COVID-19 Updates and Resources

As of 1.4.23

Dear SCI-Arc Community,

With the new semester approaching, we would like to share some policy changes that will begin as of spring 2023.

• 1. Removal of Health Screening: Temperature checks and screening questions will no longer be conducted during the check-in process when entering campus. Individuals should still refrain from coming onto campus if they recently tested positive for Covid or suddenly developed Covid-like symptoms.
• 2. Wristbands: For security purposes, individuals will still be required to check in with security and wear a wristband when on campus.
• 3. Removal of Covid Booster Shot Requirement: Due to updated LA County guidelines, Covid-19 boosters will be revised from required to highly recommended for students, faculty, and staff. Resources and information will still be available regarding locations to receive the booster.
• 4. Guest Policy Adjustment: Guests that come to visit campus can now either show proof of vaccination or will be required to wear a mask while indoors. Any guest that would like to remain on-site without a mask will still be required to show proof of vaccination when checking in.
• 5. Access to Pedestrian and Picnic Area Gates: All students, faculty, and staff will have access to the pedestrian and picnic area gates during normal check-in hours. Currently, those hours are Mon-Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm.

We will continue to follow LA County guidelines regarding Covid-19 and make adjustments as needed.

As of 08.11.22

Dear SCI-Arc Community,

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we would like to share recent updates to our current COVID-19 Vaccination and Reasonable Accommodations policy.

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination:
Proof of the COVID-19 vaccine (and booster shot for those who are eligible) will continue to be required for all students, faculty, staff, and approved visitors to be on campus without an accommodation. Fully vaccinated is defined as two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose vaccine or two weeks after one dose in a single-dose vaccine. Individuals must also receive their booster dose within seven days of becoming eligible (at this time the second booster dose is not required). SCI-Arc is currently accepting FDA approved and World Health Organization (WHO) emergency use listing (EUL) vaccines https://covid19.trackvaccines.org/agency/who/.

• Students: If you haven’t already, you must complete the COVID-19 Vaccination Registration Form using your SCI-Arc email credentials and upload front and back images of your official COVID-19 vaccination card.
  
  If you are an international student and your name is not written in English on your vaccination documentation, please also upload a photo of an official document (passport) that has your name in both languages. If you have any questions, contact Student Services Specialist Tea Bogue at tea_bogue@sciarc.edu.
• Faculty/Staff: Send proof of vaccination and booster to SCI-Arc Human Resources by emailing a digital record of your vaccination card to liliana_clough@sciarc.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations: (UPDATED)
SCI-Arc will continue to make reasonable accommodations available on a case-by-case basis for the fall 2022 semester for students or employees who meet one of the following criteria: travel restrictions, approved medical condition, or sincerely held religious beliefs.

• Students who believe that they require accommodations should complete the exemption request form: https://forms.office.com/r/ZTRHWBnbD8. For questions, contact Tea Bogue at tea_bogue@sciarc.edu..
• Faculty or staff who require an accommodation should request an exemption form from Human Resources Director Liliana Clough at liliana_clough@sciarc.edu.

Possible reasonable accommodations options:

Remote learning/work accommodation: Remote learning/work is available as an accommodation for individuals who have obtained an approved exemption and are unable to attend onsite. Remote learning will have no impact on grading criteria or level of instruction.

In-person learning/work accommodation (NEW): Individuals who are approved for an in-person learning/work accommodation may be permitted on campus if they follow the following health and safety precautions:

• 1. Submit proof of negative COVID test every Wednesday to covid_health@sciarc.edu by 5pm. Failure to do so will result in loss of campus access until a negative COVID test is submitted (at-home tests are acceptable).
• 2. All approved individuals with an in-person accommodation will be required to wear a mask indoors while on campus.

Masks:
For individuals who are fully vaccinated and boosted, masks are not currently required indoors but are still highly recommended.

All protocols are subject to change. Decisions will be informed by public health agencies, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), State of California Health Department, and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and good common sense for the overall health and well-being of the SCI-Arc community.

We remain vigilant and attentive to the evolving state of the pandemic and as ever appreciate your patience and consideration in these matters. Any further updates will be shared as we approach the start of the semester. We wish you a wonderful rest of summer, and a safe and healthy return in the fall.

As of 11.12.21

Dear SCI-Arc Community,

We are pleased to announce that starting in the spring 2022 semester, in accordance with public health guidance, SCI-Arc will return to fully in-person instruction.

