COVID-19 Guidelines
These guidelines explain SUNY Geneseo’s policies and procedures regarding COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and other precautions designed to protect the health of the campus community and promote student success.
SUNY Geneseo’s educational experience is anchored by in-person instruction; close and persistent contact among students, faculty, and staff; and a residential campus that promotes student engagement in co-curricular and extracurricular programs. Our guidelines prioritize the in-person campus experience that our students value.
Employees please see COVID-19 guidance for employees.
This guidance is subject to change.
Quick Answers
Please contact health@geneseo.edu with any questions.
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Vaccine Requirement
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Per New York State policy, all students must submit documentation of a COVID-19 vaccination or have an approved exemption to attend in-person classes. COVID-19 boosters are not required for attendance.
Visit vaccines.gov for a list of COVID-19 vaccine locations near SUNY Geneseo. Please also review the falsification of COVID-19 records web page.
Is vaccination required if I've had COVID-19?
Yes. You are eligible for a primary vaccination after you have had COVID-19, as soon as you have completed isolation and have fully recovered from the illness.
However, if you received passive antibody therapy (e.g. monoclonal antibodies) as part of your treatment for COVID-19 then you should wait 90 days after that treatment to get a vaccine because the antibodies can interfere with vaccine response. If this applies to you, you must submit a medical exemption form.
Do I have to provide proof of a COVID-19 booster too?
No. SUNY Geneseo no longer requires students to show proof of a COVID-19 booster.
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Mask Guidelines
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General Guidelines
The campus is mask optional for all individuals. Unvaccinated and unboosted individuals are strongly encouraged to continue masking.
Masking When Positive
You are likely most infectious during the first five days of a COVID-19 infection, so wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home while isolating. Wear a high-quality mask for another five days after isolation (for a total of 10 days).
Please also see the "testing positive" section lower on this page for more information about what to do if you test positive for COVID-19.
Masking if Exposed to COVID-19
Students who were exposed to COVID-19 through close contact must wear a mask around others for 10 days per the New York State Department of Health’s guidelines.
Health and Counseling
Effective February 13, 2023, Student Health and Counseling buildings will be mask optional. This includes Lauderdale Health Center and services in Onondaga Hall.
Students or staff coming to Student Health and Counseling are asked to mask if they have recently tested positive for COVID, have recently been in close contact with someone who has COVID, or are experiencing cough, congestion, chills, or body aches. Anyone who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID will be asked to mask if they haven’t already done so. Healthcare professionals reserve the right to request a patient to put on a mask during examination.
Optional Masking
Individuals are encouraged and welcome to use a mask if they choose to do so. One-way masking has proven helpful in protecting the mask wearer. Medical paper masks will continue to be available in dispensers throughout campus. We will continue to monitor campus, local, and state conditions and make adjustments as needed in consultation with the LCDOH.
The College reserves the right to require masks at specific events or reinstate mask requirements if conditions change.
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Getting Tested for COVID-19
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If you have symptoms of COVID-19:
- Take an at-home COVID-19 test. If you don't have access to an at-home test, call Health and Counseling at 585-245-5736.
- Stay away from others and wear a mask until you get your results.
If you do not have symptoms:
If you are asymptomatic, you can obtain an at-home test over the counter at Wegman's, CVS, Walmart, etc.
If the test is negative:
- If you feel well enough to attend class, put on a well-fitting mask, come to class, and maintain physical distance as much as possible.
- If you choose to miss class due to these symptoms, you are responsible for reaching out to faculty as soon as possible to discuss ways of keeping up with missed work.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you must:
- Call Health and Counseling at 585-245-5736 to report your positive test result.
- Isolate yourself from others for five days.
Where to isolate:
- On-Campus students are required to leave campus to complete their isolation at home unless arrangements have been made with Residence Life (reslife@geneseo.edu).
- Off-campus or commuting from home students need to stay home.
What to do during isolation:
- You are likely most infectious during the first five days, so wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home.
- Do not share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
- If your symptoms get worse or you get any new symptoms, contact Health and Counseling at 585-245-5736.
- Tell roommates and friends to call Health and Counseling at 585-245-5736 if they also test positive.
What to do after isolation:
- Wear a high-quality mask for another five days after isolation (for a total of 10 days).
- Do not share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
Calculation of the isolation start and end:
- Day 0 of isolation is the day you test positive.
- Day 1 is the first FULL day following the day you tested positive.
- Day 5 is the last FULL day you are in isolation.
- Day 6 is the day your isolation ENDS.
For example: If you test positive on 9/7/22, day 1 is 9/8/22 and your isolation ENDS on 9/13/22.
Keeping up with classes during COVID-related absences:
Students who need to miss classes for an extended period of time (including COVID-related isolation orders) should contact the Dean of Students (deanstu@geneseo.edu), who will inform faculty of absences.
Students are responsible for reaching out to their faculty as soon as possible to make arrangements for keeping up with missed work.
Faculty are not required to provide online instruction to students during extended absences.
Students are responsible for staying in touch with their instructors to clarify expectations and resolve any questions about the coursework.
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Testing Positive for COVID-19 and Professor Notification
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If you test positive for COVID-19, you must:
- Call Health and Counseling at 585-245-5736 to report your positive test result.
- Isolate yourself from others for five days.
Where to isolate:
- On-Campus students are required to leave campus to complete their isolation at home unless arrangements have been made with Residence Life (reslife@geneseo.edu).
- Off-campus or commuting from home students need to stay home.
What to do during isolation:
- You are likely most infectious during the first five days, so wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home.
- Do not share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
- If your symptoms get worse or you get any new symptoms, contact Health and Counseling at 585-245-5736.
- Tell roommates and friends to call Health and Counseling at 585-245-5736 if they also test positive.
What to do after isolation:
- Wear a high-quality mask for another five days after isolation (for a total of 10 days).
- Do not share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
Calculation of the isolation start and end:
- Day 0 of isolation is the day you test positive.
- Day 1 is the first FULL day following the day you tested positive.
- Day 5 is the last FULL day you are in isolation.
- Day 6 is the day your isolation ENDS.
For example: If you test positive on 9/7/22, day 1 is 9/8/22 and your isolation ENDS on 9/13/22.
Keeping up with classes during COVID-related absences:
Students who need to miss classes for an extended period of time (including COVID-related isolation orders) should contact the Dean of Students (deanstu@geneseo.edu), who will inform faculty of absences.
Students are responsible for reaching out to their faculty as soon as possible to make arrangements for keeping up with missed work.
Faculty are not required to provide online instruction to students during extended absences.
Students are responsible for staying in touch with their instructors to clarify expectations and resolve any questions about the coursework.
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COVID-19 Exposure
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If you were exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and you do not have symptoms, wear a mask for 10 days when around others and watch out for developing symptoms.
