Reopening Plan

This plan has been prepared by the Campus Reopening Committee and has included engagement with campus stakeholders, including but not limited to administrators, faculty, staff, and students through consultation with the governance council. As such, movement throughout the plan will include communication with key campus stakeholders as listed above, and assurance from the Facilities Department that it has the ability to meet the needs of phasing in occupancy levels that will require additional cleaning and sanitizing services, as well as additional supplies.

The Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism will make the following modifications to campus operations as per CUNY and State of New York guidance in order to safely open the campus to students, staff, and visitors.

The Newmark J-School’s plan was approved with a phased in reopening approach by limiting the number of students, faculty and staff and putting appropriate procedures in place that fulfill the necessary components and procedures to ensure the safety of the campus community. Phasing in stages of reopening shall continue to be utilized in order to allow for operational issues to be resolved prior to migrating closer to normal conditions. This will ensure the ability to recognize and cooperatively plan for necessary adjustments.

A. Highlighted Changes and Updates for Spring 2022

Vaccination Requirements

1. 1. Students: Students who plan to return to campus in the spring will be required to be vaccinated to register for in-person and hybrid courses and get a booster when they become eligible for one. Those 18 and older are eligible for a booster shot at 5 months after the completion of two dose regimen of Pfizer, 5 months after the completion of two dose regimen of Moderna or 2 months after the Johnson and Johnson (J&J) shot. Student participation in on-campus activities will require proof of vaccination and booster unless a religious or medical exemption has been approved. 
   2. Faculty: All faculty are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (two dose Pfizer or Moderna regimen, or 1 dose J&J) unless a religious or medical exemption has been approved. Note: Individuals who received a World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccination other than the three listed above must provide more information. Students can reach out to Student Affairs  and employees can contact SOJ Human Resources. 

Mask/Face Covering Requirements

• • Due to the low levels of Covid-19 in New York City, New York State no longer has a universal mask mandate and, as such, CUNY has rescinded the temporary mask mandate.
    • Anyone who wishes to wear a mask may do so. The school will continue to make available surgical masks and KN-95 masks to anyone from the campus community.

• • • Those who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear a mask.
    • Exceptions:

• • • • Anyone who has to isolate/quarantine due to the on-set of symptoms are required to wear a mask.

• • • • Some employees, based on the nature of their work, may be required to wear a mask.

• • Acceptable Mask/Face Coverings
    • These include cloth coverings (typically homemade), surgical masks, N-95, KN-95 and face shields
    • The school will continue the practice of  supplying surgical masks and KN95 masks to anyone from our campus community. They are available at the 3rd floor public safety desk or can be requested from the school’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Officer, Alistair Wallace. The school may require certain employees to wear a higher level of protection based on the nature of their work.
    • Face shields must cover both mouth and nose
    • Cloth coverings, such as bandanas or home made masks, are also acceptable but are the least preferred especially if they are single ply.
  • PPE Training
    • All employees must complete the training associated with donning, washing, and discarding PPE. The training can be found here: Demonstration of Donning (Putting On) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and is also available from any public safety team member or from the school’s EHS officer.

Contracting Covid, Exposed to Covid, Isolation and Quarantine

There are numerous changes to the requirements for isolating, quarantining, etc. if you’ve contracted COVID or been exposed to someone who tested positive. Our Covid Campus Liaison Assistant Dean Colleen Leigh has become our resident expert on these issues. If you have tested positive, have symptoms or have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive, you must report this case to her, as is required by CUNY central and the NYC Department of Health. Click here for the latest requirements.

Social Distancing

• • CUNY has recognized that the majority of the CUNY community has been vaccinated and therefore social distancing is no longer a required safety measure. Those individuals that are not fully vaccinated should continue to practice social distancing.

  • Should the spread of Covid increase, in consultation with the CUNY Chancellor’s office, the School may re-enter a phased approach to operations. The below phases that have been used in the past may be re-engaged if necessary based on multiple factors that include the level of covid spread within our community.

C. Campus Operations – All Stages

Prior to opening the campus for stage 1, custodial staff completed a detailed cleaning and disinfecting of all surfaces. We continue to work with the building management to ensure the essential periodic and daily cleaning of thoroughfares such as access hallways, stairwells, and lobbies. In addition, we will ensure that the HVAC systems are performing as expected for our tenant use. This includes the maintenance of filters used in the HVAC system and ensuring that the HVAC system is utilizing the highest MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rated filters that the system will allow. Currently the system has been upgraded with MERV -16 filters. In addition, all classrooms and shared work spaces will be equipped with HEPA air purifiers that will provide multiple filtrations of air in each space per hour. These filters are designed to both mechanically and electrostatically filter particles, which by design captures and kills particles as small as .01 micron. Filters in the purifiers will be changed on an as-needed basis by the custodial staff, equipped with our most protective PPE.

All students and staff will be required to adhere to the following parameters when visiting campus. Since the campus uses leased space within both 219 West 40th street and 230 West 41st street, safe entry is monitored and required by the building management and associated building security.

