Dear Members of the TC Community,
In preparation for the start of the fall 2021 semester next week, we write to remind you of the campus access and safety measures required to return to campus as well as to share several updates related to instruction and campus life.
Campus Access Requirements
Watch this brief video outlining the steps required by members of the TC community to access campus this fall. Requirements include:
TC COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
The deadline to meet TC’s vaccination requirement has passed. If you have not yet submitted proof of vaccination, please do so now; or submit a request for medical or religious exemption. Individuals not in compliance will not be permitted on campus.
PCR COVID-19 Test
Gateway Test: If you are returning to campus for the first time since May 17, you must submit a negative PCR COVID-19 diagnostic test for campus access. Be sure to take a PCR diagnostic test; Rapid tests are not acceptable for access to campus.
Your PCR diagnostic test must be administered within 14 days of the date on which you return to campus. If you submit a test result administered more than 14 days before returning to campus for the first time, you will be denied access. A diagnostic gateway test is not required for students, faculty, staff and affiliates who have been present on campus during the Summer 2021 terms as they have already completed this requirement.
Faculty and staff should submit test results to: Covidtesting@tc.columbia.edu; students should submit results to: CovidStudentCare@tc.columbia.
Mandatory Weekly Test: Individuals with approved exemptions are required to submit weekly negative COVID-19 PCR diagnostic tests. If a negative test is not submitted every week, they will not be permitted on campus.
Community Health and Safety Training
Access and complete TC’s mandatory Health and Safety Training. Please find the training for students here, and the training for faculty and staff here.
Daily Health Screening
Complete TC’s Daily Health Screening each day before accessing campus. Individuals should not come to campus unless they have received the green check. Install the myTC App on your phone for easy access to the Daily Health Screening.
All individuals are required to wear face coverings in most indoor settings on the Teachers College and the main Columbia University campuses regardless of vaccination status. TC’s face covering requirements and guidance are available here.
Remote Access to Classes
Teachers College is committed to the in-person class experience. To set a high standard of student participation in this format as we transition back to the campus, it is important to restrict the utilization of remote access to COVID-related circumstances while also being flexible enough to accommodate changes that may occur as the result of the pandemic. Please review our guidelines for faculty and students regarding remote access to classes.
Campus Life Updates
Columbia Transportation Shuttle Bus Schedule
Columbia Transportation is providing a range of commute and travel resources available to you this fall. Visit tc.columbia.edu/
Social Gatherings and Travel Guidance
While most of us are eager to spend time with friends and family over the Labor Day weekend, Covid-19 cases in New York City continue to remain high. We encourage you to continue to take all safety precautions and limit social gatherings to keep our TC and surrounding communities healthy as we return to campus. If you are traveling this holiday weekend, please be sure to follow Center for Disease Control’s guidelines for domestic and international travel.
For additional information about returning to campus, please continue to visit our Preparedness site. General questions and concerns should continue to be directed to returntocampus@tc.edu. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
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