As we approach the beginning of the spring semester, we thank you—our students, faculty, and staff—for your continued commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of the entire SCI-Arc community. To date,we have had very few confirmed positive COVID-19 cases on campus. We believe this to be a positive indicator that the health policies we have put in place have been effective. We appreciate the entire SCI-Arc community for working to maintain a safe learning and working environment.

Following current trends and guidelines reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), State of California Health Department, and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health,we would like to share updated academic plans and protocols regarding COVID-19 for the spring 2022 semester. All protocols stated herein are subject to change per CDC and state and local guidelines.

The following protocols will be implemented for the spring 2022 academic term.

Spring 2022 Semester

• Studios and Seminars:
  • All design studio and seminars will be taught onsite at SCI-Arc.
  • Onsite full-time attendance of classes will be required for all students and faculty.
  • The Spring 2022 schedule of classes will be announced in early December.
• Building and Resource Access:
  • The main SCI-Arc building (960 E 3rd Street) will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Daily health screenings (with wristband requirements) will still be required to enter the building each day.
  • Campus resources (e.g., Shop, Store, Print Center, Kappe Library, computer labs) will continue to be available for in-person use (with limited capacity). For specific hours of operation or reservation requirements please check the SCI-Arc website or specific campus resource pages on my.sciarc closer to the start of the spring.
• COVID Safety (Proof of Vaccination, Training, and Mask Requirements)
  Failure to follow health and safety protocols may result in disciplinary actions or the need to return to more restrictive policies.
  • Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination:Proof of the COVID-19 vaccine will be required for all students, faculty, staff, and approved visitors to be on campus (reasonable accommodation procedure described below). ‘Fully vaccinated’ is defined as two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose vaccine or two weeks after one dose in a single dose vaccine. At this time, boosters are not required. SCI-Arc is currently accepting FDA approved or authorized and World Health Organization (WHO) emergency use listed (EUL) vaccines
    —https://covid19.trackvaccines.org/agency/who/
    • Students must complete the COVID-19 Vaccination Registration Form and upload front and back images of their official COVID-19 vaccination card. If you are an international student and your name is not written in English on vaccination documentation, please also upload a photo of an official document (passport) that has your name in both languages. If you have any questions, contact Student Services Specialist Tea Bogue at tea_bogue@sciarc.edu.
    • Faculty and staff must email a PDF or JPG image of their vaccination card (front and back) to Human Resources Director Liliana Clough at liliana_clough@sciarc.edu.
  • COVID-19 Training: Completion of online COVID-19 health and safety training will be required in order to access the campus. Specific link and access instructions on how to complete the COVID-19 training will be sent in a separate email to those students who have not already been cleared.
  • Masks will continue to be required indoors at SCI-Arc at all times (pending mandates and guidelines from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health).
• Reasonable Accommodations:
  • Reasonable Accommodations will only be available on a case-by-case basis for one of the following reasons: travel restrictions, approved medical condition, or sincerely held religious beliefs. Accommodations will have no impact on grading criteria or level of instruction.
    • To assist any student or employee who must be on campus and who is currently dealing with international travel restrictions, has a medical condition that is a contraindication to the COVID-19 vaccination, or who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of sincerely held religious beliefs, SCI-Arc will engage in an interactive process to determine whether it can provide a reasonable accommodation whereby the accommodation does not create an undue hardship for the school and does not pose a threat to the health or safety of themselves or others in the classroom or workplace.
      Students who believe that they require such an accommodation, please notify the Student Services Specialist in writing at tea_bogue@sciarc.edu. Employees(faculty or staff) should notify the HR Director in writing at liliana_clough@sciarc.edu.
      Once SCI-Arc is made aware of the need for an accommodation, the school will inform the individual of the vaccination exemption process and engage in an interactive process to identify possible reasonable accommodations.
    • Travel Restrictions
      • Starting on November 8, 2021, a Presidential Proclamation will go into effect titled "A Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic." This proclamation will end the travel restrictions under Presidential Proclamations (PP) 9984, 9992, 10143, and 10199 as they relate to the suspension of entry into the United States of persons physically present in Brazil, China, India, Iran, Ireland, the Schengen Area, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Pursuant to this proclamation, as of November 8, visa applications for individuals physically present in the affected countries can start being processed.
        In place of previous restrictions, a new global vaccination requirement will be put into effect requiring all adult foreign national travelers to the United States to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the US. More information about this global vaccination requirement, including details on exceptions and waivers due to humanitarian concerns, is available at Non-US citizen, Non-US immigrants: Air Travel to the United States | CDC.
• Visitors: Outside visitors may be allowed on campus for specific events, tours, or projects on a case-by-case basis as approved by the appropriate administrative department head. Visitors will be required to show proof of vaccination to be on campus.



