Student Frequently Asked Questions // Employee Frequently Asked Questions //Helpful COVID-19 Information // Ask a Question // Dashboard // Visitor/Event Gathering Request
The campus re-start plan was developed based on guidance from the Governor's Office, the Mohawk Valley Control Room, SUNY System Administration, the Schoharie County Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and other experts.
The core tenets of our plan are:
Spring Academic Calendar
January 28 – 31 Residential student move-in
February 1 Classes start remotely
February 8 In-person classes start
March No spring break
March 10 Reading Day
April 27 Reading Day
May 14 Semester ends
May 15 Commencement
The College will recognize and celebrate the achievements of the 2021 graduates through a virtual, interactive commencement ceremony.
There will be a virtual tribute from the College and the Alumni Association honoring the 2020 class and sharing moments and sentiments over the past year.
*All PACE courses offered in C1 (8-wk.), C2 (7-wk.), and CC (12-wk.) Blocks will continue to hold instruction due to the condensed blocks in which these courses are delivered.
*Paramedic Certificate students will take their second reading day on Wednesday, April
28 to accommodate State EMS coursework scheduled for April 27.
The campus is currently in Phase II of Engagement.
The following features of Phase II must continue to include following the social distancing and face-covering policy located here: Social Distancing and Face Covering Policy.
The approval process is as follows:
For questions related to students please contact the Office of Student Leadership (x5300 or studentleadership@cobleskill.edu), and for questions regarding academics, please contact your department chair.
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Residence Halls |
Clubs/Orgs |
Events |
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Phase I |
No visiting within or between halls. Low-density lounge permitted while RA on duty. |
All virtual |
All virtual |
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Phase II |
Visitation permitted within a given residence hall only (I.e. Draper residents can visit Draper residents). |
Meetings can occur in a socially- distanced capacity. Club advisor must be present F2F or virtually. Must go through supervisor/advisor to submit request form Event/Gathering Request. Maximum of 10 students and advisor indoors Outdoor 15 –20 socially distanced. Pop-up tents can be available upon request. |
Departments and Student Organizations can request to conduct socially distanced, in-person programs. Numbers will be determined based on proposed location of event. Requests made through the official form Event/Gathering Request and reviewed by committee. Outdoor more likely to be approved/encouraged, Intramural and/or smaller scale recreation can be requested as an event. Academic travel for students may commence (see below). |
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Phase III
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Visitation permitted between residence halls. Overnight residential guests permitted. Non-residential visitors/guests are not permitted. |
Meetings can occur in a socially- distanced capacity. Advisor must be present F2F or virtually. Must go through supervisor/advisor to submit request form. Maximum of 20 students and advisor indoors Outdoor 25 –30 socially distanced. Pop-up tents can be available upon request. |
Programs can happen in a socially distanced capacity (pre-approval required). Club travel may commence (see below). Outdoor more likely to be approved/encouraged.
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Phase IV |
Status quo |
Status quo |
Status quo |
Permission request information:
INTERNAL GATHERING REQUEST FORM:
The Internal Gathering Request Form is to be used for all Student Clubs, Organizations and Resident Assistants.
Please submit your event/gathering requests using the Internal Gathering Request Form and the respective approver will contact you.
Requests are to be submitted a minimum of one week (preferably 2 weeks) prior to the date of the requested event.
You will be notified when your request has been approved.
Students, faculty, and staff who have traveled to/from restricted states/regions or to/from international locations as defined by New York State must follow the New York State Travel Advisory - whether living on- or off-campus—and attest that they have submitted the New York Traveler Health form and will follow the guidance of the governing local health department related to mandatory testing, quarantine/isolation, and timing of returning to campus.
Policies
A revised "Social Distancing and Face Covering Policy" has been adopted by the campus. Anyone on campus – faculty, staff, student, volunteer,
visitor, contractor, or vendor – or anyone engaged in college-related business, either
on or off campus, will comply with the College's social distancing policy and use
PPE, and surveillance testing attestation protocols. The new policy requires that
masks be worn during indoor activities even when six feet social distance can be maintained
between participants.
All employees are expected to read and understand the campus policies, which are posted
on the campus website at https://www.cobleskill.edu/about/leadership/campus-policies/index.aspx.
