ALBANY CAMPUS
Albany Campus Students: As a result of our partnership with the University at Albany, ALL students at SUNY Poly’s Albany campus during the fall 2020 semester must follow the University at Albany’s testing requirement and provide proof of a negative SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) PCR test result from July 26 or later. Meaning, the test results were normal and showed the virus was not detected. The test must be a PCR molecular test or an antigen test; antibody tests will not be accepted. This requirement is due prior to arrival to campus.

Given reported delays for COVID-19 test results and lack of testing availability in some areas, all students should be tested as soon as possible in order to have results prior to the beginning of fall classes. Information about how to securely upload your negative test result is included in the Return to Campus Guide (pdf)

Students who have been on the Albany campus throughout the summer:
All SUNY Poly Albany campus students must follow UAlbany’s COVID-19 testing requirement as previously outlined. For those students who have been previously approved to be and were regularly on the Albany campus throughout the summer—and continue to be—the precautionary 7-day quarantine would not be required; it applies to students who are arriving to campus after a more prolonged time period away. Please note that after travel to other states or territories, the New York State travel advisory and quarantine guidelines would still be required to be followed.  Additionally, travel to any restricted states requires completion of the NYS Travel Form https://forms.ny.gov/s3/Welcome-to-New-York-State-Traveler-Health-Form, quarantine and forwarding a screen shot of the completed for to studentaffairs@sunypoly.edu.

UTICA CAMPUS
Students returning to the Utica campus will be required to take part in a new SUNY initiative enabling efficient “pooled testing” for COVID-19. As students arrive, they will provide a testing sample; any student found to be part of a positive testing pool will follow detailed procedures and be individually tested in order to ensure all students who return to campus are COVID-19 negative. 

More information can be found at:
SUNY Poly Announces Participation in SUNY’s Efficient
COVID-19 Pooled Testing Program for Arriving Utica Campus Students (pdf) (August 14, 2020)
Search: "Questions regarding Pooled Testing and Surveillance Testing: What is the pooled testing process? How do I take part in pooled testing?, etc." in the Fall 2020 FAQs

SUNY and all 64 campuses have developed plans to resume on-campus activities and in-person instruction for the Fall 2020 semester. With guidance from Governor Cuomo, the New York State Department of Health, NY Forward Re-Opening Advisory Board, and NY Reimagine Education Advisory Council, and pursuant to the Phase 4 Industry Guidelines for Higher Education, the SUNY system has carefully prepared these plans over the course of several months.

For more information visit the SUNY Fall 2020 Reopening Plans website

Watch the SUNY Campuses Are Ready to Reopen video

Staffing Options

It is anticipated that the need to reduce the number of people on campus (density) to meet social distancing requirements will continue for some time. At this time, occupancy of office building space is limited. All or portions of support units that can continue to effectively work remotely are encouraged to do so. Supervisors will determine who must report to campus to perform job assignments.

Employees who cannot work remotely:

SUNY Poly will initially assess on-campus staffing based on mission-critical operations, the ability to control and manage specific work environments, and the necessity to access on-campus resources. We will then phase in a physical return of staff over time in a coordinated process consistent with New York state guidance to ensure appropriate social distancing and availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). Employees will be given a week’s notice prior to being asked to physically return to work on campus.

Alternating Days: In order to limit the number of individuals and interactions among those who must perform a portion of their work on campus, departments should consider scheduling partial staffing on alternating days or mornings/afternoons. Such schedules will help enable social distancing, especially in areas with large common workspaces. This does not change the number of hours or the professional obligation that each employee is obligated to meet.

Staggered Reporting/Departing: The beginning and end of the workday typically bring many people together at common entry/exit points of buildings, time clocks, breakrooms, etc… Staggering arrival and departure times by at least 15-30 minutes will reduce traffic in common areas to meet social distancing requirements. Supervisors should contact Human Resources to review options and work with employees regarding any changes in reporting/departure times.

Working Part-time: Employees who wish to reduce their work percentage should speak to their supervisor. Human Resources can provide information regarding options, impact, and procedures.

