Updates to Safety Guidance are made frequently. Please review this page often, as it will be updated when more information is available.
Requirements for On-Campus Accessing Campus | Students Accessing Campus | Faculty Accessing Campus | GuestsGetting on to CampusTesting Location & Procedures Campus Environment Campus Experience FAQ's Safe Campus Re-Opening Plan
On-Campus Safety
For Students, Faculty and Staff | Spring 2022
A Message from President Mangino
As we continue to respond to COVID-19, we want to ensure that our campus environment is safe and welcoming. Please review CUNY’s latest information and the information contained here regarding your vaccinations, campus authorization, well-being, and more. We will update this page frequently. Please check back often for our latest guidance and support. We acknowledge and understand the stress and anxiety that so many of us are experiencing, which is why it is so important that we remain patient with ourselves and kind to one another. I wish you the best for 2022.
The information on this page is up-to-date as of: January 6, 2022.
Note: Information here changes frequently. Please check back often.
Your Health And Safety
Queensborough's response to COVID-19 is guided by local and public health agencies, New York State, and the City University of New York (CUNY). Our plan is to maintain an environment that prioritizes the health and safety of everyone on campus. As always, we welcome your suggestions and ideas as we return to campus. Please email COVID19Coordinator@qcc.cuny.edu.
This site provides essential information. Please refer to The Queensborough Community College Safe Campus Operations and Reopening Plan, for detailed information.
Flexible Learning
Winter/Spring 2022 at Queensborough will consist of a mix of online, hybrid and in- person teaching and learning, research, and student support services. Everyone our community plays a role in the health and safety of our campus. Here you will find information that explains how all members of the campus community can contribute to the well-being Queensborough in Winter/Spring 2022. Please, also refer to FAQs prepared by CUNY.
Requirements for On-Campus Authorization and Access |
Students, Faculty and Staff, Guests/Visitors
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the single most important step students, faculty and staff can take to end this pandemic for good!
Upload proof of vaccination via CUNYFirst (or get tested at a CUNY testing site).
(Please check back here for more information regarding booster requirements.)
Wait to receive vaccination verification (or negative test result) via email.
Use your Queensborough ID (TigerCard) to gain access to campus.
Get Your TigerCard
Your Queensborough ID, the TigerCard, provides faculty, staff, and students fast, easy access to Queensborough. Use it at all checkpoints to gain entry to campus. It’s important that you have a TigerCard or a Virtual TigerCard on your smartphone because after your vaccine information is uploaded and verified on CUNYfirst, approval will be “sent” to your TigerCard. If you don’t have a TigerCard already, download the QCC Connect App and to place your virtual TigerCard on your phone.
NOTE: There will be requirements for some students to have mandatory pre-testing done ahead of their semester return. Details are to follow. Please return to this page, as it will be updated when more information is available.
Student Procedures
CUNY mandates all students taking in-person and hybrid classes get vaccinated and upload proof of vaccination in CUNYfirst. If you are enrolled in in-person or hybrid classes for Spring 2022, you will be required to get a booster shot as soon as you are eligible for it. Unvaccinated students are no longer able to test at a CUNY testing center or present a Cleared4 pass or Tiger Card to enter campuses.
NEW BOOSTER INFORMATION as of January 25, 2022.
Required Action To Access Campus
NEW BOOSTER INFORMATION:
If you are eligible for the booster on January 28: You must upload proof of receiving the additional shot to CUNYfirst no later than March 1. This deadline applies even if your college’s spring semester begins in March.
If you become eligible after January 28, but before the end of the semester: You will have 30 days after you become eligible to get the booster and upload proof to CUNYfirst.
- five months after the second shot of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine
- two months after the single Johnson & Johnson vaccine
The CDC recommends you choose the Pfizer or Moderna booster in most situations, regardless of which shot you received. Learn more about the booster shot and find a site near you here: ny.gov/booster.
Instructions on uploading your booster proof are available here. If you attended in-person or hybrid courses this past fall and already uploaded proof of your first vaccines, you will have to add the booster shot — unless you have an approved exception or exemption.
Students who miss the deadline will not be able to register for Summer 2022 or Fall 2022 classes.
