For Students

Q: Are all Scripps students required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination?

A: In alignment with the other colleges in the consortium, all Scripps students are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, whether living in Scripps housing or not. Students do have the opportunity to request for a medical or religious exemption through Student Health Services.

Q: Are flu shots required?

A: Yes, all students will be required to receive the flu shot. Student Health Services will be hosting flu clinics for Scripps College. The deadline to have this completed is Monday, October 31st. You can obtain the Flu Vaccine at Student Health Services (SHS) Monday through Friday or at your local pharmacy. You can upload your flu vaccine documentation using this secure Box link. In addition, you can also email your documentation to: [email protected]. It is recommended that if you email your documentation that you use your campus email account. Personal email accounts such as gmail, yahoo, hotmail, etc., are not secured. Failure to get the flu shot by the deadline will result in a hold being placed on your account and you will be unable to register for classes.

Q: How do I demonstrate proof of vaccination? By when do I need to submit my completed health forms?

A: As with other required immunizations, a record of your vaccines should be provided to Student Health Services (SHS). Please upload vaccination and medical records through the Student Health Services Portal. You may request exemptions for a medical reason or religious objection here.

New students must have their physician complete a more comprehensive health form, located here. Once completed, please follow instructions for uploading or sending the form to SHS.

If you are a returning student and do not have a completed health form on file with SHS, you will be expected to provide the form prior to fall arrival. Further questions regarding immunizations and vaccines should be directed to Student Health Services.

All health forms are due to the college by August 1. Failure to provide a health from may impact a student’s ability to access their assigned room and campus buildings.

Q: How do I complete a COVID test (Vending Machines)?

A: After the week of September 6, the College will observe opt-in testing, although we strongly recommend students continue to test. All students are required to test immediately (within 24 hours) of onset of COVID-like symptoms. COVID testing will ONLY be available at the six vending machines across the consortium. The SHS Testing site is closing as of February 1, 2023. There are six machines located throughout Claremont Colleges making it easy and convenient to get your free test kit. Students can use any vending machines regardless of attending institution. The Scripps College vending machine remains in the 240 Testing Center with 24-hour access, and nursing support Monday – Thursday, until February 28, 2023. For a list of all COVID-19 Vending Machines, please check here.

Samples may be deposited in the bin adjacent to the vending machines Sunday through Friday and the lab will pick up samples at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

• Be sure to drop off your specimen shortly after collection (within 2 hours).
• Samples should NOT be dropped off between Fridays at 5pm and Saturdays at 5pm. Samples provided during this period will become expired and rejected by the lab.

Q: How do I use the COVID-19 Test Kit Vending Machines?

A: Please visit the COVID Test Kit Webpage for full details on using and locating the machines, including a video with testing step-by-step guidance.

Q: How will I be notified of my results?

A: All students will be notified of their results through their Scripps Email and Student Health Portal.

Q: What If I get a positive test result?

A: Please see COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine tab below.

Q: What do I do if I feel sick?

A: If you are feeling sick, please test immediately and always wear a medical grade/surgical grade mask. Wash your hands and practice precaution around others. Students should not go to class or attend social events if they are feeling sick. Students can call Student Health Services for an appointment or 7C.Health for support and referrals.

Q: What are the testing protocols for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students?

A: Testing for all community members at Scripps will be optional unless you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms in which you would be required to test within 48 hours of onset of symptoms. Although COVID-19 testing is no longer mandatory, students are still encouraged to participate in voluntary screening tests. Scripps College has set a threshold of at least 15% of students testing voluntarily on a weekly basis. If we do not meet this threshold and/or if there is a shift in COVID trends, we may require SOME or ALL students to engage in COVID screenings at random.

• Please note that if you are randomly selected to test, that you must do so within 72 hours of receiving your notice. Students who fail to follow the testing guidelines may be subjected to conduct process. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Shawnice Ross at [email protected] for assistance.

Q: Do I have to participate in COVID-19 Testing after Spring Break?

A: Students who are symptomatic (present cold/flu-like symptoms), will be required to test for COVID-19 immediately (within 24 hours) of onset of symptoms. If the initial test is negative but they continue to have symptoms, students should test again 24-48 hours later. Based on current scientific information provided by Student Health Services and other medical personnel, Scripps will not require asymptomatic (no symptoms present) testing for students after returning from Spring Break. Although asymptomatic COVID-19 testing is not required after the break, anyone who would like to test is welcome to continue opt-in testing via the vending machines.

