Shutdown of the Campus

Teachers College will maintain awareness of the federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidance to ensure that we have the most current information about the COVID-19 pandemic. We will work to ensure compliance with all health care guidelines and will coordinate with all agencies as needed. Important sources of information include (but not limited to):

Federal agencies COVID-19 related guidelines via:

• Center for Disease Control (CDC)
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)
• U.S. Department of Education (DOE)
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• U.S. Department of State 

State/Local agencies COVID-19 related guidelines via:

• New York Forward - New York State Governor’s office
• New York State Department of Health
• New York State Department of Education (NYSED)
• New York City Department of Health

Classes are predominantly being held in-person.  All faculty, staff and students are required to be vaccinated, including a booster dose, with a limited number of exceptions made for medical or religious reasons.   Staff are permitted to maintain a hybrid working schedule of in office and remote work based on their individual job functions and departmental needs.  Residential halls are being filled to a limited capacity of roughly 80%. The library and dining halls are open.

TC is continuously monitoring the state health metrics to determine any. necessary changes to COVID-19 protocols. The College also continues to be in contact with the NYC Department of Health. Should local or state authorities require a reduction in regional activity to decrease the risk of spreading the virus, the College will immediately respond by shutting down all non-essential campus activity.

The College will also monitor data acquired through the Daily Health Screening to identify any positive cases on campus. Should a positive case be identified on campus, the College will perform any necessary internal contact tracing to reduce the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19.

The following measures will be taken should either the external governing agencies OR internal monitoring of health conditions on campus warrant a phased or more full shutdown of campus activity to reduce risk of spreading COVID-19:

• Transition all in-person classes to virtual course delivery, notify faculty and students that in person courses must be moved to virtual
• Shut down all nonessential campus activity: Close the library, computer labs, TC dining hall study space, and access to any areas of non-essential activity. Resume remote work for all non-essential functions
• Faculty research will be discontinued pursuant to the Research Compliance Working Group protocols
• Student teaching and field placement activities will be reviewed and adjusted pursuant to the protocols of the Student Teaching/Field Placement Working Group
• Continue advanced cleaning and sanitation protocols for all spaces of possible exposure
• Implement mandatory self-quarantine and frequent COVID testing for students in the residence halls
• The residence halls density is reduced so there should be no need to vacate during the shutdown but the College reserves the right to require the resident halls be vacated if conditions greatly deteriorate. 
• Work with the College dining vendor to determine what meals services can be provided to essential employees and students on campus housing.

Phase One

Should the College’s contact tracing efforts identify any concerning increase in positive COVID-19 cases, the College administration will determine with guidance from local health authorities the next steps. The next steps may include varied implementation of the above shut down measures.

Phase Two

Should New York State of New York City or local health authorities require New York City to reduce or stop activities to reduce transmission, the College may implement all of the above shut down measures.

Communication

Teachers College will continue to inform our community members about COVID-19 information concerning the health and safety of the campus. The communications will include any new changes in policies or actions the College is taking to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 infection. It will include directives to shutdown the campus, if necessary.