Spring 2022 COVID Communication for New Students

Dear New and Transfer Students:

We look forward to welcoming you to Herkimer College for the Spring 2022 semester.  We are committed to making your experience the best it can be while maintaining a safe and healthy campus environment.  Please be sure to review the following policies and protocols related to COVID-19.

Vaccination Requirements:

Per State University of New York policy, all students accessing campus facilities are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  To ensure the health and safety of our campus community, the following COVID-19 infection prevention protocols are required of students accessing campus facilities:

• Students who are vaccinated are required to submit proof of vaccination as soon as they are fully vaccinated.  A photo or scanned copy of the vaccination card can be uploaded here: www.herkimer.edu/herksafe or submitted via email to deanofstudents@herkimer.edu or by mail to Dean of Students, Herkimer College, 100 Reservoir Rd, Herkimer, NY 13350
• Students not yet fully vaccinated must provide proof of full vaccination no later than January 19, 2022.  It is important to plan ahead so you are fully vaccinated before this deadline.  You can get a vaccine at most pharmacies, making it easy and convenient to get vaccinated.  For locations near you, visit: https://www.vaccines.gov/search/
• Vaccine Exemptions:
  Medical and Religious Exemptions: Students may be exempt from the vaccine requirement if a duly licensed health care provider certifies in writing that the COVID-19 vaccination may be detrimental to the student’s health.  Students who hold genuine religious beliefs which are contrary to COVID-19 vaccination may also be exempt.
  
  The Request for Medical Immunization Exemption and Request for Religious Exemption forms are available at www.herkimer.edu/covid-19 or by contacting the Dean of Students Office via email at deanofstudents@herkimer.edu. Completed exemption requests (along with any required documentation) should be submitted by January 3, 2022 to the Dean of Students Office (email to deanofstudents@herkimer.edu or fax to 315-866-1808). (Note: Students with approved exemptions will be required to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing, administered by the College.)
• Internet Academy
  Internet Academy students (students enrolled 100% online) who are not planning to be on-campus for any reason are exempt from the vaccination requirement. Students in this category must submit an attestation confirming they will not be using any campus facilities. The Student Exemption Attestation can be completed online here: www.herkimer.edu/online-exemption.

COVID Surveillance Testing:

• Residential Students:  All students residing on campus will be required to have a “rapid” COVID test upon arrival to campus as part of their move-in process (as will any accompanying adults who will assist the student with moving in).  Anyone testing positive, along with all in your travel party, will be required to return home and isolate per the Department of Health.  All residential students will be required to participate in weekly surveillance testing, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated, or if they have been approved for an exemption.
• Unvaccinated Commuter Students:  Commuter students who are not fully vaccinated or who have been approved for an exemption will be required to take part in “rapid” COVID testing that will be provided on campus by Primary Urgent Care on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.  Commuter students may also elect to be tested at local Primary Urgent Care sites no earlier than Sunday, January 16, 2022.  Results of the rapid test should be sent directly to deanofstudents@herkimer.edu.  Unvaccinated commuter students will be required to participate in weekly surveillance testing (provided on campus by the College) throughout the semester.
• Student-Athletes:  All student-athletes, regardless of whether they are residential or commuter students, and regardless of whether they are vaccinated, or if they have been approved for an exemption, will be required to participate in weekly surveillance testing.

Facial Coverings:

• Masks must be worn by all individuals regardless of vaccination.  Exceptions to the mask wearing requirement include when students are (1) in their private residential or personal space, (2) eating meals on-campus while seated and social distancing is appropriately enforced, or (3) by themselves.

The above policies and procedures are subject to change as COVID-related conditions evolve.

We understand you may still have questions or concerns. SUNY has provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions, as well as vaccine information in more than a dozen languages, at www.suny.edu/knowyourvax.

Please feel free to contact us at deanofstudents@herkimer.edu or 315-574-4009 with any questions or concerns.  We look forward to a safe and successful spring semester!

Sincerely,

Donald M. Dutcher ‘90
Dean of Students/Director of Athletics
315.574.4009
315.866.1808 (FAX)
DeanofStudents@Herkimer.edu