Vaccinations

• All students must be vaccinated in order to attend in-person classes starting in the fall of 2021. Students, faculty and staff will be required to supply a CoVid vaccination record via CUNY protocols. Students who plan to return to campus in the spring of 2022 are required to be vaccinated to register for in-person and hybrid courses and get a booster when they become eligible for one. Those 18 and older are eligible for a booster shot at 5 months after the completion of two dose regimen of Pfizer, 5 months after the completion of two dose regimen of Moderna or 2 months after the Johnson and Johnson (J&J) shot. (Those 12-17 year olds who initially received the Pfizer two dose regimen are eligible for a Pfizer booster 5 months after completing the regimen.) The Pfizer or Moderna booster is preferred in most situations. Student participation in on-campus activities will require proof of vaccination and booster unless a religious or medical exemption has been approved. Students who become eligible for the booster shot before or on January 28, 2022, must receive and upload proof of receiving the booster shot no later than March 1.Students who become eligible after January 28 will have 30 days after they become eligible to receive the shot and upload proof to CUNYfirst.
• All faculty are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (two dose Pfizer or Moderna regimen, or 1 dose J&J) unless a  religious or medical exemption has been approved. 

Note: Individuals who received a World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccination other than the three listed above  must provide more information. Students can reach out to your student services and faculty  can contact the Human Resources Department.

Screening and Testing

Faculty and staff who are not fully vaccinated must participate in CUNY’s weekly surveillance testing program.

Daily wellness checks will not be required and temperature checks will not be performed. People who are not fully vaccinated must take part in CUNY’s weekly surveillance testing.

Faculty, staff or students must not report to the J-School in any of the following situations:

a. They have experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 10 days.

b. They have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 10 days.

c. Knowingly have been in close or proximate contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has or had symptoms of COVID-19.

d. Anyone who has symptoms, tested positive or has come into close contact with someone who has tested positive must contact Assistant Dean Dr. Colleen Leigh, the schools Coronavirus Liaison for further instructions.

e. All persons returning from travel outside of NY State shall follow any travel guidance and restrictions, Domestic or International associated with recommendations put forth from the CDC.

The Newmark J-School does not currently have testing capacity onsite. Anyone suspected of Covid-19 exposure will be referred to an approved Covid-19 Testing site or their personal health care provider. Testing sites can be found here: Find a testing site near you. Those who are exhibiting symptoms should not seek testing at a CUNY testing facility.

Personal Protective Equipment – As required

• • Acceptable face coverings as recommended by the CDC, NYSDOH and/or CUNY are required for anyone entering the school. The face covering shall cover both the mouth and nose and must be worn at all times while on campus.
  • While CUNY is allowing the use of cloth masks (as recommended by the CDC), the school strongly encourages everyone to wear KN95s or N95 masks. Any member of our community who wants a KN95 or surgical mask can get one from the public safety desk on the third floor. Face shields may be worn with an approved mask, but cannot be worn in lieu of a mask.

  • Personnel who come in frequent contact with the public, such as public safety, facilities, etc., are encouraged to wear a issued a higher level of protection (N-95, KN-95, Surgical mask) that is issued by the school in accordance with requirements from the State of New York. These face coverings should be replaced daily. Unvaccinated staff and faculty who are directly involved in supporting class activities, or who facilitate the arrival and departure of classes and visitors to and from campus, are considered to have a “daily” PPE need. “Direct contact” can be defined as someone who must regularly interact with students during their time on campus, or their duties require them to occupy enclosed areas for a period of time longer than 15 minutes with students, faculty, or other staff while on campus. This includes but is not limited to:

    • Public Safety staff
    • Custodial staff
    • Broadcast Studio engineers and technicians
    • Equipment Checkout staff

  • Those unvaccinated employees not coming into direct contact with the general public or students shall have their masks replaced at least once weekly.

  • Public Safety shall maintain a supply of face coverings at the public safety desk located at the entrance to the school on the 3rd floor, and they shall be distributed at this point. Distribution shall be based upon the employee’s determination of direct contact with the public. Daily and weekly distribution shall occur at the end of the day so the employee has the new mask to start with prior to entry the next work day. A new mask shall be issued to anyone (faculty, students, staff) who has lost or damaged their face covering. Face shields, masks, gloves, and disposable gowns shall be made available to public safety personnel should the need arise to interact with someone that has fallen ill while on campus or require an in-person temperature check.

  • Face shields, masks, gloves, and disposable gowns shall be made available to facilities personnel for detailed cleaning and sanitizing operations as indicated in the plan where detailed cleaning of a suspected contaminated area is required.

  • Supplies of personal protective equipment shall be maintained by the environmental health and safety coordinator. All calculations and determinations for PPE shall be based on projected need for the upcoming semester. Projections for future orders will be based on determinations from the Reopening committee as to the amount of activity and use that will be allowed on campus.

  • Should a situation arise where PPE procurement is delayed, certain activities involving unvaccinated people may be paused temporarily and moved to a remote platform when possible.

Building Entry – All phases

The J-School does not manage the entry points at 230 West 41st street or 219 West 40th street as they are monitored by building management. When entering the building all students, staff and visitors must adhere to the following:

• • When required wear an acceptable face covering that covers both the nose and mouth, for anyone who is over the age of 2 years old. For those medically cleared who are not able to tolerate the wearing of a face covering, a request must be made to the Dean’s office so that reasonable accommodations can be made.

  • No more than 4 persons to occupy a building elevator, per building policies.
  • Consider using lobby supplied hand sanitizer prior to engaging elevator buttons
  • Stay on the designated points (corners of the elevator car) marked with the appropriate social distancing markers.
  • Visitors must be pre-approved through the campus coordinator and entered into the building’s visitor management system which identifies date, time of arrival and expected departure and who they are seeing. Visitors are those who are not approved to regularly work at the school or scheduled to attend a class/academic exercise.

