Community Expectations
The health and safety of the RIT community is a priority. All measures put into place are designed to protect our students, faculty, staff, and the greater community.
Vaccine Requirements
All students, faculty, and staff on the Henrietta campus are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the Fall Semester. More information will be provided later this summer.
There are additional vaccination requirements for large-scale indoor public events.
Mask Guidelines
Members of the RIT community who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear face masks while indoors. Those members of the RIT community who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear face masks (minimum of two-ply cloth) while indoors in the presence of others, indoors moving through space occupied by others, or outdoors in crowded outdoor settings.
Face masks and physical distancing are still required, regardless of vaccination status, in the Student Health Center and the NTID Audiology Clinic. In addition, face masks are required while on public transportation.
Wearing a mask is a great way to protect yourself and others from the spread of disease. Be respectful of other people’s choice to wear a mask – they may be trying to protect themselves or you.
Mask Guidelines
Effective immediately, RIT will be mask optional indoors, with some notable exceptions. Masks will be required as follows:
- In academic classrooms, laboratories, and studios while classes are in session, whether the class is for credit or zero credit.
- Masks must be worn upon entering the instructional space, even if the instructor is not yet present and must remain on while in the instructional space, even if the time extends beyond the scheduled end of the session.
- Faculty have the option of being unmasked while standing behind plexiglass shields.
- On contracted RIT transportation, including RIT shuttles, buses, and vans
- In healthcare facilities, including the Student Health Center, Rochester Regional Health Family Clinic, and the NTID Audiology Center
Unvaccinated individuals, including those with exemptions, are strongly encouraged to continue to wear a mask indoors when in the presence of others.
The choice to continue masking is now a personal one. Some members in our community will continue to wear a mask for any number of reasons. Some may live with a vulnerable individual, others may be immunocompromised, and still others may simply feel more comfortable wearing a mask. We will have members of our community who feel more comfortable if others wear a mask in their direct presence. In the spirit of “Tigers Care,” we ask all members of the RIT community to keep a spare mask handy.
1
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
2
Use hand sanitizer when you cannot use soap and water
3
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Stay Home if Sick
Stay home if you are sick, and do not come to campus. An online form to assist with symptom monitoring is available. COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
In addition, RIT community members shall not be on campus if they have been:
- Diagnosed with COVID-19 and have not fulfilled the mandatory isolation period required by public health officials, or
- Advised to stay home by a medical professional due to COVID-19 concerns pursuant to CDC or local health department COVID guidance, or
- In close contact with a confirmed case within the timeframe determined by state and county health officials based on vaccination and booster status.
Contact Tracing
A positive test for COVID-19 will trigger contact tracing, which is coordinated through the Monroe County Department of Public Health. All members of the RIT community are expected to comply with contact tracing efforts.
Report a COVID-19 Violation
Your concern for the health and safety of the RIT community is appreciated. If you encounter an individual not adhering to current COVID-19 protocols, try communicating directly with the individual or connect with a responsible party, such as a supervisor or lab manager for assistance.
If you observe ongoing violations related to COVID-19 protocols, please complete a COVID-19 report.