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Keypoints Return to Campus | Students Return to Campus | Faculty Accessing Campus Campus Environment Testing Location & Procedures Campus Experience FAQ's Safe Campus Re-Opening Plan

A Guide to Returning to Campus

For Students, Faculty and Staff | Fall 2021

Welcome Back!

A Message from President Mangino

Welcome back campus community! This is a long-awaited day, one that I have been looking forward to for a long time. And while I know many of you are excited to see your colleagues again, I also recognize that this can be a stressful time filled with feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. It is important, now more than ever, that we continue to be patient with ourselves and kind to one another during this transition.

Please review the information below to help prepare for a safe return to Queensborough. Let’s continue to celebrate one another in an equitable, inclusive and welcoming way and dedicate ourselves to the ongoing excellence of Queensborough Community College.

The information on this page is up-to-date as of: August 19, 2021.
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 quick guide provides essential information. Please refer to The Queensborough Community College Safe Campus Operations and Reopening Plan, for detailed information.

A Limited Return

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez announced that Fall 2021 will mark a limited return to all CUNY campuses. At Queensborough, fall will consist of a mix of online, hybrid and in-person teaching and learning, research, and student support services.

Every member of our community plays a role in the health and safety of our workplace. Here you will find information that explains how all members of the campus community can contribute to the well-being of the workplace as we go back to campus. You may also refer to this FAQ prepared by CUNY.

To Return to Campus | Key Points

Upload proof of vaccination via CUNYFirst or get tested at a CUNY testing site.

Wait to receive vaccination verification or negative test result via email.

Use your Queensborough ID (TigerCard) to gain access to campus.

NOTE: Your Queensborough ID (TigerCard) provides fast, easy access to campus, and is preferred at all campus access checkpoints. Your CUNY VaxPass or GreenPass (testing), however, is an acceptable alternative to your TigerCard.

Important note about masking mandate

Temporary New Mask Mandate

Due to the presence of Delta and other variants, CUNY has enacted a new temporary mask mandate. This mandate is subject to modification based on changing vaccination statistics and coronavirus transmission rates.

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must:

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 who is not fully vaccinated must wear a mask indoors and outdoors at all times while on campus, including in enclosed spaces, except briefly when eating or drinking (in which case they must maintain strict social distancing from other individuals). Students who are not vaccinated are required to maintain social distancing between themselves and all 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.
In a classroom, if a vaccinated professor is teaching a class and is able to keep social distance from everyone else in the class, he or she may choose not to wear a mask.
Briefly while eating or drinking, provided social distancing is maintained.

Important note regarding accessing campus

Your physical or digital Tiger Card will provide you access to campus. If you do not have a physical ID Card, download the QCC Connect Mobile App to access your digital card.

NOTE: Your Queensborough ID (TigerCard) provides fast, easy access to campus, and is preferred at all campus access checkpoints. Your CUNY VaxPass or GreenPass (testing), however, is an acceptable alternative.

Before Returning to Campus

students walking wearing masks and walking on campus

Student Procedures

We are all looking forward to the Fall '21 semester and getting back to campus safely. If you are scheduled to take one or more in person and/or hybrid course on the Queensborough Community College campus, there are important actions that you must complete before coming to campus! Please review the time sensitive directions below.