Campus Entry – All phases

In an effort to reduce elevator occupancy and congestion, the Newmark J-School is working to appropriate two stairwells for conveyance to and from the campus, located on the 3rd floor. It is recommended that students, staff, and visitors avoid the confined space and congestion of the elevator by utilizing stairwells to enter and exit the campus. For those that are mobility impaired, elevator transportation shall be used. For stairwell access to campus please use the following protocols:

• • Maintain social distance protocols by keeping at least 6 feet away from others utilizing the stairwell as an entry point. No tailgating.
  • Utilize lobby hand sanitizer prior to opening stairwell doors
  • Utilize stairwell C (40th Street Side) for entering campus, and stairwell B (41st Street Side) for exiting campus (clearly marked, floor plan attached for your convenience).
  • Entry to the 3rd-floor campus is accessible with a valid school ID card by unlocking the door via card reader mounted to the wall next to the door. In the absence of a valid school ID card, a video intercom is available at the floor entry point. This video intercom connects with the on-duty public safety officer at the 3rd floor public safety desk.
  • All visitors entering must check in with the on-duty public safety officer prior to proceeding further. The on-duty public safety officer will confirm approved entry. This check will include that the required self-health check was completed (defined in section III), and that they are there for a scheduled class or appointment.

Visitors

All visitors entering must check in with the on-duty public safety officer on the third floor prior to proceeding further. The on-duty public safety officer will confirm the approved entry. This check will include that they are there for a scheduled class or appointment.

• • Every visitor to a CUNY campus, whether accessing indoor or outdoor spaces, must provide proof to CUNY that they (1) are fully vaccinated or (2) have had a negative COVID-19 molecular (PCR) test performed by an accredited lab no more than 7 days prior to the visit.
  • Visitors who are on campus for 30 minutes or less per visit do not have to comply with any COVID-19 vaccination or surveillance testing requirements applicable to CUNY staff unless the visitor expects during that time to be less than 6 feet distant of another person for a total of 15 minutes of more.
  • Visitors under the age of 12 do not have to comply with any COVID-19 vaccination or surveillance testing requirements unless they are enrolled in programs, but are subject to mask requirements.

Occupancy – General (phase dependent)

Campus capacity has been identified for each phase. The maximum occupancy for each floor (100%) is as follows: Third floor 200 persons, fourth floor 160 persons and the fourteenth floor 150 persons. In addition, the following has been determined for stages 1, 2, & 3.

• • All spaces – apply social distancing – as per NYSDOH guidelines. Face coverings may be required to be worn based on CDC, NYSDOH and/or CUNY except when eating in designated areas. Employees may remove their mask when occupying an office alone if face coverings are still required by the CDC, NYSDOH and/or CUNY (see also section 5(j). Fall 2021 – fully vaccinated individuals are encouraged to wear a mask but are not required to do so, unless they are in a classroom while class is in session, or in our TV and radio studios. Organized groups of 30 or more are required to wear masks

  • Newsroom R310 shall have pre-determined workspaces clearly identified utilizing 6 foot social distancing markers when required.

  • Classrooms and conference rooms shall utilize a calculation using current social distancing guidelines from CDC/NYSDOH. Each space shall be posted with a Covid occupancy restriction number based on the current social distancing metric if required.

  • The J-School may choose to install plastic barriers between seated positions to increase capacity, however, classroom capacity will not exceed 50% of fire code during any stage.
  • There shall be no sharing of classroom resources, e.g. staplers, whiteboard markers, erasers, etc.

  • The Research Center will encourage on-line service for all resources except the Bloomberg terminal which must be accessed in-person. Confined spaces such as pantries, storage rooms, etc., shall be limited to one person at a time unless persons are masked and can maintain recommended social distancing guidelines. Signage shall indicate a 1-person capacity. Floor mounted social distancing markers shall be installed for people waiting for access.

  • Restrooms may have limited access and some stalls and urinals marked as out of service with social distancing markers in the common areas. A hand sanitizing station shall be installed outside of each restroom for use prior to entry as handle operation of the stall door will be required. Social distancing markers shall be placed outside in the hallway leading up to the entrances.

  • Hallways may be designated as bi-directional with arrows showing the direction in which to travel, eliminating the per chance encounter. The fourth floor (when open to the campus) may be designated as bi- directional.

  • Offices shall be restricted to one person without a mask or two or more with masks and following current social distancing guidelines. Should social distancing guidelines change, occupancy restrictions may be lifted. An office is a room designated as a work space that can be closed off to others.

  • Cubicle workspaces located on the 4th and 14th floor may be reduced to 50% capacity. Reservations for cubicle space shall be managed by Asst. Dean Colleen Leigh or her designee where a schedule is generated at least 2 days in advance. If a reduction in cubicle use is implemented, the schedule shall be shared with the custodial staff so cleaning and disinfecting after each use can occur.. This requirement may change should social distancing requirements become more relaxed or rescinded.

  • Employees should refrain from using other employees’ personal protective equipment, phones, computer equipment, desks, cubicles, workstations, offices, or other personal work tools and equipment.

