read more about telecommuting guidance

Six County Shelter-in-Place

March 16, 2020, 4:55 p.m.

We are aware that six Bay Area counties are preparing to put people on shelter-in-place orders effective midnight tonight through April 7. Many of our students, faculty, and staff live throughout the region, so we wanted to communicate the following to you.

Read more about six county shelter-in-place

Message from the Provost about Academic Continuity

March 16, 2020, 4:40 p.m.

A list of resources and advice compiled with the collaboration and input of many people both on campus and off to help us transition to remote instruction in the smoothest manner possible.

Read more about academic continuity

Social Distancing Recommendations for Employees

March 16, 2020 1:12 p.m.

As we transition to remote instruction, we continue to evaluate ways to ensure social distancing guidelines are followed on campus. Social distancing should be practiced by employees at all times. This requires at least six feet (6’) of distance between persons at all times. To accomplish this, there will be changes in the way we conduct business.  

Read more about social distancing recommendations

Telecommuting Procedures in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

March 16, 12:25 p.m.

In an effort to keep Sonoma State faculty, staff, and students as healthy as possible, we now are asking employees to telecommute and, simultaneously, requesting that Appropriate Administrators encourage employees to telecommute. This applies to the COVID-19 period of declared emergency only.

Read more about telecommuting procedures

Message from the Provost to the Academic Affairs Division

March 16, 2020, 10:17 a.m.

As we make our way through the evolving COVID-19 health crisis, we are committed to communicating with the division to share what we know as of this time.

Read more about the message to Academic Affairs

OLLI Face-to-Face Classes and Events Canceled for Spring 2020

March 16, 2020, 9:54 a.m.

In accordance with the university’s current protocol following public health guidelines, Sonoma State University is canceling all OLLI face-to-face classes and events through Spring Term 2020.

Read more about OLLI classes

March 11-15, 2020

Precautions for Employees 65 and Over or Vulnerable to COVID-19

March 15, 2020, 9:43 p.m.

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a series of directives including a proclamation that those who are 65 and older or vulnerable to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) “must practice home isolation.” In keeping with this directive, the Chancellor's Office has issued the requirement that SSU is following.

Read more about precautions for employees

Message from the President: Transition to Remote Instruction March 24

March 15, 2020, 9:12 a.m.

Sonoma State University will transition to all remote instruction starting on Tuesday, March 24 and continuing through Sunday, April 19. During this period, there will be no in-person instruction. Our plan is to resume face-to-face classes on Monday, April 20. If that changes, we plan to let you know by Wednesday, April 8.

Read more about transition to remote instruction

Note to Staff Regarding COVID-19

March 14, 2020, 12:47 p.m.

We recognize that much of our communication to date has been directed toward students and faculty as we prepare for the potential of moving to a remote instruction delivery format. I want to take this opportunity to recognize the important roles that you play in serving our students and in keeping our campus running.

Read more about note to staff

Travel and Events

March 12, 2020, 3:11 p.m.

The Chancellor's Office has issued guidance for travel regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). Effective immediately, the Chancellor's Office has suspended all international and non-essential domestic travel through May 31. The goal of this travel restriction is to minimize spread of the virus.

Read more about Chancellor's guidance for travel

Safe Travel This Spring Break

March 11, 2020, 6:18 p.m.

Travel recommendations: Sonoma State University encourages students, faculty and staff to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of State recommendations for travel.

Read more about Spring Break travel

Message for Faculty: Suspension of Face-to-Face Classes

March 11, 2020, 5:34 p.m.

As you saw in President Sakaki's message today, we are suspending face-to-face classes for tomorrow, Thursday, March 12, Friday, March 13, and Monday, March 23. If you teach a face-to-face class and were planning online activities (such as a quiz), those activities need to be suspended because all face-to-face classes are suspended.

Read more about faculty and suspension of classes

Message from the President: Suspension of Face-to-Face Classes

March 11, 2020, 3:32 p.m.

Given the need to be proactive in our planning around COVID-19, Sonoma State University is suspending face-to-face classes for three days to allow faculty time to prepare to teach remotely, should the need arise.

Read more about suspending classes for three days

March 2-10, 2020

Sanitation and Cleanliness in Relation to COVID-19

March 10, 2020, 5:37 p.m.

In the university’s ongoing efforts to support the slowing of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we are taking proactive steps to help keep the campus community healthy and well. 

Read more about preventative steps

Message from the President: Safety of Our Campus Community

March 10, 2020, 4:42 p.m.

The safety of our campus community, including all students, faculty, staff and guests remains our highest priority, and we are working very closely with the CSU Chancellor’s Office, local public health officials, and other experts to maintain that safety.

Read more about the safety of our campus

Update on Issues Related to COVID-19

March 10, 2020, 5:01 p.m.

As follow-up to President Sakaki's campus message I would like to provide you with some updates regarding the novel coronavirus and how Sonoma State is preparing and responding to the situation.

Read more about SSU preparations

Update on Issues Related to COVID-19

March 7, 2020, 10:38 p.m.

Sonoma State continues to monitor the situation closely and remains in close contact with local, state and federal public health and emergency management agencies in preparing for a response if necessary. There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at SSU.

Read more about monitoring the situation

SSU Travel Guidelines

March 6, 2020, 12:01 p.m.

SSU urges all employees to avoid international travel for the foreseeable future. If you have a trip that already has been authorized, we urge you to discuss the trip with your dean or AVP before proceeding with those plans. 

Read more about SSU travel guidelines

Status of Coronavirus at SSU and Sonoma County

March 2, 2020, 4:15 p.m.

There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at SSU. Sonoma State is continuing to monitor the situation closely and is remaining in close contact with local, state and federal public health and emergency management agencies in preparing for a response if necessary.

Read more about coronavirus update