As The Los Angeles Film School continues to closely monitor this evolving global public health situation, we remain committed to keeping our community informed regarding our school’s plans and the CDC’s recommendations as events develop.
Below is a list of some frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19, how it might affect The Los Angeles Film School community and resources for additional information.
General COVID Testing/Vaccination Requirements
What is the basic policy?
As of November 28, 2022, we’ve adopted a modified policy, being ‘fully vaccinated’ or testing weekly will no longer be required for access to campus. The daily attestation will remain in place, as will badging in and receiving a wristband once cleared.
Can I bring my kids to Campus?
Children, even if vaccinated are not allowed on campus at this time.
Is there Social Distancing in place?
As of January 3, 2022, there is no formal social distancing policy in place. However, we encourage all employees and students to practice safe distancing whenever possible.
What protocols are enacted if a student is on campus who has tested positive for COVID-19?
Should this occur in class, the class will be excused for the day, the instructor will be in contact with the class regarding any missed work. The Program Director or Director of Education will gather preliminary information and report it to the Director of Human Resources, who will contact the student to perform a contact tracing. This includes identifying the locations the student visited and with whom the student came in contact during the previous 2–3 days while on Campus. A determination will be made as to whether or not the student came into close contact with others, as defined by the CDC, and who might have been exposed. Those students will be informed and provided with information on how to proceed. Students who may have contact, but not close contact as defined by the CDC, will also be informed by email with information on how to proceed. The Facilities Department will be notified immediately afterward to perform additional cleaning and sanitizing of the areas identified
Masks
Do I have to wear a mask even if I’m vaccinated?
No. As of Tuesday, September 06, 2022, faculty, staff, students, guests and vendors will no longer be required to wear a face mask as we transition to a face mask optional policy campus-wide.
Will The Los Angeles Film School provide me an acceptable mask if I choose to wear one?
Yes. Acceptable masks are available at all of the Security stations in all three buildings.
Vaccination
What is the current Vaccination policy?
As of November 28, 2022, we’ve adopted a modified policy, being ‘fully vaccinated’ or testing weekly will no longer be required for access to campus. The daily attestation will remain in place, as will badging in and receiving a wristband once cleared.
We will continue to provide free testing in the following situations:
- Any employee or student who requests an antigen home test.
- Symptomatic employees, regardless of vaccination status and regardless of whether there is a known exposure.
- All employees regardless of vaccination status, who have had close contact with a COVID-19 case, except for recently recovered employees.
Additionally, we will continue to perform COVID-19 contact tracing, communication updates, isolation/quarantine guidelines and reporting protocols of a known positive case on campus.
If you are feeling sick or exhibiting symptoms or test positive for COVID, please stay home.
As always, we will continue to monitor our surrounding COVID-19 conditions and will update you with any changes in advance.
Campus
When will students be allowed back on campus?
It is with joy and great anticipation that we officially welcome all of The Los Angeles Film School students to return to campus. Beginning with the April 2022 Term (04/04/2022), the majority of The Los Angeles Film School’s programs will be delivered exclusively from our Hollywood classrooms, labs, studios, and production spaces. Your individual schedule will be posted and accessible to you by end of the day on Monday, March 21, 2022.
What updates or changes have been made to the school’s ventilation system?
All filters have recently been replaced and will be maintained in accordance with CDC and Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV) guidelines. The Los Angeles Film School has always ensured its ventilation system utilizes the optimal filters based on the MERV standardized system created by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and is used by all air filter manufacturers.
Has the air circulation been adjusted to 24/7?
The fan circulation system has been adjusted to run 24/7 to ensure optimal circulation throughout the building(s). This circulation will be in addition to the regular heating and cooling schedule each day. In compliance with California Mechanical Code Chapter 4, an outside air exchange is required in all municipal building spaces.
In spaces where doors/windows do not open to the outside, how will air circulate inside the room?
Although classrooms do not have windows or doors that open to the outside, they all have an air supply and an air return that is connected to an outdoor air exchange system that ensures proper circulation. Internal classroom doors can also be opened to enhance circulation.
What are the Campus Disinfecting Protocols?
Professional cleaning crews disinfect all classrooms and labs during regular business hours and every evening. They use a disinfectant registered on the EPA N list that is administered through an electrostatic disinfecting machine to ensure the most effective sanitization possible.
The Los Angeles Film School has an hourly cleaning schedule of often-touched surfaces and common areas. These high-touch areas in break rooms, restrooms and lobbies include doorknobs, light switches, countertops, door handles, door keypads, exit buttons, door glass, handrails, lobby desks, lobby desk phones.