  • Signage and distance markers may be used to denote current social distancing in all commonly used areas and any areas in which lines are commonly formed or people may congregate. Current social distancing space around workstations and other common stationary work areas may be installed, as needed.

  • Emergency procedures, such as evacuation or lock-down/shelter in place,shall override campus Covid navigation restrictions.

  • While there are occupancy limits in place, the school shall make the necessary accommodations for some employees to work remotely. The school shall ensure that occupancy levels, based on the schedule, shall not be exceeded. This review shall be made by the Campus Reopening Committee.

Hygiene, Cleaning, and Disinfection

The J-School shall adhere to the Center for Disease Control Interim Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Facilities. A schedule and a log shall be kept by the Director of Campus Services of all daily cleaning and sanitizing operations as required. The frequency of cleaning and sanitizing shall be determined by the Director of Campus Services based on usage and daily population.

• • Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is strongly encouraged to reduce contact transmission. Signs shall be placed in all bathrooms and throughout the facility as a reminder of proper handwashing.

  • Those present at the School are encouraged to wash their hands before and after touching any shared objects or shared surfaces.

  • Hand sanitizer will continue to be available throughout the building and in conference rooms.

  • Employees are required to clean surfaces, workstations, personal devices, etc. several times throughout the day/shift, and at a minimum at the beginning and end of their shift/usage. Their assigned office/workspace is their responsibility. Cleaning materials will be made available by the department of Campus Services.

  • High-touch surfaces, such as elevator buttons and door handles, common areas, and restrooms will be cleaned by custodial staff regularly, according to requirements from the CDC and Department of Health. Cleaning will be logged on a checklist. This shall occur periodically throughout the day.

  • No sharing of food or beverages is allowed.

  • All classrooms and shared work spaces will be equipped with HEPA air purifiers that will provide multiple filtrations of air in each space per hour. These filters are designed to both mechanically and electrostatically filter particles, which by design captures and kills particles as small as .01 micron. Filters in the purifiers will be changed on an as-needed basis by the custodial staff, equipped with our most protective PPE. Portable fans are not allowed as they are capable of increasing the range of aerosolized droplets without filtration.

  • Computer workstations, TV studio equipment, and other shared pieces of equipment will be cleaned and disinfected by the user after each individual use. Cleaning/disinfecting supplies shall also be placed at every computer work station.

  • Classrooms, studios, research center and common areas utilized shall be cleaned and sanitized after each class/event by custodial staff. This will include all hard surface, touch areas, and technology accessories (keyboard, mouse). The space shall be secured and visibly marked as cleaned and disinfected so future users of the space can visually confirm that the space has been prepped and is ready.

  • The school shall make available disinfecting wipes at work stations.

  • Stairwell hard surfaces, such as door latches and handrails shall be cleaned periodically throughout the day.

  • In the case of a confirmed COVID-19 case for an individual who has been in the building, we will coordinate cleaning and disinfecting, which will include the areas accessed by the individual and high traffic common areas. SOJ shall follow the CDC guidelines for “Cleaning and Disinfecting your Facility” .

Communication and Compliance

• • The J-School community will be kept apprised of current conditions via email, the school’s website, and virtual town hall meetings.
  • Signs will be posted throughout the facility to remind personnel and visitors of proper hygiene, social distancing rules, traffic patterns, appropriate use of PPE, and cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Examples of signage are attached to this document.
    1. Signage in all elevators – no more than 4
    2. Signage in all bathrooms – hand washing protocols
    3. Signage indicating room occupancy for all rooms at their entry point.
    4. Signage from NYSDOH “stop the spread” in all common areas
  • Signage shall be consistent with the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) COVID-19 signage.
  • Questions can also be directed to the public safety office.
  • Personnel should say something when they see something. It is appropriate to let your colleagues know if they are not following social distancing, occupancy limits, PPE requirements, disinfecting protocols, or other precautions outlined in this guidance. We will be successful only if we hold ourselves and each other accountable.
  • As required under the Clery Act, the school will notify the affected segment(s) of the campus regarding any outbreak of coronavirus or other serious illness that poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of the campus community.
  • Non-compliance. Public Safety and employees on campus in a supervisory/leadership role shall monitor compliance regarding health and safety as they are outlined within this document. Personnel can report issues that they see to their supervisor. Anyone l can also anonymously report any COVID-19 related safety concerns or incidents of unsafe conditions at the J-School here. Complaints for non-compliant employees shall be mitigated by human resources and complaints regarding non-compliant students shall be mitigated by student affairs.

  • The committee will work with SOJ Human Resources and Student Affairs to identify and enact specific protections for students, faculty, and staff who have a medical risk such as a one-on-one appointment rather than a group setting. Vulnerable populations will be advised to stay home (i.e. remote learning for students, remote teaching for faculty, and remote work for staff) unless other reasonable accommodations can be made to fulfill the need such as one on one scheduling rather than a group/class. SOJ campuses will encourage vulnerable people who have a medical risk to self-identify by emailing their human resource personnel for employees or student affairs for students.

  • J-school has developed online advisement and coaching programs to support students, facilitate peer to peer interactions, allow feedback regarding school operations, and build a sense of community.
  • Situations that warrant pause, stage regression or immediate closure, communications of such changes shall be sent in the following manner:
    1. Regression or ramp down – to the affected community (students, faculty and staff) notification systems may include CUNY Alert, email, website posting, social media and virtual town hall meeting(s).
    2. Pause – temporary closure – to the entire campus community(faculty, staff, students, alumni) notification methods may include CUNY Alert, email, website posting, social media and virtual town hall meeting(s).
    3. Immediate closure – CUNY Alert, email, website posting, social media and virtual town hall meeting(s).