When directed to return to campus by their supervisor, employees are expected to be available and report to the workplace. Employees who are not available, or not willing, to work as required, may use their leave accrual balances with supervisory approval.

Faculty and staff who are asked to return to work on campus who fall into a high-risk category (see below) for COVID-19 complications should contact Human Resources at 315-792-7191. Research Foundation employees should contact Molly Yezzi at 518-956-7445 to discuss options.

Employees who can work remotely:

The need to reduce the density of people on campus in order to meet social distancing requirements will continue for a period of time. Administrative units that can continue to effectively work remotely will likely continue to do so until restrictions are eased for larger gatherings of people.

Remote Work: Those who can effectively work remotely to fulfill their work responsibilities may continue to do so to reduce the number of individuals on campus and the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus. These arrangements, which must be approved by the immediate supervisor, can be done on a full or partial day/week schedule as appropriate given the employee’s ability to complete their work from home. A Telecommuting Program form must be completed and on file with Human Resources. A new form is not needed if already on file.

Workplace Expectations & Guidelines

All employees shall comply with the policies, protocols, and guidelines outlined in this document as part of SUNY Poly’s workplace expectations and guidelines. Ensuring safety is a responsibility shared by the University as an employer and with the SUNY Poly community, through its actions and attentiveness for proper public health practices. Union employees should refer to their respective collective bargaining agreement (“CBA”). Where this document conflicts with or is silent on a topic that is covered by a relevant CBA, the CBA governs; nothing in this document shall supersede any provision of a CBA. Employees working at off site and leased locations must follow these protocols in addition to those established at these locations.

Return to Campus Training Requirement

All employees must complete return to work on campus training prior to returning to the workplace at:

• Albany: https://sunypoly.edu/covid19/training-albany-campus.html
• Utica: https://forms.gle/swP8G4bcrhkYVE1z8

As a new requirement, this training also applies to employees who may have already returned to the worksite or have been working on-site throughout as essential staff. This training is a short on-line, on-demand video session that describes COVID-19, required provisions for on-site work during COVID-19 restrictions, and common safety protocols.

Symptom Monitoring Requirement

Employees who have been instructed to return to the workplace must conduct symptom monitoring and reporting daily.

Employees who will be on campus must complete a health screening assessment (https://sunypoly.edu/covid19/screening.html) each day they are on campus preferably before arrival, or, if remote reporting is not possible, within one hour of reporting to campus.

Employees must be free of ANY symptoms potentially related to COVID-19 or have had evaluation and clearance by their health care provider and Human Resources to be eligible to report to work on campus. At this time, these symptoms include one or more of the following:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever or chills
• Congestion or runny nose
• Muscle or body aches
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Check the CDC website regularly for a list of updated symptoms, at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.

If symptomatic, employees must not report to work on campus, or if already there, the employee should leave work and immediately notify their supervisor (as they would for any illness) and contact the Human Resources Office (315) 792-7191. Employees with COVID symptoms should not report to campus until cleared by their primary healthcare provider. Individuals should notify their supervisor of the situation, as well as Human Resources at 315-792-7191. RF employees can call Molly Yezzi at (518) 956-7445. Other employees should contact their HR Department for guidance.

Please note, supervisors or other employees are expected to keep confidential any disclosed health related information and only discuss with Human Resources or Environmental Health & Safety staff as part of the illness investigation and contact tracing activities.

Individuals reporting symptoms should wear a face covering to avoid possible virus transmission to others and should self-isolate until told this is not necessary by their healthcare provider. In Oneida County, additional information and resources can be found at https://ocgov.net/health/coronavirus. In Albany county, additional information/resources are available at: https://www.albanycounty.com/departments/health/coronavirus-covid-19.

At-Risk Employees

According to the CDC, certain individuals may have a higher risk for severe illness resulting from COVID-19. Those individuals may include:

• People aged 65 years or older
• People who are immunocompromised – many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, HIV or AIDS
• Asthma (moderate-to-severe)
• Chronic lung disease
• Diabetes
• Serious heart conditions
• Chronic kidney disease being treated with dialysis
• Severe obesity
• Liver disease

Faculty and staff who are asked to return to work on campus who fall into a high-risk category for COVID-19 complications can contact Human Resources Office at 315-792-7191. Research Foundation employees can contact Molly Yezzi at 518-956-7445 to discuss options. Other employees should contact their HR Office.

