Health and Safety

Ventilation and Air Quality
The filtration for all HVAC units has been increased to the highest level MERV rating, based on system design specifications.

In preparation for a safe campus reopening in fall 2021, our Facilities Management team is undergoing a detailed study of every HVAC unit on campus, focused on air exchanges and filtration. This new study builds on work completed during the last year for areas where students, staff, and faculty have been on-site and expands the review across all campus spaces. It is being conducted by industry experts in HVAC design and filtration and advised by knowledgeable New School faculty members. The goals of this study are to:

• identify and update the appropriate number of air exchanges for every space on campus;
• identify corrective courses of action to meet appropriate levels;
• ensure that all HVAC equipment is using the highest level of air filtration based on CDC recommendations, industry standards, and original equipment designs.

We are closely following the evolving guidance from public health agencies and industry associations including the CDC, NYC Test and Trace and other government agencies, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Additionally, we are in frequent collaboration with the NYC Colleges and Universities COVID Coordination Council to share best practices, resources, and public health guidance.

Enhanced Cleaning Protocols

• Hand sanitizer dispensers are installed in every building lobby and elevator lobbies on all floors, as well as in offices, classrooms, research and making facilities, and computer labs.
• EPA and CDC approved disinfectants, ultraviolet light, and/or SteraMist™ technology are used to clean and sanitize surfaces.
• High touch surfaces are cleaned throughout the day, and heightened sanitization occurs during overnight cleaning.
• Where feasible, touchless equipment will be installed.

Physical distancing means keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household. All students and members of our community are required to practice physical distancing on campus, which is defined as maintaining a distance of at least six (6) feet (about two arms’ length) from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces.  

All campus spaces and residence halls have been reconfigured to comply with the COVID-19 Higher Education Guidelines from New York State. Guidance for reduced capacity in classrooms, studios, performance spaces, labs, offices, residence halls, and common spaces, including dining facilities, libraries, lounges, auditoriums, and gyms (when those gathering places are permitted by the state to open) will be posted in buildings.

In accordance with the COVID-19 Higher Education Guidelines from New York State, face coverings must be worn at all times when on campus. This includes all buildings, residence halls, classrooms, making centers, studios, computer labs, and all other campus spaces.

Face coverings must cover both the mouth and nose and must be constructed of three-ply material. Health officials recommend double masking and/or a high-quality, well-fitted mask for the greatest protection. Read more on the CDC website.

The following are not acceptable face coverings:

• Masks with one-way valves or vents. These masks allow respiratory droplets to be exhaled through a hole in the material and do not prevent the wearer from transmitting COVID-19 to others.
• Gaiters. These face coverings are made of thin porous material that may intensify the amount of droplets and dispersal of aerosols that may be transmitted to others.
• Bandanas. These face coverings are ineffective barriers for the wearer and for others.

When on campus, students must wear their masks at all times, unless eating or drinking at a reserved space in the cafeteria. Students who live in on-campus housing may remove their masks when in the presence of suitemates in their housing units, but masks must be worn in common areas at all times.

Regular hand washing and sanitizer use is encouraged. Additional hand-sanitizing stations have been added at building entrances and other central locations throughout campus, including every building lobby and elevator lobbies on all floors, as well as in offices, classrooms, research and making facilities, and computer labs.

Frequent hand washing is one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Members of the university community are expected to practice frequent handwashing to help keep themselves and the community safe. When soap and water is not readily available, hand sanitizer with a minimum concentration of 60% alcohol is an acceptable alternative. During the pandemic, it is especially important to wash hands for a minimum of 20 seconds after one has been in public places and had contact with surfaces (door handles, tables, gas pumps, shopping carts, or electronic cashier registers/screens, etc.) likely to be touched frequently by others. Washing is essential before touching the eyes, nose or mouth, where germs enter the body.

Barriers or clear sneeze guards are installed in areas where social distancing is not feasible and at service desks (security desks, equipment centers, computer labs, etc.) where employees are at higher risk due to interactions with many people.

At this time, our status and Spring 2021 Return to Campus Plan have not changed. These protocols include ongoing testing for all individuals working on campus. Please refer to the Faculty/Staff COVID FAQ for additional guidelines and protocols for employees.

As part of a layered approach to keeping our campus safe, the university will be conducting “re-entry,” and “random” diagnostic testing to mitigate the risk to the campus community.  

