University resumes operations Monday, Oct. 16

Related Link: Resources for those affected by the North Bay fires and the University community

University will resume operations on Monday, Oct. 16, per the regular schedule.

We continue to monitor the shifting conditions related to the fires in the North Bay, and the situation is looking more favorable for the upcoming week with rain expected on Thursday. Winds are expected to blow in an easterly direction, and air quality will be moderate. We will continue to evaluate the complex conditions and their effects on the University until the fires are contained.

Mask Distribution

The University has acquired additional disposable respirators for distribution to students, faculty and staff. Starting Monday, 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 for masks that can be issued for voluntary use.

Monitoring Health and Safety

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

updated Saturday, October 14, 2017 5:15 p.m.

The University continues to monitor the shifting conditions related to the fires in the North Bay. While today the conditions are moderate, we expect the air quality around the main campus to worsen slightly over the next 24 hours.

We will continue to evaluate the complex conditions and their effects on the University. An announcement about the continuation of University operations for next week will occur by 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 15.

updated Thursday, October 12, 2017 1:30 p.m.

Due to the devastating fires in the North Bay, the city of San Francisco, including San Francisco State University, is experiencing severe and unhealthy air quality conditions due to the smoke. The health and safety of all students, faculty and staff is the University’s top priority. As such, the University is cancelling Thursday evening classes, effective at 5 p.m. today.
 
Additionally, the main campus, the downtown campus and the Romberg Tiburon campus will close effective 8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 13 and will remain closed through Sunday, Oct. 15, with the exception of the Mashouf Wellness Center, residential life, dining services and essential personnel. The Mashouf Wellness Center will remain open to provide activities for students and University residents.
 
Faculty and staff will not be required to take personal time on Friday due to the campus closure. Responsible administrative units will provide specific resources and information for campus residents and personnel deemed essential by their managers. Decisions about University operations on Monday and beyond will be made and communicated this weekend.
 
Employees and student employees who are scheduled to receive paychecks on Oct. 13 and do not have direct deposit, will receive additional information directly from Human Resources later today about picking up their checks.
 
For information about physical and psychological resources, along with ongoing updates regarding University status, please visit news.sfsu.edu.
 
“As the devastating fires continue to affect communities in Northern California, we are keeping them in our thoughts, and we stand ready to support and assist in any way that we can,” said SF State President Les Wong.

updated Thursday, October 12, 2017 10:00 a.m.

Due to the devastating fires in the North Bay, the SF State campus is experiencing severe and unhealthy air quality conditions due to the smoke.

Effective immediately, all University activities taking place outdoors are canceled. This includes outdoor classes, athletic events and practices, the Farmer’s Market and activities on the Quad. Children are especially sensitive and should remain indoors. We are closely monitoring the Romberg Tiburon Center site for the health and safety of those employees given their proximity to the fires.

Masks available for students

Student Health Services has a limited supply of single use disposable dust masks for student use. Stop by Student Health Services, or call (415) 338-1251 for more information. Please note that priority will be given to students who have asthma, severe allergies or other medical conditions that may make breathing more difficult.

Faculty and staff

Environmental Health Safety has a limited supply of single use disposable dust respirators/dust masks that we can issue for “voluntary use.” Please contact: Jon Farhat in Environment, Health & Safety at jfarhat@sfsu.edu to arrange for a mask.

If you or any of your staff, faculty or student colleagues have been affected by the fires, please inform the President’s Office at your earliest convenience, as they work to assess the full impact of the fires and the needs of our SF State Community. Also, please be patient with your fellow students, faculty and staff as they navigate the negative health and safety impacts of this disaster.

While we do not anticipate a campus closure for Friday at this time, we will continue to provide updates before the close of business today to confirm our operational status for tomorrow.

Missing class

Students who need to be away from campus in order to take care of their homes or loved ones, or who are facing evacuation orders, may need to miss class. We recommend that students communicate directly with faculty to alert them of their absences. Discuss arrangements to make up missed class content or assignments. For students who are unable to reach faculty directly, call the Dean of Students Office at (415) 338-2032 or email them at dos@sfsu.edu to request assistance.

Cancelling class

Faculty who need to be away from campus due to the North Bay fires should communicate with their department chair and their college dean’s office and arrange for coverage of duties so that they can take care of their homes and families.

We will continue to update news.sfsu.edu with information on the fires and their impacts on the San Francisco State sites throughout the Bay Area. Click here, for information regarding resources.