Complications for Return to Campus

Employees who have been instructed to return to work on-site and have concerns about doing so should review the existing Policy and Procedure to Request a Reasonable Accommodation. Links to the documents can be found here:

• Procedures for Implementing Reasonable Accommodation for Applicants and Employees with Disabilities and Pregnancy-related Conditions in New York State Agencies (pdf)
• Application to Request Reasonable Accommodation of a Disability (pdf)

State employees can contact the HR Office at 315-792-7191. Non-state employees should contact their HR office.

Employees who cannot telecommute and cannot secure daycare due to COVID-19 closures should contact the Human Resources Office to discuss options.

Guideline for Returning to the Workplace (pdf)

FACE COVERINGS

Face coverings must be worn by all employees working on campus when within 6 feet of others and in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., common work spaces, meeting rooms, classrooms, vehicles, dormitory buildings, etc.). Even if you previously tested positive for COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies, you must still wear a face covering. Appropriate use of face coverings is critical in minimizing the risk to others near you. You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. A mask or cloth face covering is not a substitute for social distancing.

Anyone in a SUNY Poly (or affiliated) space is expected to wear a face covering that covers both nose and mouth at all times when social distancing is not possible (including areas such as buildings, grounds, shared laboratory areas, conference rooms, restrooms, elevators, hallways, corridors, entrances, common areas, lobbies, classrooms, etc.), except when alone in a private room, private office, private vehicle, or cubicle space when appropriate social distancing can be maintained, or when walking in a more isolated area with no other people in proximity, or when exercising outside when appropriate social distancing can be maintained.

EXEMPTIONS FROM FACE COVERINGS

Persons who are alone in an office space, are not required to wear a face covering. However, as soon as the person enters a common area where others may be present, a face covering is required.

If an employee sits in a cubicle environment and there are others within 6 feet of the employee, a face covering must be worn. However, if there are no co-workers in cubicles within 6 feet of an employee, this can be treated as if in a private office and not wear a face covering. Again, once the employee leaves the cubicle and enters a common hallway, walkway, or corridor where others may be present, a face covering must be worn.

Employees may wear their own cloth face covering, which will help SUNY Poly reduce the need to purchase additional face coverings, which are in short supply. Cloth face coverings must only be worn for one day at a time and must be properly laundered before use. Having a week’s supply of cloth face coverings can help reduce the need for daily laundering.
Upon request, cloth face coverings will be provided by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety. In Utica, please email your request to Sean.Clive@sunypoly.edu. In Albany, please email SUNYPolyEHS@sunypoly.edu.
 

USE AND CARE OF FACE COVERINGS

Tips on the use and care of face coverings:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/cloth-face-coverings-information.

How to wear and safely take off a cloth face covering:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/cloth-face-covering.pdf

Putting on the face covering/disposable face covering:

• Wash hands or use hand sanitizer prior to handling the face covering/disposable face covering.
• Ensure the face-covering/disposable face covering fits over the nose and under the chin.
• Situate the face-covering/disposable face covering properly with nose wire snug against the nose (where applicable).
• Tie straps behind the head and neck or loop around the ears.
• Throughout the process: Avoid touching the front of the face covering/disposable face covering.

Taking off the face covering/disposable face covering:

• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when removing the face covering/disposable face covering.
• When taking off the face covering/disposable face covering, loop your finger into the strap and pull the strap away from the ear, or untie the straps.
• Wash hands immediately after removing.
• For washable face coverings, place into a plastic or paper bag until laundered.

Care, storage, and laundering:

• Keep face coverings/disposable face covering stored in a paper bag when not in use.
• Cloth face coverings may not be used more than one day at a time and must be washed after use. Cloth face coverings should be properly laundered with regular clothing detergent when soiled and after each shift. Cloth face coverings should be replaced immediately if damaged (e.g. ripped, punctured) or visibly contaminated.
• Disposable face coverings must not be used for more than one day and should be placed in the trash after your shift or if it is soiled, damaged (e.g., stretched ear loops, torn or punctured material) or visibly contaminated.