Visitors to Campus
External visitors to campus are limited and require approval by the respective Dean
or Vice President and the Events Office. Departments hosting visitors will be responsible
for screening, educating, and monitoring their activities. A screening form will be completed by all visitors prior to arrival on campus.
Weekly Covid Testing Hours:
Testing, Screening, Monitoring, Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE), and Cleaning
Returning to Campus for Spring Term: Testing and Isolation Requirements
There will be no in-person classes, except those for which notification was provided to SUNY System Administration, during the winter term. For those students in the residence halls over break, virtual programs will be offered. No in-person activities will be offered.
Students returning to campus or attending courses on campus for the Spring 2021 semester must be tested for COVID-19. It is strongly recommended that faculty and staff working on campus are pre-tested before returning to campus.
Specific requirements are as follows:
*The following limited exemptions are allowed for the seven (7) day precautionary quarantine stated above:
The campus will keep specific information on the number of exemptions approved for the semester and be able to report to SUNY system.
Campus Testing – Spring Semester
Employees
Other Campus Entities
Updated 12-3-20
Surveillance testing (pooled testing) and wastewater testing are being employed. All students, faculty, and staff who have a physical presence on campus will be tested weekly while in person classes are in session.
The Athletics Department is responsible for the logistics including site setup, chain
of custody of tests, training, PPE (masks, face shields, gloves, gowns), etc. All
those administering pooled testing have been trained. Testing communication, registration
Completed pooled tests are brought to SUNY Upstate for analysis twice per week
Spring Testing Schedule
(in development)
SUNY Cobleskill’s goal is to have one hundred percent (100%) of the students, faculty and staff who have a physical presence on campus tested weekly.
Any individual who is in a positive pooled test will need to go into quarantine until the SUNY Upstate lab finalizes the results. Residential students will go to the quarantine residence hall and follow the directives of the Schoharie County Department of Health. Commuter students, faculty, and staff will need to quarantine off-campus. Once the positive individuals are determined, the negative individuals will no longer have to be in quarantine. There is an exception: if a pool-tested negative student is the roommate of a positive student, the negative student will have to go into quarantine.
Residential students who test positive will be placed in isolation in compliance with
the directives of the Schoharie County Department of Health. The Wellness Center
staff will monitor the residential students in isolation along with a team of “wrap
around” staff who will collectively contact students twice per day. Commuter students
who test positive will be isolating in their respective homes and the DOH will conduct
daily check-ins. Wellness Center staff will reach out to commuter students as they
enter isolation.
All faculty and staff who have a presence on campus, regardless of part-time or full-time, will be pool tested. Faculty and staff will select testing time that best corresponds with their on-campus attendance. Faculty and staff testing will follow the same protocols as are in place for student testing. Faculty and staff samples will be kept separate from student pools for a more accurate representation of demographics.
Any faculty or staff member who tests positive, either through campus pooled testing or other means, MUST contact the Human Resources Office immediately.
Questions regarding the specifics of pooled testing should be directed to: COVIDtesting@cobleskill.edu.
PPE, including disposable masks, gloves when necessary, and cleaning supplies, will be made available for employees and, where needed, for visitors. An office may request the facial coverings from the Director of Emergency Management. Employees may use their own facial coverings as long as they are of an acceptable classification.
Employees who fail to adhere to the wearing of a facial covering, as outlined in the policy, will be subject to disciplinary action per their bargaining unit's contract. Should an employee have a medical condition that prevents the wearing of a facial covering, accommodations will be made to the extent possible.
Cleaning supplies (hand sanitizer, disinfectant, etc.) will be provided for use with shared equipment and objects.
All employees are required to complete a symptom checker each day they are on campus. Digital, paper, and in-person processes will be utilized to ask individuals if he/she has:
Should an employee be experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19, then they are to remain or return home and monitor their symptoms; they will be encouraged to be tested at a local healthcare facility and await results before returning to work.
The Cobleskill Auxiliary Services (CAS) is implementing daily screening of employees as they arrive to work (questionnaire and temperature taking.) Employees exhibiting or acknowledging symptoms will be required to return home.
If an employee tests positive, they will remain at home in isolation until cleared to return to work by their local Health Department. Their work area will be disinfected, proper notifications made, and reports made to the appropriate entities. Any employee who tests positive or is placed into quarantine MUST contact the Human Resources Office immediately.