Required Action Before Visiting Campus

All students taking in-person or hybrid classes on a CUNY campus starting this week will be required to be fully vaccinated (defined as 14 days beyond the last vaccination shot) unless they have been granted a medical exemption or religious exception. Remember: If you get your first vaccine dose at a City-run vaccine location, you will be eligible to receive a $100 pre-paid debit card. Learn more and get vaccinated today. The deadline for you to upload proof of vaccination to CUNYfirst is September 27. (On the left menu click Vaccine Verification and follow the instructions.)
If you have not yet uploaded your proof of vaccine and need to visit campus before September 27, you must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken at a CUNY testing site within the past seven days. If you have not yet been vaccinated or had one shot of the Moderna or Pfizer and waiting for a second shot, and are scheduled for an in-person or hybrid course, you must provide proof of a negative Covid test taken at a CUNY testing site location within 24-48 hours of attending class on campus. Please remember:
- Only results from CUNY testing sites will be accepted.
- Tuesday, Aug. 24, is the last day for unvaccinated students to get tested to attend in-person classes on Wednesday, Aug. 25.
- To get tested at Queensborough you must:
  - Register for a test before visiting the testing site by looking for and responding to the email from Cleared4 that was sent to your student email address.
  - Visit the testing site located in the A Annex Buildings near the campus bus stop during the following hours: Mon 9am-2pm; Tues 1pm-6pm; Wed 9am-2pm; Thu 1pm-6pm; Fri 9am-2pm. Please note that additional times may be added based on need. Appointments made through the through the Cleared4 link sent to your student email is the best way to verify hours and availability.
  - Review the answers to frequently asked testing questions.
To ensure your academic success and to avoid having to get tested within 7 days of each visit to campus, please remember to upload your proof of vaccination to CUNYfirst ( Instructions) by September 27. There will be academic consequences for any student taking in-person or hybrid classes who does not upload proof of vaccination within 45 days of full FDA approval of a vaccine. To meet the 45-day deadline students must get the first Moderna shot by August 26th, the first Pfizer shot by September 2nd, or the single Johnson & Johnson shot by September 23rd. Dates listed are within 30 days of the FDA approval granted on August 23, 2021 to Pfizer.

Campus Access
After you've uploaded your proof of vaccination or been tested and received a negative result (you will receive your results within 24 hours of testing on weekdays and 48 hours on weekends), you will be allowed to enter campus. Simply have your physical or mobile TigerCard (Queensborough ID) ready at all campus entrances! It will be used by Public Safety Officers at to verify your vaccination/testing status and enable your entry to the campus.

Masks
Even if you have been vaccinated a new temporary mask mandate is in effect and masks must be worn both indoors and outdoors (if unable to adhere to physical distancing) on campus.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
For additional information about the vaccine and testing process, please see CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez August 19 memo. Answers to frequently asked questions.

Your Success is Our #1 Priority
We are proud of you for continuing your education and working toward your college degree during these challenging times! Your success and the safety of our college community is our top priority. We look forward to seeing you on campus this semester and are excited for the day when we'll be cheering your name on the graduation stage!

Faculty & Staff Procedures

Per the Chancellor’s July 26 memo, effective August 16, any individual entering the Queensborough campus will need to be fully vaccinated (two weeks beyond the last vaccination shot) or be tested for COVID-19 every 7 days. Outlined below are the steps that every employee must complete before returning to work.

Procedure for Faculty & Staff

Return to Work Protocol for vaccinated individuals who wish to disclose their vaccine information:

Submit proof of vaccination vi CUNYFirst by Friday, August 6, or 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 your CUNY VaxPass. At that time, your VaxPass 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).
- If you do not already have a Queensborough ID (TigerCard), please download the QCC Connect Mobile App to access your mobile card.

NOTE: Your Queensborough ID (TigerCard) provides fast, easy access to campus, and is preferred at all checkpoints. Your VaxPass, however, is an acceptable alternative to your TigerCard.

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:

Visit your preferred CUNY campus 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). It is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm and Tuesday and Thursday, from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. Appointments are strongly encouraged. See Who Gets Tested (below) for additional details.
- 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.

NOTE: Your Queensborough ID (TigerCard) provides fast, easy access to campus, and is preferred at all checkpoints. Your GreenPass, however, is an acceptable alternative to your TigerCard

Accessing Campus

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.

Note: You may use your physical Tiger Card or a Digital Tiger Card, which is accessible via the QCC Connect Mobile App, available on Apple or Android app stores.

Click here to view the Campus Map

BY CAR (PARKING)

All parking fees will be waived for the Fall 2021 semester.

