Fall 2022 COVID-19 Guidelines

These guidelines explain SUNY Geneseo’s policies and procedures regarding COVID-19 vaccination, surveillance testing, and other precautions designed to protect the health of the campus community and promote student success.

Please note:

  • All students with a presence on campus are required to be vaccinated with the COVID-19 Primary Series.
  • Students will not be required to self-test for COVID-19 before or after arriving on campus. It is recommended that students who are experiencing COVID symptoms that week self-test before arrival.
  • COVID-19 boosters are not required for Fall 2022 attendance. 

For detailed information, please see:

Employees please see COVID-19 guidance for employees.

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.

This guidance is subject to change.

Quick Answers

Vaccine Requirement

Yes. Per New York State policy, all SUNY students are required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or have an approved exemption from vaccination to attend in-person classes.

For more information, see our COVID-19 vaccination requirement page.

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 COVID 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 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 show proof of a COVID-19 booster too?

No. SUNY Geneseo no longer requires students to show proof of a COVID-19 booster.

Mask Guidelines

As of April 4, the campus is mask optional for all individuals. Those who are unvaccinated or unboosted are strongly encouraged to continue masking.

Please note that individuals who are completing quarantine and isolation must wear a mask under the New York State Department of Health’s guidelines.

In addition, masks are still required in the following areas:

Lauderdale Health Center
Campus Community Resource Nurse - Onondaga Hall
Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor - Onondaga Hall  
All mass transportation, including RTS buses on campus

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.

How to Submit Proof of Vaccination

New in-person students for Fall 2022 must submit documentation of a COVID-19 vaccination by August 8.

Please contact health@geneseo.edu with any questions.

Surveillance Testing

Fall 2022 surveillance testing information for unvaccinated students will be available closer to the start of the semester.

SUNY Geneseo may decide to require more frequent surveillance testing of all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, upon consultation with the local health department in response to changes in community health and infection rates or if CDC, state, or SUNY guidance require such.

Getting Tested for COVID-19

Surveillance testing

Fall 2022 surveillance testing information for unvaccinated students will be available closer to the start of the semester.

If you are symptomatic

If you have symptoms of COVID-19—whether or not you are vaccinated—you should immediately contact the Health Center at 585-245-5736.

You must visit the Health Center in order to be examined by a nurse or clinician to determine if a COVID-19 test is needed.

If you do not have symptoms

If you are asymptomatic, you can obtain a rapid test over the counter at Wegman's, CVS, Walmart, etc.

If you test positive

If you test positive after receiving a PCR test or using an at-home rapid test, contact the Health Center at 585-245-5736 Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (health@geneseo.edu after hours and on weekends) to let Health & Counseling know.

If you are currently living in Livingston County and test positive using an at-home test, you will need to isolate yourself from others (at your home) for 5 days and wear a well-fitted mask around others. NYS counties are no longer tracking home tests.

Regardless of vaccination status, CDC guidelines calculate isolation if symptomatic as : Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or a positive viral test. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed or your test specimen was collected.

For detailed instructions regarding exposure, symptomatic vs. asymptomatic and face coverings, go to the CDC Quarantine and Isolation page.

Off-Campus COVID-19 PCR Testing Locations

You are able to obtain an off-site PCR test at the following places:

For a complete list of COVID-19 testing sites, visit the New York State Department of Health's "Find a test site near you" website.

Requirements for Unvaccinated Students

Masks

As of April 4, the campus is mask optional for all individuals. Those who are unvaccinated or unboosted are strongly encouraged to continue masking.

Please note that individuals who are completing quarantine and isolation must wear a mask under the New York State Department of Health’s guidelines.

In addition, masks are still required in the following areas:

Lauderdale Health Center
Campus Community Resource Nurse - Onondaga Hall
Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor - Onondaga Hall  
All mass transportation, including RTS buses on campus

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.

Surveillance Testing for Unvaccinated Students

Fall 2022 surveillance testing information for unvaccinated students will be available closer to the start of the semester.

SUNY Geneseo may decide to require more frequent surveillance testing of all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, upon consultation with the local health department in response to changes in community health and infection rates or if CDC, state, or SUNY guidance require such.

Quarantine and Isolation

Positive COVID-19 Test

If you test positive after receiving a PCR test or using an at-home rapid test, contact the Health Center at 585-245-5736 Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (health@geneseo.edu after hours and on weekends) to let Health & Counseling know. 

If you are currently living in Livingston County and test positive using an at-home test, you will need to isolate yourself from others (at your home) for 5 days and wear a well-fitted mask around others. NYS counties are no longer tracking home tests.

Regardless of vaccination status, CDC guidelines calculate isolation if symptomatic as : Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or a positive viral test. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed or your test specimen was collected.

For detailed instructions regarding exposure, symptomatic vs. asymptomatic and face coverings, go to the CDC Quarantine and Isolation page.

COVID-19 Exposure

Vaccinated students do not have to quarantine unless symptomatic.

Unvaccinated students who were exposed to COVID-19 must:

  • Quarantine for at least 5 full days
  • Wear a mask
  • Watch for symptoms until 10 days after your last close contact with the positive exposure

Off-Campus or Commuting Students

Off-campus or commuting students will quarantine or isolate at their off-campus residence. If you test positive after receiving a PCR test or using an at-home rapid test, contact the Health Center at 585-245-5736 Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (health@geneseo.edu after hours and on weekends) to let Health & Counseling know.

Keeping up with Classes during COVID-Related Absences

Students who need to miss classes for an extended period of time (including a COVID-related quarantine or isolation order) 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

student with book
students walking on campus
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Students on campus during sunset

Additional Resources