Campus vaccination rate update; Reporting requirement; Daily Health Screen discontinued

COVID-19 has upended lives and transformed the way we live. Ensuring a high vaccination rate among faculty, staff, and students is an important factor in keeping our RIT community safe as we start the next academic year. We thank RIT employees who have already reported their vaccine status. In fact, among those reporting, the vast majority (94 percent) have been vaccinated. But we need everyone to promptly report their vaccination status as soon as possible. Our overall vaccination rate will shape the safety measures deployed on campus.

Vaccination status can be reported through one of the following:

• Enter your information in Oracle Employee Self-Service
• Complete COVID-19 Vaccination Information Form and drop off to Human Resources on the 5th floor of Eastman Mondays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Email to hr@rit.edu, or give it to your supervisor to send to HR
• Visit HR on the 5th floor of Eastman Mondays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to fill out the form in person

Some employees have asked questions regarding the use of vaccination information and how confidentiality will be maintained. Answers to these questions are available in this FAQ.  

One of the ways we monitored the health of our campus over the past year included the Daily Health Screen (DHS). It was a key indicator of COVID prevalence. With vaccination rates on the rise and revised state guidance, we have decided to discontinue the Daily Health Screen (DHS) as of Friday, July 9 (last day required to complete). Employees who are feeling ill should follow the normal sick process for those who are sick. Employees who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should 1) not report to campus 2) notify their supervisor and 3) contact their personal physician. Employees who have been in direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should contact their personal physician to determine the appropriate course of action including whether testing is warranted.Students who are not feeling well should contact the Student Health Center.

As a reminder, in keeping with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, unvaccinated members of the RIT community are required to wear face masks while indoors in the presence of others (with the exception of personal living spaces), indoors moving through space occupied by others, or outdoors in crowded outdoor settings. Unvaccinated members of the RIT community do not need to maintain at least six (6) feet of distance between themselves and others. Vaccinated individuals may choose to mask for many reasons and will be supported in their choice. 

In the weeks ahead, we will provide updated guidance on academics, work, and campus life. The RIT Ready website, including a revised safety plan, will continue to be updated as plans develop and will highlight necessary information.

Thank you for your continued diligence and perseverance.

COVID-19 Planning Task Force