The City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (SPH) is committed to assuring the continued health, safety, well-being, and success of its students, faculty, staff, and other community members. In March 2020, SPH transitioned from in-person to online instruction and remote work in response to the public health threat stemming from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and according to New York State (NYS) and University directives.[1]
Assessments of SPH student, faculty, and staff experiences in Spring 2020 and Spring 2021, demonstrated high levels of success during the remote learning and work period. SPH has continued to follow updated University, New York City (NYC), State, NYS and Federal COVID-related guidance, and to incorporate the relevant changes into its operations.
In the winter and spring of 2021, as more people in the United States were vaccinated and the community incidence of COVID-19 began to decline, schools, businesses, and governments began focusing on returning to in-person work and school. Accordingly, on January 5, 2021, CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez announced that the University would plan for a safe and gradual return to in-person instruction and support services in time for the start of classes in Fall 2021.[2] Following Governor Cuomo’s directive regarding vaccinations for all CUNY and SUNY students[3], Chancellor Matos Rodríguez announced on May 10, 2021 that vaccinations would be mandated for CUNY students registering for 2021 Fall term in-person classes.[4] The CUNY Board of Trustees unanimously approved the resolution mandating vaccinations at its meeting on July 6, 2021.[5] On May 13, 2021, Chancellor Matos Rodríguez wrote to staff, communicating the University’s expectation that they return to their workplaces on campus in August 2021, in preparation for the fall semester. [6] Accordingly, SPH prepared and successfully executed a plan for a safe and gradual return to campus for students, faculty, staff, and visitors planned for Fall 2021.
In preparation for the spring 2022 semester, on January 5, 2022, Chancellor Matos Rodríguez issued Testing, Vax and Return to Work Updates to the University Community; on January 6 and10, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Office Hector Batista issued Reclosing Protocols: CUNY’s Guide for Safely Closing On-Campus Operations; and on January 10, 2022 issued Guidelines for CUNY Spring 2022 Reopening Where Not Everyone is Fully Vaccinated. These documents are based on updated CDC Guidance on Quarantine and Isolation, January 20, 2022 and the New York State Spring Semester Guidance for SUNY and CUNY Campuses to Safely Reopen, December 31, 2021 and Universal Indoor Mask Mandate, January 13, 2022. The updated CDC Guidance on Quarantine and Isolation allows for shortened quarantine periods, along with testing, self-monitoring, masking and other safety measures for persons who are up-to-date in their vaccines or who recently had COVID and are asymptomatic or whose symptoms resolve after five days and are afebrile. Statewide measures include: continuation of the vaccination mandate, along with a booster mandate for students; continuation of an on-going random COVID-19 testing program; and a requirement that all faculty be vaccinated for COVID-19. In accordance with NYS’ Universal Indoor Mask Mandate, everyone, regardless of vaccination status must wear a face mask inside all CUNY buildings. The only exception to wearing a mask inside is if a fully vaccinated person is alone in an enclosed space such as an office or other room with a door or briefly while eating or drinking, provided that physical distancing is maintained.
SPH has revised its Plan for Safe Campus Operations for the Spring 2022 semester, based on this updated guidance. Given the continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants; rapidly evolving medical and scientific knowledge and public health guidance about SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19; changes in the availability, uptake, and effectiveness of immunizations against COVID-19; and changes in educational, employment, and economic conditions, policies, and practices, SPH reserves the right to update this plan, in consultation with CUNY guidance and leadership, as needed.
[1]An Important Message on Coronavirus from Chancellor Matos Rodríguez, March 11, 2020.
[2] Planning for an in-person Fall 2021 , January 5, 2021.
[3] Governor Cuomo Announces SUNY and CUNY Boards to Require Vaccinations for All Students Attending In-Person Classes This Fall, May 10, 2021.
[4] COVID Vaccine Required for In-Person Fall Classes, May 10, 2021.
[5] CUNY Board of Trustees, Disposition of Actions Taken at the July 6, 2021 Board Meeting, July 8, 2021.
[6] Returning to in-person work, May 13, 2021.
SPH will follow the governance structure described below in developing, implementing, and monitoring campus reopening plans. SPH will continue to solicit input from students through the SPH Graduate Student Government Association (GSGA) and from faculty and staff collective bargaining representatives through the Professional Staff Congress (PSC) of CUNY.
