CUNY SPH will safely reopen campus for the fall 2021 semester. Students should carefully review the vaccination requirements to ensure they are ready for the fall 2021 semester. This page will be updated as more information on policies and procedures become available, so please check it often.
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COVID-19 Resources for Students
Vaccination Requirements for Students for Fall 2021
On July 6, 2021 the CUNY Board of Trustees approved the University-wide student vaccination policy. This policy, summarized below and adapted for CUNY SPH, allows for the safe return to in-person learning in the fall.
At CUNY SPH, only those students who have been fully vaccinated by August 10, 2021 will be permitted to take in-person classes in the fall 2021 semester. Students who are unvaccinated or who do not wish to disclose their vaccine status may take on-line classes.
As of the first day of classes on Wednesday, August 25, in order to enter a CUNY facility, all students must either be fully vaccinated, or else show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within the previous seven days. At CUNY SPH, only students who are fully vaccinated may attend in-person classes. Students coming to campus for other reasons will need to make an appointment in advance and either be fully vaccinated or participate in CUNY’s weekly surveillance testing program. Details on these requirements will be forthcoming.
Students who plan to attend classes in person and have not yet been vaccinated need to start the vaccination process immediately in order to be fully vaccinated in time for the start of the semester. Below are timelines students should keep in mind for the three vaccines for which the FDA has granted emergency use authorization in the United States.
- Moderna vaccine: 28 days between doses + 14 days for full effect. First dose by July 13 to attend fall 2021 in-person/hybrid courses.
- Pfizer vaccine: 21 days between doses + 14 days for full effect. First dose by July 20 to attend fall 2021 in-person/hybrid courses.
- Johnson & Johnson vaccine (and other viral vector vaccines): 14 days for full effect. First dose by August 10 to attend fall 2021 in-person/hybrid courses.
Students who currently reside in other countries should review the vaccination timelines for the vaccines they can access in their areas. Students who have completed the final dose of COVID-19 vaccines that are approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and after the specified time period, are considered fully vaccinated.
Please also see the #VaxUpCUNY page for additional information on returning to in-person learning in fall 2021.
Be Prepared
To prepare for the fall semester, we urge all students to:
- Get vaccinated now. We urge all students to get vaccinated as soon as you are able. Depending on which vaccine you receive, it can take up to six weeks for you to be fully immunized so the sooner you get vaccinated, the better.
- Have documentation of your vaccination ready. If you have gotten or plan to get vaccinated in New York State, get the Excelsior Pass. If you got vaccinated outside of NYS, please make sure you have proof of your vaccination.
- Make sure you have a CUNY SPH ID card. If you are a new student, or need a new card, you will be able to get your card remotely. Visit this link to request, replace, and/or activate an ID card.
Other Resources
Please see the COVID-19 Information Technology Resources page for information on how to contact the Helpdesk, obtaining hardware and software for distance learning, Blackboard and Zoom resources, free or low-cost internet service, and assistive technology services.
Click here to learn more about CUNY SPH’s library services, which can all be accessed online.
Please email CUNY SPH librarian Emily Pagano (emily.pagano@sph.cuny.edu) with any questions or concerns or to set up an appointment for a phone call, skype session, live chat, etc.
We will continue to provide student advisement, writing, and quantitative tutoring services via phone/email and through use of digital platforms like Zoom. Please refer to the Student Advising, Writing Assistance, and Quantitative Tutoring pages for more information on these services.
Please check the Fieldwork page for the latest info for students planning to complete their fieldwork in Fall 2020.
Please check the COVID-19 Updates for International Students page for the latest information.
Student Wellness Counselor Sherry Adams is available to provide free and confidential counseling to students experiencing heightened anxiety related to COVID-19 and other emotional health concerns. Please email her at sherry.adams@sph.cuny.edu to schedule an appointment. Virtual counseling is available via phone.
Students can view videos of workshops from the Remaining Resilient During the COVID-19 Pandemic Workshop Series, hosted by Sherry Adams:
Please refer to the Counseling and Wellness Services page for information and additional helpful links.
Students who are in need of financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, may apply for a grant from the CUNY SPH Student Emergency Fund. The CUNY SPH Student Emergency Fund is a year round fund which provides grants on a case-by-case basis to students facing acute catastrophic financial hardship. Individuals who apply may be asked to submit supporting documentation to demonstrate their financial need. For more information and to apply, click here.
All student services will be provided remotely including:
- Accessibility Services (accommodations, awareness events, workshops)
- Admissions (individual advisement and orientation events)
- Alumni Network (networking events, holiday parties)
- Career Services (counseling, job fairs, networking mixers, resume prep)
- International Student Services (F-1 visas, OPT/STEM advisement)
- Student Conduct/Title IX (trainings, hearings as guided and permitted by CUNY)
- Student Government (events, student club events)
- Veteran Services (individual advisement, events)
There will be no extracurricular activities held on campus during the remote learning/working period.
NYC Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-based Violence – this comprehensive initiative out of the Mayor’s Office details resources such as NYC Family Justice Centers where survivors can get connected to comprehensive, free, and confidential assistance. It also lists the city’s 24/7 Domestic Violence Hopeline 800-621-HOPE (4673) for immediate safety planning, shelter assistance, and other resources. TTY: 800-810-7444
Housing Justice for All – this advocacy organization’s website provides important information about housing rights and the “Tenant’s Declaration of Hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic” that is sent to both your landlord and housing court:
Swipe Out Hunger – this CUNY student food navigator portal offers free resource referrals and support from peers.
Questions? Concerns?
If you have questions or concerns not answered here, please reach out to Lynn Roberts, Associate Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs (lynn.roberts@sph.cuny.edu).