Frequently Asked Questions

This page was updated on August 16, 2022.

Questions not covered here may be emailed to the COVID-19 Taskforce.

For COVID-19 regulations, who does Whittier College receive guidance from?

Whittier College receives guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, State of California Department of Public Health, and the CDC.

How are COVID-19 guidelines delivered to the Whittier College community?

COVID-19 Guidelines are delivered to the Whittier College Community by College leadership, the COVID-19 Taskforce, and COVID-19 e-newsletter.

What are the consequences of not following the guidelines?

Students who fail to comply with COVID-19 guidelines and requirements will be restricted from classes and extracurricular activities and subject to the conduct process as necessary. Student-athletes who fail to comply with required testing will not be permitted to participate in intercollegiate athletics until compliant. Employees may be subject to disciplinary action.

What can I expect for fall 2022?

Face masks continue to be mandatory indoors on campus regardless of vaccination status. Per Los Angeles County protocol we strongly recommend students wear medical-grade masks or KF94, KN95, or N95 respirators.

All employees and contracted workers are required to upgrade from cloth masks to a well-fitting medical-grade mask or respirator (surgical, KF94, KN95, or N95).

Individuals released from isolation and exposed close contacts are required to wear an upgraded mask indoors and outdoors for a full 10 days from the beginning of their isolation or exposure period.

Employee requests for masks can be submitted to department administrator who will place orders through the PPE/Supply Request Form.

What are the guidelines for on-campus events, gatherings, and non-curricular activities?

Indoor events and activities are permitted.
Events and activities must be approved in advance. Please see the Event Policy for details.
Meals and refreshments should be served outdoors. Special permission must be granted for indoor dining or refreshments.

Are students required to test for COVID-19 before returning to campus?

All residential students and athletes returning to campus in August (and anyone assisting them with move-in) are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result received from a certified testing site or healthcare provider within 24 hours of campus arrival.
- Individuals infected with COVID within 90 days of arrival should obtain an antigen test from a certified testing site or healthcare provider. Home test results will not be accepted.
- Individuals who do not present a COVID-19 test result at check-in will be required to take a rapid test on campus before gaining access to the residence halls.
If you test positive for COVID-19 anytime between August 1, 2022 and your arrival on campus, you must inform us through the screening form.

Are employees required to test for COVID-19 before returning to campus?

Employees and contracted workers returning to campus after summer break or travel are required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test to Human Resources. Home test results are permitted provided they include a time and date stamp. Employees and contract workers who are unvaccinated or overdue for the booster dose are required to test weekly unless they have tested positive in the prior 90 days.

What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

All students, faculty, and staff—including those studying and working remotely—must self-report a diagnosis of COVID-19 using the appropriate screening form. These reports will help us monitor the health status of our community and determine which follow-up test is appropriate for you.

Please promptly report symptoms and stay home if you are ill.

What happens after I report a positive COVID-19 result?

Please ensure that you check your email regularly and respond to any requests for more information.

If you tested on campus, reported that you have COVID-19, and/or reported that you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms on the health screening form, a member of the Student Life or Human Resource team will reach out to you. Individuals who test positive are required to self-isolate for a minimum of 5 days.

If I am a residential student and test positive, can I isolate off-campus (at home, nearby relative’s house, etc.)?

Yes, please make sure to inform us through the screening form. The Student Health and Wellness Center will provide guidance.

If I have COVID-19 symptoms but have taken a test and it was negative, am I allowed back on campus?

Students must be cleared first by the Health and Wellness Center before returning to campus. Employees must be cleared by Human Resources.

What are the Whittier College Vaccination Requirements?

To be considered fully vaccinated all eligible individuals must have the booster shot. For the best protection against COVID-19, the CDC recommends that everyone age 5 and older should get a booster dose after completing their COVID-19 vaccine primary series. See more information on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website. Individuals can schedule an appointment to receive a free booster shot by contacting their healthcare provider or by visiting myturn.ca.gov.

Students must upload proof of booster vaccination to the Student Health Portal.
Employees must submit proof of booster vaccination (photo or scan) to Human Resources.

Individuals who are not currently eligible for the booster must submit proof within two weeks of their eligibility date.

Employees and contract workers who are unvaccinated (exempt) or booster eligible but are overdue for their booster shot are required to test weekly. Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 are not required to test for 90 days following their positive test result.

If someone was infected with COVID-19, do they have to wait to receive the booster?

According to LA County, if you have been infected with COVID-19 and are eligible for the booster, you can receive the booster dose after completing the required isolation period and symptoms have resolved. If your doctor advises you to wait longer, you must submit a doctor’s note to the Health and Wellness Center (students) or Human Resources (employees).

What if I want to request an exemption for the booster shot?

Those who have already received an exemption for the vaccine do not need to submit a new exemption for the booster shot. Non-vaccinated individuals must continue weekly testing. New undergraduate requests for exemptions must be submitted by July 15 or August 12 for late admissions and August 14 for graduate students. Students must email Tracy Ocampo, interim health director, to get an exemption application. Employees and contracted workers must email Human Resources for more information.

Is the flu vaccine also mandated for the campus community?

We strongly recommend receiving the flu shot as combined cases of Coronavirus and the flu have been detected. You may receive your flu shot at the same time as the booster if offered by the provider. Please also upload your flu shot information.

Is testing available on campus?

Testing will be available on campus for the general campus community beginning Monday, August 29, 2022 in Club 88 Monday through Thursday from 9:00-11:30 a.m. on a walk-in basis. Staff and students who are overdue for their booster shot will be required to test weekly until proof of the booster shot is submitted. Unvaccinated, exempt individuals will continue to test weekly as required.

What are the current masking guidelines?

Face masks remain mandatory indoors on campus regardless of vaccination status. We are strongly recommend students wear a medical-grade mask, KF94, KN95, or N95 respirator. All employees and contracted workers are required to upgrade from cloth masks to a well-fitting medical-grade mask or respirator (surgical, KF94, KN95, or N95).