Continue to stay updated on our COVID-19 guidelines by visiting the CUNY Coronavirus website.
URGENT REMINDER: Queensborough Community College students taking hybrid or in-person classes this Spring and who do not have an approved religious or medical exemption must upload proof of vaccination into CUNYfirst by Tuesday, January 18 or they will be dropped from their classes . If they subsequently upload proof, they may register for courses up to the end of the add/drop period on Feb. 3. Students who uploaded proof of vaccination for the Fall ’21 or Winter ’22 terms are fine and do not need to resubmit proof of vaccination for spring, but should upload their booster information as soon as they are eligible.
- When you are dropped, you will receive a mark of WA (Administrative Withdrawal) on your transcript.
- You MAY still be responsible for the payment of your tuition.
- Your financial aid may be impacted.
Note for students who are not yet fully vaccinated (defined as two weeks from final shot):
- December 17, 2021 was the final date to receive the first dose of the Moderna vaccine.
- December 24, 2021 was the final date to receive the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
- If you did not get your first dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, you can only get the Johnson & Johnson (one shot) vaccine to meet the deadline and be compliant with CUNY's vaccine policy. The deadline for a single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine is January 14, 2022. To find a location administering the J&J vaccine, visit the vaccine website.
Need help uploading your verification?
Watch this video. After your vaccine verification is approved, it will be sent to your TigerCard on the QCC Connect App, which you must use to access campus. If you haven’t already, download the QCC Connect App today.
After uploading your vaccine information, vaccination card, or medical or religious exemption request, it will take a few days to verify the information. Note: CUNYfirst will not automatically notify you whether or not your vaccine information has been approved. After a couple of days, begin checking CUNYfirst to see if your vaccine information was approved. Once it is approved, you will also see the approval on your QCC Connect app. Show your approval on the app to Public Safety to access campus.
Faculty & Staff Procedures
Faculty/Staff entering the Queensborough campus will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, except a few with approved exemptions or exceptions, or get tested at a CUNY testing site at least 24-48 hours prior to reporting to Queensborough for work (see procedures below). If you have not uploaded your vaccine information already, please upload proof of vaccination in CUNYfirst. If you are among the few who are not vaccinated, please take immediate steps to do so.
Required Action To Access Campus
Return to Work Protocol for vaccinated individuals who wish to disclose their vaccine information:
- Submit proof of vaccination at least 10 days prior to your first visit to campus ( Instructions).
- Allow the Office of Human Resources time to verify and approve your submission.
- Upon verification, you will receive an e-notification and authorization. At that time, your authorization will automatically be loaded onto your Queensborough ID (TigerCard). You are required to show your physical or mobile Queensborough ID (TigerCard) to gain entry to campus (See ACCESSING CAMPUS, below).
If you do not already have a Queensborough ID (TigerCard), please download the QCC Connect Mobile App to access your mobile card.
For additional information, please refer to the complete Faculty & Staff Guide to Vaccination Verification. If you require technical support, please contact the Helpdesk at (718) 631-6348 or Helpdesk@qcc.cuny.edu.
Return to Work Protocol for unvaccinated, not fully vaccinated, or those individuals who do not wish to disclose their vaccination status:
- Get tested at a CUNY testing site at least 24-48 hours prior to reporting to Queensborough for work.
Queensborough's testing facility is located in the B Annex Building behind the Z Building (Shadowbox Theatre). Check here for operating hours.
If you drive by car for your scheduled test, please enter through the Main Gate and park in Lot #1. You will be granted 30-minute parking and will be directed to the testing site. - Immediately exit the campus after testing and wait 24-48 hours for your test results.
- Individuals with a negative test will receive an e-notification and your Queensborough ID (TigerCard) will automatically reflect your campus access clearance. You are required to show your physical or mobile Queensborough ID (TigerCard) to gain entry to campus.
If you do not already have a Queensborough ID (TigerCard), please download the QCC Connect Mobile App to access your mobile card. - Repeat this process every 7 days. We recommend that you plan to test for the following week while on campus. For example, get tested on Friday if you are planning to come to campus on Tuesday.
