Written by: Ritchie Bermudez

Please click here for a message from the Office of the President and additional updates and details on the vaccine requirement.

Beginning Oct. 15, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test will be required for all students, employees, and visitors who access Cuesta College campuses and facilities. More details to follow. 

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cuesta College will require vaccination for students, employees, and visitors to access its campuses and facilities. In a special meeting on Aug. 25, the San Luis Obispo County Community College District Board of Trustees voted 5-1 to approve Resolution 09-21, directing Cuesta College Superintendent / President Dr. Jill Stearns to develop administrative procedures for a vaccine requirement to be fully implemented by Oct. 15.

“Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing COVID-19, and the resolution passed by the Board of Trustees strengthens Cuesta College’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of our students and employees,” said Dr. Stearns. 

Cuesta College’s vaccine resolution follows the recommendations and directions of federal, state, and local health agencies and the FDA approval of the first COVID-19 vaccine. It is consistent with vaccine requirements adopted by California’s K-12 educational institutions and higher education systems, including the California State University, the University of California, and dozens of California community colleges.

“Our goal is to ensure our students’ completion of their educational goals and provide the safest in-person learning environment as possible, and a vaccinated campus community supports that goal,” said Board of Trustees President Mary Strobridge.

Cuesta College’s fall semester began Aug. 16 with health and safety protocols under the Safe Reopening Plan. Following CDC guidelines, proper face coverings are required in all indoor public areas and shared spaces for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. In alignment with CDC disinfecting protocols, classrooms and office spaces are regularly sanitized. Mobile air filtration units and ion-enhanced ventilation systems have been installed to improve air quality in buildings.

Cuesta College recently announced incentives to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Students who provide proof of complete vaccination can receive a $250 cash gift card and be eligible for a $5,000 scholarship. For additional details about the Cuesta College Vaccine Challenge, please visit bit.ly/vaccinateCuesta.

In partnership with SLO County Public Health, walk-in clinics for the free vaccine are available to students, employees, and the community on both Cuesta College campuses during the following dates and times:

  • Monday, Aug. 30 | San Luis Obispo Campus | 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | 1400T by parking lot 5
    • Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson (first and second doses available)
  • Wednesday, Sept. 1 | North County Campus in Paso Robles | 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Campus Center, behind the cafeteria
    • Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson (first and second doses available)

For more information about SLO County’s vaccine clinics and hours of operation, please visit bit.ly/vaccinateSLO. Vaccination appointments are also available on the California Department of Public Health’s My Turn website.

For daily updates and information on Cuesta College’s ongoing pandemic response, please visit cuesta.edu/covid-19/index.html.