The Main Gate at Lot #1 on 56^th 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 56^th Avenue.
Taxi, car service, and Uber/Lyft/private car passengers should be dropped at 56^th Avenue or the corner of Cloverdale and Kenilworth and then proceed to one of the pedestrian access checkpoints referenced below or on the map on page 10. 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 56^th 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 56^th Ave

Note: Anyone utilizing street parking must enter campus through one of these checkpoints. All access points along Cloverdale from Kenilworth Drive to 56^th Avenue will be closed.

The Campus Environment

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 at HealthServices@qcc.cuny.edu.

Important note about masking mandate

Temporary New Mask Mandate

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must:

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 who is not fully vaccinated must wear a mask indoors and outdoors at all times while on campus, including in enclosed spaces, except briefly when eating or drinking (in which case they must maintain strict social distancing from other individuals). Students who are not vaccinated are required to maintain social distancing between themselves and all 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.
In a classroom, if a vaccinated professor is teaching a class and is able to keep social distance from everyone else in the class, he or she may choose not to wear a mask.
Briefly while eating or drinking, provided social distancing is maintained.

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 items will be available in late September.
We encourage you to bring your own meals and refreshments.
The College will ensure that fresh-food vending and other vending machines are stocked.
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

If you use a Queensborough laptop at home, take it with you to campus. Most meetings are likely to continue via Zoom. Many desktop computers do not have camera or audio capability. 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 network) from home.
Continue to conduct inter-office business electronically. When visiting other offices on campus, be mindful of office occupancy, capacity, and masking.

Personal 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

COVID-19 Testing Location & Procedures

COVID-19 testing is for unvaccinated, not fully vaccinated, or those individuals who do not wish to disclose their vaccination status. The site will also facilitate random testing, should that be necessary, during times of increased COVID-19 positivity rates.

Who Gets Tested

Faculty and Staff who have not provided proof of vaccination in CUNYFirst should have received an email to enroll in the testing program. By clicking on the link in this email they can register for the program. Once registered, participants will receive an overview of the program and instructions on how to proceed including scheduling a test appointment, and receiving test results. Test results are processed within 24 hours (48 hours on weekends), accessible by computer or smartphone, and your Queensborough ID (TigerCard) will automatically be updated to reflect your campus access clearance.

When to Test

Unvaccinated Faculty and Staff returning to work on Monday, August 16 have to get tested at a CUNY testing site by Friday, August 13. Those returning the week of August 23 have to test the week of August 16, and thereafter, no more than 7 days before being in a CUNY facility. Testing is by appointment, but walk-ins may be accepted on a standby basis once those with appointments have been tested. Employees will be given 30 minutes of paid time if the testing site is on their campus or office location, and 45 minutes if they need to travel to an off-site location.

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 testing program may also include periodic screening of a random sampling of vaccinated individuals across the University. The frequency of such testing will depend upon the coronavirus positivity rate and the prevalence of variants among other factors.

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.

Campus Experience

Fall 2021

Campus Services

Student Life

Campus Events

Student Resources

Employee Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be an indoor mask mandate on campus?

Yes. Please see the section titled Temporary Mask Mandate above. Please bring your own masks. There is a supply of masks on campus in case you forget your mask.

Can I get tested at a non-CUNY location?

We are only authorized to accept CUNY administered test results. CUNY tests are free of charge. Testing is only available to students, faculty, and staff who have not submitted proof of vaccination. If you submitted proof of vaccination, you are not eligible for testing at this time.

Is the on-campus Testing Site open?

Yes. Only for faculty, staff and students who have not submitted proof of vaccination into CUNYFirst. See the section COVID-19 Testing Location and Procedures for details including hours and days of operation.

May I park on campus?

Yes, free 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?

There will be limited options in late September. Please bring your own meals and refreshments or you can access vending machines throughout campus. Food deliveries are accepted, but you will have to meet your delivery person outside of the Administration Building in the designated area.

Will there be cleaning supplies that I can use to clean my workstation?

Yes, Queensborough will 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!

Campus Cleaning Coronavirus Guidance Phased Reopening Safe Campus Reopening Plan

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