Important Reminders and Updates About University Policies
A message from Dr. Renée T. White, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Tokumbo Shobowale, Executive Vice President for Business and Operations
We are so pleased to see everyone on campus this week and to feel the energy and excitement at the start of a new academic year. As President McBride shared in his welcome message, we begin the semester with a high rate of vaccination among students, faculty, and staff. Thank you to everyone for your sense of responsibility and commitment to each other, and your adherence to the health protocols that will help keep us all safe.
As we look to the weeks ahead, we write today to share important reminders and updates for our community.
Ongoing Testing Requirements
Following the health and safety guidelines outlined in the university’s COVID-19 Community Guide is essential to continuing the in-person activities we’ve missed over the past year and a half. At the start of the semester, we want to take extra care to ensure everyone is able to access campus buildings without delays.
All community members must participate in The New School’s ongoing testing program. Please note that today at 4pm is the last opportunity to drop off a binx text before the long Labor Day weekend. As a reminder:
- Vaccinated individuals must take a COVID-19 PCR test no later than 14 days after the date their previous test was taken.
- Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals must take a COVID-19 PCR test no later than 4 days after the date their previous test was taken.
Students, faculty, and staff who are on campus regularly are expected to use the free binx self-collection nasal swab test kits available in multiple campus locations. For those community members who are unable to pick up a test kit on campus, the university will accept PCR tests from off-campus providers.
While your test results are in process, you will remain in compliance with university policy.
You can check your building access status at shsportal.newschool.edu.
If you are feeling sick or develop symptoms, please stay home and immediately contact Student Health Services or your medical provider.
University COVID-19 Dashboard
The ongoing presence of COVID-19 will continue to impact our daily routines on and off campus. In an effort to keep everyone informed, we have created a COVID-19 dashboard that will provide direct and valuable updates about the vaccination, testing, and positivity rates on our campus, and compare that data to the surrounding neighborhood and with New York City at large. This information is now available on our COVID-19 Community Guide and will be updated weekly. We encourage you to visit the dashboard regularly to stay on top of campus statistics.
Clarification of Mask Requirement in Designated Eating Areas and Private Offices
Wearing a mask is an important pillar of the university’s layered approach to health and safety on our campus. Masks covering your mouth and nose are required in all common and public spaces while in campus buildings.
- Individuals may remove their masks to eat and drink in designated common areas including the dining halls, outdoor spaces, and a variety of areas across campus. You must replace your mask once you are finished eating.
- Individuals may also remove their masks in private offices if they will be the only person in that space for the entire day. You must wear a mask at all times if others will be present in your office space.
Looking Ahead
We will continue to closely watch developments and are grateful for your patience, flexibility, and commitment to caring for each other as we begin this journey together. Your efforts will help ensure we are able to continue the semester safely.