COVID-19 Information

Access the Student Vaccine Exemption forms. 

Criteria for Medical Exemption

1. Allergy to a component of the vaccine.
2. Anaphylactic reaction to the 1st dose of the vaccine.
3. COVID-19 infection within the last 90 days. (This is a temporary exemption. Process beyond the 90 days is being developed.)

Process for Exemption Review

• Submission by email or in-person drop-off at the Student Health Center.

MEDICAL EXEMPTION FORM

1. Email the medical exemption form to mcshc@vcccd.edu
2. Drop-off to Student Health Center Office (located in the Administration Building) front desk.
3. Email responses will be sent to students by the Office of the Vice President of Student Support within 3 business days.

RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION FORM

1. Email the Dean of Student of Conduct Division Office at mcdivision128@vcccd.edu
2. Religious Exemption Assessment Team reviews and sends recommendations to the Vice President of Student Support.
3. Office of the Vice President of Student Support emails response to the student.

• The VCCCD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the policy COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for Employees and Students at its August 10, 2021 meeting to ensure the safety of employees and students on campus. 

• The policy requires everyone who accesses in-person campus and District programs or services to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a verified exemption, effective October 15, 2021. All students coming to campus will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved medical or religious exemption. Register for online classes if you are not verified fully vaccinated and do not have a medical or religious exemption at the time the courses begin. 

• “Fully vaccinated” means that 14 days have passed since your second shot of Pfizer or Moderna or 14 days have passed since your single dose of Johnson & Johnson. 

• A verified fully vaccinated student will only meet this requirement once they have uploaded a copy of their vaccination card or approved exemption to the MyVCCCD app. This process can take time—students are encouraged to upload their vaccination card ASAP. 

• If you’re having difficulty locating your vaccination card, you can access it at this California state website: https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov 

• Students may request a medical or religious exemption by visiting https://www.vcccd.edu/COVID19 

• Religious and medical exemptions are available, but not guaranteed, and can take time to process. These applications are thorough. The medical application requires written documentation from a medical professional and must be submitted with the application. 
  
• There are no personal waivers for students to self-certify that they comply with the vaccine requirement. Some students are mistakenly under the impression they or their parents can request a "waiver" for compliance to the vaccine requirement. This statement is inaccurate; students must submit a religious or medical exemption for approval.
   
• If a student’s exemption request is denied, they will be expected to be verified fully vaccinated before attending an in-person class. Visit Alerts | Moorpark College to access Moorpark’s exemption forms. Religious exemptions request must be emailed to MCDivsion128@vcccd.edu and the medical exemption form can be emailed to mcshc@vcccd.edu
  

If you would like to request a religious exemption to the COIVD-19 vaccine mandate, go to the Ventura County Community College District website https://www.vcccd.edu/COVID19 and complete the COVID-19 Student Religious Exemption Forms 1-AS and Form 1-BS. After completing the form, email it to MCDIVISION128@vcccd.edu. 

Students must use the district forms. Other forms or documents may be added to the district forms as supplemental support. 

A student must have a “sincerely held religious belief” in order to be considered for a religious exemption. The individual should identify their sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance that prohibits them from getting vaccinated. The argument cannot be founded on political or social ideas. You must express the comprehensive nature of your religion and belief-system and that is not an isolated teaching. It can include formal or external signs of a religion, for example, teachers or leaders, services or ceremonies, structure or organization, orders of worship, or articles of faith like holidays. Lastly, the individual should explain the nature and tenants of their religious belief, practice, or observance that conflicts with the District’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. 

The religious exemption request should clearly articulate the religious basis for the accommodation through complete answers to the questions on the form. Providing examples in your request is recommended to provide context to your beliefs and how you adhere to them. 

The district will provide you with a decision within 12 days of the date your request is submitted. 

If you are utilizing our online services, courses, and resources exclusively, you need not do anything. However, if you are seeking to come on campus or visit our district office, you must be verified fully vaccinated before utilizing any of our in-person services, courses, and resources. 

If your request was not approved at this time, it does not preclude you from submitting an additional request. 