Q: What do I do if I test positive?

A: The COVID-19 Student Affairs Coordinator or a Student Affairs staff member will initiate contact with you. They will be in touch as soon as possible to provide instructions. They will:

• Check on your health and symptom status,
• Establish your isolation dates,
• Answer any questions you may have,
• Instruct you on contact tracing, and
• Assign you to isolation housing as required.

Please note, the lab results emails come in at all different times throughout the day and evening. If you receive your positive test result any time after 7:00pm, you will be contacted the following morning between 8am and noon. While you wait for communication, you should take all the steps indicated below.  For any urgent medical needs please reach out to the Scripps College Dean on-call (DOC) via campus safety at (909) 607-2000.

While you await contact, please take these immediate steps:

• Email the COVID-19 Student Affairs Coordinator, Shawnice Ross, and DOC with your accurate cell phone number so they can contact you.
• Immediately begin wearing a medical grade mask at all times and in all locations to protect others.
• Go to and remain in your own room to minimize contact with all others. If you receive your positive test results after 7:00pm, and you have a roommate(s), be diligent about wearing your mask in your own room until you are contacted the following morning.
• Email your faculty members to let them know that you will be placed in isolation and will be back in touch with them once you have your isolation dates.
• Complete your COVID-19 Intake Form (found in your student health portal provided by contact tracing).
• All students who test positive for COVID-19 will be moved in isolation housing location. It will be helpful to begin preparations to be relocated. You can start packing up a bag with the following:
  • Comforter, bedding sheets, towel and wash cloth, clothes, toiletries, medications, some snacks, computer/phone/headphones and charging cables – everything you may need for up to 10 days of isolation.
  • For a full list of items, please see attachment here.

Q: Will I be able to test out of isolation?

A: Effective as of March 13, 2023, COVID-19 cases in isolation can end their isolation after 5 days (so, on Day 6) WITHOUT any antigen testing needed as long as:

• Symptoms are not present, or are mild and improving, AND
• Fever-free for 24-hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication).
• If fever is present, isolation continues until 24 hours after fever resolves.
• If symptoms, other than fever, are not improving, continue to isolate until symptoms are improving or until after Day 10.
• Mask wearing will continue to be required when around others even after isolation ends, especially in indoor settings, for a total of 10 days.

Once a student has been released, they should contact the COVID-19 Student Affairs Coordinator to schedule transportation from isolation housing back to their Scripps Housing assignment.

Q: What do I do if I have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

A: It is important to be prepared for any emergency no matter what the cause. To ensure that you are ready, you should make plans if you and your animal are placed in isolation.

How to prepare:

• Make sure your ESA has appropriate and up to date shots.
  • Core Vaccines for dogs: 
    • Distemper (CDV)
    • Adenovirus-2 (CAV-2/hepatitis)
    • Parvovirus (CPV)
    • Parainfluenza (CPiV)
    • Bordetella bronchiseptica
  • Core Vaccines for cats:
    • Feline herpesvirus-1 (feline viral rhinotracheitis/FHV-1)
    • Feline calicivirus (FCV)
    • Feline panleukopenia (FPV)
• Make sure your animal has a pet collar and tag where they can easily be identified.
• Have an emergency bag ready to go with the following: a leash, two weeks of food, a bowl, and carrier (if applicable).

When in Isolation, please keep in mind the following rules related to ESAs:

• Masks are always required when walking an ESA or having it outside for any purpose.
• As a housing accommodation, an ESA must stay within the vicinity of Oasis (the primary housing residence during the time of isolation).

If you determine that you cannot care for ESA during isolation, please develop a plan with the following:

• Identify a family member, friend, or Pet Boarding business that can care for the animal while you are in isolation. Please note that other Scripps and Claremont College students are not allowed to have an animal in the residence halls without an approved accommodation and this cannot exceed beyond one animal. This means that this family and friend cannot be someone here at the Claremont Colleges.
• As noted above, make sure your ESA has appropriate shots (have copies of their vaccinations records in an envelope ready to go), as well as an emergency bag with food and all other necessities.
• Once you have developed a plan, please have it ready to provide to ARS ([email protected]) with the following information: Boarding Location (Name, address, and phone number), method to get the animal to the Boarding Location, Location of vet records, pet carrier, leash, and any other important items.

For more information to prepare, please refer to the Center for Disease Control: Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit

Q: What do I do if I have a service animal? 

