Student Return to Campus Plan

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.

Campus/Building Access

All campus points of entry and exit will continue to be in use for students, employees, and visitors. 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.

Students who test positive for COVID must isolate for 5-10 consecutive days with the date of the positive test or symptom onset counted as day 0. Students may only return to campus if they are fever and symptom free after the 5-day isolation period if not immunocompromised or 10-day isolation period if immunocompromised.

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. 

Isolation Guidance

When do I need to Isolate?

Any individual testing positive must isolate for 5-10 days (5 if not immunocompromised, 10 if immunocompromised) with the date of the test specimen collection or date of symptom onset counted as day 0.