COVID-19 Guidelines

COVID-19 Guidelines

SUNY Geneseo has returned to an on-campus experience with in-person classes. All SUNY students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and boosted when eligible.

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

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.

Updates

April 8: Indoor Masking Encouraged

Due to a slight increase in COVID cases at the college and the prevalence of the BA.2 Omicron subvariant in New York State, the College strongly encourages individuals to mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status, especially at large events and gatherings. Masks remain an effective tool in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

We are continuing to monitor local and state public health guidance and will adjust recommendations and protocols as needed. 

Employees and students should report if they test positive for COVID-19.

Employees can report a positive test here, and students can find reporting information in the Getting Tested for COVID-19 section lower on this page.

Reporting positive home and off-site test results is essential to our continued monitoring of campus conditions.

April 4: SUNY Geneseo Now Mask Optional for All Individuals

Effective April 4, the College will be 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
  •     South Village Health Center
  •     COVID-19 Testing Centers in Sturges Hall
  •     All mass transportation, including RTS buses on campus

The College reserves the right to require masks at specific events or reinstate mask requirements, if conditions change.

The updated masking policy was developed in consultation with the Livingston County Department of Health (LCDOH) and in alignment with current CDC guidelines. Our campus has maintained low positivity rates, including in recent post-spring break weeks. Plus, we have high vaccination rates for both students and employees. What’s more, the CDC continues to categorize Livingston County’s community-level transmission as low.

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.

March 30: New Student Vaccination & Booster Requirement

New in-person students for Summer 2022 Sessions must submit documentation of a COVID-19 vaccination and booster 14 days before their first session. 

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

Students who are not yet eligible for a booster will be granted a temporary medical exemption for the booster until they become eligible.

Current students who have still not yet met the booster requirement will have a hold placed on their registration and will not be able to register for fall classes until they are in compliance.

December 9: At-Home Rapid Tests Now Acceptable Proof of Positive Result

At-home rapid tests are now acceptable proof of a positive COVID-19 test result for the Livingston County Department of Health.

If you are a student who tests positive using an at-home rapid test, contact the Health Center at 585-245-5736 Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (syfrett@geneseo.edu after hours and on weekends) to let Health & Counseling know.

How to Submit Proof of Vaccine & Booster

How to Submit Proof

New In-Person Students for Summer 2022

New in-person students for Summer 2022 Sessions must submit documentation of a COVID-19 vaccination and booster 14 days before the start of their first session.

New In-Person Students for Fall 2022

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

Please contact health@geneseo.edu with any questions.

Quick Answers

Are vaccines required for all students?

Yes. Per New York State policy, all SUNY students are required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster or have an approved exemption.

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

Please also review the falsification of COVID-19 records web page.

Is vaccination required for students who have recently 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.

Where can I get the booster?

To locate a clinic or venue to receive the COVID-19 booster, please visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Info page of the Livingston County website.

Another option is to visit vaccines.gov, or text 14454 to 438829.

What if I have recently had COVID-19? Can I still get the booster?

Yes. You are eligible for a COVID booster 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.

Are masks mandatory?

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    
South Village Health Center    
COVID-19 Testing Centers in Sturges 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.

Other Guidelines

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    
South Village Health Center    
COVID-19 Testing Centers in Sturges 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

Unvaccinated students will be required to participate in weekly surveillance testing during the Spring 2022 semester.

See the COVID-19 Surveillance Testing page for full details.

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

Unvaccinated students will be required to participate in weekly surveillance testing during the Spring 2022 semester.

See the COVID-19 Surveillance Testing page for full details.

If you are symptomatic

Students with symptoms of COVID-19—whether the student is vaccinated or unvaccinated—should immediately contact the Health Center at 585-245-5736.

Symptomatic students 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 but want to get tested outside of surveillance testing, 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 - 4:30 PM (syfrett@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    
South Village Health Center    
COVID-19 Testing Centers in Sturges Hall
All mass transportation, including RTS buses on campus

The College reserves the right to require masks at specific events or reinstate mask requirements, if conditions change.

Surveillance Testing for Unvaccinated Students

Unvaccinated students will be required to participate in weekly surveillance testing during the Spring 2022 semester.

See the COVID-19 Surveillance Testing page for full details.

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.

Daily Health Screening

Unvaccinated students are required to complete a daily health screening.

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 - 4:30 PM (syfrett@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 - 4:30 PM (syfrett@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

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Additional Resources