A: Service animals are federally protected given their role being tied to a disability of their owner. The service animal is as an extension of its owner because they provide an essential service to the daily functioning of an individual. Service animals are allowed to isolate with their owner if their owner goes into isolation. It is the responsibility of the owner of the service animal to relay this information prior to being transported and placed into isolation housing for instructions and additional guidance.

Q: Will I be able to dine in at the Malott Commons?

A: Currently, Malott is at 80 percent capacity in the dining areas and full capacity in the servery. Masks are strongly recommended in the servery area. New signage will be posted that reflects this change. For continual updates and the most recent information on dining, please visit the Scripps Dining site available on Inside Scripps.

Q: What are my meal plan options?

A: Malott Dining is pleased to offer a 19-meal weekly plan option in addition to the five, 12, and 16-meal plans. All students living in Scripps-operated housing will be required to purchase a meal plan. Students living in spaces with personal kitchens will be assigned the five-meal plan and may opt to purchase a larger plan. Students living in residential spaces without personal kitchens will be assigned the 16-meal plan with the option to choose either the 12 or 19-meal plan.

Q: May I change my meal plan?

A: The deadline for meal plan changes is September 14. Questions regarding dining options should be referred to [email protected].

Q: Will I be able to use my meal plan at the other Claremont Colleges? Will cross-campus dining be available?

A: Yes, 5C dining will return this Fall starting on Sunday, August 28.

Q: When are meals served in the Malott Commons?

A: Monday-Friday: breakfast (7:30-9:30am); lunch (11am-1:30pm); dinner (5-8pm). Saturday-Sunday: brunch (10am-2pm); dinner (5-7pm)

Q: When are the mealtimes?

A: Monday-Friday: breakfast (7:30-10:45am); lunch (11am-5pm); dinner (5-8pm). Saturday-Sunday: brunch (10am-5pm); dinner (5-7pm).

Q: Are face coverings required while on campus?

A: Given the low positivity rate at the College and across the consortium, the campus masking requirement is removed except in the following campus locations:

• academic classes (per faculty discretion); and
• the 240 House Testing Center

Though we have lifted the mask mandate, we strongly encourage students to wear a mask inside and out when social distancing is not achievable.

Q: Where can I obtain a mask on campus?

A: Students will receive a package of masks during check-in. Each package includes an N-95 mask and 5 surgical masks. All Scripps College community members are recommended to wear surgical masks or higher. If you would like additional mask, you may obtain them from the 240 House and the Dean of Students office.

Q: Will indoor shared common spaces be open to students?

A: Yes. Shared common spaces and the Tiernan Field House (TFH) will be open to students. Currently, TFH will be at 75 percent capacity and will be limited to Scripps students, faculty and staff via reservations. The TFH pool is limited to the Scripps community, Claremont McKenna, and Harvey Mudd students. For more information, call TFH at (909) 607-8810 or visit the TFH website.

Q: Is there a guest policy for the residence halls?

A: Students are allowed two guest to assist with move-in. After move-in, only 7C students will be allowed in the residential halls.

Q: Will Tiernan Field House be open for activities?

A: Tiernan Field House will be open for activities. Masking in the field house is encouraged and reservations are required. TFH offers programs and services to support a holistic approach to wellness including group fitness classes, health and wellness programming, green bike program and drop-in use of cardiovascular and strength equipment and of course the pool. Watch for our schedules to come out for these programs and check our website for updates. We look forward helping your personal approach to wellness. Please use this LINK to make a reservation.

Q: What decisions have been made about 5C social events and guests from other campuses?

A: All 5C clubs and organizations are able to meet. All student events must be planned and organized through OSE.

Q: What do the new Student and Exchange and Visitor Program rules mean for students studying on F-1 visas?

A: The College continues to keep apprised of any developments relative to the Student and Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) and will notify international students should there be any changes impacting the current semester. Assistant Dean Dr. Marissiko Wheaton-Greer and Director of SCORE is the Primary Contact Dean, and Mr. Ge-Yao Liu, International Student Advisor/PDSO, are responsible for new and returning international students. Please let them know if there is any immediate assistance the College might be able to provide.

Q: Are there new restrictions on travel to the United States from abroad?

A: Yes.  As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight. For more information, see Rescission: Requirement for Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Result or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for all Airline or Other Aircraft Passengers Arriving into the United States from Any Foreign Country.

Q: I’m an international student who’s been vaccinated outside the US. Will Student Health Services accept my vaccination?