All protocols are subject to change. Decisions will be informed by public health agencies, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), State of California Health Department, and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and good common sense for the overall health and well-being of the SCI-Arc community.

The health and safety of the SCI-Arc community remains our highest priority. We are grateful for the commitment and creativity shown by our students, faculty, and staff during this challenging time, and we look forward to this next phase at SCI-Arc.

As of 06.15.21

Please see the updated policies and protocols for the phase 3 partial/hybrid return in the Phase 3 and Facilities + Resources sections above.

As of 06.15.21

Please see the updated policies and protocols for the phase 3 partial/hybrid return in the Phase 3 and Facilities + Resources sections above.

Updated 08.05.21

We are excited for the start of the 2021-2022 academic year at SCI-Arc and hope you’ve had a rewarding and relaxing summer. As we approach the beginning of the fall semester, we want to extend our immense gratitude to all of our students, faculty, and staff for their commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of the entire SCI-Arc community, as well as continued optimism for an even safer and healthier future.

Following current trends and guidelines reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), State of California Health Department, and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, we would like to share updated academic plans and protocols regarding COVID-19 for the fall 2021 semester. All protocols stated herein are subject to change per CDC and state and local guidelines.

The following protocols will be implemented for the fall 2021 academic term.

Fall 2021 Semester

• Campus Access: SCI-Arc’s campus will open for optional, hybrid in-person instruction and use for students and faculty. Limited staff will be required to be on campus as necessary to support onsite services and resources. Specific return to work plans should be confirmed with individual department heads/direct managers.
• Health Screening: All students, faculty, staff, and approved visitors arriving onsite will be required to check in at a designated health screening entrance before access to the campus will be granted.
• Studios and Seminars: Design studios will be taught onsite in the building. Seminars and electives will continue to be taught remotely. (Some exceptions may apply as academically necessary.)
• Accommodations: Remote instruction will still be offered to all students or faculty who are unable or prefer not to attend in person. Choosing to continue remote learning will have no impact on grading criteria or level of instruction.
• Campus Resources (e.g., Shop, Store, Print Center, Library, learning pods) will continue to be available for limited in-person use for students and faculty by reservation only. Students will continue to have remote-only access to the computer lab.
• Proof of Vaccination: Proof of the COVID-19 vaccine will be required for all students, faculty, staff, and approved visitors to be on campus. SCI-Arc is currently accepting the following COVID-19 vaccines: Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, Sinopharm, and AstraZeneca.

Students must complete the COVID-19 Vaccination Registration Form and upload front and back images of their official COVID-19 vaccination card. If you are an international student and your name is not written in English on vaccination documentation, please also upload a photo of an official document (passport) that has your name in both languages. If you have any questions, contact Student Services Specialist Tea Bogue at tea_bogue@sciarc.edu.

Faculty and staff must email a PDF or JPG image of their vaccination card (front and back) to Human Resources Director Liliana Clough at liliana_clough@sciarc.edu.

• COVID-19 Training: Completion of online COVID-19 health and safety training will be required in order to access the campus. Specific link and access instructions on how to complete the COVID-19 training will be sent in a separate email.
• Masks and Social Distancing: Masks will be required on campus at all times. Maintaining a minimum social distance of six feet while indoors is highly encouraged.
• Student Survey: To help in facilitating the planning for fall, all new and continuing students will be requested to complete a brief survey informing school administration if you are planning to attend classes remotely or in person, including the time zone in which you will be located during the semester. This survey will be sent out shortly and we ask that you please complete this as soon as possible.
• Visitors: Outside visitors will be limited to the SCI-Arc Gallery and admissions tours by appointment only. Other outside visitors may be allowed on campus on a case-by-case basis as approved by the appropriate staff department head. Visitors will be required to show proof of vaccination to be on campus.