SOCIAL (PHYSICAL) DISTANCING

Keeping space between you and others is one of the best means of avoiding exposure to the COVID-19 virus and slowing its spread. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you (or they) appear to have no symptoms. Social distancing is important for everyone, especially to help protect people who are at higher risk of getting very sick. Employees at work on-site should follow these social distancing practices:

• Stay at least six feet (about two arm lengths) from other people whenever possible.
• Do not gather in groups.
• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.

HANDWASHING

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or touching your face. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands after touching your face.

COUGHING/SNEEZING HYGIENE

If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Then throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

GLOVES

Healthcare workers and a limited number of others in high-risk areas should use gloves as part of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). But according to the CDC, gloves are not necessary for general use and do not replace good hand hygiene. Washing your hands often is considered the best practice for common, everyday tasks.

GOGGLES/FACE SHIELDS

Employees do not need to wear goggles or face shields as part of their general activity on campus. Good hand hygiene and avoiding touching your face are generally sufficient for non-healthcare environments.

DISINFECTION / CLEANING PROCEDURES

Custodial crews will continue to clean and disinfect high use common public areas and certain work spaces based on CDC guidelines for disinfection. Classroom spaces will also receive regular cleaning and disinfection of high touch surfaces (e.g. desks, table tops, chair arm rests).

The Facilities Department will maintain public hand sanitizer stations at primary building entrances and high-traffic areas. Additional hand sanitizer liquid is available in major office locations and in personal sized containers. These are available from the EHS office upon request.

Prior to reopening of buildings mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and monitoring systems will be assessed and readied by the Facilities Department staff.

Room occupants should wipe down commonly used surfaces before and after use with products that meet the EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19 and are appropriate for the surface. This includes any shared-space location or equipment (e.g. copiers, printers, computers, A/V and other electrical equipment, coffee makers, desks and tables, light switches, doorknobs, etc.).

At periodic times, additional care should be taken by room occupants to wipe down and disinfect commonly used, public-facing surfaces used by multiple people (e.g. computer labs). Accordingly, those offices or functions with high traffic service counter areas will be provided with cleaning products for wiping down surfaces throughout the day by employees.
Common use equipment or locations (e.g. break rooms, time and activity entry work stations) must be cleaned and disinfected prior to and after each use. Users should always wash hands or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol after using community equipment.

ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE CONTROL

Most buildings on campus will be open during normal business hours. At this time, entry to buildings will continue to be regulated. Your SUNY Poly ID Card is required for entry to all buildings, and you may not hold or prop open exterior doors for any other person.

Departments could stagger arrival, departure, and lunch times, which will reduce personal interactions at locations such as hallways, stairs, elevators, time clocks, etc. Employees are also encouraged to use alternate doorways to enter or exit buildings to reduce interactions.

In general, visitors and guests are not allowed on campus during this time. Any visitors, vendors, contractors, consultants, or others who are not part of the SUNY Poly campus community will be required to make appointments with the appropriate department contact, complete a COVID-19 related health screening and attest that they do not meet the criteria for restriction from campus. They are also required to sign in and out using the:

“Coronavirus (COVID-19) questionnaire and attestation
(SUNY Poly – Utica)” form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jlz_G_yV67pAZA3gYAJz3361xpzQkyxx/view?usp=sharing
The online form: https://forms.gle/eEz4P1Rdf2oAvsem9 or by using an appropriate other department/office specific form.

Out of State Travel

Any employee who has traveled out of state must abide by New York State Department of Health guidelines, which are being updated in real-time based on a state’s COVID-19 impact. Some of these guidelines include required 14-day quarantine following travel to listed states. This information as of July 2, 2020 can be found here:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/07/nys-covid-travel-advisory-faq_0.pdf.

Public Transportation

If an employee must take public transportation, they should wear a face covering before entering the bus and minimize touching surfaces with hands when selecting a seat. Upon disembarking, wash hands or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol as soon as possible and before removing face coverings.