March 17, 2022: Update

We are fortunate to be at a point where COVID-19 seven-day PCR testing positivity rates and COVID hospitalizations in Ventura County have continued a steady decline. The CDC COVID-19 guidelines and state and local public health orders have modified the wearing of face masks indoors from mandatory to highly recommended. Ventura County is currently categorized in the “Low” COVID-19 community level, according to CDC parameters. The wearing of face masks indoors is optional in counties at this level, and the Ventura County Public Health orders align with this change. The K-12 system and other higher education institutions in the county have already or will soon make the wearing of face masks indoors optional.  

Throughout the pandemic, our colleges have made adjustments in protocols based upon current data and guidelines, orders, and regulations from appropriate agencies. We are now able to consider a change to the requirement to wear a face mask indoors at all VCCCD locations. We have set a target date of Monday, April 11, 2022, to lift the mask mandate and move toward highly recommending the use of masks indoors at all VCCCD locations for all employees, students, and visitors. Communications and signage will strongly recommend the wearing of face masks indoors for everyone. The District will continue to have face masks available upon request. Individuals who have received an exemption from the vaccine mandate should continue to follow the required safety provisions according to their exemption.

There will be a range of feelings and perspectives regarding this change, and I would ask that you accept individual decisions regarding the wearing of face masks indoors.

We will continue to monitor COVID-19 rates and will reinstate the mask mandate if we return to unsafe levels — though we remain hopeful that COVID-19 rates remain low.

Best regards,
Greg Gillespie, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Ventura County Community College District

March 15, 2022: Update

VCCCD continues to require masks for all employees, students, and the community at all of our sites.

March 11, 2022: Update

VCCCD continues to require masks for all employees, students, and the community at all of our sites.

February 15, 2022: Update

VCCCD Students,

Welcome back to campus! We are excited to have you back for in-person classes.

You may have heard that California and Ventura County will lift the mask mandate this week. We wanted to let you know that VCCCD will continue to require masks for all employees, students, and the community at all of our sites, through at least the end of the spring semester.
Here’s why:

Unvaccinated people will still be required to wear masks after the local order requiring masking in all indoor public places is lifted on Wednesday, February 16, 2022.

• Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, will continue to be required to wear masks in schools, along with healthcare facilities, childcare settings, homeless shelters, emergency shelters, corrections, long-term care facilities and public transit.

• Ventura County Public Health still strongly recommends that masks be used by everyone as an effective tool to prevent the spread of the virus, especially when case rates are high or when additional personal protection is needed. This includes people who have been vaccinated and boosted.

• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to recommend face-coverings.

The District believes it is in the best interest of our campus communities that all students, employees, and community members, regardless of vaccination status, continue to wear a face-covering at all times when on-site at one of the campuses and the District Administrative Center. Remember, the mask should cover both the mouth and nose. Because food is not allowed in classrooms, or other indoor learning and service spaces on campus, masks should remain on the entire time a person is in class or receiving services such as counseling or library assistance.

We will continue monitoring local, state, and federal guidelines to keep our campuses and the community healthy and safe.

Thank you for making your educational goals a priority during this time. It is well worth the hard work you’re putting in.

A Message from President Sokenu on February 10, 2022:

Moorpark College Raiders,

The faculty, staff, and administrators at Moorpark College look forward to having those students returning to in-person instruction back on campus. We promise to keep you safe and to continue to provide the best learning experience as you pursue your academic and career goals.

To properly welcome you back on Monday, February 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the Associated Students of Moorpark College will be hosting a Valentine’s Day-themed event on the Quad (in front of the MC Bookstore and Science buildings). There will  be free burgers, veggie wraps, hot chocolate and sweets. Come for the free shirts, buttons, cards for your valentine or loved ones and much more. See the attached flyer for more details.

There will be plenty of opportunities in the coming weeks and months for you to meet your fellow students, faculty, and staff and also enjoy the Moorpark College spirit. Please join me on Wednesday, February 16, for lunch in the Solar Village. Solar Village is in Parking Lot A under the solar panels with seats and tables for gathering. You may bring your own lunch or reserve a free box lunch by contacting Linda Resendiz (lresendiz@vcccd.edu) by 3 p.m. on Monday, February 14.