All protocols are subject to change. Decisions will be informed by public health agencies, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), State of California Health Department, and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and good common sense for the overall health and well-being of the SCI-Arc community.
As we prepare for returning to campus this fall, we are thrilled to share space once more and look forward to the SCI-Arc community being together very soon.

Updated 05.13.21

Following current trends and guidelines reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), State of California Health Department, and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health,we would like to share updated protocols regarding COVID-19 for the summer and fall 2021 semesters. All protocols for the phased reopening plan are subject to change per CDC and state and local guidelines.

The following protocols will be implemented beginning June 15, 2021.

Summer 2021 Semester

• SCI-Arc’s campus will open for optional, hybrid in-person instruction and use for graduate thesis and postgraduate studio students and faculty.Seminars and electives will continue to be taught remotely.
• Remote instruction will still be offered to the graduate thesis and postgraduate students or faculty who are unable to or who prefer not to attend in person. Choosing to continue remote learning will have no impact on grading criteria or level of instruction.
• Proof of the COVID-19 vaccine will be required for all students, faculty, staff, and third-party contractors in order to be on campus. (Specific details on how to submit proof of vaccination will be announced prior to the June 15 opening.)
• Completion of online COVID-19 health and safety training will be required to access the campus. (Additional details to follow prior to June 15.)
• Reasonable accommodations to work or study remotely will be considered for those faculty, students, and staff who cannot be vaccinated due to legitimate health reasons orsincerely heldreligious beliefs.
• Faculty and studentaccess to indoor/outdoor campus learning pods for limited in-person instruction will be available by reservation only. Faculty will be required to submit a reservation request to secure a pod in order to meet with students. (Specific reservation procedures will be announced prior to June 15).
• Campus resources (e.g., Shop, Store,Print Center,Library) will be available for limited in-person use for graduate thesis and postgraduate studio students by reservation only. (Specific reservation procedures will be announced prior to the June 15 opening).Students will continue to have remote-only access to the computer lab.
• Limited staff will be required to be on campus to support onsite activities.Remote work will continue for staff who are not required to be on campus. Specific return to work plans should be confirmed with individual department heads/direct managers.
• Social distancing measures and masks will berequired at all times for anyone on campus.
• Outside visitors will be limited to the SCI-Arc Gallery and admissions tours by appointment only. Other outside visitors may be allowed on campus on a case-by-case basis as approved by the appropriate staff department head. Visitors may be required to show proof of vaccination to be on campus.

Fall 2021 Semester

• SCI-Arc will be open for hybrid in-person instruction in the fall 2021 semester. Specific details to come.
• Proof of the COVID-19 vaccine will be required for all students, faculty, staff, visitors, and third-party contractors in order to be on campus.
• Completion of an online COVID-19 health and safety training will be required to access the campus. (Additional details to follow before the June 15 opening.)
• Remote instruction will still be made available to students or faculty who are unable to attend in person.
• Reasonable accommodations to work or study remotely will be considered for those faculty, students, and staff who cannot be vaccinated due to legitimate health reasons orsincerely heldreligious beliefs.

Specific details to be announced later. All protocols are subject to change per guidance from the CDC, as well as city and state public health agencies.

Updated 07.27.20

We are pleased to announce that SCI-Arc is dedicating an additional $1.4 million towards technology and need based grants for the fall 2020 semester, bringing the total institutional aid to over $6 million. Below are details and other reductions in fees and health costs. The totals of these additional grants and fee reductions will range between $2,350 minimum and $4,350 maximum per student in the fall semester. Learn about additional cost to attend information.

• SCI-Arc will be giving all full-time enrolled students a $2,000 Technology Grant for the fall term only. This grant will be applied to the Fall 2020 tuition bill.
• SCI-Arc has reduced the Admin Fee from $500 to $250 for the fall term only.
• The Lab Fee of $50 and the Student Union Fee of $50 have been waived for the fall term only.
• SCI-Arc has allocated additional institutional funds for financial need-based grants for qualifying students who enroll full time. Students will be able to apply for these grants through the Financial Aid Office. Details on the application process will be announced by the Financial Aid Office.
• The Financial Aid and Human Resources departments will be sending notifications about work-study employment opportunities. These department will advise on remote or in-person, safety-controlled ways to submit these applications.
• The parking fee will be waived for the fall term. Parking may be limited in the lot and long-term parking is not permitted.
• For students who participate in the SCI-Arc offered Health Insurance Plan, the FY20-21 premium is $1,587 which is a $213 reduction from the previous year. Plan benefits are unchanged.