SUNY Poly Vehicles/Fleet/Rentals

If employees must use SUNY Poly vehicles or rental vehicles to travel on or off-campus, they should make sure the vehicle has been disinfected before and after use. Ensure the vehicle has disinfecting wipes (where applicable). Avoid traveling in groups or with passengers. If passengers are necessary, all vehicle occupants must wear a face covering while in the vehicle. Minimize touching surfaces with hands. When leaving the vehicle, immediately wash hands or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol as soon as possible and before removing face coverings.

Public-Facing Counters

On-site work areas and functions that involve a high level of interaction with others (e.g. mailroom counter, Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Activities, Bursar, Residential Life, library reference desks, etc.) may have barrier shields installed. Requests for barrier shields should be directed to supervisors who will review with the appropriate Vice President. The Facilities Department will be notified of the request through the online work request system. General questions regarding barrier shield installations can be directed to the Facilities Department in Utica at 315-792-7456 or Environmental Health & Safety in Albany at 518-956-7229. Please note that the need for barrier shield installations will be based on volume of public interaction and the ability to practice other means of social distancing, such as floor decals or signs for distancing and line queues, limiting access through appointments, remote service, etc.

Working in Open Office Environments

Employees who work in an open environment are expected to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from co-workers and the public (including students). Brief encroachments on this distancing, for example passing in a hallway, are acceptable and low-risk especially when wearing a face covering. If possible have at least one workspace separating co-workers. Employees should wear a face covering at all times while in a shared work space/room, whenever 6 feet distance can’t be maintained, or as directed by a supervisor. Face coverings must be worn when engaging with the public, including students.

Departments should assess open work environments and meeting rooms in order to institute measures to physically separate and increase distance between employees, other coworkers, and customers, such as:

• Place visual cues such as floor decals, colored tape, or signs to indicate to customers where they should stand while waiting in line.
• Place one-way directional signage for large open work spaces with multiple through-ways to increase distance between employees moving through the space.
• Consider designating specific stairways for up or down traffic if building space allows.

Placement of signage or decals should be reviewed with the Facilities Department before placement.

Office cubicle environments where an elevated barrier exists between co-workers when sitting/in desk position are provided with proper social distancing and no additional barrier shields are necessary.

In offices, no more than one person should be in the same room unless the required 6 feet of distancing can be consistently maintained or if a barrier exists between occupants / co-workers. Face coverings should be worn at all times if more than one person is in a room and 6 feet distance cannot be maintained or if there is no barrier between employees. Within small enclosed office spaces, face coverings should be considered even if distancing is in place. Opening screened windows may also help to reduce exposure risks in smaller enclosed spaces. Check with the Facilities Department to ensure this is acceptable.

Face coverings should be worn by any employee in a reception/receiving area. Face coverings should be used when inside any SUNY Poly facility where others are present, including walking in narrow hallways where others travel and in break rooms, conference rooms, and other meeting locations.

Using Restrooms

Care should be taken in restrooms, when possible, to ensure at least 6 feet distance between individuals. Occupants should wear face coverings while in the restroom and wash hands thoroughly afterward to reduce the potential transmission of the virus.

Using Elevators

When possible, elevator use should be limited to one person and no more than two. If sharing an elevator, please distance as much as possible (e.g. far corners). Please use the stairs if physically capable. When using an elevator, wear a face covering and try to avoid touching the elevator buttons with exposed hand/fingers, if possible. Use a tissue if available to touch the buttons. Wash hands or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol prior to entering, when possible, and upon departing the elevator.

Meetings

Convening in groups increases the risk of viral transmission. Meetings should be held in whole or part using the extensive range of available collaboration tools (e.g. Zoom, WebEx, Google Meet, telephone, etc.).

In-person meetings are limited to the restrictions of local, state, and federal orders. For commonly used meeting rooms on campus, the University will establish and post revised adjusted maximum occupancy limits. For all other rooms, attendance at a meeting should not exceed 50 percent of a room’s capacity, assuming individuals can still maintain 6 feet of separation for social distancing requirements. Where possible, and if necessary, Departments should remove or rearrange chairs and tables and/or add visual cue marks in meeting rooms to support social distancing practices between attendees.