SPH has formed a Safe Campus Operations Committee with representation from Academic, Student, and Faculty Affairs, Administration, Operations, Research, and Communications. The members of the Committee are:
The Safe Campus Operations Committee is responsible for:
The Safe Campus Operations Committee formed seven subcommittees focused on specific issues, as summarized in Table 1. Additional faculty and staff were invited to join subcommittees based on their roles and expertise.
Table 1. SPH Campus Operations Subcommittees | ||
Sub-Committee | Reopening Committee Members | Additional Members and Affiliation |
Physical Environment |
|
|
Student and Academic Affairs |
|
|
Class Schedule |
|
|
Communications |
|
|
Faculty, Staff, Research Staff (Occupancy and Scheduling) |
|
|
Screening, Testing and Campus Closure/Reopening |
|
|
Personal and Community Safety |
|
|
The Campus COVID-19 Coordinator is Senior Associate Dean for Administration, Dr. Susan Klitzman. She is responsible for:
The Campus COVID-19 Coordinator will continue to monitor community COVID-19 transmission rates through NYS’ % Positive Results by Region Dashboard and the US Centers for Disease Control and Preventions’ (CDC) COVID-19 Data Tracker to assure that the prevalence of COVID-19 infection is low enough to resume in-person operations safely, with continued public health measures in place, as needed. SPH will continue to work with the Chancellery, informing them of changes in local health conditions and proposed modifications to the reopening plan per these conditions.
This plan assumes, all or nearly all students on campus and faculty will be up-to-date in their vaccinations, including booster shots, (unless they have an approved medical exemption or religious exception), in accordance with CUNY policy, but that staff and visitors who will be on campus in Spring 2022 may not be vaccinated. SPH will continue to promote vaccination as the leading prevention strategy to protect individuals from severe COVID-19 disease and death and to end the COVID-19 pandemic, by
[1] CUNY Mask Mandate, August 16, 2021.
[2] NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), Revised Commissioner’s Directive No. 2020-1 Concerning Safety Practices of Personnel During the COVID-19 Crisis, June 29, 2021.
[3] WHO, Considerations for implementing and adjusting public health and social measures in the context of COVID-19, June 14, 2021.
[4] WHO Urges Fully Vaccinated People to Continue Wearing Masks As Delta Variant Spreads,, Forbes Magazine, June 25, 2021.
[5] CDC, Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People, July 27, 2021.
[6] See: II. C. 4. Vulnerable Populations and CUNY, COVID-19 and Employee Accommodations for procedures for requesting disability related accommodations.
This section describes physical and operational preparation and cleaning protocols for specific spaces. Additional details about operational preparation are described in Section I.C. Operational Activity below.
[1] CDC, Omicron Variant: What you Need to Know, Updated, December 20, 2021.
[2] NYS Committee On Open Government, Memorandum on Extension of §102(2) Open Meetings Law, January 18, 2022.
(For further details about the availability of computing resources, See: II.C.8. Technology, below.)