Faculty and staff who travel to restricted states will be required to comply with NYS regulations for such travel, which can be found at: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory. This includes completing the Traveler Health Form.
Anyone physically present on campus is required to follow all social distancing policies
and surveillance protocols. Individuals exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, who have
tested positive in the past 14 days, have been in close contact with someone who has
tested positive for or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 are not allowed on campus.
The staff member or department hosting visitors or utilizing volunteers will be responsible
for screening, educating, and monitoring their activities. The department contracting
with or using contractors or vendors' services will ensure compliance with all campus
social distancing and screening protocols.
Students will be provided an initial supply of face coverings at the start of each
semester. Students that interact with animals will also receive gloves.
Students are expected to adhere to the social distancing and face-covering policy,
including when in the residence halls.
(See "Residential Living" for more details.)
Beginning two weeks prior to their arrival, all students will certify daily that they
are free of Covid-19 symptoms.
Students who test positive will be directed to isolate in a designated location, as determined by the Schoharie County Department of Health.
Quarantine and Isolation
Quarantine (those suspected of having COVID19) will take place in a designated residence hall that has been taken offline for residential students, and isolation (for those diagnosed with COVID19) will take place in an Alumni Commons Town Home. Pending directives of the Local Health Department, the College may quarantine students to their respective residential rooms while awaiting test results.
A Case Manager will coordinate students' needs in quarantine and isolation with a cadre of staff assistants. Coordination includes, but is not limited to, Wellness appointments and well-being checks, academic assistance (tutoring services via CASE), food service delivery via dining services, and online engagement programming.
Commuter students
The Schoharie County Department of Health will coordinate outreach to commuter students in quarantine or isolation.
Contact Tracing
Contact tracing will be performed by the Schoharie County Department of Health, in cooperation with the campus.
Hygiene, Cleaning, and Disinfection
Should an employee or student test positive for COVID-19, the following process will be used to clean affected areas.
Employees
Employees are required to complete a "Return to Work" course developed by HR, including social distancing requirements, personal hygiene, and training on how to don and doff a mask properly. The course is available at https://moodle.cobleskill.edu/course/view.php?id=19254.
Students
Meetings
Meetings should be held virtually, using Microsoft Teams or another online platform,
as much as possible. Face-to-face meetings should only be held when social distancing
is possible. Attendance should be limited, and face coverings used.
Drop-in visits to offices are highly discouraged; appointments should be made to assist
in limiting office density.
Each department will develop plans that comply with the campus social distancing policy. Until further notice, it is strongly recommended that student meetings take place via an online platform (e.g., Microsoft Teams). Drop-in visits to offices are highly discouraged.
Employees
Employee travel will generally be limited to Advancement and Enrollment Management trips. Other special circumstances will be reviewed by the Vice President of the employee requesting the use of a vehicle. All employees will be required to complete a form attesting to following safety, cleaning, and proper maintenance protocol while in possession of the vehicle. A checklist will be provided that employees will complete at the end of their trip. For approved trips using campus vehicles, Facilities Management will carefully clean each vehicle after use, using appropriate CDC guidelines.
Students
Transportation for students will be limited. Special circumstances will be reviewed by the Vice President for Student Development or the Provost.
Public Transportation
The College does not run an on-campus shuttle. The county bus service (Schoharie County Public Transportation (https://ridescpt.com/), which serves the campus, has implemented the following procedures:
Any violations of the T&C policy may result in immediate residence hall removal and banning.
Residential students may visit within a given residence hall (for example, Draper residents may visit Draper residents).
Social Distancing in Residence Halls
PPE requirements are outlined in the Face Coverings and Social Distancing Policy.
Special Considerations for students with health concerns:
Quarantine and Isolation in the Residence Halls
Provisions have been made to house students should it become necessary to implement quarantine or isolation procedures.
Food Service
CAS will be operating and will provide food service to all students and employees. Initially, the following locations will be open: Champlin, Twisted Whiskers, Coby’s (in The Pit), and Farm Fresh Café. Limited seating will be available.
Intramurals, Club Sports, Applied Learning Clubs
Each office will coordinate with Facilities Management to assess their individual
staffing capacity to comply with the social distancing policy and submit plans for
administrative approval. Each plan is to account for maximum capacity at any given
time, considering space restrictions.