Communication with co-workers, colleagues, and supervisors should occur via email, instant message, telephone or other available technology. When necessary, face-to-face meetings are allowed as long as social distance is maintained (at least 6 feet), occupancies are not exceeded, and face coverings are worn.

Meals

Before and after eating, employees should wash hands thoroughly to reduce the potential transmission of the virus.

Dining facilities operated by SODEXO will meet requirements to allow distancing between each customer, including lines and seating arrangements. Individuals should not sit facing one another. Employees are encouraged to take food back to their office area or eat outside, if this is reasonable for specific situations.

When eating in an on-campus work environment (e.g. break room, office, dining hall, etc.), maintain 6 feet distance. Individuals should not sit facing one another. Only remove face coverings in order to eat, then replace.

Departments should remove or rearrange chairs and tables or add visual cue marks in employee break rooms to support social distancing practices between employees. Cleaning and disinfecting of eating surfaces should occur before and after use.

Please dispose of food waste and packaging in kitchenette or common area trash receptacles, not in individual office trash bins.

Laboratory Work

Specific criteria are being developed for faculty and staff working in laboratory environments - Reopening Research at SUNY Poly. Social distancing, face coverings, hand hygiene, and disinfection procedures will be part of the use of Laboratories.

Academic Spaces

All protocols apply similarly to academic spaces (e.g. classrooms, libraries, etc.) including social distancing, face coverings, good hand hygiene, and surface disinfection. As the University continues to work towards finalizing instructional plans for the fall 2020 semester, additional information specific to academics will be communicated by the Provost’s Office.

Violations

Violation of these guidelines may result in the immediate revocation of building access privileges, as well as corrective action. Please contact Human Resources if you have any questions or to report activities that are not in compliance with these guidelines.

Do Not Report to Work Ill

What happens if someone reports to campus is sick?

• Presenting Symptoms: Any employee who is presenting COVID-19 symptoms should not report to their on campus workplace. Employees should report their condition to their supervisor and Human Resources and immediately seek medical guidance.

Current CDC recommendations for returning to on-site work are:

1. At least 10 days since first symptoms first appeared.
2. No fever, and no use of fever-reducing medication, for the 72 hours prior to return.
3. All symptoms improving for at least 72 hours.

• Testing (presenting symptoms): Employees who are presenting COVID-19 symptoms and have been tested for COVID-19 should not report to work on campus.
• Negative Test Result: If results are negative, employees should return to work as soon as they are well enough to do so.
• Positive Test Result: Employees who have tested positive must self-isolate until the Department of Health or their health care provider clears them to return. They must notify Human Resources immediately and inform their supervisor they will not be reporting to work on campus. Supervisors must not disseminate this information to others.

What about the co-workers of an employee who is being tested for COVID-19?
If an employee in a department is being tested, Human Resources will reach out to the employee and department supervisor to determine individuals who may have been in close contact with the tested individual to determine the next steps. Any employees who are required to quarantine based upon recommendations by the Local Health Department should not report to work on campus but can continue to work remotely if their job allows. If the period of quarantine continues beyond 14 calendar days, the employee should consult Human Resources.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

Employee Assistance Program: (EAP) is available to all employees with the goal of offering support and promoting a healthy state of mind and wellbeing, both in and out of the workplace, with the goal of offering emotional support during this stressful time. Telephonic or video consultation via Zoom is available, and employees can access this service using most smartphones, tablets, and computers with a camera. Employees may contact EAP and other resources as follows:

New York State Employee Assistance Program Office
1-800-822-0244
https://goer.ny.gov/employee-assistance-program

NYS Office of Mental Health COVID-19
Emotional Support Line
1-844-863-9314
https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/covid-19-resources.html

NYSHIP (NEW YORK STATE HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM)

Should an employee or a family member need access to health insurance benefits related to COVID-19, here are the quick links that outline the coverage and assistance State employees can receive. Non-State employees should contact their HR Office.