Table 2. Maximum Occupancy in SPH Shared Spaces, based on 6 feet of physical distancing |
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Distance | ||||
Room # or location | Room Type & Purpose* | Floor | Unrestricted | 6-feet |
102 | Multipurpose Area for Classroom | 1 | 58 | 15 |
503 | Classroom for Student Meetings | 5 | 26 | 4 |
504 | Classroom | 5 | 25 | 0 |
534 | Classroom for Student Meetings | 5 | 30 | 4 |
539 | Classroom for Quarantine only | 5 | 32 | 4 |
707 | Classroom | 7 | 50 | 14 |
708 | Auditorium for Classroom | 7 | 121 | 36 |
717 | Classroom for Waiting/Studying | 7 | 40 | 7 |
800 | Classroom | 8 | 48 | 13 |
822 | Classroom for Storage | 8 | 32 | 0 |
5th Fl. (Men’s) Restroom | Restroom | 5 | 5 | 1 |
5th Fl. Women’s Restroom | Restroom | 5 | 3 | 1 |
5th Fl. All Gender Restroom | Restroom | 5 | 2 | 1 |
7th Fl. (Men’s) Restroom | Restroom | 7 | 4 | 1 |
7th Fl. Women’s Restroom (W) | Restroom | 7 | 2 | 1 |
7th Fl. All Gender Restroom | Restroom | 7 | 3 | 1 |
7th Fl. Women’s Restroom (E) | Restroom | 7 | 3 | 1 |
5th Fl. Pantry | Pantry | 5 | 6 | 1 |
6th Fl. Pantry | Pantry | 6 | 4 | 1 |
7th Fl. Pantry | Pantry | 7 | 6 | 1 |
5th Fl. Lounge*** | Lounge | 5 | 21 | 5 |
7th Fl. Lounge/Library | Lounge for Waiting/Studying | 7 | 35 | 10 |
Workstations 542 (5th Fl. E) | Open Workstations | 5 | 10 | 3 |
Workstations 613 (6th Fl. E) | Open Workstations | 6 | 8 | 2 |
Workstations 622 (6th Fl. SW) | Open Workstations | 6 | 16 | 4 |
Workstations 624 (6th Fl. NW) | Open Workstations | 6 | 16 | 4 |
Workstations 801 (8th Fl. SE) | Open Workstations | 8 | 14 | 3 |
Cubicles 514 (5th Fl. W) | Cubicles | 5 | 12 | 6 |
Cubicles 623 (6th Fl. W) | Cubicles | 6 | 4 | 2 |
Cubicles 716 (7th Fl. W) | Cubicles | 7 | 8 | 4 |
Cubicles 728 (7th Fl. E) | Cubicles | 7 | 3 | 2 |
109 | Conference Room | 1 | 16 | 3 |
547 | Conference Room | 5 | 14 | 3 |
628 | Conference Room | 6 | 18 | 3 |
709 | Conference Room | 7 | 14 | 4 |
* Rooms that are designated for classes will be outfitted with tablet armchairs, which will be required to remain in place, to minimize disruption, excessive movement and crowding.
** Designated for in-person classes with fully vaccinated students. Maximum occupancy includes one instructor.
*** Seating in the 5th Floor lounge area will be reduced to allow more workspace for the Helpdesk staff.
CRG Management has implemented health and safety protocols for public areas, such as the building entrance, lobby, elevators, door handles, and other common areas. These protocols are provided in Appendix C and include the following elements:
Table 3. CUNY SPH COVID-19 Signage | |||
Purpose | Description | Location | Sources |
Respiratory Hygiene | Reminder to cover your mouth when coughing to prevent the spread of germs | Restrooms | https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/cd/cyc-poster-clinics.pdf |
Hand Hygiene | Reminder to wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds | Restrooms and pantries | SPH Communications and https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/cd/cyc-poster-clinics.pdf |
Hand Hygiene (High-Touch) | Reminder to wash hands using high-touch surfaces | Classroom lecterns, copy areas, filing cabinet areas, and computer lab 707 | SPH Facilities and https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/covid/posters/covid-19-reopening-hand-hygiene-poster.pdf |
Individual health reminders | Protect yourself from COVID-19 and stop the spread of germs (multi-issue) | Walls and Monitors in public areas | https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/04/13067_coronavirus_protectyourself_poster_042020.pdf |
Meeting guidelines | Reminder to hold meetings online, social distance, wear a mask, and wash hands. | Entrances to conference room | https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/covid/posters/covid-19-reopening-meeting-poster.pdf |
Reduced occupancy | Notice about maximum occupancy in multi-occupancy spaces | Entrances to classrooms, auditorium, conference room and lounges | SPH Facilities |
Single occupancy | Notice about single person occupancy | Restroom, pantry and locker room doors | SPH Facilities |
Occupied/ Vacant | Notification whether bathrooms, pantries and locker rooms are occupied or vacant | Restroom, pantry and locker room doors | SPH Facilities |
Reminder to flip sign | Reminder to change sign to occupied/vacant when entering and existing single occupancy spaces, respectively | Wall adjacent to restrooms, pantries and locker rooms | SPH Facilities |
Elevator guidelines | Reminder of building management elevator policy. | Elevator lobbies | https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/covid/posters/covid-19-reopening-elevator-poster.pdf |
Report COVID-19 symptoms | Instructions on reporting positive test results | Common areas, website | SPH Communications |
Hand sanitizer reminder | Reminder that alcohol-based hand sanitizer may be flammable, and hands should be cleaned with soap and water | Near hand sanitizer dispensers | SPH Facilities |
Directional Cues | Reduces bi-directional traffic | Hallways | SPH Facilities |
[1] This is a CRG Management, but not an SPH or CUNY requirement.
