Return to Campus: spring 2022
return to campus: Spring 2022
January 4, 2022
Based upon the recommendation of the Planning, Budget, and Assessment Committee, the College plans to commence face-to-face instruction as currently scheduled on Monday, January 10. The guidance below includes specific protocols for vaccination and boosters, return to campus testing, mask and social distancing, surveillance testing, quarantine and isolation, and pivoting to remote instruction. It is based upon SUNY System Administration COVID-19 Guidance for the Spring 2022 Semester.
Vaccination Requirement
The SUNY Student Vaccine Policy requires all students to provide evidence of vaccination with limited religious/medical exceptions. In addition to the initial course of vaccination, any student with a regular on-campus presence (i.e., not fully online for the semester) who is eligible for a booster shot must receive one for the Spring 2022 semester. Proof must be provided by each student by the later of (1) January 31, 2022, or (2) one month from the date such student became eligible to receive a booster. Students who show proof of a booster will be excused from periodic surveillance testing. Boosters are strongly encouraged for all faculty and staff.
To support this requirement, Maritime College is arranging on-campus booster clinics. The first clinic is scheduled for January 13, and details are forthcoming.
Return to Campus Testing
Regardless of vaccination status, all students who will have a regular physical presence on campus must provide proof of a negative COVID test upon return for the spring semester. Residential students must provide proof of full vaccination to Student Health Services before retrieving the key(s) to their assigned dorm room. Commuter students should provide proof to health services if they have not done so already. All students were sent an email from Student Affairs with specific testing requirements and options.
Masks and Social Distancing
Universal indoor masking is required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, until further notice or NY State modifies the mask requirement. Individuals who are not vaccinated or fully vaccinated are responsible for wearing masks indoors and outdoors on campus and should, where practicable, continue to observe social distancing in indoor settings, such as instructional space (e.g., classrooms, laboratories, studios).
COVID-19 Surveillance Testing
Mandatory weekly testing will continue for anyone with a physical presence on campus who is not fully vaccinated, has a campus-approved medical or religious exemption, or for any employee who has not provided proof of vaccination.
We will continue regular surveillance testing of all individuals, regardless of vaccination status. Each person with a regular physical presence on campus will be tested on a regular basis. Please monitor your email for the surveillance testing schedule. Those who show proof of receiving a booster will be exempt from surveillance testing. All students and employees will receive a campus-wide announcement regarding the process, location, and times for testing.
Quarantine and Isolation
Maritime College will adhere to the current NY State guidance for individuals who test positive, come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, or exhibit symptoms of COVID-19. The College will maintain designated quarantine/isolation rooms.
On-Campus Events
Maritime College will limit on-campus indoor events other than academic classes. Per Skyline Conference guidelines, no spectators will be permitted at indoor athletic events.
Pivot to Remote Instruction or Activity
At this time, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) requirements for a mandatory pause are no longer in effect. Like previous semesters, we must be prepared to pivot to remote instruction. We will continue to monitor local conditions. Per SUNY guidance, all SUNY campuses must obtain approval from SUNY System Administration to change to a virtual or remote format for academic instruction, delay the start of the semester, modify spring break, or delay or change the format of commencement activities.
Visitors
All visitors must wear a mask indoors and must practice social distancing. Foodservice delivery is permitted on campus under pre-COVID guidelines.
Note: Maritime College, SUNY, or other state and local public health agencies may modify requirements or COVID-19 protocols based on current transmission rates on campus and/or surrounding areas.
A message from student affairs
January 4, 2022
Dear Students,
Maritime College plans to begin the Spring 2022 semester on time and in person on Monday, January 10. Move in day for residential students remains Sunday, January 9. As mentioned in previous emails, ALL students returning to campus (both residential and commuter), regardless of vaccination status, must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. PENDING RESULTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AND THERE WILL BE NO TESTING AVAILABLE ON SITE. We understand there are currently myriad challenges with obtaining testing in a timely fashion. Below are some options available to help meet this requirement:
- Walk-in COVID Pool testing available on campus at SUNY Maritime
Wednesday, January 5th and Thursday, January 6th from 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM in Riesenberg Gymnasium.
Maritime will have pool testing available to students who wish to come to campus to test ahead of the start of the Spring semester.
- Testing through a local facility (PCR or Rapid)
Students may take a PCR or Rapid test at a medical facility, pharmacy, or testing center between Thursday, January 6th and date of arrival.
If you take a PCR or Rapid test at a local facility, do NOT arrive on campus until you have received a negative result. Students unable to move in on Sunday January 9th will be permitted to move in throughout the first week of the Spring semester and faculty will be apprised of absences accordingly. Commuter students must present a negative test result to Health Services before attending their first class.
New York State students may use the State’s COVID test finder website for assistance in finding a testing location: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you
SUNY has recently announced the opening of testing centers on SUNY campuses around the state including the following locations that we encourage students to take advantage of. Testing is or will soon be available at the following campuses: SUNY Plattsburgh, Buffalo State, Purchase, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Cortland, Binghamton University, Stony Brook University, University at Albany, and University at Buffalo.
- At-home testing (e.g. Binax)
At home tests will be acceptable as long as it is taken within six hours of arrival. Please take a photograph of the negative test result, with your SUNY Maritime ID card in the photo. The timestamp of the photograph will be checked upon arrival.
*Students who have been on campus for USCG Licensing or those students who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days are exempt from the above requirements. Students who have tested positive in the last 90 days should bring evidence of a positive COVID test result in that timeframe.
Surveillance testing for all students will begin shortly after the beginning of the Spring term.
If you have any questions, please contact Health Services at healthservices@sunymaritime.edu and/or Housing at housing@sunymaritime.edu.
Thank you in advance for all your efforts in helping us return to the Spring semester safely.
Office of Student Affairs
SUNY Maritime College