Empire Plan - www.empireblue.com/nys
CDPHP - www.cdphp.com/members/wellness/common-health-topics/cold-and-flu/corona-virus
MVP - www.mvphealthcare.com/covid19
Empire Blue Cross HMO - www.empireblue.com/coronavirus/individual-and-family
 

• Glass partitions separating the kitchen area from the customers have been installed, including the register area.
• There are markers on the floor 6 feet apart to encourage social distancing.
• Signage has been added to change the flow to one way.
• Food orders are accepted via GrubHub.

The abbreviated fall 2020 academic calendar can be found on the main page of sunypoly.edu/fall2020plan.

View the full academic calendar

In coordination with NY CREATES, SUNY Poly will continue the same access protocol as the fall semester:

• All personnel will be required to enter through the NFE building for daily temperature checks.
• All personnel will be required to complete the EHS COVID-19 Training (pdf) and Self-Certification (pdf).
• Faculty will continue to maintain staggered schedules for lab personnel that complies with required social distancing in labs.
• All SUNY Poly personnel accessing the campus are required to complete the COVID-19 health questionnaire every time they access the campus.
• All students and faculty accessing the campus are required to participate in regular COVID-19 pooled testing.

Small classrooms that are unable to meet the distancing requirements will not be used. Some multi-purpose spaces will be converted into classroom spaces to increase capacity. Signage will serve to reinforce social distancing and plastic shielding will be installed in spaces (e.g., in highly used laboratories) where social distancing cannot be maintained.

Dining services at SUNY Poly’s Utica location are offered by Sodexo which has a 3-step approach to a safe return to campus.

Health and Safety Focus

• Accelerated depth of cleaning & disinfection
• Utilize best sanitation practices
• Increase service protocols including PPE, masks, and gloves
• Staff training with a new culture of service and strong focus on handwashing
• Staff health monitoring

Environmental Focus

• Install social distancing measures, such as floor markers & signage, in all food units
• Control high-traffic flow
• Promote contactless transactions & cashless payments
• Utilize safety glass at register stations
• Implement distance seating in dining halls, with a new configuration for safety

New Menu Design

• Eliminate self-service practices
• Food pick-up as new normal
• Maintain quality of products and menu
• Implement online ordering for retail items and expanded carry-out options
• Increase food service technology and student communication
• Flexibility in student feeding to include an option for delivery in isolated areas

SUNY Poly will not host in-person events that are open to the public during the fall 2020 semester. Large event spaces typically used for large gatherings and activities will be used to support core academic activities. Co-curricular gatherings and student organization meetings require participants to wear face coverings. All departments and programs are encouraged to host virtual events. Campus events that cannot be done virtually or within applicable federal, state and local social distancing guidelines will be postponed to a time when guidance permits these types of events.

Student Affairs is establishing a working group involving Residential Life/Student Involvement, Facilities, Athletics, and the Student Government (SGU, USGA, GSGA) to develop virtual student life events, student club meetings, and activities. Some small gatherings of clubs and their members will be scheduled during the fall semester to augment the largely virtual club meetings and events.

SUNY Poly discourages non-essential visitors from accessing campus to enter buildings and meet with or interact with students, faculty, and staff. Virtual visits and appointments should be used to transact business whenever possible. Visitors will not be allowed in the residence halls. Those who must make in-person visits (deliveries, inspections, contractors, etc.) will be required to be pre-screened, wear masks, and practice social distancing.

• Students and employees returning to campus must complete an electronic screening form on a daily basis (sunypoly.edu/covid-screener). The screening includes questions about whether a person:
  • has come into close contact with anyone who, in the past 14 days, may have COVID-19 or been exposed to COVID-19;
  • has been tested or is awaiting testing results within the past 14 days;
  • is currently experiencing or has within the past 14 days exhibited COVID-19 symptoms.
• Students who are not approved through the screening process will be notified to remain in their residence hall room and/or not come to campus until contacted by the Wellness Center for follow-up.
• At the Albany campus, temperature checks are conducted for everyone onsite by NY CREATES. At the Utica location, the campus does not anticipate performing temperature checks of employees arriving on campus, but self- temperature monitoring may be requested of employees.
• On-going health promotion, such as social media campaigns, text messages, etc., will be utilized to prompt students and staff to self-assess for COVID-19.

