Message from President Wong: Limit outdoor activities

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Dear SF State Community,

We continue to monitor the shifting conditions related to the fires in the Bay Area. The air quality today is in the red zone, which means outdoor activities should be severely limited. We do not anticipate a campus closure at this time. Air quality is expected to improve later this evening, and rain is still expected on Thursday.

The Environmental Protection Agency advises those with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

Mask Distribution

Disposable N95 respirators are still available for distribution to students, faculty and staff, with an additional supply being delivered to sites tomorrow. Students may acquire masks at the Student Health Center, the Mashouf Wellness Center and the information desk of the Cesar Chavez Student Center. Faculty and staff should visit Environmental Health Safety in room 259 of the Administration Building that can be issued for “voluntary use.”

Individual Discretion Over Health and Safety

Faculty and supervisors are encouraged provide alternate arrangements for students and employees experiencing impacts from the air quality. Please continue to be patient with your fellow students, faculty and staff as they navigate the negative health and safety impacts of this disaster. If community members feel their health or safety is compromised and are unable to come to campus:

  • Students should be in communication with their professors regarding accommodations
  • Staff should contact their supervisor immediately and use sick or vacation time to cover a work absence
  • Faculty should be in touch with their respective Deans immediately to make arrangements for their scheduled classes

Resources

For information about physical, psychological and financial resources, along with ongoing updates regarding University status, please visit news.sfsu.edu.

We will continue to evaluate the complex conditions and their effects on the University until the fires are contained.

Leslie E. Wong

President