Return to Campus Guidelines

Guidelines

Fordham continues to prioritize the health and safety of our community as we transition back to campus. The University’s planning efforts are informed by the New York State Reopening Guidelines and we will continue to modify our procedures and policies as these guidelines are revised. 

Those employees who require accommodation can utilize the University’s Reasonable Workplace Accommodation to request an accommodation for a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Temporary COVID-19 Accommodation process expires on June 30, 2021. Please be advised that all medical information provided and requests for accommodations pursuant to the law will be evaluated by Human Resources’ occupational health partner.  Moreover, all health information is kept confidential within Human Resources.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements and Testing

The University continues to require every member of our faculty, staff, and students to be fully up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations in order to enter campus.  This currently means an individual has received a full series of COVID-19 vaccines, and a booster shot, if eligible, which is determined by the date of a recipient’s one-dose or second dose vaccine.  It may be necessary to require a second booster shot for eligible individuals prior to the Fall 2022 semester.

University Health Services provides testing for students with limited testing for employees. Vaccine administration is suspended for June and July.

Learn more on the Health Services webpage. 

Vendors and Contractors

Contractors and vendors approved by the University can access the campus if they show proof of vaccination. 

Handwashing

The cornerstone of good public health, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, is to wash your hands often. Although the transmission rate of COVID-19 from touching surfaces is very low, washing your hands is one of the most effective preventative measures you can take to ensure you remain healthy.  Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if you don’t have access to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Physical Distancing

Unvaccinated members of the community will still require physical distancing of 6 ft. as a precaution.

Face Coverings

The CDC's updated mask guidelines say that individuals may now "wear a mask based on your personal preference, informed by your personal level of risk." Accordingly, at Fordham masks are recommended but not required in classrooms, labs, work settings, and public spaces for individuals fully up-to-date on vaccinations (meaning an individual has received a full series of COVID-19 vaccines, and a booster shot, if eligible). All individuals may wear masks in any setting if they choose to do so.

NOTE: Faculty may require masks in classrooms and laboratory settings, if they believe the particular circumstances warrant such measures.

Exceptions:

  • Unvaccinated individuals with an exemption must still wear masks.
  • Masks remain mandatory on Ram Vans and in University Health Service locations (offices, and testing and vaccination sites).

Outdoor Eating Areas

Dining services will modify indoor dining as follows:

  • Offer optional grab n’ go meals;
  • Allow for limited indoor dining in the main cafeterias at Rose Hill and Lincoln Center with appropriate social distancing and density mitigation initiatives; and
  • Prohibit indoor dining in retail spaces that are too small to accommodate social distancing.

The University will consider expanding the use of other indoor spaces (such as lounge areas) for casual dining.

Below you will find the outdoor eating areas:

Lincoln Center

  • The Plaza

Rose Hill

  • Campbell Hall
  • Coffey Field - tables under the bleachers
  • Edward’s Parade - benches surrounding the perimeter
  • Freeman Hall Terrace
  • Hughes Hall
  • John Mulcahy Hall
  • Larkin Hall
  • Murphy Field
  • O’Hare Hall Terrace
  • Walsh Library

Westchester

  • Courtyard

Protective Barriers

The University will remove all plexiglass barriers except those installed at security stations.

Ventilation

Central building ventilation systems will continue to operate in accordance with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and CDC guidelines.

Buildings with central ventilation equipment (HVAC) will operate continuously starting two hours before scheduled occupancy and ceasing two hours after the building is unoccupied; buildings without central HVAC will continue to use operable windows or window AC units on outdoor air settings. Interior open office cubicles with multiple occupants and no outside air or HVAC system will have portable air purifying equipment provided.