Work will be accomplished remotely and using technology as much as possible to reduce
campus density. For situations that do not allow for technology use, individualized
meetings will be set up where proper protocol will be used (PPE, social distancing,
etc.). SUNY, Schoharie County Department of Health, Governor’s Office of Employee
Relations, and NYS guidance will be followed.
Offices that require in-person operations, but have the inability to properly social
distance, will use alternating work schedules or adjust schedules to stagger times
in the office.
Individuals considered to be part of an at-risk population will be allowed to telecommute
for as long as possible, as long as telecommuting is successful. If telecommuting
is not successful, the employee and supervisor will work out a schedule and assignment
that is mutually beneficial for as long as feasible.
For any necessary in-person interactions, appointments should be made. Drop-in visits
are highly discouraged.
Facilities Open to the Public
All indoor campus facilities are closed to the public, except as indicated herein.
The Carriage House Café’ and General Store will be open on Fridays when classes are in session. This has been approved by the Schoharie Department of Health.
The campus is exploring reopening the Child Development Center, pending the approval of the Schoharie Department of Health.
Routine Cleaning
Routine cleaning shall be continued according to custodial departmental standards and includes actions such as:
Ongoing Enhanced Disinfection of Frequently Touched Surfaces
Frequently touched surfaces in common use areas of occupied buildings are cleaned and disinfected daily by the custodial department using a disinfectant listed on EPA's List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Examples of frequently touched surfaces include:
Cleaning and Disinfection Logs and Policy
Cleaning and disinfection logs listing the date, time, location, scope of cleaning and name of person cleaning will be maintained. Custodial employee cleaning guidance is available at: https://livecobleskill.sharepoint.com/Employees/Lists/Official%20%20Administrative%20Announcements/DispForm.asp x?ID=1135&e=cdWx6U
Quarantine and isolation space can rapidly be depleted and is constantly monitored and reviewed. Guidance will be sought from the Schoharie County Department of Health and System Administration if remote operations are contemplated.
Move-out
Spring 2021 move-out plans will be developed in concert with System Administration and local DOH guidance.
Reporting
Faculty and staff with questions about this plan should consult with their respective cabinet member.
As we return to campus in Spring 2021, SUNY Cobleskill’s first priority is the health and safety of our campus community. The best way to maintain the safest environment possible throughout 2021 and beyond is for each of us to take steps to minimize the risks, not only for ourselves but for all members of the SUNY community. This includes:
Any of us alone can spread this disease and cause harm to others. But all of us together can build a community that is safe and healthy, where educational success is possible.
Here’s what you need to know and do as SUNY Cobleskill welcomes students back to campus in 2021:
Stay Informed
SUNY Cobleskill will proactively share information with students through these various
methods. Please check each regularly to stay informed of the latest developments on campus.
Return to Campus Safely – Testing and Isolation Requirements
All students living, working, or taking classes on campus, or utilizing campus facilities must test for COVID-19 when they return for the spring semester. Students must first confirm that they have completed a seven-day precautionary quarantine prior to returning to campus. They must then either present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days prior to their return or submit to a campus-administered test upon arrival—but no later than two days after their return to campus.
Get Screened Daily
Everyone coming to campus must complete a daily health screening beginning January 14, 2021, using the Campus Labs App.
Get Tested Regularly
SUNY Cobleskill will resume weekly surveillance testing for students, faculty, and staff as on-campus services resume. Participation in this testing is mandatory for any students who live on campus or who are taking on-campus courses and/or using campus facilities.
Quarantine (those suspected of having COVID-19) will take place in a designated residence hall that has been taken offline for residential students, and isolation (for those diagnosed with COVID-19) will take place in an Alumni Commons Town Home. Pending directives of the Schoharie County Department of Health, the College may quarantine students to their respective residential rooms while awaiting test results.
A Case Manager will coordinate students' needs in quarantine and isolation with a cadre of staff assistants. Coordination includes, but is not limited to, Wellness appointments and well-being checks, academic assistance (tutoring services via CASE), food service delivery via dining services, and online engagement programming.
A wastewater/sewerage testing system will continue to monitor for COVID-19. If there
are changes in baseline tests, then as feasible, we may conduct pooled testing in
impacted areas.
“Event” testing of symptomatic individuals will be performed at the campus Wellness Center and/or at Cobleskill Regional Hospital.
