Updated Jan. 25, 2022: The article below has been updated to reflect the most recent guidelines regarding the timeline for receiving a COVID-19 vaccine booster.
Students,
With COVID-19 state guidelines and protocols changing, please read this email carefully which covers booster shots, tests to return to campus, and mask wearing on campus. By being informed, you will be prepared to return to campus in a few weeks- we look forward to welcoming you back!
Student Vaccination & Boosters
In-person students must receive a COVID-19 booster once eligible. Individuals are eligible for a booster: (1) five months after receiving the second dose in a two-dose (Pfizer or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine series or (2) two months after receiving the single-dose (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine.
Students currently eligible for a vaccine booster should receive one prior to returning to campus. Vaccine booster documentation should be uploaded to Blackboard. Students who have an approved medical or religious waiver do not need to reapply for the Spring 2022 semester. To find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster: search vaccines.gov, text your zip code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.
Testing for Return to Campus
Residential students: Regardless of vaccination status, residential students are required to provide proof of a negative result from a molecular (also known as nucleic acid, RNA or PCR tests) COVID-19 test taken no more than five (5) days prior to arrival to campus or proof of a positive COVID-19 test taken within the last three (3) months. Acceptable tests for COVID-19 include rapid or non-rapid molecular test. Antigen or antibody tests are not acceptable. Results should be uploaded to Blackboard prior to arrival. Residential students should bring a copy of the test results to move-in if unable to load to Blackboard.
All residential students will participate in pooled testing upon arrival to campus. Students that do not submit the required pre-arrival testing documents will be directed to our campus quarantine location until their negative pooled test results are received.
Commuter Students: All commuter students and Norwich Campus students, regardless of vaccination status, are required to provide proof of a negative result from a molecular (also known as nucleic acid, RNA or PCR tests) COVID-19 test taken no more than five (5) days prior to the first class on campus or proof of a positive COVID-19 test taken within the last three (3) months. Acceptable tests for COVID-19 include rapid or non-rapid molecular test. Antigen or antibody tests are not acceptable. Results should be uploaded to Blackboard. Students that fail to submit the required documents will be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibility.
All commuter and Norwich Campus students are required to participate in pooled testing during the first week of classes.
Mask Requirements
Face coverings must be worn in ALL indoor spaces at the Morrisville, Norwich and Syracuse EOC campuses. Diligent mask wearing is a critical strategy for reducing virus transmission and this requirement will be strictly enforced throughout campus.
As more information becomes available, we will be in touch to share regular updates with students and families.