SPH has reduced interpersonal contact and decreased density on campus, as described below. In addition, the Safe Campus Operations Committee will continue to work with the School’s Department of Communications and Office of Human Resources to notify faculty and staff of changes in workplace policies so that they can be prepared to reoccupy the campus safely.
Scheduling of staff to ensure a safe return to campus this spring is specified below:
Adults over the age of 65 and those with serious underlying chronic medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease, serious heart conditions, weakened immune systems and other medical conditions [4] may be at increased risk of serious COVID-19 illness, especially if they are unvaccinated. Public health authorities urge such individuals to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Students, faculty and staff who wish to request accommodations due to increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness or who are unable to wear a face covering while on campus will be required to submit appropriate documentation, in accordance with CUNY Procedures for Implementing Reasonable Accommodations and Academic Adjustments.
SPH will:
The SPH Student Wellness Counselor Sherry Adams and interns under her supervision, will continue to provide:
SPH’s Office of Academic and Student Affairs will:
The dual objectives of SPH’s Safe Campus Operations Plan are to gradually and safely expand on-campus classes and other activities while reducing, to the maximum extent possible, the risk of exposure to the SARS CoV-2 virus or an outbreak of COVID-19 on campus. To accomplish these objectives, SPH will continue to inform the community about case reporting requirements, immediately follow up on reported cases, and monitor internal and external and conditions, in collaboration with University leadership. If conditions warrant a pivot to online learning and work and the partial or full closure of the Campus, SPH will be guided by the Chancellery, in accordance with Reclosing Protocols: CUNY’s Guide for Safely Closing On-Campus Operations. Should SPH need to close down operations, the same governance structure will apply, as laid out in Part 1.B. Governance.
SPH will continue to monitor compliance with COVID safety measures and internal conditions:
The SPH Safe Campus Operations Committee will follow the University’s lead in continuing to monitor external conditions to determine if closure is warranted. This includes the following:
Should external conditions indicate significantly increased risk, SPH will immediately consult with the University leadership, who in turn may consult with city and state authorities about whether a pivot to full-time remote learning and working is warranted. (For further details: See: III.B. Tracing and Tracking and IV. Institutional Plans.)
The COVID-19 Liaisons, COVID-19 Coordinator, and Safe Campus Operations Committee will consult with the SVC for Institutional Advancement and state and local health authorities about next steps and decisions regarding partial or full closures per the CDC Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Decision Tree and other relevant guidance.
If partial are full closures are warranted, the school will undertake appropriate measures before reopening. These measures include:
SPH has designated the 7th Floor entrance for mail, packages and other deliveries. If the recipient is on campus, Public Safety will notify the individual to retrieve the item. Urgent items are either scanned or mailed to recipients. Non-urgent items are placed in recipients’ mailboxes or offices.
[1] CUNY Board of Trustees, Disposition of Actions Taken at the July 6, 2021 Board Meeting, July 8, 2021.
[2] See: II. C. 4. Vulnerable Populations and CUNY, COVID-19 and Employee Accommodations for procedures for requesting disability related accommodations.
[4] See: CDC, Medical conditions associated with increased risk of severe COVID-19, Updated: May 13, 2021, for a list of conditions.
[5] NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services, Managing the Return to the Office in the Age of COVID-19, updated June 29, 2021.
[6] ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force, Core Recommendations for Reducing Airborne Infectious Aerosol Exposure, updated January 6, 2021.
[7] FDA, UV Lights and Lamps: Ultraviolent-C Radiation, Disinfection and Coronavirus, February 1, 2021.
[8] CDC, Ventilation in Buildings, Updates as of June 2, 2021.
[9] Well Health-Safety Rating for Facility and Operations Management , © 2020-2021 International WELL Building Institute.
