President's Briefing Recap | June 1

The President’s Briefing Recap summarizes important information for the Pepperdine community shared during each President's Briefing. Here's what you need to know this month:

University COVID-19 Updates

The University continues to monitor COVID-19 conditions around the world, across the United States, and within Los Angeles County. While cases are rising, L.A. County remains in the medium tier of the CDC’s latest categorization of community transmission. As University leadership continues to monitor conditions, community members are reminded of the following:

• On May 10, 2022, the University implemented new quarantine guidelines in line with the guidance provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for institutions of higher education. Under the new guidance, close contacts, regardless of vaccination status, are not required to quarantine as long as they remain asymptomatic. However, all close contacts are required to wear a mask for 10 days from their exposure while around others indoors unless actively eating or drinking and test three to five days after their exposure.
• COVID-19 testing remains optional for everyone in the University community. Testing sites remain operational at the Malibu campus and testing is likewise available at the graduate campuses. Hours of operation for each of the sites may be found on the COVID-19 Community Response Plan website[BROKEN LINK]. 
• At the current level of community transmission, masks are not required indoors unless an individual has been notified of a close contact. Should COVID-19 conditions continue to rise in the county, the county’s community transmission level may increase to high. At the high level, LACDPH has indicated it will require the use of masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. The University will continue to monitor conditions and remain in close contact with public health officials to keep the community aware of any changes to safety protocols and COVID-19 conditions. 
  
  

Southern California Drought Updates

Pepperdine University has been working with local agencies to fully understand the impact of water district conservation measures that went into effect today. In the 1970s, the University implemented a comprehensive closed loop water system, which allows it to reuse all of the water it sends to the wastewater treatment facility—with nearly all campus landscaping irrigated with recycled water. Subsequently the University has also furthered its efforts with practices like installing low-flow water fixtures in residential buildings and temporarily turning off campus fountains. The University will continue to assess best practices to ensure Pepperdine is a good steward in water conservation, especially during times of heightened drought. 

The Mountain at Mullin Park

At the Pepperdine Associates dinner on May 7, 2022, president Jim Gash unveiled new renderings of the Mountain at Mullin Park, a new campus initiative that will transform the Waves community and the student experience on the Malibu campus. The new renderings highlight the exquisite hospitality spaces; a world-class athletics arena; and state-of-the-art student fitness, recreation, and wellness facilities. The Mountain at Mullin Park is set to break ground in early 2024 with construction of the parking structure scheduled to begin next year. Experience the project in the new fly-through tour video.

Join the President’s Briefings

The next President’s Briefing will be held at 8:45 AM on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Archived viewing is available on the President’s Briefings website.