Student Return to Campus Plan
Summer 2023 and Fall 2023
Mask Requirements
Based upon the recent SUNY, New York State, and CDC guidance on masking in schools, the College maintains the following masking requirements.
Students and employees are not required to wear masks and face coverings in classrooms, common areas, and other College locations. Social distancing requirements remain in effect. Individuals who wish to wear a mask or face covering may do so at their own discretion. Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask or face covering.
Surgical style masks are provided at campus points of entry to all individuals wanting one. A supply of KN95 masks are also available at the security stations located at the Main entrance and Washington Avenue entrance of Elston Hall, the Center for Science and Technology, the School of Music, and at Center City.
All individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must continue to report their infection status to the College and follow isolation requirements. Asymptomatic individuals who tested positive for COVID-19, completed their appropriate isolation period, and are returning to campus must continue to wear a well-fitting KN-95 or N-95 face mask for an additional five days post-isolation as per CDC guidance. As a reminder, if you don’t feel well please stay home and monitor your symptoms.
The College’s plan was reviewed with the Schenectady County Department of Health. In consultation with the Schenectady County Department of Health, if the regional positivity and hospitalization rates increase to a “high” level per CDC guidelines, the campus may re-implement the masking mandate.
Campus/Building Access
All campus points of entry and exit will continue to be in use for students, employees, and visitors. Individuals entering campus buildings will be advised of the health and safety precautions and self-screening through signage at each entrance. Please remember, if you are not feeling well, please do not come to campus. Hand sanitizing stations are located at all points of entry/exit.
Face coverings are provided at campus points of entry to all individuals needing one.
Testing
Students may get a COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test nasal swab kit to self-administer off campus. Test kits are available at the Elston Hall security desk, the Kindl Building, and the Center City.
What do I do if I am positive for COVID?
First, if you feel ill do NOT come to campus. If you test positive for COVID, notify the College by emailing StudentAffairs@sunysccc.edu with a picture of the positive test and a completed self-attestation form from the New York State Health Department.
Students who test positive for COVID must isolate for 5 consecutive days with the date of the positive test counted as day 0. Students may only return to campus if they are fever and symptom free after the 5-day isolation period.
Vaccines
Are vaccines required for students?
No. SUNY Schenectady, in alignment with the State University of New York and Chancellor John B. King, announced the end of the emergency COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the Summer 2023 and Fall 2023 semesters. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to remain up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters in a manner consistent with other viruses such as influenza. Masking will remain voluntary and rapid home tests and masks will continue to be available on campus. The College reserves the right to adjust and implement more restrictive COVID-19 health protocols in the event of an outbreak. Thank you for your patience and support.
Should I share my vaccination status with the College?
Yes. Students may use one of 3 options: 1) Submit their vaccination information to the SUNY Vaccination Verification Application; 2) bring a copy of their vaccination card or their Excelsior Pass to the Office of Student Affairs, Elston 222 ; 3) email a copy to StudentAffairs@sunysccc.edu. Returning students who attended SUNY Schenectady in 2021-22 and were fully vaccinated or approved for a medical or religious waiver do not need to disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status again in 2022-23.
Isolation
Do I still need to isolate if I’m vaccinated?
Any individual testing positive will be instructed to isolate for 5-10 days (5 if not immunocompromised, 10 if immunocompromised) and communicate with the College to report possible symptoms.
When do I need to Isolate?
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you should isolate yourself in your home and follow directions provided by the Department of Health. Please cooperate with the contact tracer who calls or emails you to find out who you may have been in contact with prior to isolation.
Free Resources, How-To Instructions, and Campus Supports
SUNY Schenectady remains committed to your success. The Student Resource page includes information to help you to be successful as you take your courses.
Student Laptop Loan Program
SUNY Schenectady, through a US Department of Education Title III grant, is able to loan laptops to students to ensure full access to their coursework. To request a laptop, please complete the Laptop Loan Request form. Once a determination has been made you will be notified, and if appropriate, where and when the laptop can be picked up.