• To help avoid symptomatic confusion between flu and COVID-19, all students and employees will be strongly encouraged to have flu vaccines.  
• All residential and non-residential students as well as SUNY Poly employees may be asked to conduct a 5-7 days precautionary quarantine at home prior to returning to campus. If COVID-19 symptoms develop, refer to below procedures for testing, contact tracing and quarantine. If asymptomatic, the individuals can return to campus following the guidance below.
• If resources permit, pooled testing will be provided to students and employees as groups, with about 25 people in each group (the group size may vary based on local infection rate at the time of campus re-opening).
• Residential students can be grouped based on living arrangements such as living in the same suite or on the same floor. Non-residential students can be grouped based on both living arrangements and class arrangements such as living in the same apartment or being in the same study groups. Employees can be grouped based on office locations, work duties, and schedules.
• If a group has tested negative, the entire group can return to campus. If a group tests positive, each member in the group should be tested individually.

• Essential employees (and all employees when applicable) will be encouraged to participate in the NYS COVID-19 testing program.  
• Following current NYS guidance and requirements regarding COVID+ and suspect COVID+ symptomatic employees, employees will be expected to stay home if they do not meet daily self-monitoring requirements and must report to the Human Resources Office.  
• If symptomatic, employees will be encouraged to be tested, start precautionary quarantine, and see their healthcare providers.  
• If tested positive, employees must follow guidelines and quarantine for at least 14 days.
• The LCHD will conduct contact tracing to ensure close contacts are sent home for precautionary quarantine and to be tested if needed. SUNY Poly will coordinate with the LCHD when appropriate.
• Employees may return to campus when released from isolation/quarantine by the local health department or as indicated in the SUNY Poly Return to Campus Work Policy (pdf).

Operational Activity

• Academic operations will be moved to a remote (online) environment.
• All personnel will be moved to work from home (WFH) model with the exception of:
  • Essential personnel (Facilities, University Police, Information Technology Services, etc.).
  • Non-Essential Personnel needing to access campus sporadically to fulfill an essential function (Payroll, EHS, etc.).
  • Where possible, essential personnel will be divided into cohorts to reduce on-campus density and limit human interaction.
  • Any personnel on campus will be required to follow all NYS DOH and CDC essential personnel guidelines including PPE, social distancing, and access to testing as available.
• Facilities will be closed wherever possible, maintained at base operational levels, and only accessible to essential personnel.

Shutdown of Residential Life Operation
Students will be notified prior to their arrival to campus that an emergency shutdown of Residential Life Operations may require them to make a complete residential move out, and that they should pack for the fall semester by taking that into consideration.

Move-Out Process

• The campus will consult and follow the guidance of local health departments in order to stop the spread
• Students will be notified of the necessity to check out via SUNY Poly email and “call them all” text/phone notification.
• Checkout will be handled using a socially distanced structure, appropriate distancing and masks will be required.
• All students must vacate the residential complex within 48 hours of notification that there is an emergency shutdown of Residential Life Operations.
• Students will utilize a form to confirm their knowledge of the shutdown and to indicate their departure time. The same form will be used for students who are unable to depart to request an extended stay.
• Students requiring move out assistance will be limited to two assistants; assistants will complete the SUNY Poly screening prior to being allowed to participate in move-out.  
• Students are expected to depart campus immediately upon completion of the move-out process.
• Accommodations will be made for international students or those with special needs to remain on-campus.
• Within 48 hours of move-out process completion, Residence Life staff will conduct a visual inspection for confirmation.
• After 72 hours, facilities staff can begin the full disinfection process.

Medically Isolated or Quarantined Students

• Students isolated or quarantined at the time of shutdown will remain in their assigned quarantine or isolation location until the Wellness Center and/or Oneida County DOH determine it to be safe for them to move out.
• All services will remain in place for isolated or quarantined students during shut down.