Dear Members of the TC Community,
As we approach the upcoming holiday break, we want to take a moment to update you on important information related to campus safety and plans for the winter break and spring 2021 semester. As you know, TC will continue to offer all courses primarily online and continue remote operations for non-essential employees, through the winter and spring.
Spring 2021 Gateway Test Requirement for Campus Access
Testing is a key component of the College’s response to the pandemic and helps us identify COVID-19 cases and monitor the prevalence of the virus within our community. Effective January 4th, 2021, a NEW gateway test is required for all students, faculty, staff, and affiliates accessing the Teachers College campus and other facilities. This includes essential staff and individuals who have visited campus throughout 2020 and who previously complied with the campus access requirements. Essential staff should work with their managers to coordinate testing at Columbia Health.
Access to the Teachers College campus via the Daily Health Screen questionnaire and TC ID card will only be permitted for those students, faculty, staff, and affiliates who submit a NEW test by January 25, 2021. For those who do not complete a new PCR test between January 4th and January 25th, campus access will be reinstated within 24 hours of submission of a gateway test. Campus access will be allowed while awaiting the results of the gateway test.
We encourage you to plan ahead and schedule a test in advance. To find a testing site near you visit nyc.gov/COVIDtest or Text COVID TEST to 855-48. For other testing locations in the tri-state area, visit TC’s COVID-19 Testing Procedures page. Testing is free of charge at New York State testing sites or covered by your health insurance provider if you have a physician’s referral, had exposure to COVID-19 or are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, or if a health screening determines you should be tested.
Winter Break and NY State Travel Guidance
Please note that the College will be closed from December 23rd, 2020 through January 1st, 2021. If you plan to access TC or CU campuses during this period and have not submitted a COVID-19 PCR test result for access during the Fall 2020 semester, you must do so by December 21st, 2020 or wait until after January 4th, 2021.
If you must travel, please keep in mind that all travelers returning to New York are required to comply with state and local regulations, including observing State of New York quarantine requirements.
More information regarding campus access requirements, including completing a COVID-19 PCR test, can be found on the TC COVID-19 webpage.
Thomas Bailey
President, Teachers College