Student Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Peralta follows CDC guidelines regarding the definition of fully vaccinated; however, we will allow students/employees who have received one dose of a two-shot regimen to access Peralta property while in the process of being fully vaccinated if they are tested weekly and do not have a positive test.
Student Resources
Peralta Student COVID-19 Vaccine Policy
As a condition of, and, for permission to access all properties controlled by the Peralta Community College District (PCCD) all students must provide proof of “full” COVID-19 vaccination (as defined by the U.S. Center for Disease Control) or submit a request for exemption on medical, disability, religious grounds, or a deferral based on pregnancy.
COVID-19 Vaccination/Masking Requirement Administrative Protocol
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
Do I need to be vaccinated/How do I enter my vaccination status?
Yes, there is a mandatory vaccination policy that includes students. You are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as you can. The Chancellor’s statement is here.
Students accessing in-person courses (including hybrid) and face-to-face services (for example, the library, counseling, tutoring, etc.) are required to upload proof of full vaccination, unless they have a pre-approved medical or religious exemption on file with the District. Proof of vaccination or exemption must be uploaded at least five (5) working days in advance of coming onto campus. Students taking 100% online classes are not required to upload vaccination proof unless they come to campus for any reason.
Your vaccination status is managed in Campus Solutions (where enrollment, fees and financial aid, grades etc. are managed)
Instructions for entering your vaccination status HERE - video instructions HERE
Instructions for exempt, unvaccinated students to enter their weekly COVID-19 test HERE - video HERE
The tile in Campus Solutions is in the top-right corner
When your Vaccination records have been recorded and accepted, the icon will change:
I am taking an in-person class on campus. What steps do I need to take?
1) Download the Campus Shield App on your phone or mobile device (Found on Google Play or Apple App Store).
Instructions for the mobile app are available here while instructions for the desktop app are available HERE.
The screening questions for daily access are available here.
If you cannot download the App, come to one of the three checkpoints and they will print you a daily pass to use. If you need help getting the App set up, there will be people to help you at the checkpoints.
2) Check in using the App. (You can do this before setting foot on campus.). Each time you want to come to campus,
Open the app
Answer the health questions there
If you get a green checkmark screen, you may come to campus. If you get a yellow or red screen in error, call (510) 902-6022 or email campusshield1@peralta.edu.
If you have a red screen, contact Dr. Mia Kelly, Director of Health Services, who works with the Peralta District and can assist you. She may be reached at mkelly@peralta.edu. If you are Students in need of health care may visit the Oakland Roots Community Health Center, located at 7272 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland, CA (510) 633-7077 between the hours of 8:30-5:00. Call the clinic first to schedule an appointment.
If you feel that you reached the red screen in error or have a yellow screen, visit one of the campus checkpoints for assistance.
What if I am partially vaccinated?
You must test weekly for COVID-19 until fully vaccinated. Full vaccination occurs two weeks after receiving your second injection of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations or two weeks after receiving the single J&J vaccination.
Do any of the vaccines contain either pork products or fetal cells?
Many are citing the use of pork products or fetal cells in vaccines as the reason for their religious objections to getting vaccinated. There are neither pork products or fetal cells used in the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson and Johnson vaccines.
I have reasons why I do not want to be vaccinated but want to attend a Peralta College. What can I do?
For students who feel they are exempt from taking the vaccine, fill out these forms and return all docs to hr@peralta.edu
For a medical exemption, fill out both of these forms:
Medical Exemption and Certification from a Medical Professional and submit to hr@peralta.edu
For a religious exemption, fill out this form
Religious Exemption and submit to hr@peralta.edu
If exempt, you need to submit weekly testing results in Campus Solutions.
If I have an exemption on file and am not required to be vaccinated, do I need to get tested weekly?
Yes. You will need to submit your weekly testing results in Campus Solutions. For a brief video explaining how, click HERE
Alameda County offers free COVID-19 testing services. Please visit their Community Testing Calendar for locations and information.
For information on Berkeley COVID-19 testing opportunities, go here
Roots Clinic offers COVID-19 testing Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5 pm at 7272 MacArthur Blvd
In partnership with Carbon Health, the City of Berkeley is standing up a testing site behind City Hall located at 2180 Milvia (corner of Center & Milvia). Testing services will be available Monday through Friday from 9:00-4:00. Walk-ups are welcome. To save time, creating an account and scheduling an appointment using this link is highly encouraged.
Is there a penalty for providing false documentation that I have been vaccinated?
Students may be disciplined for violations of Board Policy and Administrative Procedure. See BP 5500 and AP 5500 Article 4 Section 8: Dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism (including plagiarism in a student publication), forgery, alteration or misuse of college documents, records, or identification documents, or furnishing false information to the college.
I am only studying online. Am I required to be vaccinated?
Our policy is that all students should be vaccinated but for Spring 2022 we are focusing enforcement on students coming to campus. Students accessing in-person courses (including hybrid) and face-to-face services (for example, the library, counseling, tutoring, etc.) are required to upload proof of full vaccination, unless they have a pre-approved medical or religious exemption on file with the District. Proof of vaccination or exemption must be uploaded at least five (5) working days in advance of coming onto campus. Students taking 100% online classes are not required to upload vaccination proof unless they come to campus for any reason.
Do I need to wear a mask?
Masks are required to be worn indoors while on Peralta Community College District (PCCD) property.
Where can I get vaccinated or tested?
As of August 17, 2022, PCCD is no longer providing testing on campus. Please visit https://safe.peralta.edu/covid-19-vaccine for a list of available testing locations.
Register HERE for vaccination via Alameda County Public Health Department.
You may be tested and vaccinated at the Oakland Roots Community Health Center, located at 9925 International Boulevard, Oakland, 94603 (Phone: 510-777-1177). For more vaccine and testing information, go HERE
What are COVID symptoms?
(1) fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or chills; (2) cough; (3) shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; (4) fatigue; (5) muscle or body aches; (6) headache; (7) new loss of taste or smell; (8) sore throat; (9) congestion or runny nose; (10) nausea or vomiting; or (11) diarrhea, unless a licensed health care professional determines the person’s symptoms were caused by a known condition other than COVID-19.
If I test positive for COVID-19 or are exposed, what should I do?
Look HERE for our most current guidance. LINK
Where can I express my concerns about vaccination or other policies?
The District welcomes any and all concerns, which should be directed to hr@peralta.edu .