Update on Masking on Campus
When most of New York City moved to mask optional in early March, we indicated that, while it was considered safe to make that decision, we wanted to engage our community in the conversation about how a change to our mask policy would impact our academic and campus experience.
Masks Will Continue To Be Required In All Indoor Campus Spaces, With Limited Exceptions, Through The End Of The Spring Semester
We heard a wide range of perspectives from our community, thanks to the over 4,600 responses to last month’s mask survey, discussions with the Student, Faculty, and Staff Senates, and other campus leaders and representatives. The survey results confirmed that our community is not in agreement on preferences or needs regarding masks and other risk factors. Our decision to keep our masking approach consistent will reduce any disruption or confusion that may come from changing the policy mid-semester.
We also recognize the desire to gather, perform, and celebrate together safely in ways where masks may pose a burden. Limited exceptions to our mask policy include ongoing voluntary maskless practice at the College of Performing Arts. Additionally, food and beverages will be allowed at designated Commencement and select end of year-related activities taking place in indoor spaces on campus. More information about these exceptions is available here.
Masks Will Be Optional Starting This Summer
Beginning May 23, the university will adopt a mask optional policy for nearly all campus spaces. Healthcare facilities will still require masks per federal, state, and local regulations. In all situations, anyone who wishes to wear a mask is supported and encouraged to do so. The choice to continue to wear a mask, even when not required, is a personal one and no one should be made to feel uncomfortable because of their choice.
What’s Next
We will continue to monitor the trajectory of the pandemic and its impact on our community. Our vaccination policy provides us with a near fully vaccinated and boosted campus, which will continue to be the expectation. University leadership will evaluate the need for ongoing testing and a campus mask policy throughout the summer and will make a determination for fall 2022 policies closer to the start of the new school year.
More information about the university’s health and safety protocols can be found on our COVID-19 Community Guide.