Winter 2021 Semester COVID-19 Updates

26 January 2021


January 26, 2021 Dear Berkeley College Community, We trust your semester is off to a good start. Despite the challenges of the past year, we commend you on your perseverance to continuing your education. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still a very present reality. Below are several updates and reminders with regard to Berkeley College’s pandemic planning efforts. Winter 2021 Semester Hybrid courses at the New York City, Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park campuses are permitted to begin limited in-person instruction on Monday, February 1, 2021. If you are enrolled in a hybrid class, please contact your faculty member(s) with any questions about changes to your class(es). While we expect to have limited staffing at each campus beginning next week, all Berkeley College student support services are available virtually. Please contact a department before traveling to a campus if you are looking to meet with a Berkeley associate. If you have questions about using a campus computer lab, please contact your Campus Operating Officer. As a reminder, if you are not feeling well, or have recently traveled outside of New York/New Jersey/Connecticut/Pennsylvania, please do not go to a Berkeley campus. Students with COVID-19 symptoms should immediately contact their health care provider. New York and New Jersey have also issued travel advisories that we encourage you to review. Students and associates who will be at a Berkeley campus this semester must follow all safety protocols outlined in the College’s Restart Plans. These protocols include wearing a face mask/covering, keeping six feet of distance from others, and completing the COVID-19 Health Questionnaire when traveling to a Berkeley campus. Please read each question carefully on the COVID-19 Health Questionnaire and answer truthfully each time you complete it. These questions are intended to keep you and your classmates safe while on a Berkeley campus. You do not need to complete the questionnaire if you are not going to a Berkeley campus. COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution The distribution of COVID-19 vaccines continues to make progress in New York, New Jersey, and across the country. The Office of Student Development and Campus Life has developed a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document with important information and links regarding the vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory in order to attend class or receive support services at a Berkeley College campus. Those who receive the vaccine must continue to follow all health and safety protocols in the College’s Restart Plans. COVID-19 Reporting Protocols If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, are in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or if you test positive, please promptly email Dallas Reed at dfr@berkeleycollege.edu and LaTysha Gaines at latysha-gaines@berkeleycollege.edu in the Office of Student Development and Campus Life, copying COVID19@BerkeleyCollege.edu. They will follow up with you directly. General COVID-19 information continues to be updated on the Berkeley College COVID-19 website, including the Berkeley College COVID-19 Dashboard. All of us wish you well in your studies this semester. Stay safe. Sincerely, COVID-19 Task Force