A: At this time, Student Health Services follows the CDC/LACDPH guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) for authorized vaccines. The CDC’s guidance document states that only people who have received all recommended doses of an FDA-authorized or WHO-listed COVID-19 vaccine are considered fully vaccinated for the purpose of public health guidance. The World Health Organization (WHO) website lists all vaccines currently authorized by the WHO. Please note that while the Sinopharm/BIBP vaccine is authorized by WHO, the Sinopharm/WIBP vaccine has not been authorized. The WHO will update their site as new information becomes available. Additional information from the CDC is available here.

We understand that some international students may not have access to a WHO-authorized vaccine. Students who are unable to be fully vaccinated by the deadline should reach out to their Primary Contact Dean. For further questions regarding vaccines and other support from Student Health Services, please visit the SHS website.

Q: I have a question about my visa. To whom should I reach out?

For questions regarding visas, please contact Mr. Ge-Yao Liu, International Student Advisor and Principal Designated School Official (PDSO).

Q: What can students expect from faculty when students are COVID positive and cannot attend class in person?

A: Faculty will provide an alternative for students who are not able to attend classes while COVID positive.

Q: Are tutors and note-takers available for students needing them?

A: Yes. The Scripps Tutoring Program provides free tutoring for any Scripps student who is enrolled in any course within The Claremont Colleges. Tutoring is a peer-based, one-on-one or small group service that will be held virtually this semester. All tutoring services are based on tutor availability and requests are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students may request the services of a tutor through the program. All tutor inquiries should be directed to [email protected].

MathSpot is a program offered by the Scripps Tutoring Program that provides drop-in tutoring for Scripps College math classes throughout the semester. The service is available for any student enrolled in a Scripps math course. MathSpot will be held virtually this semester every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. PST.

Additional requests should be directed to the Office of Academic Services at [email protected].

Q: What support and services are provided by the Writing Center?

A: For information about the range of support and services available to students, please contact Writing Center Director Glenn Simshaw.

Q: What accommodation resources are available?

A: Students interested in exploring the accommodation process should contact the Office of Academic Resources and Services (ARS)—click here to learn more.

Q: What should I do if I think I’m getting sick?

A: You might experience symptoms that would normally be attributed to cold and flu but are now read as COVID-19 symptoms. If you begin to experience any symptoms, the first and most important thing to do is to remain calm. Please get a test within 48 hours of onset of symptoms. If you have any questions, please reach out to Shawnice Ross, the COVID-19 Student Affairs Coordinator.

Q: What mental health services are available to students?

A: Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Scripps students may access services online. Additionally, Scripps is continuing its Off-Campus Therapy Referral (OCTR) Program that connects students to approved counselors in their respective communities and provides financial assistance to those students needing help paying counselor fees. Currently, many therapists have an online or telephone option.

Q: What student medical services are available?

A: The Claremont Colleges have contracted with TimelyMD, a provider of online medical and counseling services. To access these services, students should visit the Campus.Health website or download the free TimelyMD mobile app for Apple or Android. Create a profile and at checkout, enter Scripps’ coupon code SCRIPPS2020.

Additional medical support:

Students can contact Student Health Services (SHS) on weekdays to schedule an appointment to see a provider to discuss their symptoms and get a COVID test. If a student received a test from a SHS test tent COVID and do not see a provider, the student will not receive a medical evaluation regarding symptoms. Based on assessment of symptoms, a SHS provider will advise the student on isolation or quarantine and provide an update to the College via the Dean on-call so students are supported in adhering to the recommendation.

Q: What other student wellness resources are available?

A: We have increased resources dedicated to student wellness. Through 7C.Health, on-demand 24/7 virtual medical visits will continue to be available to students. Students may schedule counseling with the same provider for up to 12 sessions.

Student mental health support will come from a variety of sources, including Monsour, Scripps Off-Campus Therapy Referral (OCTR) program, and TalkNow, an on-demand 24/7 tele-counseling option available to both domestic and international students. TalkNow is not just for students in crisis.

Telemedicine and tele-counseling access are being provided at no additional cost to enrolled students. OCTR, overseen by our Case Management Office, provides subsidies of up to $75 per session to cover counseling costs for a local therapist, many of whom will provide services through online platforms.

Wellness programming will continue to extend beyond physical and mental well-being. Be sure to check out the Tiernan Field House wellness resources for information on how you can get involved and stay well during the academic year!

For additional information regarding resources and how to access them, please refer to the Scripps Resource Guide for Students.