Instructional Space Capacities – All Stages when social distancing metrics apply

Instructional Space Capacities throughout the COVID-19 Reopening Plan (social distancing if set at 6 feet)
Instructional Space	Stage 0	Stage 1	Stage 2	Stage 3	Stage 4
308 (operable windows)	Closed	18	18	18	Full
330 (operable windows)	Closed	12	12	12	Full
430	Closed	12	12	12	Full
432	Closed	12	12	12	Full
434	Closed	12	12	12	Full
436	Closed	12 (if used with perimeter computers)	12 (if used with perimeter computers)	12 (if used with perimeter computers)	Full
438	Closed	12 (if used with perimeter computers)	12 (if used with perimeter computers)	12 (if used with perimeter computers)	Full
440	Closed	12 (if used with perimeter computers)	12 (if used with perimeter computers)	12 (if used with perimeter computers)	Full
442 (operable windows)	Closed	15	15	15	Full
444	Closed	12	12	12	Full

Instructional Space Capacities throughout the COVID-19 Reopening Plan (social distancing if set at 3 feet)
Instructional Space	Stage 0	Stage 1	Stage 2	Stage 3	Stage 4
308 (operable windows)	Closed	24	24	24	Full
330 (operable windows)	Closed	24	24	24	Full
430	Closed	24	24	24	Full
432	Closed	24	24	24	Full
434	Closed	24	24	24	Full
436	Closed	24	24	24	Full
438	Closed	24	24	24	Full
440	Closed	24	24	24	Full
442 (operable windows)	Closed	30	30	30	Full
444	Closed	24	24	24	Full

Campus Reopening

Stage 0

Occupancy shall be limited to essential staff only.

No academic programs shall occur. Campus shall be open for picking up/dropping off items by appointment only. Those working on site may include:

• • • Public Safety
    • Campus services including custodial and facilities staff
    • IT/Network staff
    • Others as approved by the reopening committee based on essential needs.

Stage 1

Occupancy and Program Limits for Stage 1 – (maximum of 25% of normal campus occupancy)

• • • Classes requiring the use of the TV studio and/or the research center may report to campus with a hybrid and/or staggered schedule. The studio will be disinfected immediately following use, with spot sanitizing and cleaning between each student. The TV Studio use in stages 1 and 2 is approved for class use only. Students, faculty, and staff will not be allowed to reserve time in the studio outside of class sessions unless approved by the Reopening Committee. Use for the purposes outside of class, such as furthering Independent Study credits, must be submitted in writing for review by the Reopening Committee at least 2 weeks prior to proposed use. The proposal must include details for the duration of use, the amount of support required from staff or faculty, and the total number of people occupying the space at any one time. Proposals must meet all the established safety protocols for approval, in addition to demonstrating its academic necessity. A faculty member must review and co-sign all proposals before submitting to the Reopening Committee. The studio will be disinfected immediately following use, with spot sanitizing and cleaning between each student. The schedule shall be managed by Associate Dean Andrew Mendelson or his designee. Most classes shall be remote unless it is determined that there is a need for the use of the campus facility for academic needs that cannot be accomplished remotely. All students are graduate students who need access to the studio or the research center to complete work for graduation (since they are all going into their final semester of coursework).
    • Areas that are expected to be utilized include Research Center, TV Studio rooms R322, R324, R308 and classroom R330.
    • Continue stage preparations with an eye towards stage 2 ensuring that facilities personnel can accommodate the additional needs of cleaning and PPE levels.
    • Most academic programs shall remain remote during this phase. Limited classes may occur on campus after receiving approval from the re-opening committee.
    • All student extracurricular activities shall remain remote through online platforms.
    • Essential personnel shall be required to report when needed. (e.g. public safety, facilities, network personnel)

In addition to the general occupancy guidelines, the following restrictions apply to stage 1 for non-essential personnel for the following locations:

• • • TV Studio R322 & R324 – limited to one student, one faculty member, and two staff members at a time
    • Research Center/Library – limited to one student
    • Elevators – limited to 4 persons
    • Third-floor lobby waiting area – visitors limited to appointment only
    • Fourth-floor – open to faculty and staff for approved office use.
    • Fourteenth-floor – currently closed. May be opened for approved office use
    • School cafe seating – visitors limited to appointment only
    • Third and fourth-floor lounge areas – closed
    • Whisper rooms shall remain closed

Stage 2

Occupancy and Program Limits for Stage 2 – (maximum of 50% of normal campus occupancy)

The school will offer in-person courses to the extent that it can do so safely while observing social distance requirements. Other academic programs may also begin a limited return to campus as recommended by the Associate Dean of the School and approved by the Dean of the School. All courses will be held in accordance with the safety protocols outlined in this plan and the classroom occupancies listed in section 8 above – Instructional Space Capacities.