Updated 07.13.20

Dear SCI-Arc Community,

As we anticipate the start of our fall semester, I am happy to share our plans for safely returning to SCI-Arc.

We are excited to announce that starting this fall, SCI-Arc will adopt a hybrid learning model to offer both in-person and remote classes, the details of which are above (Phase 3).

The health and safety of the entire SCI-Arc community remains our absolute highest priority. As our knowledge and understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, as guided by up-to-date directives from LA County and California officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, our policies and plans will be updated accordingly.

I have been consistently heartened by the dedication and creativity demonstrated by our students, faculty, and staff during this challenging time, and look forward to this new phase moving forward at SCI-Arc.

In gratitude,

Hernán Díaz Alonso

Updated 5.28.20

As we adjust both as a society and as an institute of higher learning to the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, it has remained our highest priority to reinforce the importance of the health and safety of our SCI-Arc community. Our challenge is to face this moment with thoughtfulness, care, and compassion for the people affected, even as we struggle to maintain our mission and commitment to excellence.

Based on concern for the ongoing needs of the students, faculty, and staff in response to uncertainty towards the easing of governmental restrictions and stay-at-home ordinances by Los Angeles County, SCI-Arc’s summer term, which starts on June 1, will begin with remote learning. In order to address the impact the pandemic has had on students, as well as ease the financial burden on students during the summer term, the school has created the SCI-Arc COVID-19 Relief Fund.

SCI-Arc COVID-19 Relief Fund:

For the summer 2020 semester, financial relief will entail the following: SCI-Arc will (i) waive the Administrative Fee of $500, the Lab Fee of $50, and the Student Union Fee of $50 for full-time students, and (ii) give each full-time student who is registered for the term and whose tuition is fully paid a COVID-19 Relief Fund emergency grant in the amount of $3,400—collectively totaling $4,000.

The SCI-Arc Finance Office will be distributing a relief grant application to all summer full-time enrolled students by May 29. The deadline to return the application is June 18 at 5:00pm, and the $3,400 emergency grant will be disbursed on June 25.

Return to Work Planning:

To address the eventual and gradual ending of remote learning as well as the reopening and return of students, faculty, and staff to the SCI-Arc building, a Return to Work Committee has been formed to strategize and negotiate this process. The committee has identified four (4) undated phases, which will proceed as follows:

PHASE 1: (Current) Building closure and total remote learning period for all classes; majority of staff work from home with some essential employees working on site.

PHASE 2: Curbside SCI-Arc: student resources open for curb-side order/pickup, limited staff as required; building remains closed to students/faculty/most staff; remote learning period continues for all classes.

PHASE 3: Building open with social distancing measures enforced; resources available for onsite student use with social distancing measures; remote learning for seminars; limited hours/staggered schedules for studio use; limited hours/staggered schedules for staff.

PHASE 4: Full return to normal operations once pandemic restrictions have been lifted.

To date there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 within the SCI-Ac student, faculty, or staff community. Please continue to look for COVID-19 updates on the SCI-Arc website; www.sciarc.edu

U... 05.08.20

Please stand with SCI-Arc as we help students with emergency needs stemming from the pandemic. The SCI-Arc Emergency Fund provides critical tuition aid, emergency technology support, and urgent mental health and wellness services for students. Please help SCI-Arc students today by making your gift. Thank you for standing with SCI-Arc and our students!


Updated 05.08.20

The US Department of Education (ED) and Internal Revenue Service

(IRS) released information regarding the student grants portion of the CARES Act. Please take note of the following updates:

Student grants are now non-taxable.

When the CARES Act was passed and signed into law, it was soon realized that—as written—the emergency grants to students for COVID-19-related expenses were unintentionally taxable. Today the IRS announced [1] that these grants to students are non-taxable, a positive outcome for students. This move also nullifies the need for institutions to provide tax documents to students who receive an emergency grant. Additionally, this administrative interpretation means that legislation won’t be needed in the next COVID-19 relief package to address the original intent.


Updated 04.30.20

Mayor Eric Garcetti has announced that all Los Angeles city residents are now eligible for free COVID-19 testing, regardless of symptoms. LA County residents can also be tested at sites run by the city of Los Angeles. Schedule a COVID-19 test.

