The fall semester has begun on-campus and in-person at San Diego State University for the first time since the COVID-19 shutdown.
About 33,000 students started classes with a mask mandate and the requirement to provide proof of full vaccination.
“Everyone is supposed to be vaccinated and they are wearing masks so I feel pretty comfortable,” said Victoria Albores, an incoming freshman who welcomes the protection.
So far, 94% of the student body has submitted their documentation, showing they’re vaccinated. There are 6,000 students living on campus. That’s 1,500 fewer than before the COVID-19 pandemic started. The university hopes have fewer students will help prevent another outbreak.
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The first day of classes provides the first opportunity for the university’s Economic Crisis Response Team to reach students, to help them with basic needs. This semester everything students need help with has some connection to COVID-19’s ongoing health threat.
The response team set up an information booth in the middle of campus to get their message across.
“Our biggest hope is that every student is able to succeed and thrive with resources we can offer them including food, housing and financial and health information,” crisis coordinator Keira Allen said.
San Diego City College also started classes on Monday. Most students are choosing to stay home and learn online. Only 20% of all programs are being offered in person.
In Chula Vista, Southwestern College has increased cleaning and sanitizing protocols along with partnering with the San Ysidro Health Center for ongoing vaccination clinics on campus. Southwestern is even offering each student who submits vaccination documentation a $100 gift card as an incentive.
