As the Feb. 28 deadline looms, an estimated 700 Cal State University Bakersfield students risk losing access to Canvas due to failing to upload either proof of an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination or an exemption form, stated Ilaria Pesca at an Associated Students INC Board of Directors meeting held via Zoom on Feb. 25. 

“…we’re really talking probably as of yesterday about 700 students… but we started this process with like over 3,000, so we’ve had so many students come into compliance and the goal really would be to make sure that we’re in a situation that every single student is not getting locked out of Canvas, and it is a pretty quick turn around for students to get into compliance. Again, even if that’s uploading their exemption forms…” Pesca stated during the executive director report. 

Proof of vaccination can be uploaded to the CSUB health portal. Exemption forms can be downloaded there, as well. 

Access to Canvas will be restored within 48 hours of uploading proof of vaccination or receiving an exemption.

Medical and religious exemptions granted in fall of 2021 are still valid for spring of 2022. While those with medical or religious exemptions can still access campus as long as they submit to weekly testing, those who attend class solely online can request an administrative exemption. Students granted an administrative exemption will not have to submit to weekly testing, as long as they do not access any CSUB campus facilities or programs.  

Weekly testing will take place in the student union multi-purpose room until further notice. It was previously being held in the Stockdale Room, adjacent to the Runner Café.