Fall Semester Information
RIT's focus is on allowing for vibrant campus life while tracking and responding appropriately to the COVID-19 virus.
We are excited about plans underway for the fall semester. 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.
Masking
Masking is optional in all locations except public transportation (RIT shuttles, buses, and vans) and 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. Masking is encouraged during the move-in process within Residence Halls due to high-density.
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.
Testing
Before coming to campus: Return-to-campus testing will not be required though it is recommended to support a smooth start to the fall semester.
Once on campus: 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.
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.
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
- Vaccination 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.
- 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.
- Please don’t wait to test if you have symptoms.