• • • If the threat of the pandemic is fundamentally reduced, student-facing departments shall be considered for a modified return to campus. Employees in other departments will develop flexible remote work schedules with their supervisors. A reduced threat may include some or all of the following:
      • Low levels or the absence of reported illness
      • Ample supply of PPE for the campus community
      • Sufficient custodial staff on hand to ensure cleaning/disinfecting protocols can be maintained.
      • No change or a reduction in virus spread in the surrounding community which is considered NYC five boroughs.
    • The school will offer in-person courses to the extent that it can do so safely while observing social distance requirements. Other academic programs may begin a limited return to campus as recommended by the Associate Dean of the School and approved by the Dean of the School. All courses will be held in accordance with the safety protocols outlined in this plan and the classroom occupancies listed in section 8 above.
    • Scheduling of classrooms and facilities may be done in a manner to avoid congestion.
    • Reporting and dismissal times may be staggered so as not to overcrowd or congested traffic areas such as hallways, lobbies, stairwells, and elevators.
    • Cleaning and sanitizing by custodial staff shall occur after a community space is used (e.g. class concluded and space vacated). Space shall be conspicuously labeled as cleaned and sanitized prior to the next use.
    • Continue stage preparations with an eye towards stage 3 ensuring that facilities personnel can accommodate the additional needs of cleaning and PPE levels.
    • Some courses or academic programs may remain fully remote during this phase.
    • Most, if not all student extracurricular activities shall remain remote through online platforms. The holding of on campus student activities shall be based upon the ability to employ social distancing and ensure safety protocols are in place and adhered to. Any student extracurricular activity to occur on campus shall require the approval of Assistant Dean Yahaira Castro after ensuring all the requirements have been met regarding testing, mask wearing, social distancing, hygiene, occupancy restrictions, and the need to assemble on campus as the event cannot effectively occur remotely.
    • Essential personnel shall be required to report (e.g. public safety, facilities, network personnel)

In addition to the general occupancy guidelines, based on current social distance requirements, the following restrictions apply to stage 2 for non-essential personnel for the following locations:

• • • TV Studio R322 limited to 2 socially distanced people. R324 is limited to 2 persons, one at each station with the barrier between.
    • Research Center/Library – The research center is limited to two staff members, in offices and one at the circulation desk; Additionally, one person may be at the Bloomberg Terminal and an additional person can access other library resources. School cafe seating – one seat per table with appropriate social distancing. Should social distancing requirements be relaxed or rescinded, table seating shall be increased.
    • Elevators – limited to 4 persons
    • Third-floor lobby waiting area – visitors limited to appointment only
    • Fourteenth- floor – May be used to accommodate a single class. Employee access by schedule only.
    • Third and fourth-floor lounge areas – closed
    • Whisper rooms shall remain closed.

Stage 3 – Fall 2021 and continuing into spring 2022 Vaccination required for in-person students.

Occupancy and Program Limits for Stage 3 – (75% to 100% of normal campus occupancy based on limited social distancing and space scheduling)

Vaccinations are required for all students and faculty and is highly encouraged for all employees. Those that are not fully vaccinated must wear a mask at all times while on campus and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Masks are to be worn while on campus or attending any school or CUNY function. 

The school will offer as many in-person courses to the extent that they can be held safely and in compliance with all CDC & CUNY guidelines. Other academic programs may begin a limited return to campus as recommended by the Associate Dean of the School and approved by the Dean of the School. All courses will be held in accordance with the safety protocols outlined in this plan and the classroom occupancies listed in section 8 above – Instructional Space Capacities.

• • • If the threat of the pandemic is fundamentally reduced, student-facing departments shall be considered for a modified return to campus. Employees in other departments will develop flexible remote work schedules with their supervisors. A reduced threat may include some or all of the following:
      1. Low levels or the absence of reported illness
      2. Ample supply of PPE for the campus community
      3. Sufficient custodial staff on hand to ensure cleaning/disinfecting protocols can be maintained.
      4. No change or reduction in virus spread in the surrounding community.
    • The school will offer as many in-person courses as possible to the extent that they can be held safely and in compliance with CDC & CUNY guidelines. Fully online courses shall only occur when those courses with course content amenable to online learning and those for which a remote adjunct was desirable (someone with unique skills and/or someone who brings diversity to the school).
    • Other academic programs may begin a limited return to campus as recommended by the Associate Dean of the School and approved by the Dean of the School. All courses will be held in accordance with the safety protocols outlined in this plan and the classroom occupancies listed in section 8 above.
    • Students who request access to the Bloomberg terminal located in the Research Center will be required to make an appointment to ensure one person at a time and time in between for any cleaning. The schedule will be coordinated by Greg David and Tinamarie Vella.
    • Additional classes/events may be scheduled utilizing in-person and staggered scheduling, while others may utilize online learning platforms..
    • Scheduling of classrooms and facilities may be done in a manner to avoid congestion.
    • Reporting and dismissal times shall be staggered so as not to overcrowd or congested traffic areas such as hallways, lobbies, stairwells, and elevators.
    • Cleaning and sanitizing by custodial staff shall occur after a community space is used (e.g. class concluded and space vacated). The space shall be conspicuously labeled as cleaned and sanitized prior to the next use.
    • Continue stage preparations with an eye towards stage 4.
    • Some academic programs may remain fully remote during this phase.
    • Reporting and dismissal times shall be staggered so as not to overcrowd or congest traffic areas such as hallways, lobbies, stairwells, and elevators.
    • Cleaning and sanitizing by custodial staff shall occur after a community space is used (e.g. class concluded and space vacated). The space shall be conspicuously labeled as cleaned and sanitized prior to the next use.
    • Continue stage preparations with an eye towards stage 4.
    • Most academic programs shall remain fully remote during this phase.
    • The holding of on-campus student activities shall be based upon the necessity to employ social distancing and ensure safety protocols are in place and adhered to. A reduction or rescinding of social distancing requirements, coupled with a vaccinated campus community will allow for these events to occur on campus. Essential personnel shall be required to report (e.g. public safety, facilities, network personnel)