[10] NYSDOH, Interim Guidance for In-Person Instruction at Pre-K – 12 Schools during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency , as of June 7, 2021, @ p.22.
[11] CDC defines an outbreak as two or more cases, see: CDC, Managing Investigations During an Outbreak, Updated July 31, 2020.
[12] NYS DOH, Supplemental Guidance for COVID-19 Containment at Higher Education Institutions during the Public Health Emergency, last updated: February 20, 2021
SPH has designated the 7th Floor entrance for mail, packages and other deliveries. If the recipient is on campus, Public Safety will notify the individual to retrieve the item. Urgent items are either scanned or mailed to recipients. Non-urgent items are placed in recipients’ mailboxes or offices.
[1] OSHA, Appendix D. to Sec. 1910.134 (Mandatory) Information for Employee Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard
[2] See: II. C. 4. Vulnerable Populations and CUNY, COVID-19 and Employee Accommodations.
Table 4. Summary of SPH Safe Campus Operations Plan | ||
Parameters |
Spring 2022
|
Full reopening |
Designation | Expansion of on-campus activities, up to 70% staffing | Full return to campus activities |
Description | Expansion to all on-campus activities on at least a limited basis and continuation of remote activities | Return to “new normal” activities |
Public Health Metrics |
Trend in COVID_19 positivity rates Infectivity and pathogenicity of COVID-19 variants Widespread availability and uptake of highly effective COVID-19 vaccines |
Very high community uptake of effective COVID-19 vaccines |
Instruction | Resumption of in-person, with some continuation of remote, instruction | |
Student and Academic Services and Activities | Limited in-person services and activities, with continuation of remote | Resumption of in-person, with some continuation of remote activities, per CUNY policies |
Research Activities | Resumption of limited on-campus, with some continuation of remote research, per CUNY policies | Resumption of in-person, with some continuation of remote research |
Administrative Operations and Activities | In-person, with some continuation of remote operations and activities | Resumption of in-person, with some continuation of remote, work, per CUNY Policies |
Hours of operation | Mondays – Thursdays, 8am – 9pm | Monday – Friday 8am – 10pm |
Employee Access | All employees | All employees, under any new SPH and CUNY policies and procedures |
Student Access | Students who are taking in person classes or have an appointment. | All students, under any new SPH and CUNY policies and procedures |
Visitor Access | By appointment for essential operations | All visitors, under any new SPH and CUNY policies and procedures |
PPE | Masks required | Per NYS and University guidelines |
Health Screening | Required (Proof of vaccination, booster shots, or negative COVID-19 test per University guidelines) | Per NYS and University guidelines |
Physical Distancing | Required | Per NYS and University guidelines |
Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection | Required | Per NYS and University guidelines |
If SPH receives notification that an individual is identified as COVID-19-positive while on campus or within ten days of leaving campus:
SPH engaged key stakeholders in developing this plan and will continue to engage them once the plan receives approval and the gradual and safe return to campus is underway.
Once the plan receives approval, should SPH need to close down in-person operations after reopening, the same governance structure in the reopening section of this document (Part I. B. Governance) will apply. The reclosing plan is outlined above, in Part II.
Decisions to shut down will begin with the Campus Coronavirus Liaisons who will report daily to the Safe Campus Operations Committee and to the Chancellery/COO’s Office on COVID-19 exposures. This data, along with local and state data and guidance, will guide the SPH, working with the Chancellery/COO’s Office’s on decisions as to closures.
If the CUNY Board of Trustees calls for partial or full closure of CUNY, SPH will activate its reclosing plan.
The City University of New York takes the well-being and safety of our students, faculty and staff very seriously. During the pandemic, we all have an obligation to behave in a responsible manner per the guidance approved in your campus’ re-opening plan to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Responsible behavior extends to your off-campus and personal lives, which can affect your ability to transmit the virus on campus, including at a minimum:
Article XV of the CUNY bylaws requires that each student obey policies, regulations, and orders of the University/College. Students are reminded that the Rules and Regulations for the Maintenance of Public order pursuant to article 129a of the education law (“Henderson Rules”) prohibits:
The University is committed to adhering fully to current and future directives about social encounters from the federal, state and local public health officials. Any student found in violation of these directives may be subject to discipline under article XV of the CUNY bylaws.