If an instructor becomes ill, how should they handle their classes? If an instructor becomes ill, they should stay home, practice self-care, and consult with their dean and, as appropriate, their department/area chair as to whether to cancel their classes, arrange for coverage, or teach their course remotely.
What should an instructor do if they learn that one of their students is COVID positive? If an instructor learns that one or more of their students is ill and recovering in isolation, they may choose to livestream or record their class session(s) so that absent students may stay current with the class.
What are students being told to do if they are symptomatic? Students have been provided with up-to-date guidance through Health Services.
Is the University still providing KN95 masks to faculty and students? Masks are available at the Public Safety office on both campuses.
Under what conditions can an instructor require their students to wear masks in the classroom? Fordham continues to encourage any member of our community who chooses to wear a mask to do so with our full support. For instructors who wish to require students in their classroom to mask, you must first request and receive an accommodation from Human Resources.
Why has the University changed its policy around allowing any instructor to require masking in their classroom? The University continues to follow guidance and directives of the CDC as well as state and local public health authorities that take into account serious COVID cases (as measured by hospitalization and death rates) in the nation and in the region. The Federal government ended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in May 2023; as a result, Fordham is no longer instituting masking requirements. Fordham will continue to monitor the situation and update its policies if external conditions warrant a change.
Will the university be providing the updated mRNA vaccines (from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech) on campus? Fordham is not administering these vaccines, however, the vaccines are readily available at major pharmacies or doctor's offices and are fully covered by the University's health insurance plan.
What is Fordham doing to improve indoor air quality and reduce COVID transmission? Facilities Operations has modified buildings’ ventilation systems to maximize the use of outside air and reduce the amount of recirculated air to the extent that we can maintain reasonable building comfort levels. The University is employing enhanced particulate filtering where possible through the use of HEPA air filtration.
I teach at Rose Hill, and my classroom does not have centralized heating or cooling. What should I do if I am concerned about the air quality in my classroom? If you teach in a Rose Hill classroom that is not on a central HVAC system, you may request that Facilities Operations install a portable HEPA filter in your classroom. Please contact [email protected] to make such a request.
Does the University still engage in disinfecting all surfaces? Enhanced cleaning of surfaces is not being undertaken, as we know surfaces are not the means of transmission for this airborne virus. Disinfectant distribution units are still in place, but the University is not replenishing them once the disinfectant is consumed.
Is it still possible for faculty to fully participate in faculty personnel committee meetings via Zoom? The Faculty Senate and Office of the Provost have extended their guidance on personnel committees to include remote participation, provided that all colleagues participating in a meeting, including those joining by distance means must be able, at a minimum, to hear each other at the same time. Confidentiality and secret ballot provisions must be strictly observed. The deans offices can offer more detailed guidance regarding this matter.