Fall 2021 Student Support Resources
A message from Xenia Markowitt, Interim Vice Provost for Student Success
Dear Students,
I am delighted to welcome you to your fall semester at The New School. The moment many of you have been looking forward to is finally here, and I hope your first week of classes on campus is going well so far.
As the new school year begins, I want to share some important reminders and make sure you’re aware of the resources available to you at the university. Please read the sections below and know that all of us in Student Success are here to support you.
Health and Safety on Campus: A Commitment to Caring
Following the health and safety guidelines outlined in the COVID-19 Community Guide is essential to continuing the in-person activities we’ve missed over the past year and a half. It is important that we all make a commitment to caring for ourselves and one another as we live and learn together as a community.
Please remember, all university community members are expected to do the following:
- Wear a mask in public campus spaces at all times, except while eating or drinking in designated areas. Unvaccinated students with approved exemptions and partially vaccinated students must also wear a mask in their residence hall suite.
- Follow the ongoing testing schedule outlined in the next section and on our website.
- Stay home or in their residence hall room if they are feeling sick and speak with a medical provider. Students can make a telehealth appointment with Student Health Services.
More information about our health and safety policies is available in our Fall 2021 Health and Safety FAQ.
Ongoing COVID-19 Testing (Required)
All students are required to continue frequent COVID-19 testing during the semester.
- Vaccinated students must take a binx test available on campus no later than every 14 days after the date their previous test was taken. Students should pick a day of the week, take a binx test on that day every other week, and receive a negative test result in order to maintain access to campus buildings.
- Unvaccinated students with approved exemptions and partially vaccinated students must take a binx test no later than every 4 days after the date their previous test was taken. Students should take a binx test every Monday and Thursday and receive a negative result in order to continue accessing campus spaces. Partially vaccinated students must also upload their COVID-19 vaccine record to the Student Health Services portal after receiving each dose of the vaccine.
Binx Test Kits on Campus
Students are expected to use the free binx test kits available in multiple locations on campus to fulfill the ongoing testing requirement.
- When using a binx test, students should not upload their results; they are automatically sent to the university.
- Test kits can be picked up and dropped off Monday through Friday, however the binx test kit pick-up and drop-off locations will be closed on Monday, September 6, for the Labor Day holiday.
- Students who need to test during this time frame should pick up, complete, and drop off their test on Friday, September 3.
- PCR tests taken at off-campus testing sites will be accepted in limited circumstances.
Read the binx testing FAQ and view these infographics about how to activate your test kit and use the nasal swab.
Please note: Students who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days are exempt from testing for an additional 90 days after their initial positive test, however they must upload their positive test result to the Student Health Services portal.
Student Health Insurance (Required)
All students are required to have health insurance during their time at The New School and must take one of the following actions before September 13:
- Students who already have health insurance that provides coverage in New York City must submit a waiver form before September 13to avoid being held responsible for the student health insurance charges. The waiver will be applied 1-2 days after the form is submitted and will appear on a separate line in students’ account activity to cancel out the charge.
- Students who need health insurance in New York City for the 2021-2022 academic year must complete the enrollment form as soon as possible and no later than September 13.
Please note: Students who do not take action by September 13, 2021 will be automatically enrolled in the student health insurance plan and responsible for paying the insurance fees.
For more information about the student health insurance plan and waiver criteria, visit the Insurance page.
Support Services
- Student Success Advisors are available to help students make decisions about their academic plan and career path. They can be reached via email or by making an appointment through Starfish.
- HireNew, The New School’s easy-to-use online career services portal, features a job and internship board, career event information and registration, and graduate career advising.
- Student Health Services (SHS) is currently offering virtual counseling and telemedicine appointments. Schedule a telehealth appointment with a medical provider or counselor at shsportal.newschool.edu.
- Housing and Residential Education provides support to students living in the residence halls and can assist with questions about residence hall suites and facilities, roommate conversations, and mail and package delivery.
- International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) helps to ensure international students have all the information and assistance they need to maintain status. Attend one of the live advising sessions to speak directly with our international student and scholar advisors.
- Student Disability Services (SDS) supports students in need of disability accommodations. SDS will work with you to arrange accommodations and help remove any barriers to access in and out of the classroom.
- Student Support and Advocacy (SSA) offers support for non-academic challenges and distressing situations, including financial and food insecurity, as well as general advocacy.
- Student Conduct and Community Standards receives, investigates, and resolves alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
- Scholarship Advising provides specialized advising to students who wish to apply for national and international fellowships and scholarships.
- The Title IX Investigator provides support and advocacy for students navigating sexual assault, sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination.
Student Activities and Events
- Reorientation and Welcome Weeks extend through September and include opportunities for you to get acclimated to campus, meet your peers, and learn more about the offices that are here to support you. Log in to NarwhalNation to RSVP for upcoming workshops, meetups, and more.
- NarwhalNation is the one-stop shop for student activities, wellness sessions, leadership workshops, and more. Log in regularly to view and RSVP for upcoming student events, including the Virtual Student Involvement Fair on September 9, which will provide an opportunity to meet student organizations.
- Public Programs and Events offers virtual events ranging from interviews and readings to performances and screenings. Don’t forget to join us online as we celebrate the Investiture of President Dwight A. McBride and new beginnings, October 6-9.
- The New School Network connects students and alumni from around the world into one community. Search alumni by program, year, or location to find mentors. You can also explore social and career networking events, industry specialists, and news.
- The University Student Senate (USS) is the voice of the student body. Elected from all schools of the university, the Senate works with senior leaders, faculty, and staff to improve the university in all areas. Reach out to USS for more information about current initiatives and ways you can get involved.
For more information about how to access the resources mentioned above, visit the Student Information page. In addition, Student Success staff are here to help guide you through your New School journey. Please continue to make appointments with us through Starfish or by emailing directly.
I wish you a safe and healthy fall semester. Please let us know how we can continue to support you.