President's Office

Staying Safe This Holiday Season

November 20, 2020

To the Campus Community,

As we near the end of the fall semester and as we start the holiday season, I am reflecting on all those things for which I am thankful — our dedicated and innovative faculty and staff who remain focused on our mission, the many stories of student success and determination, and the overall health and safety of our campus community. These are items that must be safeguarded, however. We are unfortunately facing another national spike in COVID-19 cases. While the news regarding the development of vaccines to combat COVID-19 looks very promising, the immediate risks and threat of contracting COVID-19 remain as present as ever across the region.

I want to reiterate the guidance that we have shared for much of 2020. Continue to wear a face covering anytime you leave your home, maintain a physical distance of six feet or more even when wearing a face covering, and wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer when unable to wash. With the Thanksgiving holiday next week, I implore you to limit nonessential travel and gatherings and consistently follow the prudent health measures that mitigate the risk of COVID-19. Now is also a good time to get your flu shot.

The California Department of Public Health this week issued new guidance on the use of face coverings and yesterday issued a limited stay at home order to slow the spread of COVID-19. In Los Angeles County, heightened health measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 are being reinstituted beginning today because of the spike in cases regionally. If cases continue to rise, another Safer at Home Order will be instituted.

At CSUN, we continue our own efforts to maximize safety while delivering innovative and impactful academic learning and student services. Please visit the CSUN as One website for the latest updates on campus operations and resources for our campus community. Despite the rise in cases throughout Southern California, I am grateful that CSUN is not aware of any cases being transmitted on-campus.

Looking ahead to the spring semester, we will continue in our primarily virtual learning environment with a limited number of face-to-face exceptions similar to fall. These plans remain dependent on the regional COVID-19 conditions and guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

To our faculty and staff, whether or not you are working on campus or remotely, you need to complete the employee COVID-19 training located in the myNorthridge portal by December 31. Thank you to all of you who are showing tremendous tenacity and care in supporting our students through these challenging times.

To our students, I encourage you to continue your studies so that you finish the fall semester on a high note. Persistence now will serve you well as you continue on your academic journeys and progress toward your ultimate goal to complete your degree.

Finally, thank you to the entire campus community for all that you continue to do for each other and for yourselves by staying vigilant and focused on the health and safety measures outlined above. I hope that you are able to disconnect and recharge over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Sincerely,

Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D.
President