Cal State East Bay on-campus housing sees full capacity for first time since pandemic

After more than two years with COVID-19 restrictions, California State University, East Bay is welcoming new and returning students to on-campus housing at full capacity this weekend.

Move-ins began Aug. 11 and continue through Saturday. While at full capacity, there are safety measures meant to ensure a smooth and healthy transition into the semester. For example, residents are required to take COVID tests during their first week on campus and some may be tested before they officially move in, according to a news release from the university.

“We will be conducting a wellness screening prior to residents receiving their keys,” CSU East Bay associate vice president of student affairs Mark Almeida said in a statement. “It will all be done in the parking lot as we have done in the last couple of years. If residents state they have been exposed or have symptoms, they will be sent to immediate COVID testing.”

“Our campus vaccination rate is 95 percent. We’re still taking precautions and have testing systems in place. What’s most important is keeping everyone safe.”

My-Lan Huynh, CSUEB director of university housing

Protocols include designated self-isolation spaces in case of infections. The California State University system also requires faculty and staff who access any campus facilities to be vaccinated against COVID. A booster clinic is available on-campus to assist with students meeting requirements, and residence halls will host a booster clinic at the end of August.

“Our campus vaccination rate is 95 percent,” said My-Lan Huynh, the school’s director of university housing. “We’re still taking precautions and have testing systems in place. What’s most important is keeping everyone safe.”

Operating at full capacity with a majority vaccinated population brings about newfound security for Huynh, and she is optimistic for the year, a sentiment also reflected by the students and student leaders. As they pour into the dorms with their families, resident assistants are excited to kick off the year with programs and events meant to foster community on campus on the heels of two years of restrictions.

“All of us as student leaders are excited to have everyone back,” said Leilani Lopez, a senior political science student and Resident Hall Association president. “We’ve lost a lot of connection because of COVID and so we’ve planned a lot to get everyone excited for the year.”