I hope you had a restful and relaxing break, and we’re looking forward to seeing you all again back on campus. As you know, Omicron sub-variants are driving infection rates in our region and across the United States. Currently it seems that the overall health risk is lower than with previous variants—especially for those who are vaccinated and boosted, as is required for those coming to our campuses (with approved exemptions). As we move into the Fall 2022 semester, we remain committed to keeping our community as safe and healthy as possible while enabling our students to remain on track and engaged in their studies and student life experiences.
Here are some things to plan for and expect during the Fall 2022 semester:
COVID-19 VACCINE AND BOOSTER: As we have announced in previous semesters, anyone coming to a Pace campus will be required to be both vaccinated and boosted once they are eligible (subject to approved medical and religious exemptions). You can find information on booster eligibility here. You should upload your booster record to the Confidential Patient Portal. First enter your booster date under the Immunizations tab, then go to the Uploads tab and then select “COVID-19 Vaccination Documentation” from the drop-down menu. A video with instructions on uploading your vaccine or booster record is available here.
To continue to access campus, you must upload a record of your booster within 30 days of when you become eligible. We recognize there may be extenuating circumstances, including for international students who did not receive their initial vaccine in the United States, and we will issue extensions where appropriate. You may apply for an extension via the confidential Patient Portal. You can find an FAQ here.
Under current CDC guidance, those who are vaccinated and boosted are not required to quarantine after exposure to a positive case. If you are eligible for a booster but have not received it, you will be required to quarantine after an exposure.
RESIDENCE HALL MOVE-IN: Residence halls will open as scheduled and residential students should schedule their move-in time per guidance from Residential Life. Additional information for Pleasantville and New York City can be found here and Haub Law information can be found here.
ENTRY TESTING: We strongly encourage everyone to take a rapid antigen COVID-19 test within 24 hours before returning to campus, although we will not mandate a test. If you test positive with a new infection, please complete your isolation period before coming to campus.
IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19: It is important for the University to track COVID-19 cases within the Pace Community. If you have a positive COVID-19 test result from an at-home rapid antigen test or a provider-administered PCR test, please report your illness on the COVID-19 Positive Test Report form online or through the COVID-19 section of the Pace Safe App.
Once back on campus, symptomatic individuals will need to isolate and get tested at UHC or with their primary care provider. Those who were in close contact with someone who tests positive, or who wish to test for any reason will be able to obtain rapid tests from Security.
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NYC: Security desks at One Pace Plaza main entrance and 3 Spruce Street entrance, Residential Life by request
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Pleasantville: Alumni Hall security desk, Residential Life by request
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Haub Law: Preston Hall Security Desk
ON-CAMPUS ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE: Beginning with the Fall 2022 semester, residential students who test positive for COVID-19 may choose to isolate at home or on campus in their assigned room/suite, even though their roommate(s)/suitemate(s)/housemate(s) may be negative for COVID-19. This change in practice from semesters past is in line with other institutions, which have successfully implemented this same “isolate in place” model in addition to vaccine requirements. This model has been successful due to high rates of vaccine efficacy, mutations in the virus that are associated with milder illness, higher population-level immunity, and more widely available medication (when clinically indicated). This policy follows CDC guidance for higher education, which states: Shared housing (for example, dormitories) in institutions of higher education (IHE) is considered a lower risk congregate setting due to the lower risk of severe health outcomes (such as hospitalizations and death) associated with young adults. Therefore, CDC recommends shared housing in IHE settings follow the general public guidance for quarantine and isolation.
MASKING: One of the best ways to protect yourself and your community is to continue wearing high-quality, well-fitting masks, such as a KN95 mask or a double mask, when you are in a public place. The guidance from the CDC does not require universal masking; however, you may choose to wear one for extra protection for yourself and others. If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider wearing a mask indoors in public and taking additional precautions. Pace University will remain a mask-friendly community, and we recommend masks in indoor settings. Masks are still required in healthcare settings and on Pace transportation.
As you prepare to return to campus, continue to practice smart, healthy behaviors. Wash your hands frequently, be careful about large gatherings, and if you’re not feeling well, stay home. If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, isolate yourself and get tested at a location near you.
We are continuing to monitor COVID-19 trends and we may adjust policies as needed. In the meantime, thank you for continuing to do your part to keep us all safe. To stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 information from Pace, monitor your Pace email and visit our Return to Campus website.
Be careful, and stay safe.
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Brian Anderson, MPH, CSP
Executive Director, Emergency Management
and Environmental Health and Safety
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See our Return to Campus website for additional communications from Pace University. For the most current information for the Haub Law School community, click here.
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