Updated 03.23.20

Dear SCI-Arc Community,

By now, you are likely aware that Los Angeles County and California public officials have declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. I wanted to reach out directly to assure you that we have been closely monitoring the global situation as it develops.

On March 19, Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles ordered all residents in Los Angeles and surrounding jurisdictions to stay home from March 19 through April 19, 2020, a measure intended to limit the spread of COVID-19. In response to this "Safer At Home" order, SCI-Arc has synchronized our actions in accordance with all directives from Los Angeles County and California public officials. To learn more about what this order entails you may visit the Los Angeles County website or the City of Los Angeles Coronavirus FAQ website for the most current information. Both sites can be read in your language of choice.

As educational institutions such as SCI-Arc are considered essential businesses, we will remain operational throughout the duration of the order. On March 13, we enacted a period of remote learning, during which all courses and studios will continue to be conducted online through April 24, or the end of the spring 2020 semester. Staff will continue to work remotely and can still be reached to answer student questions and concerns. The SCI-Arc building will remain closed to students and faculty and will only be accessible to staff with essential functions and approval to be onsite.

I understand that this situation is not ideal, but I want to convey how proud I am of how all the students, faculty, and staff are navigating this challenging and unexpected time. I am confident that if we work together through this process with creativity, compassion, optimism, and civic responsibility, this shall pass and we will emerge at the other end stronger than before.

Please continue to be good to yourselves and each other. We will get through this together.

Sincerely,

Hernán Díaz Alonso


Updated 03.16.20


While there are currently no known cases of COVID-19 among our students, faculty, or staff, SCI-Arc has made the decision to extend this period of remote learning through the end of the spring 2020 semester (April 24). Students, faculty, and staff will NOT return to campus on March 30 as previously communicated.

Classes and studios will continue to be taught remotely via ZOOM, or alternate methods as arranged by your faculty in order to complete your coursework through the end of the semester. Essential staff will continue to work remotely and can still be reached to answer your questions and concerns.

We’d like to remind everyone that although we are not physically in the building, we are all still working and maintaining business as usual as much as we possibly can.

We will be sending faculty and students detailed instructions on how to proceed with final reviews. UG Thesis students will submit digital projects by April 25; we will contact you with additional follow-up instructions.

The SCI-Arc building and resources will remain closed through the end of the spring semester (April 24). Access to the following resources will continue to be suspended during the building closure: fabrication lab, robot house, library, PC lab, SCI-Arc store/print center. We will extend the deadline for students and faculty to move out all computers, printers, toolboxes, and personal items to this Wednesday (March 18). Access to the building will be restricted after this deadline.

As an exception during this transitional period, the SCI-Arc parking lot will remain available for students who have purchased a parking permit through the spring 2020 semester, though access to the building will be denied.

TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS

Please contact Lisa Russo at 213-356-5314 or lisarusso@sciarc.edu with your specific travel and visa related questions.

• In general, there are no changes to F-1 travel rules.
• Any international or domestic travel should be carefully considered, and after checking for any developments of travel restrictions for both the country/area being travelled to, and where you are travelling from.
• Check for travel updates
• Cautionary concerns to consider:
• The area you are travelling to could experience an outbreak and implement a quarantine, and you may not be able to leave that area until the quarantine is lifted.
• While you are travelling, there could be an outbreak in the Los Angeles area and travel restrictions could be imposed restricting or delaying your return to Los Angeles.
• Consider health insurance coverage at your destination to ensure that you have insurance coverage in case you are sick.
• Consider if there is flexibility in courses you may be enrolled in, or work assignments and deadlines, in the event your travel in either direction is delayed. –
• Consider purchasing flights or other parts of travel, such as hotels, that have flexible cancellation.

SUPPORT

We know these changes may cause some stress and uncertainty. Students are encouraged to contact Downtown Mind Wellness for support at 213-430-9080 or www.downtownmw.com. Remote counseling is still available for the students on Tuesdays & Fridays 12:00pm - 2:00pm throughout the rest of the spring semester. To schedule an appointment, they can contact Michelle directly at

310.270.5879 or michellefarivar@gmail.com.

Staff and faculty can utilize Employee Connect, our Employee Assistance Program that offers counseling sessions and have professionals you can speak to 24/7. You can reach them at 888-628-4824 or www.GuidanceResources.com.

