The entire UCLA Community plays a vital role in slowing the spread of COVID-19. In order to create a safe environment at UCLA and in the Westwood neighborhoods, it is crucial that fraternity and sorority members follow the guidelines set forth by UCLA, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), and any State guidelines or mandates.
The following guidance needs to be followed by all chapter facilities as they are considered shared or congregate housing. Please review them with your risk management team and housing manager, your local advisors and house corporation boards, and your inter/national staff and headquarters.
As part of each chapter’s compliance with OFSL’s Expectations of Recognition, chapters are required to submit risk management policies annually. Each chapter will need to include their changes and adaptations to these policies due to the impact of COVID-19. Should the chapter have a chapter facility, each submission should also include a plan for their chapter facility and the facility’s live-in list, including all members and non-members.
Currently, UCLA is offering housing in on-campus residential facilities at a single occupancy. It is highly recommended that all students de-densify their living environment, be that on-campus, in apartments, or in a chapter facility. Please review these resources for single and bunk-bed placement to help maintain distance from roommates if you need to share your living space. These additional guidelines are available from the CDC and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for best practices in cleaning.
At this time, UCLA has cancelled all on-campus gatherings. Additionally, at this time, UCLA's Greek Councils are not reviewing or registering events.
Chapter Resources for Chapter Facilities or Shared Housing
These resources offer guidance for dedensification, choosing residents, and developing move-in and move-out scenarios.
Common SpacesFind guidance for shared spaces whether you living in a chapter facility, apartment, or private home.
Responding to Quarantine or IsolationBe prepared to respond to a resident or member who needs to quarantine or isolate. Remember campus housing is not guaranteed.
Resources for Staff or VisitorsIt is recommended that only residents and staff are on property. These resources offer guidance for guest policies and visitor questionnaires.
LA County Department of Public Health Requirements
We have been made aware that the LACDPH's Health Officers may make visits to chapter houses to ensure that they are following the reopening protocols, toolkits, and guidance that all congregate/shared living settings are required to follow. Visit the LACDPH Website for reopening protocols and guidance.
As part of the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life's Expectations of Recognition chapters with houses will be required to fill out the following applicable protocols and submit them for review in partnership with UCLA's Office of Environmental Health & Safety. Submission link will be included shortly.
Reopening Protocol for Hotels, Lodging and Short-Term Rentals
Reopening Protocol for Gyms and Fitness Establishments
Reopening Protocol for Public Swimming Pools
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Officer Orders:
Update from August 4, 2020: The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a legally binding health officer order that prohibits public gatherings, including parties, during the coronavirus pandemic in order to protect the health and lives of country residents. Read the NBC Article for more information.
Updated July 31, 2020: Reviews no gatherings, requirements for masks, public demonstrations, and the statuses of community resources and businesses.
But I want to see my friends, can't we just hang out? No. Per the LACDPH, individual and family gatherings or parties of any size aren’t allowed. However, vehicle (car) parades are now allowed so that graduations, birthdays and other special days and achievements may be safely celebrated. See the Vehicle-Based Parade Protocol for rules and requirements.
California State public health directives prohibit professional, social and community gatherings. Gatherings are defined as meetings or other events that bring together persons from multiple households at the same time for a shared or group experience in a single room, space, or place such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, or other indoor or outdoor space. They pose an especially high danger of transmission and spread of COVID-19.
On May 25, 2020, in an effort to balance First Amendment interests with public health, the State Public Health Officer created an exception to the prohibition against mass gatherings for faith-based services and cultural ceremonies as well as protests. Check the Governor's website for additional information.
Where can students get tested for COVID-19?
Students enrolled in UC SHIP, can receive COVID-19 PCR and antibody testing from the Ashe Center.
Students not enrolled in UC SHIP can seek testing through their county health department. The LACDPH is offering free testing regardless of insurance type. Visit their site for more information.
Students who do not have any symptoms and have not been contacted by a contact tracer, do not need to receive a COVID-19 PCR test. Tests should be limited when it is deemed medically necessary.
Reporting COVID Cases
Please have the member who is sick or has been contacted through a contact tracer call the Ashe Center COVID Hotline at (310) 206-6217.
Chapter Presidents will then fill out the Ashe-OFSL Report Form. This information will be sent to the Ashe Center to determine resources needed for the impacted member and chapter.
UCLA and Los Angeles County Resources
If you or a student needs additional help and support during these times, please visit the following UCLA Resources:
Center for Accessible Education (CAE)
Basic Needs Program & Virtual Food Closet
For additional Los Angeles County resources, visit the Los Angeles County resources website for information on more assistance on food, health, financial, housing, and childcare services.