Updates to the Start of Spring 2022

December 21, 2021

Dear LMU Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As you prepare for the upcoming holidays, I share important updates and changes about how we are preparing to create a safer environment that supports our educational endeavors next semester.

You may know that COVID-19 cases continue to surge in L.A. County and on university campuses nationwide ahead of the holiday travel season. Yesterday, the CDC announced that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is now the dominant strain in the U.S., and public health experts predict that a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections is imminent, spurred by holiday gatherings and travel. To safeguard the health and safety of our community, I announce the following proactive measures and policies beginning in the spring 2022 semester.

We will conduct the first two weeks of instruction (Jan. 10—Jan. 21) virtually to provide greater flexibility for our campus community to obtain boosters, confirm negative test results, and address potential health concerns related to holiday gatherings and travel. Please note that we will continue to reassess and modify our plans as circumstances develop and in alignment with guidance from public health authorities.

Academic instruction and many events will be conducted virtually for the first two weeks of the spring 2022 semester, beginning on Jan. 10. In-person instruction and in-person events with external guests will resume Jan. 24. Prior to Jan. 24, internal events may be relocated outdoors if feasible; events with external guests will be held virtually.
Our campuses will remain open and operational. Residence halls, dining facilities, libraries, and offices will reopen as previously scheduled. Other services and operations will also be open, and staff should return to our campuses as planned. For our staff: please note that the implementation of hybrid and remote policies recently shared by Human Resources will be postponed until Feb. 2022.
We will require that eligible community members provide proof that they have received a COVID-19 booster within one month of eligibility unless you have a medical or religious exemption. Upload your booster information as soon as possible in Vax LMU using your phone or tablet (remember to check FAQs for any updates regarding further instructions, tips, and resources for accessing your COVID-19 vaccine records).
Students, faculty and staff: Be sure to get tested and obtain a negative result before reentering campus for the spring semester. You may take PCR tests up to two days prior to your return, while rapid antigen tests may only be taken one day prior to your return. If you test positive, please do not travel. Our revised schedule allows you to begin your classes remotely and recover in time for the return of in-person instruction on Jan. 24.
Students: be sure to get retested within one week of your return. Please make your appointments in advance so we can ensure sufficient resources are available to support you.
We remain #LMUTogether, and we need you to do your part. Please act responsibly when traveling or gathering. Mask up. Get boosted. Get tested.
We are working on more answers. We will continue updating our spring 2022 FAQs to reflect your questions and our latest updates. Please also stay connected with the Need-to-Know A-Z on the LMU Together website.

While we enact these changes to protect your health, safety, and well-being, adaptations also require additional efforts. I sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of our students and families, the hard work and flexibility of our faculty, and the care and support of our talented staff.

Please utilize the resources below for more specific answers to your questions:

Please start by reviewing our spring 2022 FAQs.
For inquiries about a particular class or coursework, please contact your faculty member or academic advisor directly.
International students may contact the Office for International Students and Scholars.
Our COVID Support Team and Human Resources have posted online resources.
If you do not see your question answered above, please email communitysupport@lmu.edu, and a representative will assist you the week of Jan. 3.

We look forward to welcoming you back to our campuses soon. Until then, I wish you and your families a healthy, safe, and joyful Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Sincerely,

Thomas Poon, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President and Provost