The health and safety of all students, faculty, and staff at SCI-Arc continues to be our highest priority. We appreciate your patience and flexibility during this transition. We will continue to provide you with information and resources.

Please continue to check your SCI-Arc emails, and refer to sciarc.edu for the most up-to-date information.


Updated 03.14.20

Main Event 2020, previously scheduled for May 2, has been postponed until further notice.


Updated 03.13.20

The SCI-Arc building and resources will close starting Monday, March 16 - March 30 (or until further notice).

While there are currently no known cases of COVID-19 among our students, faculty, or staff, as a precautionary measure we have decided to close the SCI-Arc building as of Monday, March 16. This includes the following resources: fabrication lab, robot house, library, PC lab, SCI-Arc store/print center.

Students, faculty, and staff will have until 9:00am on Monday, March 16 to remove all personal items and supplies needed to work remotely before access to the building is restricted. This is a two week closure with expected return on March 30^th or until further notice.

Classes and studios will continue to be taught remotely via ZOOM, or alternate methods as determined by your faculty.

Essential staff will work remotely, will continue to communicate via email and ZOOM, and can still be reached to answer your questions and concerns.

The health and safety of all students, faculty, and staff at SCI-Arc is always our highest priority. We appreciate your patience and flexibility during this transition. We will continue to provide you with information and resources.

We know these changes may cause some stress and uncertainty. Students can contact Downtown Mind Wellness for support at 213-430-9080 or www.downtownmw.com.

Staff and faculty can utilize Employee Connect, our Employee Assistance Program that offers counseling sessions and have professionals you can speak to 24/7. You can reach them at 888-628-4824 or www.GuidanceResources.com.

Please continue to check your SCI-Arc emails, and refer to sciarc.edu for the most up-to-date information.


Updated 03.12.20


Kappe Library Hours Reduced During Remote Learning Period (March 13-30)

Monday-Friday 10:00am-6:00pm

Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm

Sunday 12:00pm-10:00pm

Access Kappe Library online resources: library.sciarc.edu

Be sure to activate EZProxy to access all proprietary databases


Updated 03.10.20

While there are currently no known cases of COVID-19 among our students, faculty, or staff, as a precautionary measure, beginning Friday, March 13 all SCI-Arc classes (studios and seminars) will be conducted remotely online. Studios and seminars will be held remotely during their regularly scheduled times.

We are anticipating this remote learning period to last approximately 2 weeks until Monday, March 30, or as determined by SCI-Arc administration. We will keep you updated as necessary. The SCI-Arc building and resources will remain open, and the administrative offices will continue to work their regular, on-campus schedules.

Remote learning will be done via the ZOOM digital conferencing platform. Faculty and students will have two days (Wednesday, March 11 + Thursday, March 12) to test the platform during regularly scheduled classes and studios.

We are encouraging all students and faculty to remove all computer equipment, printers, supplies, and/or personal belongings needed to work remotely.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time. Please continue to check your SCI-Arc emails, and refer to sciarc.edu for the most up-to-date information.


Updated 03.09.20


SCI-Arc is closely following information and recommendations both nationally and locally regarding the outbreak of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

As we continue to monitor the development of COVID-19, the health and safety of the entire SCI-Arc community is our highest priority. There are currently no known cases among our students, faculty, or staff, and the immediate health risk to members of the SCI-Arc community continues to be considered low.

SCI-Arc has worked to add proactive measures such as enhanced travel restrictions; cancellation and postponement of international and public programs; installation of additional hand sanitizing stations throughout the building; thorough cleaning of the building, bathrooms, and common surfaces by our cleaning crew as advised by state agencies; and informational resources and illness prevention posters placed around the building and in the “Campus Life” tab of my.sciarc.edu.

We will share additional information as it becomes available, and keep you informed should the current level of concern change.

If you would like to learn more about the virus or check for updates, it is recommended that you consult the following resources, which will have the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19:

• CDC information on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Los Angeles Department of Public Health website
• FAQ about Coronavirus on CDC Website
• CDC Travel Advisories
• World Health Organization (WHO) information about Coronavirus
• California Department of Public Health updates on Coronavirus

UPDATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS:


SCI-Arc is prohibiting all school-related travel to regions for which the CDC has issued Level 2 or Level 3 travel warnings including mainland China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, and Japan. SCI-Arc also strongly discourages personal travel to jurisdictions with a Level 3 travel warning.

