Dear TC Community Members,

As President Thomas Bailey expressed in his recent message about the upcoming semester , it has been heartening to see so many colleagues and students on campus this fall. We are grateful for the efforts you have all made to help us control the spread of COVID-19, and are happy to report that 97% of our campus community is fully vaccinated! A high vaccination rate, combined with a commitment to health and safety protocols, has allowed us to return to in-person operations and embrace the TC spirit on campus once again. 

We look forward to another successful semester on campus in Spring 2022. Please read this email to learn how the College plans to keep our community healthy and safe, and the steps we are asking you to take to assist our efforts. While we are hopeful for the future on campus and beyond, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present. This email also details the resources TC is pleased to provide to support your overall well-being. 

Health and Safety Measures and Steps You Must Take for Spring 2022

Next semester, the College will maintain a healthy and safe campus environment by continuing to:

• Monitor indoor air quality
• Follow enhanced cleaning protocols 
• Enforce COVID-19 procedures detailed on the Preparedness site including mask, vaccination and testing policies
• Offer expanded commuter shuttle service

We ask that all community members support our efforts by: 

• Completing the campus access checklist before you return to campus after the winter break. This includes:
  • Submitting your proof of COVID-19 vaccination, if you have not already done so. Please note: All faculty and staff must be vaccinated or approved for an exemption (for a religious or medical reason, or because of pregnancy and/or breastfeeding status), including those who have been approved for telecommuting. Employees who are out of compliance with the campus access requirements will not be allowed on campus. 
  • Obtaining a booster shot, if you are eligible. 
  • Uploading a “gateway” COVID-19 PCR test. Your PCR diagnostic test must be administered within 14 days of the date on which you plan to enter campus during Spring 2022. 
  • Completing the health and safety measures training, if you have not already done so.
  • Taking the Daily Health Screening each day that you plan to enter campus.
• Following mask guidance and healthy hygiene practices while on campus.
• Complying with the weekly COVID-19 Random Testing Program, which is designed to protect our communities on campus and beyond. With few exceptions, even those community members who do not plan to access campus must comply with the program.

Flu Vaccines

Remember that “flu season” has begun and will continue into the spring semester. The flu vaccine is now mandatory for students and is strongly recommended for all other members of the campus community. You can use the CDC’s “Find a Vaccine” tool to find a flu vaccination site near you. Check with your insurance company to find out if you must go to a specific facility to receive the vaccine. Some insurance plans only cover vaccines given by your doctor or at a limited set of locations.

Flexible Work

As the College plans to continue in-person instruction and operations for Spring 2022, we will ask departments to assess current flexible work practices and determine if staffing plans are consistent with operational needs. In the meantime, please consider the following:

• Where possible, we want to maintain a vibrant campus presence to ensure that our students have an exceptional academic and campus life experience.
• For teams that serve students, employees and/or the public, remote working schedules should be staggered to ensure that campus offices are staffed during all business hours.
• Remote work arrangements must be documented and approved through a Telecommuting Agreement. If you need to make changes to your agreement for Spring 2022, confer with your supervisor prior to submitting your request. 
• As previously communicated, staff members are expected to live within commuting distance of the College, with some exceptions. 

• Wherever you are working on a particular day, TCIT is available to provide technical support. Their website provides details on all support options. If you need help with a specific issue, please open a ticket with TCIT by emailing servicedesk@tc.columbia.edu or calling 212-6789-3300.
• The Digital Futures Institute team has dedicated themselves to ensuring faculty and students are able to make a smooth transition into Spring 2022. If you have specific questions about remote teaching or learning, please contact them via this form. 
• Find answers to other remote and on-campus working questions in the “Return to Campus” section of the HR website.

Support for Your Well-being

Our daily lives present a variety of physical, mental and emotional challenges, which have only been magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you feel like you could use some extra support, you are far from alone. Employees are encouraged to visit the “Self-care, Support and Benefits” section of the HR website to find resources for you and your loved ones.

Upcoming Changes to the Events and Visitor Policies

The COVID-19 Working Group is currently analyzing data from the Fall 2021 semester and reviewing our events and visitors policies to make necessary updates. Stay tuned for more information.

If you have any questions about Spring 2022 operations, we welcome you to share them at the Fall Community Town Hall on Tuesday, November 30 from 1:00-2:00 p.m (a link to this event will be shared as soon as it is available). You may also email questions to returntocampus@tc.columbia.edu.

Sincerely,
 

Lisa Seales
Vice President for Administration 
Co-Chair, COVID-19 Working Group
 
Hank Perkowski
Vice President for Finance and Operations 
Co-Chair, COVID-19 Working Group