SBCC Board approves resolution to require COVID-19 vaccinations

At a special Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees meeting held on August 5, 2021, the Board passed Resolution No. 1 COVID-19 Immunization. The resolution requires that on Oct. 1, 2021, or upon issuance of final FDA approval for at least one COVID-19 vaccine – whichever comes earlier – all students and employees and members of the public must provide valid documentation of “full” COVID-19 vaccination (as defined by the U.S. Center for Disease Control) to SBCC as a condition of (a) entering an SBCC campus building, (b) attending an in-person SBCC class, or (c) using a service located off-campus for obtaining an approved exemption based on medical, disability, religious grounds, or a deferral based on pregnancy.

With the new resolution, SBCC joins other institutions of higher education, including California State University and the University of California, in instituting a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for all individuals who enter its college facilities.

“This pandemic has created an ever evolving and unpredictable environment that will continue with the introduction of new variants,” said Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Helen Benjamin. “Our vaccination requirement is to ensure the health and safety of our students and employees.”

Current safety protocols remain in place for anyone entering SBCC campuses, including 1) face coverings required indoors for both vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals; 2) mandatory health questionnaire completed with a “cleared” status via SBCC's Healthy Roster system before entering campus buildings; and 3) social distancing recommended, regardless of vaccination status.

The Board-approved Resolution No. 1 COVID-19 Immunization can be found here.