Guest/Visitor Procedures
There is an online approval process to admit/authorize guests to campus. This must be completed and approved by your divisional vice president. Then, Public Safety will be notified of the upcoming visit and your guest(s) will receive an email requesting an upload of their vaccination status or a negative test result from within seven days into what is known as the CLEARED4 system. Visitors, who provide proof of vaccination, will be able to access campus without repeating this process, however any non-vaccinated person must provide a negative test result into the CLEARED4 system for each campus visit using their previous CLEARED4 link.
Required Action To Access Campus
In order to invite a guest to Queensborough, please carefully complete all contact information on the electronic approval form and please be as descriptive as possible when completing the purpose of the visit. This must be done for each scheduled visit. To access the form, enter your QCC user name and password (the same sign-on used to access the college email and network.) In order to allow ample time for the approval, submission and verification we urge you to allow at least 72 hours for processing.
About Masks
Due to the presence of Omicron, Delta and possibly other variants, CUNY mandates that everyone, regardless of vaccination status:
- Wear a facemask inside all CUNY campuses and office buildings. This includes while taking classes, working in a non- enclosed space such as a library cubicle or other open seating, regardless of physical distance from others
- Wear a mask outdoors on campus when unable to maintain physical distance from others.
- Anyone with a medical or religious exemption or exception who is not vaccinated must wear a mask indoors and outdoors at all times while on campus, including enclosed spaces, except briefly when eating or drinking (in which case they must maintain strict social distancing from other individuals). They are also required to maintain social distancing between themselves and others in a classroom.
The only exceptions to wearing a mask inside are:
- If a fully vaccinated person is alone in an enclosed space such as an office, conference room, or dorm room.
- Briefly while eating or drinking, provided social distancing is maintained.
Getting on to Campus
Accessing Campus
Please make sure you have followed the instructions and completed all the steps described above:
- Requirements for On-Campus Authorization | Student, Faculty and Staff
- Student Procedures for On-Campus Authorization and Access
- Faculty/Staff Procedures for On-Campus Authorization and Access
- Guest/Visitor Procedures for On-Campus Authorization and Access
Your Queensborough ID (TigerCard) provides fast, easy access to campus, and is preferred at all campus access checkpoints.
If you do not have a physical ID Card, download the QCC Connect Mobile App to access your digital card.
Have your Queensborough ID/Tiger Card ready at all vehicle and pedestrian campus access checkpoints! It will be used by Public Safety Officers at to verify your vaccination or testing status and enable your entry to the campus. (See the process detailed above.) Do not bring paper-based evidence of your vaccination or testing status to campus; they will not be accepted for entry.
Click here to view the Campus Map
BY CAR (PARKING)
All parking fees will be waived for the Winter 2022 semester.
The Main Gate at Lot #1 on 56th Avenue is for employees (and guests) only. Lot 2 is closed.
The following parking lots are accessible through Gate 4 which is located on Kenilworth Drive. Vehicle operators and all passengers must provide Queensborough ID (TigerCard) which will be used by Public Safety Officers to enable your entry to the campus:
- Lot 3 (adjacent to Medical Arts—Faculty and Staff only)
- Lots 4 and 5 (Service Building lots—Faculty and Staff only)
- Lot 6 (large lot behind the gym—Student parking)
The parking lots near the Guard Gate at the rear of the campus off Kenilworth Drive are for employees and students.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT OR CAR SERVICE/SHARE RIDES
- Campus bus stops are operating as normal. There will be a pedestrian access checkpoint at the discharge point off 56th Avenue.
- Taxi, car service, and Uber/Lyft/private car passengers should be dropped at 56th Avenue or the corner of Cloverdale and Kenilworth and then proceed to one of the pedestrian access checkpoints referenced below or on the map. These vehicles will NOT be permitted on campus.
BY FOOT
Pedestrians can access the campus via three designated checkpoints:
- At the Main Gate at Lot #1 on 56th Avenue
- At the Guard Gate at the rear of the campus near the Medical Arts Building underpass off Kenilworth Drive; or
- Through the pedestrian gate located at the on-campus bus stop off 56th Ave
Note: Anyone utilizing street parking must enter campus through one of these checkpoints. All access points along Cloverdale from Kenilworth Drive to 56th Avenue will be closed.
COVID-19 Testing Location & Procedures
Please return to this page, as it will be updated as more information becomes available.
