Campus Notice Regarding Wildfires
To the Campus Community,
Throughout the past week, Southern California has experienced unprecedented wildfires, including areas surrounding CSUN. Unfortunately, strong winds continue to make this situation an ongoing threat, particularly to our neighbors in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. I am grateful for the bravery of the men and women who helped to contain the fires closest to our campus and continue to risk their lives battling blazes across the region. Despite the very real danger to health and safety, I am also inspired to witness the positive spirit demonstrated by CSUN students, faculty and staff. Our community consistently pulls together in challenging times, and these recent crises are no different.
I have been saddened to learn that some in our campus community have been directly affected by the fires. If you have experienced hardship due to the impact of this disaster, employees should contact Associate Vice President for Human Resources Kristina de la Vega and students should contact Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students William Watkins. We will continue to support and work with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D.
President
UPDATE Monday, December 11
CSUN is open and fully operational.
Based on individual circumstances, some students and employees may be significantly impacted by the fires. Students unable to attend class should notify their instructors, and employees unable to report for work should contact their manager. Faculty and supervisors are asked to continue providing latitude to students and employees affected by the fires.
UPDATE 5:30 A.M. Friday, December 8
CSUN is open and operational Friday, December 8.
Based on individual circumstances, some students and employees may still be significantly impacted by the fires. Students unable to attend class Friday should notify their instructors, and employees unable to report for work should contact their manager. Faculty and supervisors are asked to continue providing latitude to students and employees affected by the fires.
This is the final alert message about the fires unless conditions warrant additional updates.
Thank you and please be safe.
UPDATE 4:30 P.M. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7: CAMPUS TO REOPEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
With improved air quality, travel conditions and weather forecasts for the area surrounding CSUN, the campus will be open and operational Friday, December 8. The California Air Resources Board and the South Coast Air Quality Management District have consistently indicated air quality within the moderate to good range today, and the campus is outside of any fire evacuation zone. University officials will monitor conditions and will post an update to CSUN.edu by 6 a.m., Friday, December 8.
While classes will be back in session Friday, given the continued and ongoing threat of fires in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, students, faculty and staff should continue to stay vigilant. The health and safety of the campus community remains CSUN’s top priority. Students unable to attend class Friday should notify their instructors, and employees impacted by the fires or needing assistance should contact their manager.
Faculty and supervisors are asked to provide accommodations to students and employees affected by the destructive fires and unprecedented weather conditions. CSUN’s finals schedule and academic calendar are not affected by today’s closure.
CSUN students, employees and others should monitor CSUN.edu and the following dial-in numbers for further information: 1-866-535-2786 for faculty/staff and 1-866-515-2786 for students and the community.
ALERT: CAMPUS CLOSURE AND WILDFIRE UPDATE, 5:30 a.m., Thursday, December 7.
CSUN campus is closed and classes have been canceled for Thursday, December 7. High winds and smoke from the fires in and around the San Fernando Valley have affected air quality on campus and traffic conditions. University officials are closely monitoring the situation and will post updates as necessary.
Students, faculty and staff should not come to campus Thursday. Students should consult with their instructor if they have questions regarding their coursework. Employees scheduled to work this day will be granted administrative leave (with no deduction to personal hours accrued) due to the campus closure.
Physical Plant Management employees are asked to report to campus in accordance with their work schedule and to contact their supervisor if they are unable to do so. Employees designated as “essential personnel” by their supervisor should also report to campus.
CSUN students, employees and others should monitor this website and the following dial-in numbers for further information: 1-866-535-2786 for faculty/staff and 1-866-515-2786 for students and the community.
UPDATE: 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 6.
CSUN's campus remains open and operational. The South Coast Air Quality Management District continues to indicate Northridge air quality to be in the moderate range. Campus officials will monitor the situation through the night and will post an update by 6 a.m., Thursday, December 7.
The devastating and ongoing fires have touched so many in the CSUN community. We ask you to remain safe. Instructors and supervisors are asked to exercise latitude in accommodating those affected by the fires. Students unable to attend class should notify their instructors. Employees impacted by the fires or needing assistance should contact their manager.
CSUN students, employees and others should monitor this website and the following dial-in numbers for further information: 1-866-535-2786 for faculty/staff and 1-866-515-2786 for students and the community.
UPDATE: 8:45 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6
CSUN's campus remains open and operational Wednesday as the South Coast Air Quality Management District has indicated Northridge air quality to be in the moderate range. Campus officials are closely monitoring developments and will provide updates in the event conditions change on campus. Physical Plant Management staff has modified campus air conditioning systems to recirculate indoor air and mitigate smoke odors.
A new fire, the Skirball fire, is now burning in the Sepulveda Pass, leading to the closure of the 405. The Creek Fire in Sylmar, the Rye Fire in Santa Clarita, and the Thomas Fire in Ventura County continue to burn affecting students, faculty and staff.
These devastating fires are affecting members of the campus community differently. With the fires impacting travel and widely varying air quality throughout the region, instructors and supervisors are asked to exercise latitude in accommodating those affected by these fires. Students unable to attend class today should notify their instructors. Employees impacted by the fires or needing assistance should contact their manager.
CSUN students, employees and others should monitor this website and the following dial-in numbers for further information: 1-866-535-2786 for faculty/staff and 1-866-515-2786 for students and the community.
Thank you and remain safe.
POSTED: 2:45 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5
Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by the Creek Fire in Sylmar, the Rye Fire in Santa Clarita, and the Thomas Fire in Ventura County. These fires continue to burn within and near the San Fernando Valley. Winds have dispersed much of the smoke around CSUN and the campus has not experienced significant air quality impacts.
Smoke advisories have been issued for portions of Ventura County and Los Angeles County. CSUN Environmental Health and Safety is actively monitoring information from the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the California Air Resource Control Board and we will provide updates in the event conditions change on campus. Preemptively, Physical Plant Management staff have modified campus air conditioning systems to recirculate indoor air and mitigate smoke odors. If you have sensitivity to air quality, please avoid vigorous outdoor activities and try to remain indoors with windows and doors closed. Visit www.aqmd.gov for more information.
The campus currently remains open and operating as usual. Employees impacted by the fires or needing assistance should contact their manager. Students with questions regarding their classes should contact their instructor or their department.
CSUN employees and students and others should monitor this website and the following dial-in numbers for further information: 1-866-535-2786 for faculty/staff and 1-866-515-2786 for students and the community.