In addition to the general occupancy guidelines, the following restrictions apply to stage 2 for non-essential personnel for the following locations:

• • • TV Studio R322 & R324 – Non-vaccinated individuals are required to maintain social distancing especially in confined spaces such as the studio area. All shall wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.
    • Research Center/Library – Non-vaccinated individuals are required to maintain social distancing especially in confined spaces such as the Research Center.
    • School cafe shall be used by fully vaccinated people only.
    • Elevators – limited to 4 persons
    • Third-floor lobby waiting area – visitors limited to appointment only
    • Fourteenth floor – May be used to accommodate a single class. Employee access by schedule only.
    • Third and fourth-floor lounge areas – closed
    • Whisper rooms shall be used by vaccinated people only.

Stage 4

Occupancy and Program Limits for Stage 4 – (maximum of 100% of normal campus occupancy).

Normal operations resume with prescribed hygiene, health, and safety protocols as per NYSDOH and/or the CDC.

Stage Transition

In order to accomplish this phase-in, we will establish the following processes and procedures to ensure the safety of all those involved, including staff, faculty, and students, as well as those they come into contact with outside of the school. Transitioning between stages shall be condition-based and assessed through a periodic risk analysis on several areas. Our approach is predicated on the following:

• • Prioritize everyone’s health and safety and implement multiple approaches to minimize the risk of infection for all at the J-School. This shall be accomplished by:
    • Social distancing and monitoring – continued compliance with the plan.
    • Ensuring the availability of PPE supplies.
    • Self-health assessments and testing resources continue to provide data on infection rates.
  • Monitor and respond to campus health metrics to inform decisions to increase or decrease activity and occupancy.
  • Communicate our policies and decision-making widely and transparently to the campus community.
  • Work with CUNY Central, the local department of health, contact tracers, and our local community to assist in containing outbreaks.

If all of these areas are satisfactorily achieved, the reopening committee shall coordinate with key stakeholders in assessing the evolving academic and employment needs of the school. Consultation with the governance council will occur prior to any request to CUNY for a phased-in change to a stage.

Tracing and Tracking COVID

• • If an individual reports testing positive for COVID-19, the Liaison will immediately notify the Campus Coronavirus Committee.
  • Any individual who screens positive for COVID-19 symptoms must be sent home to their residence or to the designated isolation or quarantine location with instructions or arrangements for health assessment and testing. Those instructions shall be provided by the campus coordinator or designee.
  • The online self-screening will not be discontinued for Fall 2021
  • Individuals who believe they may have COVID-19 and are awaiting test results or have positive test results must notify their Coronavirus Campus Liaison via the on-line self-reporting wellness form or by email or telephone.
  • The Coordinator will ensure that the State and local health department(s) are immediately notified about the case (and notify the SVC for Institutional Affairs and the Campus Reopening Committee). They must also notify the Chancellery/COO’s Office and the Campus Reopening Committee.
  • SOJ’s Coronavirus Liaison will coordinate with CUNY and the local health departments to trace all contacts of the individual in accordance with state established protocols, training.
  • Confidentiality must be maintained as required by federal and state law and regulations.
  • SOJ shall cooperate with state and local health department contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine efforts.
  • SOJ will also provide the individual with information on healthcare and testing resources.
  • The notification shall be made to the NYS Coronavirus Contact Tracing Program. A contact tracing form shall be provided to individuals who test or screen positive for coronavirus to expedite the contact tracing process.
  • Current definition of contact as it applies to coronavirus: The New York State Department of Health considers a close contact to be someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 10 minutes starting from 48 hours before illness onset until the time the person was isolated.
  • SOJ shall follow the New York State Department of Health – Interim Guidance for Public and Private Employees Returning to Work Following COVID-19 Infection or Exposure

