Fall Semester Information

student and staff member high-fiving.
 

Fall Semester Information

RIT's focus is on allowing for vibrant campus life while tracking and responding appropriately to the COVID-19 virus.

While COVID-19 is present in our community, it has evolved into a milder illness with significantly less risk to the general population. While we remain diligent in our monitoring of the virus and are prepared to tighten safety protocols as necessary, we are relaxing many of our former COVID-19 restrictions.

Vaccines and Boosters

All students, faculty, staff, and certain visitors must be vaccinated (initial one- or two-dose regimen). Changes to the visitor policy are effective immediately. The booster requirement continues to be suspended indefinitely. If conditions change, we will reevaluate. In addition, we are monitoring the development of new vaccines and boosters.

FAQs and more information about vaccine requirements 

Masking

Masking is optional in all locations except some health care facilities (including the Student Health Center, Rochester Regional Health Family Clinic, and the NTID Audiology Center). Individuals are encouraged to assess their own personal risk when deciding how and when to mask in optional locations.

There are two primary factors to consider in a mask. The first is the layers of protection in the mask. N95, KN95, KF94 offer the most protection. Surgical masks are also quite good. Many layers of cloth are better than a single layer.

The second factor to consider in a mask is the fit. It should snuggly cover your nose and mouth so that there is little air entering or exiting from the edges of the mask. With a good fit, glasses should not fog.

Move-in and What to Bring

Masking is encouraged while indoors during the move-in process due to high-density. We ask families to adhere to a two-person limit in the rooms to reduce the density.

Whether you’re living on- or off-campus, you should be prepared with all the items you might need in case you're not feeling well. RIT’s Student Health Center has put together a checklist of items they recommend having on hand.

In the Classroom

Eating and drinking is now allowed in classrooms, and masking is optional.

Students who are unable to attend class in person due to illness or an order of isolation or quarantine should contact their faculty member for guidance on making up any missed work.

Testing

Testing for students with symptoms or high-risk situations is available in the Student Health Center. Telephone, secure messaging or Patient Chat are contact options. Self-testing will be the main means of COVID testing on campus. Students should report any positive test result to the Student Health Center. Our wastewater surveillance program will continue to provide insight into disease prevalence.

FAQs and more information about testing and positive cases 

Quarantine and Isolation

Given the reduced severity of current COVID variant infections and the vaccination status of our community, isolation policies have changed. Ill students will need to isolate in their current housing situations. Students who cannot attend class or complete their work due to illness should connect with their faculty directly to ensure academic continuity.  Risk reduction for uninfected roommates includes mask wearing in the room, except when sleeping, good hand hygiene and protecting your immune system with regular sleep, eating and activity. All members of the RIT community are expected to self-monitor for symptoms of any illness before coming to campus every day. If you are likely to spread illness, do not come to campus.

FAQs and more information about quarantine and isolation

International Travel

International travel requirements and recommendations change as new variants of COVID-19 emerge. Monitor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the most recent guidance regarding air travel requirements and recommendations, and monitor the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website for information on lard ports and ferry terminals.

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.

Additional Tips for Staying Healthy and Safe

  • Vaccines and boosters help avoid serious illness, but do not prevent transmission.
  • Masking provides another layer of protection. A well-fitted and high-grade mask (N95, KF94 or KN95) is best.
  • Students living in shared bedrooms may request an air purifier to further improve ventilation. To request an air purifier, submit a Help Desk ticket.
  • Avoid others if you have any symptoms. This is particularly important to high-risk individuals. 
  • Transmission can be minimized by:
    • Testing if you have any symptoms.
    • Testing prior to events that involve close contact with others masked or unmasked. Testing prior to leaving or returning to campus for an extended period of time, such as holidays.
    • Testing 5 days following high risk activities that involve close contact with a lot of people.
    • Testing immediately if you develop symptoms, even mild symptoms. Don’t wait to test if you have symptoms.