On-campus COVID-19 testing is for faculty, staff and students. Any faculty, staff, or student with symptoms may test at a CUNY facility. Facilities are also available to faculty, staff, and students who are unvaccinated (for authorized medical or religious exemptions or exception), not fully vaccinated, individuals who do not wish to disclose their vaccination status, and those selected at random for CUNY testing. You can access any CUNY testing location, including Queensborough located in the Annex Building near the bus stops. Check here for appointments, walk-ins and hours of operation.
DO NOT COME TO CAMPUS if you:
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Feel ill, even if symptoms seem minor;
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Have been in contact and exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID;
-
Test positive for COVID, regardless of whether you are symptomatic or not;
-
Test for COVID due to one of the above three situations and are awaiting results, except if you have been selected for Random Testing -- you may continue accessing Queensborough while awaiting results.
What happens if I test positive for COVID?
The test result will post to your Cleared4 account which you can access through your personal link. Do NOT come to campus. Notify HealthServices@qcc.cuny.edu. You will be contacted by Queensborough’s Campus Coronavirus Liaison.
What Test Will I Receive?
The CUNY test is a PCR test, using a nasal swab that is less invasive than the longer-stemmed swabs used elsewhere. It is still highly sensitive and designed to detect COVID-19 before a person becomes symptomatic and can begin spreading the virus.
Testing Exceptions
Anyone required to be tested can opt out of the testing program at any time by voluntarily submitting proof of vaccination via CUNYFirst.
Random Testing
To help contain the spread of COVID-19 in our community, CUNY’s randomized testing program includes a periodic screening of a sampling of vaccinated individuals across all CUNY campuses. This means that every member of our CUNY community (including students, faculty, and staff) will be randomly selected to test for COVID-19 in the coming months, regardless of vaccination status. Note that all members of the CUNY community must comply with this mandate. Failure to do so will result in denied access to all CUNY facilities, including the Queensborough campus.
Please watch for an email from “no-reply@cleared4work.com” informing or reminding you that it is your turn to participate in this Random Testing Program. You must be tested at a CUNY testing site within 7 days of notification. By acting immediately, you are helping to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Once you test, you will not be asked to do so again until ALL members of our community have been selected. The test is a self-swab test. Please access the CUNY testing site that is closest and most convenient for you, including the one located in the Annex Building near the Bus Stop at Queensborough Community College.
Please remember that only tests from CUNY testing sites are accepted. Other tests will NOT be accepted. Once you test, you do not need to take any further action. You will receive your result within 36 hours.
Testing Help & Links
For more information about CUNY’s COVID-19 testing program, please see the Testing FAQ. For a list of testing locations, visit here. For other questions, please refer to the Getting Back to Working in Person FAQ. If you still have questions, please contact our HR office.
New CDC Guidelines
As of January 5, CUNY will begin following CDC’s recently issued guidance that adjusted the recommended quarantine and isolation times for people in close contact with someone who is positive or those who test positive:
- CUNY employees and students who come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should base their approach to quarantine – if it is needed, when to end it, and when to test – depending on whether they are boosted, fully vaccinated and when, or unvaccinated. Please follow CDC’s guidance on quarantine spelled out here.
- Employees and students who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for at least 5 days. When to end isolation, test and return to in-person work or class varies depending on whether or not a person develops symptoms or is severely ill. Please follow CDC’s guidance on isolation spelled out here.
- For a detailed description on CDC’s guidelines on quarantine and isolation visit here.
- Employees who are able to work remotely during quarantine and isolation should do so.
The Campus Environment
See About Masks, above, to learn about CUNY’s Mask Mandate.
Contact Tracing
The Office of Health Services has established a robust Contact Tracing and Notification Protocol in coordination with the New York City and New York State Departments of Health as well as the City University of New York. This process facilitates the identification of potential and confirmed exposures and notifies all close contacts in coordination with the Department of Health. Notification is disseminated via email and/or telephone. All confirmed or suspected exposures should be reported to the Office of Health Services HealthServices@qcc.cuny.edu.
Airflow and Ventilation
Queensborough’s ventilation varies by the type of mechanical system in each building. The campus ventilation systems and campus specific preparations for fall 2021 comply with CDC and ASHREA (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards, following a review by CUNY engineers and the ventilation consultants.
Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection Program
Enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols are in effect. Queensborough will:
- Deep clean and disinfect public and occupied areas, including classrooms, on a daily basis, using an EPA registered anti-viral disinfectant for high- touch surfaces including door pulls/knobs, elevator panels/buttons, stair handrails, bathroom surfaces, counters and desks, light switches, and drinking fountains.
- Supply hand sanitizer stations throughout the campus in high-use areas,
- Provide disposable disinfecting wipes to use on frequently touched surfaces such as computers, keyboards, telephones, doorknobs, copier touch pads and counter tops.
- Install acrylic protection where necessary.
Signage and Communication
Health & Safety signs appear in restrooms, elevators, bulletin boards and other areas of the campus, including break rooms, meeting rooms and other multi-occupancy spaces. Please comply with the posting.
Campus Health Services
Queensborough’s Office of Health Services provides support via email, telephone, and other modalities. If you have questions or need assistance, please call (718) 631-6375 or email HealthServices@qcc.cuny.edu.
Meals and Food
“Grab and Go” breakfast, lunch and snacks are available in the Science Building Café.
Beverage and snack vending will be available in select areas on campus.
If you choose to have food delivery, please arrange to receive your delivery driver outside of the Administration Building. You will need to meet your delivery driver there. They will not be allowed to deliver to any other point. A delivery point will be clearly marked.
Laptops, Computers & Workplace
Faculty and staff: if you use a Queensborough laptop at home, take it with you to campus. Most meetings are likely to continue via Zoom.
Faculty and Staff who require a webcam for office use should make a request to the IT Help Desk via their Vice President or Department Chairperson.
If you use a Queensborough laptop with VPN access while working at home, do not turn your desktop computer off after working in the office. If you turn it off, you will not be able to access your VPN connection (and all your files connected via the server from home.
Continue to conduct inter-office business electronically. When visiting other offices on campus, be mindful of office occupancy, capacity, and masking.
Faculty and Staff Health and Wellness
CUNY’s Work/Life program, CCA@YourService is a free benefit to you and your family. The program provides access to a range of support services including free, confidential counseling to employees, as well as their household and family members, health and wellness resources and referrals, assistance with convenience matters, and financial tools and resources. Log on 24/7 or call (800) 833-8707 toll-free, or visit the website. Enter the company code: CUNY
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a mask mandate on campus
Yes. Please see the section titled Mask Mandate above. Please bring your own masks. There is a limited supply of masks on campus in case you forget your mask.
Can I get tested at a non-CUNY location?
Queensborough is only authorized to accept CUNY administered test results. CUNY tests are free of charge. Testing is only available to students, faculty, and staff.
Is the on-campus Testing Site open?
Yes. Only for faculty, staff and students. See the section COVID-19 Testing Location & Procedures for details including hours and days of operation.
May I park on campus?
Yes, parking is available on campus in Lot #1 on 56th Avenue and in other lots at the back of the College. Access points are limited, and parking passes/ tags are requested but not required at this time. On-street parking is available.
What do I need to get onto campus?
Once your vaccination or negative test results have been verified, show your physical or mobile Queensborough ID (TigerCard) to a Public Safety Officer.
Are there meals available on campus?
“Grab and Go” breakfast, lunch and snacks are available in the Science Building Café. Beverage and snack vending will be available in select areas on campus.
Will there be cleaning supplies available to clean my workstation?
Yes, Queensborough provides resources such as wipes and sanitizers.
Can I access campus without a smart phone or mobile device?
Yes. You can access campus by showing your physical Tiger Card to Public Safety.
Safe Campus Re-Opening Plan
Thank you to everyone working on a safe and smooth return to Queensborough. Please stay informed by checking your emails and frequently accessing updated information. Questions and comments can be submitted to COVID19Coordinator@qcc.cuny.edu.
We remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of every member of our campus community, and we thank you for your cooperation during these unprecedented times.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon!
Safe Campus Reopening Plan Campus Cleaning Coronavirus Guidance Phased Reopening
If you would like a print version of the Safe Campus Reopening Plan, a PDF version is available here.