COVID-19 on Campus

• • Isolation – An individual reporting or showing signs of Covid-19 (such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath) while on campus shall immediately be separated and moved to an isolation room.
    • Currently rooms 340, 446, and the 14th floor conference room are designated as isolation rooms as they are closest to exit points.
    • When in use for a suspected case, the room shall be closed and monitored to prevent entry by another.
    • The affected individual shall remain there until departure from campus.
    • Employees shall not transport suspected Covid infected parties. EMS shall be utilized.
    • Touchless thermometers shall be available for those who wish to be checked. This shall be done by a supervisor or public safety utilizing additional PPE including gloves, face shield and paper gown.
    • Individuals who are sick must go home or to a healthcare facility, depending on how severe their symptoms are. SOJ Public safety shall coordinate and assist in notifying EMS for individuals seeking aid.
    • SOJ shall identify what spaces the symptomatic person was in and work to identify other occupants of the space. Those identified shall be notified (sent home if present) and advised to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days or until notified of a confirmed case relating to the symptomatic individual. Protocols in section 13 shall be followed.
    • The space(s) shall be closed off until confirmation is received regarding the status of Covid-19 in the symptomatic individual..
    • Operations in that space shall cease and the room sealed until further notice.
  • Once the Coronavirus Campus Coordinator determines that a campus occupant has tested positive for COVID-19, the Coordinator shall identify the timeframe for tracing the occupant’s behavior assuming that the positive occupant may have been communicable 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms and that occupied areas may be tainted up to seven days after the positive occupant was present in them.
  • SOJ shall trace the areas where the positive occupant was present, when communicable, and, in consultation with the Chancellery/COO’s Office, as well as college facilities, public safety, and affected departments, develop a disinfection plan. Custodial staff will close off affected areas, open windows where possible, and wait at least 24 hours after the positive occupant was present before beginning cleaning and disinfection.
  • Custodial staff will follow enhanced cleaning for prevention guidance outlined above and wear full PPE. If an outside contractor is used for cleaning instead, SOJ shall obtain in writing the following information: scope of work, cleaning methods, re-occupancy guidance, products used, and associated product safety data sheets.
  • SOJ shall communicate the scope of enhanced cleaning and disinfection with facilities, public safety and affected departments, including subsequent restrictions on accessing areas and applicable signage.
  • SOJ will also determine campus community notification as listed in the communications plan.
  • Those individuals required to quarantine due to Covid on campus shall receive support measures from Human Resources (employees) or Student Affairs (students) and the Graduate center’s Wellness Center. Support may include basic needs and medical, psychological, and academic support.

Reclosing/Stage Regression

Should the need arise to close down partial or full campus operations after reopening, the same governance structure will apply as laid out in the reopening section of this plan. Decisions to shut down will begin with the Campus Coronavirus Liaisons who will report daily to the Campus Reopening Committee and to the Chancellery/COO’s Office on COVID-19 exposures. This data, along with local and state data and guidance, will guide the School of Journalism working with the Chancellery/COO’s Office on decisions as to closures or stage regression. Reasons for this may include:

• • Early warning signs of an increase such as
    1. flu like symptoms being reported.
    2. an increase in sick call outs for on-site classes where Covid symptoms are reported.
    3. an increase in positive coronavirus cases occurring within the campus community reporting to campus.
  • An increase in the surrounding community causing health concerns for those reporting to campus.
  • Refusal to comply with campus health, safety or plan requirements.
  • Change in guidance from local health officials
  • Change in guidance from CUNY
  • Change in guidance from the State of New York, Department of Health

Options for partial closing shall include:

• • Ramping down progression by instituting a pause.
  • Regression to a previous stage.
  • Moving a program or programs to remote platforms.
  • Restricting on-campus work to home based, limiting campus to essential personnel only.
  • The J-school shall be ready to deploy distance learning modalities for students and telecommuting when possible for employees.

Circumstances that Warrant Closure

While SOJ’s intention is to move forward and bring more activity back to campus over time, we must also be prepared to reverse the reopening if the situation dictates. The Chancellery/COO’s Office and the Campus Reopening Committee will monitor a range of internal and external criteria when assessing whether a ramp down (fall back in stages) or closure of campus is required. External monitoring criteria shall include

• • Federal, New York State, and New York City regulatory guidelines and mandates.
  • Infection/health system status at the local, state, regional, and nation-wide levels. Extended closure may be warranted with substantial community spread, defined by CDC as large-scale community transmission, healthcare staffing significantly impacted, multiple cases within communal settings.
  • Refusal to comply with campus health, safety or plan requirements.
  • Status of resources and infrastructure to combat contagion (e.g., PPE, health system capacity, testing and tracing)
  • Multi-Area Exposure on campus that cannot be contained.
  • Reclosing status of neighboring universities
  • Internal monitoring criteria should include: Spread of infection on campus (i.e. via data reported by Campus Coronavirus Liaisons, metrics on current caseload, new flu-like symptoms, spread). Please note that SOJ will consider class or activity suspension for up to 7 days for areas in which the positive Covid case was present provided that other areas were not also affected. Immediate closure may be considered should a number of positive cases occur (3-4) within a short time period.
  • Extended closure may occur with substantial community spread, defined by CDC as large-scale immunity transmission, healthcare staffing significantly impacted, multiple cases within communal settings.
  • Community Spread shall be monitored by the reopening committee and CUNY Central Office utilizing the NYS Covid-19 infection rate dashboard.
  • SOJ shall be prepared to close and transition to remote learning or limited on-campus activities if 5% of the total on-campus population test positive using a 14-day rolling average.
  • Campus health conditions shall be monitored utilizing the CUNY Covid-19 Safety Tracker dashboard.
  • The final decision regarding scaling back or shut down of operations will be made by the Chancellor in consultation with City and State officials.
  • Should closure be warranted the college shall regress to stage 1 of this plan and move all classes to virtual learning platforms. Only those programs that need campus access that are listed in stage 1 may have limited access to campus after approval in consultation with CUNY Central office by the school’s leadership.

The Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism is prepared to meet the expectations of reopening as set forth by the State of New York and the City University of New York. As stated earlier in this document, our priority is the health and wellbeing of the SOJ community as we fulfill our academic mission and support our students toward the successful completion of their educational objectives. In preparing this document, we have consulted with students, faculty and staff. Safety will not be compromised in any way in favor of academic programs and/or work situations. We will continue to facilitate on-line distance learning and work from home initiatives while this coronavirus remains an active threat to our campus community.

Click on each thumbnail below to download a PDF.