Persons arriving from these areas must self-isolate for 14 days from the time they leave the country before returning to SCI-Arc, in accordance with new guidance from the CDC.

SCI-Arc discourages all other nonessential international travel for now. If you decide to travel, be aware that other countries could change their travel restrictions without notice, flights may be cancelled, or new re-entry restrictions could be imposed before returning to the United States.

Future travel restrictions will continue to align with CDC travel guidelines.

For more questions or more information, please contact the International Advisor Lisa Russo at 213-356-5314 lisarusso@sciarc.edu.

More recommendations and resources can be found at:

• NAFSA Coronavirus Critical Resources
• CDC US Quarantine Stations
• CDC Information for Travel
• US Department of State Travel Advisories

If traveling abroad, consider downloading the International SOS Assistance App for up-to-date security analysis, medical information, and one-click dialing to the closest International SOS Assistance Center.

NEXT STEPS:
In the event that the spread COVID-19 becomes more severe, SCI-Arc may need to take the following additional measures to ensure the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff:

Allow students, faculty, and staff at higher risk for complications to stay home.

Higher-risk students, faculty, and staff should make this decision in consultation with their health care provider. Please inform SCI-Arc’s Directors' Office of your decision.

Find ways to increase social distances.

Increase space between people in classrooms: move desks further apart, leave empty seats between students, hold outdoor classes, and employ distance learning methods.

Postponement of school internal and public events.

Out of an abundance of caution, and to minimize travel disruptions of our guests, we have decided to postpone the below public program events. Please check sciarc.edu/events for the most up to date schedule.

Postponed Events:
March 11 Jenny Lin Lecture
March 13-16 After the Single-Family Home Charrette
March 18 Charles Davis Lecture
March 20 Post-Persona Exhibition
March 21 A Queer Query Symposium
March 23 Andrés Jaque Lecture
April 1 Lauren Halsey Lecture
April 7 New Bauhaus Cinema Series

Possible Remote Learning / SCI-Arc closure:
This decision will be made together with local and state health organizations. Notice for this will be sent via email and SCI-Arc’s all-school text alert system.


SCI-Arc will develop a plan for continuity of education and will communicate these alternative mechanisms to students, faculty, and staff.

We will be ready for as many scenarios that we can possibly foresee. We ask that you check your email daily for new updates.

COVID-19 SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT:
COVID-19 symptoms are similar to the flu (fever, cough, and shortness of breath). Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depending on the severity of the virus, a cough or sneeze could cause exposure. The virus can also be transmitted by a handshake or touching something an infected person has touched and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Symptoms may appear in as few as two (2) days or as long as fourteen (14) days after exposure.

80% of cases are mild. Those highest at risk are the elderly and people with chronic underling health conditions.

If you develop symptoms consistent with the flu or are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19:

STAY HOME. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 should isolate themselves at home while undergoing medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride shares, or taxis. It is recommended that you stay home until 24 hours after a fever subsides to see if symptoms continue.

SEEK MEDICAL CARE FROM YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY. Call ahead to assist the facility in making plans to minimize potential spread of illness.

PREVENTION:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty).

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or disinfecting wipes.

Focus on self-care (Take vitamin C, eat healthy, exercise, and sleep).

Schedule a flu shot (influenza-like illnesses are still common at this time of year).

If you are sick—STAY HOME and see a doctor (Let your instructors/supervisor know and we will make every effort to communicate with you remotely).

Masks are unnecessary and in high demand. If you are not feeling sick, it has been requested that you save available masks for people who are ill as well as for medical personnel.

RESPECT OTHERS:
Please be compassionate towards your classmates and colleagues. There are those in our community are understandably worried about their friends and family, some are unable to travel home or return from abroad, and some may be facing discrimination or bias here at SCI-Arc. Please be respectful of each other.

We appreciate the help of every member of the SCI-Arc community, and we will continue to update you as this global situation moves forward. Please continue to check your email daily for further updates.

HEALTH INSURANCE RESOURCES:

Students: For more resources and information, students can contact Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), students can call a 24/7 nurse line: 1-800-224-0336 or 1-800-368-4424 (TTY line and available in multiple languages).

Faculty/Staff: For more resources and information, please contact your individual health care provider.