Check the COVID-19 Dashboards
SUNY Dashboard
SUNY maintains a comprehensive dashboard of COVID-19 testing and infection rate status across the system and at each campus.
The Schoharie County Department of Health has compiled a database of COVID-19 resources and detailed information on the local pandemic response.
Be Responsible – It’s Easy to Do Your Part
Each of us can take small steps to protect ourselves and the campus community. Because COVID-19 is highly contagious, these simple measures apply both on and off-campus:
If Exposed, Complete Mandatory Quarantine and Isolation
Students who test positive for COVID-19, have been exposed to individuals who tested positive for COVID-19, or are informed by a state or local health department, or medical or campus official that they are “at risk” for having COVID-19 may be required to quarantine or isolate. This may include taking classes remotely, and not going to dining halls and other campus facilities. The campus has specific information about restrictions that may be found here: https://bit.ly/2VrKfVH. Students identified for quarantine and isolation (whether residential or non-residential) will have access to certain assistance, including psychosocial, academic and/or other supports, as needed.
Follow the Rules or Face Disciplinary Action
All students are required to attest to their commitment to “the Pledge” (available here, under On-Campus Policies). When the campus learns of a violation of the rules associated with COVID-19 safety, students may lose access to campus facilities and/or campus housing. Other disciplinary actions may be taken by the Student Conduct and/or Human Resources Offices. Student conduct is governed by the campus Code of Conduct. Minimum sanctions are outlined in the Uniform Sanctioning in Response to COVID-19 Student Violations. Consistent with SUNY policy, students who are partially or completely removed from the institution due to a violation are not eligible for refunds.
Take Care of Yourself – Physically and Mentally
We understand that this is an exceptionally challenging time. SUNY has resources to help you get the support you need.
Understand What’s Being Offered On-Campus and Online
Courses for the spring semester, along with their mode of delivery, are listed here: https://bit.ly/39AgKt7. Barring unforeseen circumstances, SUNY Cobleskill plans to offer more than 40 percent of courses in a face-to-face format. The vast majority of classes will meet during the days/times published in the master schedule. Any exceptions will be communicated.
Get Instructional and Technology Help
The Center for Academic Support and Excellence (CASE) is our central location for student support services. CASE offers subject-specific tutoring as well as programs and workshops on learning strategies such as note-taking, test-taking, textbook reading, and time management.
Remote learning assistance is also available through the Online Education office and the ITS Helpdesk.
Request Accommodations for Disabilities
AccessABILITY Resources (AR) is located in the Center for Academic Support & Excellence (CASE), Van Wagenen Library lower level. You can reach them at 518-255-5282 or by emailing dss@cobleskill.edu.
Follow Housing and Dining Updates
Information on residence hall policies and updates on dining services for the spring semester can be found under the Residential Living menu tab of the College’s COVID-19 webpage.
If We Have to PAUSE, Follow These Rules
If the campus must switch to a two-week (or longer) pause, the following rules apply.
SUNY Cobleskill will not allow students to leave the residence halls except with the approval of the Schoharie County Department of Health. If a student leaves, they will be subject to the same policies governing return to campus from winter break (above) upon their return. This may include a seven-day precautionary quarantine and completion of a negative COVID-19 test.
During a “pause,” the campus will also increase enforcement of evidence-based COVID-19 safety guidelines and will boost academic support services to ensure a successful shift to temporary remote learning.
If We Have to Pivot to Remote Instruction, Follow This Plan
Should the campus move to remote operations, all instruction will move to remote delivery, and students will be advised of any pause in the delivery of instruction. Campus offices will remain open, although most personnel will be working remotely. Plans for residence hall move-outs will be communicated with students through the methods described above. SUNY Cobleskill will seek guidance from the Schoharie County Department of Health and SUNY System Administration throughout any necessary transition.
Changes and Updates: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic creates a fluid situation that may require unexpected changes in our response. Updates to scientific knowledge, public health guidance, or laws and regulations may mean SUNY and SUNY Cobleskill have to make changes to our standards and rules, including those indicated above. SUNY and SUNY Cobleskill will try to minimize these changes and their impact. We will keep you informed of new developments.
Thank you in advance for everything you are doing and will do to make 2021 safe for you, your fellow students, and the campus community and beyond.