Re-entry Testing
Faculty teaching in-person or hybrid classes or staff who will be on campus regularly—one day a week or more—are required to complete a COVID-19 PCR test within 7 days of their in-person class session or activities, regardless of vaccination status. Faculty and staff may use Mount Sinai, one of the university’s health partners, for testing throughout the semester. If you get tested through another provider, you must submit results to benefitshelp@newschool.edu. 

Additional testing sites can be found via the following State websites:

• New York State: Information on Novel Coronavirus
• New Jersey: COVID-19 Information Hub

• Connecticut: Connecticut COVID-19 Response

Those who plan to be on campus intermittently—less than one full day a week—do not need to be tested and only need to complete the daily symptom screening process outlined below.  

Daily Screening Requirements
Faculty and staff may continue to access campus while waiting for their test results so long as they have completed and "passed" the university’s Daily Symptom Screening Questionnaire, have received a “pass” for the day, and follow all safety protocols (ex. PPE, social distancing, etc.). Please visit the Faculty/Staff COVID FAQ for more information.

Random Testing
Those who plan to be on campus one or more times per week for the duration of the semester will be tested throughout the semester based on the first letter of their last name. The schedule and instructions will be communicated by Human Resources. Random testing will take place in February, March and April. You may use a location of your choice, including Mount Sinai, and the test must be a PCR. 

Faculty and staff who are working on campus and who plan to travel outside of New York must pay extra close attention to the New York State requirements for testing or quarantining upon return; they must also ensure such safety requirements do not impede their ability to return to work.

Visit the Screening and Testing page for more information. 

On-Campus Students
All students living on campus who receive a positive COVID-19 test result are required to isolate. Students will be provided isolation instructions by Residence Hall Staff and/or Student Health Services. Students may be required to isolate in their rooms, or they may be required to isolate in rooms that have been designated for isolation purposes. In all instances, Housing Staff and Student Health Services will provide student support and ensure that students are able to obtain food and medications as needed. A provider from Student Health Services will meet with students via telehealth throughout their isolation period. Once students have received written clearance from Student Health Services, they must submit it to housing staff and for campus reservations as needed.

During isolation, students may attend classes remotely if physically able. If not, it is strongly advised that students work with Student Support and Advocacy to assist with their academic needs while they recover. Students with prolonged illness related to COVID infection are encouraged to contact Student Disability Services regarding academic accommodations.

In most instances, students will be required to isolate for 10 days, and must experience resolution of symptoms and be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications in order to receive clearance to end their isolation period. Students should not repeat their COVID-19 tests following their isolation period.

Off-Campus Students
All students living off campus who receive a positive COVID-19 test result are required to isolate. Students will be provided isolation instructions by Student Health Services. Students will be required to isolate in their living spaces. Student Health Services and Student Support and Advocacy will provide students with medical care and support. A provider from Student Health Services will meet with students via telehealth throughout the isolation period. Students must have a final telehealth visit with a Student Health Services provider in order to be cleared at the end of their isolation period. Students who have been cleared will receive documentation by email from Student Health Services. The note should be submitted for campus reservations and to others as needed.

During isolation, students may attend classes remotely if physically able. If not, it is strongly advised that students contact Student Support and Advocacy to assist with their academic needs while they recover. Students with prolonged illness related to a COVID-19 infection are encouraged to contact Student Disability Services to secure academic accommodations.

In most instances, students will be required to isolate for 10 days and must experience resolution of symptoms and be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications in order to receive clearance to end their isolation period. Students should not repeat their COVID-19 tests following their isolation period.

The university complies with guidance from New York City on how employers can support the official contact tracing unit, Test & Trace Corps.

In the event a student receives a positive COVID-19 test, Student Health Services will investigate and determine whether other students, faculty, or staff may have had contact with the positive student in a manner that places them at increased risk. All contract tracing is performed in collaboration with the New York City Department of Health (DOH) Contact Tracing Corps. During contact tracing efforts, Student Health Services and the DOH will protect the privacy and confidentiality of the COVID-19 positive student. In addition, the DOH may conduct independent contact tracing. All students are required to cooperate with the contact tracing efforts of Student Health Services and the DOH. Those who do not cooperate with contact tracing efforts will be subject to disciplinary action.