Updated Faculty and Staff COVID-19 Guidelines

Updated September 7, 2022

The guidelines below have been developed in consultation with the CDC, State, and local officials, as well as recommendations of a comprehensive plan developed by the Rockland Community College COVID-19 campus task force.

New information and changes will be communicated directly with students, faculty and staff, and this page will be updated as new information is received. The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff will continue to be the number one priority that will drive our institutional planning and guidance.

Masking Expectations

Effective June 21, 2022, the wearing of a mask or face covering on SUNY Rockland Community College property is optional.

This change is being made based upon the current COVID-19 conditions at the College and in our County and State, and together with the most recent guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, New York State Department of Health, State University of New York, and the Rockland County Department of Health.

The College will continue to monitor COVID-19 cases on campus and in the surrounding area. If the College determines there is a shift in the current COVID-19 conditions, or related changes are made to the federal, state, and/or local guidance, RCC will return to the masking requirement indoors.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please reach out to our Public Safety office at 845-574-4217.

Employees can request PPE using the form linked on the myRCC employee landing page under Coronavirus Information (you must be logged into myRCC).

Mask Etiquette

As there may be members of our community who have compromised health or are caring for others who may have health issues, please consider the following tips regarding Mask Etiquette:

  • Consider requesting virtual meetings if unmasked colleagues make you feel uncomfortable.
  • You may not mandate others to wear masks, but if you feel more comfortable with others wearing masks in your presence and while in your own office, politely ask them, “would you mind wearing a mask in my office, I have one here…”

green face mask

Ask them to put on a mask. Be polite, discreet, and respectful with your request.
Try to speak quietly with them at a safe distance so just the two of you can hear. Show compassion and kindness when you ask them.

“Would you please put your mask on? Wearing a face mask is how RCC is keeping our community safe.”
You might be surprised by a person’s reaction to your request. Sometimes, people simply forget to put their masks on. We are all trying to navigate our first pandemic, so let’s give everybody the benefit of the doubt.

Offer to give them a mask.
Sometimes, people forget to bring their masks with them. Students, faculty, and staff can get a free mask at the Public Safety office in the Fieldhouse, Room 5209 (2nd Floor).

Ask your supervisor for help.
If you have politely asked the person to wear a mask, and have offered them a mask and they refuse, please ask your supervisor to step in and help you. If necessary, the supervisor will call Public Safety for assistance. But usually, people comply with safety rules.

Vaccinations and Testing

Although it is strongly recommended, faculty and staff are not required to be vaccinated at this time.

Testing Positive for COVID-19, Quarantine and Returning to Campus

Rockland Community College adheres to CDC, NYSDOH, and Rockland County Health Department COVID 19 quarantine and isolation guidance as below outlined.

*Please note the following:

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status:

  • Isolate for 5 days, where day 0 is the day of symptom onset or if asymptomatic, the day of testing.
  • If asymptomatic at the end of 5 days or if symptoms are resolving, isolation ends; wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days.

*Individuals who are moderately-severely immunocompromised or live-in congregate setting or are unable to wear a well-fitting mask for 5 days after a 5-day isolation should continue 10-day isolation.

Students who test positive and have an on-campus presence must notify the Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at [email protected].

Employees who test positive must contact their immediate supervisor and Natalie Scott in Human Resources at [email protected].

Those who have notified their respective contact at the College of their positive test results are exempt from testing for a 90-day period.

If Boosted
OR
Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine < 6 months ago
OR
Completed the primary series of J&J vaccine < 2 months ago

  • No quarantine required but wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days after the last date of exposure. Test on day 5, if possible.
  • If symptoms appear, quarantine, and seek testing. If test is negative, quarantine ends. If testing is not done or is positive, complete isolation according to the guidance above.

If completed the primary series of Pfizer/ Moderna vaccine > 6 months ago and not boosted
OR
Completed the primary series of J&J > 2 months ago and not boosted
OR
Are unvaccinated /Incompletely Vaccinated

  • Quarantine for 5 days and wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days. Test on day 5, if possible.
  • If symptoms appear, quarantine, and seek testing. If testing is not done or is positive, complete isolation according to the guidance above.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

  • At the onset of the pandemic, the campus-wide HVAC system was updated with MERV-13 air filters. Filters with MERV-13 or higher ratings can trap smaller particles, including viruses.
  • Plant Facilities has continually been flushing and running water in low traffic areas to prevent stagnation.
  • The New York State mandatory cleaning and disinfection protocols are no longer in effect. However, Plant Facilities will continue to clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as common areas, restrooms, and shared workstations, and regularly clean and disinfect other surfaces as necessary.
  • Plant Facilities will continue to provide hand hygiene stations at building entrances and restrooms.

Food Service

The Hawk’s Nest and Cafeteria will be open for the spring 2023 semester. Visit the Food Services page for hours and details.

CampusClear Screening

Daily screenings for on-campus visitors through the CampusClear App are not required at this time. It is strongly recommended that you continue to self-screen and remain home if you are ill.

Questions

Please reach out to Bill Murphy at [email protected] with any questions or concern.