Dear Members of the TC Community,

Thanks to our community’s high vaccination rate (97%), dedication to health and safety protocols and compliance with the weekly COVID-19 Random Testing Program, the rate of infection on campus remains low. With this in mind, the COVID-19 Working Group believes we can safely broaden the scope of campus activities, and we are pleased to share related updates to the Visitor Guidelines and Event Policy. We also have an important update to share about Spring 2022 gateway PCR tests and a reminder for employees who plan to work outside of New York state. 

Before we detail these items, we want to call your attention to the recent report of the new Omicron variant. The emergence of new variants reminds us that we must remain vigilant to slow the spread of COVID-19. In accordance with the CDC’s latest guidelines, we strongly recommend that all community members get their booster shots as soon as they are eligible. Visit vaccine.gov to find a vaccination site near you.

Revised Visitor Guidelines

The important updates to note are:

  • If you are expecting a visitor on campus, you no longer need to give the Office of Public Safety advance notice.
  • All visitors must be vaccinated. We are no longer accepting a negative PCR test result in lieu of proof of vaccination to access campus.

Read the revised visitor guidelines.

Revised Event Policy

The important updates to note are:

  • The number of daily external events* permitted on campus is increasing from 4 to 8.
  • External events may now take place any time between 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. (The previous hours were 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)

*External events are defined as gatherings in which four or more guests or speakers are not TC/CU ID holders. Please note: All event attendees must present proof of vaccination to access campus.

Read the revised event policy.

Gateway PCR Tests for Spring 2022

Considering recent reports about the new COVID-19 variant and the fact that many community members will travel over the end-of-year break, we will be requiring a gateway PCR test for Spring 2022. All community members must upload results from a PCR test that is administered after January 3. The deadline to upload your results is January 18. If you do not upload results by this deadline, you will be restricted from campus until your results are received.

Hiring or Retaining Individuals Who Will Work Outside of NY State Policy (for employees)

As we continue to adjust to our new HyFlex working plan, please remember that TC employees are expected to live within commuting distance (150 miles) of the College. This includes certain jurisdictions in New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Important reminders:
  • The College will only hire or retain an employee who will work in the United States but outside the Local Employment Area if it is determined to be strategically beneficial for the College.
  • The determination as to whether or not to hire or retain an employee who will work outside the Local Employment Area will be made jointly by the Provost, Vice President for Administration and Vice President for Finance and Operations or individuals designated by these officers.

Read the full policy here. Contact your HR representative if you have any questions about this policy.

Thank you for your cooperation that has enabled a safe and healthy campus environment this fall. With your continued support, we look forward to continuing on our path of expanding activities and opportunities in the spring.

Sincerely,
 
Lisa Seales
Vice President for Administration 
Co-Chair, COVID-19 Working Group
 
Hank Perkowski
Vice President for Finance and Operations 
Co-Chair, COVID-19 Working Group

Tags: Announcements COVID-19 Preparedness TC Community Students Faculty Staff COVID-19

Published Wednesday, Dec 1, 2021