Important Updates: Spring 2022 Health and Safety Protocols
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
With the spring semester in full swing and increasing optimism among health experts about COVID-19’s impact in the months ahead, we appreciate the continued diligence of our community in adhering to our health protocols. Because of your continued commitment to caring for each other, the infection rate on campus is near the lowest it has ever been and compliance with our booster requirement is strong.
And we have more good news to share.
Beginning Monday, February 28, we will reduce required testing and expand visitor access. While our indoor mask requirement remains, we are removing restrictions which no longer provide additional protection on a fully-vaccinated campus with low transmission rates.
Our goal remains finding the best balance of priorities—providing educational continuity and quality and cultivating opportunities for social connection and community, all while keeping our community safe and informed. We will continue to closely monitor the environment and evaluate changes to safely resume additional activities, based on the latest data and guidance from public health officials, and in close coordination with peer institutions and collaboration with our community.
Updated Testing and Building Access Protocols
Beginning February 28, all community members who are up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including a booster when eligible, will no longer be required to regularly test for access to academic buildings.
- On-campus binx test kits remain free and accessible.
- If you have symptoms, get tested–regardless of your vaccination status.
- We strongly encourage everyone to test before or after travel and before participating in large group activities.
- Some community members will continue to be required to test to maintain building access, based on their vaccination status.
- Please visit the Testing page for more information, including Spring Break reentry testing.
Vaccination and Booster Requirement
We are now past the January 21 deadline for all members of our community to ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations, including a booster when eligible. Students, faculty, and staff who have already received their booster but have not yet uploaded proof to the SHS Portal should do so immediately. If you have questions, students can email shs@newschool.edu and staff and faculty can email BenefitsHelp@newschool.edu.
Updated Visitor Policy
We are pleased to welcome back guests and visitors—including guest speakers, prospective students and families for campus tours, vendors, and friends—to campus. Beginning February 28, the following protocols will be in place to ensure a safe and healthy experience for everyone. More details and guidance about welcoming guests and visitors on campus will be shared next week.
- Individual visitors must check in at the Welcome Center Visitors Desk (72 Fifth Avenue) to receive a daily guest pass.
- University events will require registration and provide on-site vaccination verification.
- Proof of vaccination and a booster are required for campus access. No exemptions or exceptions will be allowed.
- Masks must be worn at all times in campus buildings.
- Residential students will be permitted to have any active New School student as a guest. They must sign in and accompany their guest at all times.
- At this time, no non-New School students or affiliates will be permitted in the residence halls.
- Visitors to campus will be limited for one week following Spring Break (March 21 to March 27), unless approved by the Provost’s Office. The updated policy will restart Monday, March 28.
Updated Travel Policy
Most university-related domestic and international travel is permitted. This includes travel for teaching and learning, scholarship, creative practice, and business purposes. Please visit the Travel Guidance page for more information.
Upcoming Mask Adjustments for the College of Performing Arts
We are working closely with the Deans Council of the College of Performing Arts to reintroduce opportunities to safely take off masks in rehearsal and performance spaces for certain practices in the next few weeks, with the goal of consistently being able to do so more widely. More information regarding this update will be shared by the Deans Council next week.
What’s Next
We’ll share our next update by early March with details about Spring Break reentry testing. In the meantime, please get vaccinated and boosted, remain diligent about masking, and stay safe. We encourage everyone to visit the university’s COVID-19 Community Guide for the latest information about our campus.