COVID-19 Community Update – March 26

Posted on March 26, 2020, 5:36 PM Updated on March 26, 2020, 5:52 PM

The EOC continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 developments on our University and to pray for our community and University leaders as they care for the needs of students, faculty, and staff adjusting to a remote learning and work environment. 

The EOC learned yesterday that a graduate student from the West Los Angeles Campus tested positive for COVID-19. The student is currently recovering in isolation at home, and the University has notified all individuals identified to have been in close contact with the student.

The University has recently become aware of the practice of “Zoombombing” where unwanted participants enter a Zoom meeting room and screen-share, speak, and/or write using images, gestures, or language that are explicit or offensive. Behavior of this nature from any community member is prohibited by the University, and those using Zoom video conferencing are encouraged to safeguard their online meetings from these practices. Pepperdine’s Information Technology has sent an email to all faculty, staff, and students providing further guidance to prevent Zoombombing.

The University will continue to keep the community informed on COVID-19 developments as new information becomes available. The latest updates can be found on the University’s COVID-19 website and Emergency Information Page.

COVID-19 Community Update – March 25

Posted on March 25, 2020, 6:50 PM Updated on March 25, 2020, 8:08 PM

The EOC continues to monitor COVID-19 developments and their impact on the health and safety of the Pepperdine community. The situation in Los Angeles, the country, and around the globe remains dynamic, and Pepperdine is in close contact with government and health officials to best serve the University community.

The University has learned of two additional confirmed positive test results among students who participated in the London international program, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in that cohort to five. All London program participants have been notified by the University and advised to take measures to monitor their health. 

Pepperdine community members are encouraged to practice healthy habits and stay informed. As more information continues to be added, the University’s COVID-19 website has been refreshed to improve navigation and ease of use, including an enhanced Frequently Asked Questions page for your convenience. The latest information can also be found on the University’s Emergency Information Page.

COVID-19 Community Update – March 23

Posted on March 23, 2020, 4:47 PM Updated on March 24, 2020, 1:44 PM

The EOC continues to monitor COVID-19 developments and is praying for the University community around the globe. The vast majority of staff operations are now remote, and the University is pleased to report the successful implementation of 2,672 academic courses across Pepperdine’s five schools in a remote instruction format. The Malibu campus continues to provide care and services to the declining number of students living on campus.

Pepperdine Community Case Updates

University officials are continuing to monitor COVID-19 cases reported within the Pepperdine community. As of today, three reports of positive test results from the London international program (including one reported last Friday evening) and one positive test result on the Malibu campus have prompted potential exposure notifications to other members within the community. All individuals in the Pepperdine community identified as close contacts with these cases have been notified by the University. 

Weekly Chapels

In the coming weeks, faculty and staff are invited to gather online for prayer and encouragement with Soul Connection Chapel via Zoom. Led by University chaplain Sara Barton, these sessions are being held every Wednesday from 9 AM to 9:20 AM. 

Students are encouraged to join in a weekly student chapel via Zoom at 10 AM on Wednesdays, beginning this week. These sessions will include special prayers and announcements for students and will be a dedicated weekly touchpoint for the student community. As a reminder, the convocation requirement for all Seaver students is complete for the semester, and all students will receive an A letter grade.   

President’s Briefing

President Gash will hold a special online President’s Briefing for faculty, staff, and students each Monday at 9 AM while the University maintains modified operations due to COVID-19. Archived viewing for each briefing will be available on the President’s Briefing website.

Emotional Support Resources

As the University community continues to adjust to this environment, the University recognizes some community members may be experiencing ongoing feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, or isolation. As a reminder, please remember the following resources are available:

• Students may contact the Counseling Center at 310.506.4210 or student.counseling.center@pepperdine.edu. The Counseling Center provides free, confidential emotional/psychological support to all Pepperdine students and will continue to do so using an online or telehealth format and/or make local referrals when appropriate. 
• Faculty and staff may access counseling services through their Employee Assistance Program. Details are available on the HR website or by contacting HR at 310.506.4397.
• Pastoral support is available to the Pepperdine community through the Office of the Chaplain. Contact chaplain Sara Barton at sara.barton@pepperdine.edu.

As always, the University encourages all students, faculty, and staff to stay informed and follow the guidance and direction of local authorities. The latest information is available on the University’s COVID-19 website and Emergency Information Page.

University Actions Following Safer at Home Orders

Posted on March 20, 2020, 1:42 PM Updated on March 24, 2020, 1:56 PM

Pepperdine’s Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) has carefully evaluated the Safer at Home directives announced by Los Angeles County and the State of California. We understand these orders raise additional questions about what our community can and cannot do, and Pepperdine’s updated policies reflect our community’s intent to support the public health effort and comply with these orders. Your help in adhering to these new mandates reflects Pepperdine’s commitment to our family, our neighbors, and the global community.  We are grateful for your cooperation in these unprecedented times.

Based on these orders, the EOC has taken the following actions:

1. In accordance with stay-at-home provisions, commuter students should remain at their homes and not access University campuses while these orders are in effect. If this causes an academic challenge, contact the associate dean of commuter students, Stacy Montgomery.
2. All University library locations are now closed until further notice. Remote library services remain available.
3. Graduate campuses are now closed to all visitors, but remain open to faculty and staff for essential purposes. 
4. All campus bookstores are now closed.
5. The John Tyler Drive booth entrance on the Malibu campus is now closed. All traffic on to campus will go through the Seaver Drive booth until further notice.
6. Interim Restrictions for Campus Visitors have been updated to allow only essential invited guests on the Malibu campus using the visitor form. 
7. Interim Travel Restrictions have been extended through April 19. Any essential University travel must receive prior approval by the EOC. 
8. All in-person University events have been suspended through April 19.
9. All faculty and staff should work remotely when possible. Faculty and staff may access campuses to facilitate remote distance learning or perform essential functions if that work cannot be accomplished remotely. Supervisors should ensure the minimum number of Critical Support Personnel are reporting to work to maintain essential University operations.

Reminder on Social Distancing

The orders reinforce social distancing measures, and the University is committed to honoring these important directives. All gatherings of 10 or more people are prohibited, and gatherings of less than 10 people must adhere to strict social distancing requirements. 

President’s Briefing via Zoom on Monday at 9 AM

All faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend a special online President’s Briefing this Monday, March 23, beginning at 9 AM. As always, this briefing will begin with a devotional after which President Gash will provide additional updates to the community and answer questions you may have. The Zoom link will be accessible from the President’s Briefing website.

The EOC remains on campus to lead this effort, continually addressing ongoing issues, and utilizing video conferencing to adhere to social distancing mandates. We are fully committed to you and your well-being during this time and will continue to provide updates to you in future messages. The latest information is always available on the University’s COVID-19 website and Emergency Information Page.