As we prepare for a more in-person Fall semester, we should all be aware of some changes and new procedures, which will be in effect starting Monday, Aug. 16. Changes have been implemented to meet or exceed the safety standards set by the CDC, the State, and CUNY at various points throughout the last 18 months.
Please take a few minutes to read through the guidance below and click on the available links; they will provide for an easier transition for those returning to our beautiful campus. Our Re-entry plan was recently reviewed and approved by the University. We are updating the FAQs as new information becomes available. These guidelines are meant to keep the CSI community as safe as possible during the pandemic.
What is required of you to access campus?
All faculty, students, and staff must abide by the guidelines set forth by CUNY, which are available in the Fall 2021 Reentry Plan.
To enter the campus proof of either:
Fully vaccinated: through the Everbridge Vax Pass, which is available after HR has verified and approved your CUNYFirst vaccine submission. Directions for obtaining VaxPass can be found online, and directions on how to upload your proof of vaccination, can be found online,
OR
Tested negative for COVID 19: through a CUNY testing site (you may find information concerning testing online). Proof of negative test results must be presented upon entry to campus. Results are available on a personalized Webpage (you may find more information online), or by presenting the email that is forwarded daily to indicate that you received a negative result. To receive a test, you may visit the CSI Testing Center located in the Center for the Arts (Building 1P), Room 112 Art Gallery. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Go online for the hours of operation of the CSI site, as well as the locations and hours of operation for all CUNY testing sites. Please note: Results are only made available after 24 hours (exception: Friday tests – results available Monday evening or Tuesday morning). Please plan ahead.
Masks
Per the Chancellor’s Thursday, Aug. 12 communication, for the time being, everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must:
· Wear a face mask inside all CUNY campuses and office buildings.
· Wear a mask outdoors on campus when unable to maintain physical distance from others (for example, while attending a CUNY gathering or sporting event).
The only exception to wearing a mask inside is if a fully vaccinated person is in a classroom, dorm room, office, or other enclosed space, or is at a workspace/desk and is socially distanced from any other occupied workspace/desk.
To be clear, anyone who is not yet fully vaccinated must wear a mask indoors and outdoors at all times while on campus, including in enclosed spaces, except when eating (in which case they must maintain strict social distancing from other individuals).
Please see the Chancellor’s communication: Welcome and New Mask Mandate – The City University of New York (cuny.edu)
What is different on the campus?
The Departments of Campus Planning, Facilities, Public Safety, Environmental Health and Safety, and Operations have worked very hard this year to accommodate all the requirements necessary to provide a safe campus experience to those who have worked on campus during the shut-down and for those who will return. Both the PSC and DC37 have conducted numerous walk-throughs on the campus to review the protections that are in place for a safe working, teaching, and learning environment. Here’s what has been done:
FACILITIES
Air Filtration and HVAC systems
Air filtration and HVAC systems have been maintained and serviced, and necessary repairs were made. We have increased the amount of fresh air flowing into classrooms and enclosed spaces and upgraded our filters according to the AHSRE and CDC recommendations for reducing the spread of COVID 19.
Hand-Sanitizing Stations
Multiple hands-free sanitizing dispensers have been installed in prime locations throughout the campus for student and faculty use. These dispensers are replenished regularly. These locations include, but are not limited to, elevator entrances, lobbies, high-traffic areas, and throughout buildings as needed. We also received a back order of Purell hand sanitizer that will support our existing fixed hand sanitizing stations throughout the campus.
Cleaning and Disinfection
Enhanced cleaning protocols are in place that include frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces, such as stairwell handles, doorknobs, light switches, and railings with additional enhancements implemented for the cleaning and disinfection of restrooms. Full details are available in the Fall 2021 Reentry Plan.
Plumbing
In addition to the enhanced cleaning protocols, we have also flushed our water lines campus wide to ensure that fresh water is supplied to the campus. Hot water heaters have been repaired (and replaced as necessary) to provide hot water in all restrooms to facilitate effective hand washing. We have outfitted restrooms with touch-free faucets (at least one in each rest room) as well as other amenities, where feasible, to aid in a seamless touch-free experience.
Work Orders
We would like to remind you that the CSI Archibus Work Request system is available to designated users through their CUNYfirst credentials. Archibus is Facilities’ system of record and the repository for work requests. Please use the system to communicate building maintenance issues, request for repairs, and general work requests. Information about the Archibus system can be found online.
After-hours emergencies should be reported to Public Safety at 718.982.2111 or if related to HVAC or Heating systems, to the Central Plant, which is available 24/7 at 718.982.3204.
CAMPUS PLANNING
As you walk around campus, you will notice new signage that has been designed by Campus Planning, printed by the Print Shop, and installed by our Maintenance office. Please adhere to posted signage, which serves as a guide for the campus community to help ensure everyone’s safety while on campus.
First Transit and MTA
Since we expect to have a reduced campus presence for now, bus service at CSI has resumed with a modified schedule. All services, including the Accessibility Van will be running as of Aug. 16. The schedules are available in the FAQs online and will be uploaded to the Transportation Website shortly.
The loop bus will run directly from the front gate to 1P before following the loop from the north end of the campus to 1R, through the usual stops for the Campus Center, Library, and academic buildings, and returning to the Front Gate.
When our testing site is open, all passengers must disembark at 1P to be checked for clearance; those without clearance must enter 1P to be tested at that time. Those with clearance may re-board the bus or proceed to their campus activity on foot.
Printers and copiers
At the very start of the pandemic, the Operations and Finance areas were working on a multi-year strategy to replace many of the College’s copy machines. Many new multi-function machines are planned for networked options including, copy, print, and scan features. This was to be part of a larger campus sustainability effort to reduce paper usage, institute procurement savings, and reduce printing overall. The project was suspended because of the pandemic; however, we are currently in the process of working with CUNY to continue progress on this issue.
When you return to campus, you may not have the copy machine you are accustomed to using available to you. But be assured, the Print Shop is now taking online orders from anyone with a FLAS sign-in. The form is very user-friendly and is available online; it is accessible by computer or smartphone. The Print Shop is here to support you with your printing requirements.
The reliance upon electronic document transmission during the pandemic has given CSI (and the world) the opportunity to capitalize on the transition already well established—to utilize electronic document transmission whenever possible; we hope you will continue this trend.
Welcome back.
By Hope Berte