Please remember the following before you come onto campus on Monday:

Only vaccinated students and those with an approved exemption can be on-site. All health and safety protocols currently in place will continue, including:

• Daily screening
• Wearing face masks that cover both nose and mouth
• Twice-weekly testing for those with medical or religious exemptions (see below)

•  Detailed information is available at VCCCD COVID-19 Information. We are continuing to monitor state and local public health orders and recommendations and will adjust VCCCD protocols if necessary.
• To be cleared to come on campus next week, people who have an approved exemption are required to get two (2) tests this week. The tests can be taken on consecutive days but not the same day. The LabLINQ testing stations on our campuses are open to serve you. If you need to get tested off-campus, please visit County Covid testing information for locations and appointments.   
• If you test off-campus, please remember that test results must:    
  • Show that the test is PCR   
  • Include your first and last name  
  • Include your date of birth  
  • Include the test and report dates  
  • Include the test result  
• If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days, please get tested.  
• We strongly encourage you to get a COVID-19 booster shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines state the best protection against COVID-19 is to be vaccinated and get a booster. Ventura County vaccination information is available at Ventura County Recovers. You can schedule a vaccination appointment online at MyTurn.   

 We’re Here to Help 

• If you are feeling stressed, lonely or depressed, our mental health counselors are here for you. Please reach out for free, confidential services.
• Access the many resources (Student Services) available to help you navigate your semester. Please make an appointment to visit (online or in-person) one of our offices on campus. All offices will be available in-person for fully vaccinated/verified and exempted students.   

We also wanted to let you know that the District is launching a new, user-friendly MyVCCCD portal for students and employees. Sneak a peek at the new portal before the official switchover on 2.22.22.  

Lastly, welcome back to those of you returning to campus, and for those already on campus we are glad to support you and please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Go Moorpark College Raiders!

Julius Sokenu, Ed.D
President, Moorpark College

Attending more than one VCCCD college?

• Oxnard College President Luis Sanchez’s Spring Semester Update
• Ventura College President Kim Hoffmans’ Spring Semester Update

Notice: Fake Testing Sites

Beware of fake testing sites seeking personal information and money.

 Legitimate testing sites are run by the State, Ventura County Public Health, pharmacies, or licensed companies.

Visit http://www.vcrecovers.org/testing or https://covid19.ca.gov/get-tested/ for a list of valid testing sites.

###

Tenga cuidado con los sitios de prueba falsos que buscan información personal y dinero.

Los sitios de prueba legítimos están a cargo del Estado, El Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Ventura, farmacias, o empresas autorizadas.

Visite vcrecovers.org/testing o https://covid19.ca.gov/get-tested/ para obtener una lista de sitios de prueba válidos.

February 8, 2022: Update

We are continuing to monitor state and local public health orders and recommendations and will adjust VCCCD protocols following discussions with our Districtwide health and safety teams and bargaining units. All current protocols, including face masks, remain in effect at this time.

A Message from President Sokenu on January 20, 2022:

Moorpark College Student, 

Thank you for your patience as we implemented primarily remote instruction for Spring 2022 due to the COVID-19 surge. We want to let you know that we will reinstate in-person instruction on February 14^th. Classes originally scheduled for on-ground instruction will return on-ground. The health and safety of students are of the highest importance, so we will notify you immediately if there is a change to this date.   

• Until February 14, most Spring semester classes will remain largely remote. Please continue to contact your instructor for specific information about your classes.   
• Only vaccinated students and those with an approved exemption can be on-site.  All health and safety protocols currently in place will continue, including daily screening, wearing face masks, and twice-weekly testing for those with medical or religious exemptions. Detailed information is available at VCCCD COVID-19 Information.  
• To be cleared to come on campus next week, people who have an approved exemption are required to get two (2) tests this week, and the tests can be taken on consecutive days but not the same day. The LabLINQ testing stations on our campuses are open to serve you. If you need to get tested off-campus, please visit County Covid testing information for locations and appointments.  
• If you test off-campus, please remember that test results must:  
  • Show that the test is PCR  
  • Include your first and last name 
  • Include your date of birth 
  • Include the test and report dates 
  • Include the test result 

Please access the many resources (Student Services) available to help navigate your semester. We are limiting the number of individuals on campus during this time. Please make an appointment to visit (online or in person) one of our offices on campus.  