To ensure the safest possible personal hygiene, all students and faculty are required to wipe down personal workstations with wipes (provided by The Los Angeles Film School) containing at least 70% alcohol before and after working at any space. Drinking fountains remain closed at this time.
Financial Aid and Federal Work Study
Does this change impact my financial aid?
No, your financial aid should not be impacted from moving into an online class so long as you continue to participate.
If I am a Federal Work Study student am I still able to work?
Campus faculty and staff are working primarily online and there is limited student access to campus. Please contact your FWS supervisor for information regarding your department’s Work Study status.
When and where can students pick up stipend checks?
All stipend checks will now be mailed to students. Students will no longer be allowed to pick up their stipend checks on campus. If students are eligible to receive a stipend check, they will receive an email on Wednesday of that week and will have 24 hours to notify the school of an address change before checks are mailed via USPS certified mail.
How are VA Students impacted by the online classes?
VA processing offices will be making no adjustments to student awards regarding COVID-19 until further notice.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Am I able to access the Library?
Yes! Starting January 3rd, 2022, students can access the Library on campus, B1 5th floor, and can use the computers, borrow materials, print, and scan. Please check the Library’s hours of operation posted on their website at library.lafilm.edu.
Students will still have access to many of the Library’s digital services by visiting the website. Browse through the digital KOHA Catalog and search other resources from the A-Z Databases guide, including research-based articles, online streaming videos, electronic screenplays, music-related databases and more!
Library Staff will be available to provide assistance by phone 323.769.2705 and email lafslibrary@lafilm.edu.
Will I be allowed on campus for events/activities?
We are streaming all our virtual events online including graduation ceremonies. All upcoming streamed events are listed on the Events Newsletter each Monday and under Student News on Connect. Virtual events are also available on the Student Connect site at connect.lafilm.edu/livestream.
Will students still be able to get technical support through the IMT helpdesk line (x2220)?
Yes, ground students and staff will get technical support from IMT helpdesk line 323.769.2220, x2220 and by emailing to helpdesk@lafilm.edu or creating a ticket at helpdesk.lafilm.com.
Online students should continue to contact the online tech support desk at 844.349.3456.
What if I can’t access high-speed internet at home?
There are public options for Los Angeles residents to connect to Wi-Fi. Follow this link for information on how to access free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout Los Angeles and/or purchase available low-cost internet plans.
Are campus students still required to “attend” classes online?
Yes, students will need to attend the scheduled Zoom class meetings and complete all assignments and other activities on the LMS as outlined in the course requirements provided by course instructors.
How can I get my TechKit®?
All TechKits and textbooks for campus and online students will be shipped to students. Students will not be permitted to pick up textbooks or TechKits until the campus resumes normal operations.
Graduation
In-person graduation ceremonies are back! Beginning June 2022, our monthly campus graduation ceremony will be held in the Main Theatre and livestreamed at lafilm.edu/live for friends and family. Please be aware that all graduates and their guests must follow our COVID guidelines. For more information on our health and safety policies, visit https://connect.lafilm.edu/student/covid-19-information/
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Are tours being offered?
Yes, both virtual tours and in-person campus tours are being conducted and are hosted LIVE by one of our Los Angeles Film School Tour Guides. Campus tours are 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday. Virtual tours are at 3 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday. Prospective students are encouraged to book directly through our website or speak with their Admissions Representative for scheduling.
Am I able to attend the Open House?
Yes, The Los Angeles Film School Open House will be conducted in person, once a month. For the next Open House date and to confirm your attendance online, please visit lafilm.edu/rsvp or contact your Admissions Representative for more details.
Are you enrolling international or overseas students?
The L.A. Film School can now begin issuing I20 Forms for international students to possibly start our Campus program in the USA.
The Los Angeles Film School is still subject to COVID-19 classroom occupancy restrictions so many courses are being delivered in a hybrid format whereby some class meetings are held remotely via Zoom live videoconferencing and some are held in-person on The Los Angeles Film School’s physical campus. By August 1, 2021, The Los Angeles Film School will have weekly in-person elements that are integral to the completion of courses in all programs except the Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business.
Although some the General Education Courses in the other programs (Associate of Science in Film, Bachelor of Science in Film Production, Associate of Science in Music Production, Associate of Science in Audio Production, Bachelor of Science in Audio Production, and Bachelor of Science in Animation) may continue to be offered remotely due to classroom capacity restrictions, The Los Angeles Film School will ensure that international students are registered for at least one course with an in-person class requirement every semester.