If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days, please get tested.   

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines state the best protection against COVID-19 is to be vaccinated and get a booster. Ventura County vaccination information is available at Ventura County Recovers. You can schedule a vaccination appointment online at MyTurn.  

Also, FREE Online Tutoring is available to MC students via Zoom 6 days a week this semester!

Tutoring is offered in math, science, English and more. Learn more at www.moorparkcollege.edu/tlc.

Julius Sokenu, Ed.D
President, Moorpark College

Attending more than one VCCCD college?

• Oxnard College President Luis Sanchez’s Spring Semester Update
• Ventura College President Kim Hoffmans’ Spring Semester Update

A Message from President Sokenu on January 5, 2022:

Moorpark College Student,

As you may know, there has been a surge in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Ventura County during the last few weeks (Ventura County Recovers). Keeping in mind that the health and safety of students are of the highest importance, and with an abundance of caution, the following changes are being implemented for the Spring 2022 semester:

• Most Spring semester classes will be remote for a limited time. Instructors with classes planned to meet in person will be contacting their students. All students are encouraged to make contact with your faculty for specific information about your classes. Scheduled in-person class sessions will be reinstated following a reduction in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.

• Some classes have been approved to be held in person starting January 10. The class list is posted to this link. If your class is on this link, please go to campus for regularly scheduled in-person meetings.

• Only vaccinated students and those with an approved exemption can be on-site this semester.  All health and safety protocols currently in place will continue, including daily screening, wearing face masks, and twice-weekly testing for those with medical or religious exemptions. Detailed information is available at VCCCD COVID-19 Information.

How can student services & resources be accessed?

We realize this is both an exciting and uncertain time. Please access the many resources (Student Services | Moorpark College) available to help navigate your semester. We are limiting the number of individuals on campus during the month of January. Please make an appointment to visit one of our offices on campus. Registration, Counseling, Admissions, Student Health, Financial Aid, and the Library are all available for you online. We encourage you to make an appointment if you prefer in-person services.

Where is Covid testing available?

There are several testing options here on campus and throughout Ventura County.

• Covid Clinics (at the Observatory): 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday

• LabLINQ (reservation link)

You need to make an appointment at either one.

If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days, please get tested. Testing sites are located throughout Ventura County. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines state the best protection against COVID-19 is to be vaccinated and get a booster. Ventura County vaccination information is available at Ventura County Recovers. You can schedule a vaccination appointment online at MyTurn.

You must have a green or blue pass to be on campus.

A blue pass on your MyVCCCD app means your vaccination card has been uploaded and verified - you are ready to visit a screening site on campus.

People who are not fully vaccinated must have a medical or religious exemption in order to receive a green pass that will allow them to come on campus. But you must have completed two PCR COVID tests during the prior week and submitted your two negative test results through the MyVCCCD app no later than noon each Sunday to be on campus. Wait until you are finished coming to campus for the week to upload your test results. There are no exemptions to testing.

For students and employees: If you are already fully vaccinated and have had your vaccination card verified through the MyVCCCD app, please continue to answer the app’s screening questions before coming to campus. All students and employees must complete the app’s regular screening questions before going to campus.

Please note that the District is not collecting booster information at this time.

Our Welcome Center staff is available to address questions you may have. Please contact them during business hours at (805) 378-1400 or by email at mcstudentservices@vcccd.edu

Julius Sokenu, Ed.D
President, Moorpark College

Attending more than one VCCCD college?

• Oxnard College President Luis Sanchez’s Spring Semester Update
• Ventura College President Kim Hoffmans’ Spring Semester Update