COVID-19 Communications Archive

COVID-19-related emails sent to students and employees at FIT's New York City campus.

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(To Employees: Sept. 15) Covid-19 Update

Dear FIT Employees,

As you know, COVID-19 continues to impact our daily lives. At this time, we are experiencing an increase of COVID-19 cases on campus as well as in the New York City region at large.

As a reminder, students and employees are required to isolate for 5 days in the case of a positive diagnosis. In the event that students miss courses during their isolation period, these absences should be considered excused absences. As we have done previously, Health Services will continue to notify instructors of any COVID-related absences.

For employees, please see below for the procedure if you have tested positive:

COVID Exposure
If you have been exposed, are testing negative, and have no symptoms, you may work/teach in person. Although wearing a mask in FIT campus buildings is optional and not required, you may want to use one if you are concerned that you may test positive during the time after exposure.

If you are testing negative but are not feeling well, notify your supervisor, stay home, and report your absences as sick in the leave reporting system. In the event that you do test positive, contact HR via the HR Solution Center so that your leave bank can be adjusted from sick to COVID/non-chargeable days.

Positive COVID Test
If you test positive, please notify your supervisor and upload your test result to the FIT Health Portal.

If you are feeling well enough to work, you may teach or work remotely. You may return to campus 5 days after a positive test or symptom onset. If you are continuing to have symptoms after this time period please contact FIT Health Services or your physician for further guidance.

Please visit fitnyc.edu/covid for additional resources or contact HR via the HR Solution Center.

(To Students: Sept. 15) Covid-19 Update

Dear Students,

As you know, COVID-19 continues to impact our daily lives. At this time, we are experiencing COVID-19 cases on campus as well as in the New York City Region at large.

As a reminder, students are required to isolate for 5 days in the case of a positive diagnosis. In the event that students miss courses during their isolation period, these absences should be considered excused absences. As we have done previously, Health Services will continue to notify instructors of any COVID-related absences at the request of the student.

To ensure you have current information, below you will find updates regarding the college's current COVID-19 protocols:

COVID EXPOSURE
If you have been exposed, are testing negative, and have no symptoms, you may continue to attend class. If you are testing negative but are not feeling well, notify your instructors and department chairperson immediately and stay home. In the event that you do test positive, please follow the steps noted below.

POSITIVE COVID TEST
If you test positive, please upload your test result to the FIT Health Portal immediately (if you are uploading an at-home test result, please write down your full name, student ID number, and date of the test on a piece of paper and snapshot the paper and test together). Additionally, if you would like to request that a COVID excuse note be sent out to your instructors, please send your written request to [email protected]. You may return to campus five (5) days after a positive test or symptom. (The day you tested positive or noticed symptoms is considered Day 0, thus you may return to campus on Day 6.) If you are continuing to experience symptoms after this time period, please contact FIT Health Services or your physician for further guidance. Please note:

Wearing a mask in FIT campus buildings is optional and not required.
Students are encouraged but no longer required to be vaccinated or boosted.
FIT Health Services provides testing to students in the Health Services Center on the fourth floor of the Dubinsky Building. Walk-ins are accepted.
Please visit fitnyc.edu/covid for additional resources.

FIT Health Services
Enrollment Management and Student Success

COVID-19-related emails sent to students and employees at FIT's New York City campus.

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(To Employees and Students: Jan. 20) Update on masking policy

Dear FIT Community,

I hope your winter break has been restful and this email finds you looking forward to the start of the Spring 2023 semester at FIT. As we anticipate convocation on January 26th and the official start of classes on January 30th, it is time to revisit our masking policy.

We have continued to monitor the COVID situation in the city and the state and as you may know, New York City has been experiencing a significant rise in COVID cases and hospitalizations in recent weeks. Although the CDC and city and state guidelines still recommend masking as an important defense against the spread of the virus, in most instances the mandates on wearing masks in public places have been lifted.

Therefore, we will adhere to both the guidelines and the practices such that, beginning January 25th, FIT will no longer require that the members of our community or visitors to the campus to be masked, wearing a mask will be optional. This means that for classes, events, walking throughout the campus buildings, and any FIT activities, individuals will not be required to wear any type of face covering. In addition, faculty will want to edit the syllabus for each class they are teaching for the Spring semester to reflect this policy change.

That said, and although we are not requiring masks, we are encouraging our community to continue the practice as an added layer of protection during this time. Masking is not required but will always be an option for anyone who chooses to wear one.

My highest priority remains the health and safety of our FIT family and we will continue to monitor conditions on the campus, in the city and statewide for any data or conditions that indicate a reversal of this new policy would be in the best interest of our community.

I hope you enjoy the remaining days of your winter break. I am looking forward to welcoming you back on campus for the start of a new semester and a new year.

Best,

Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President

(To Employees and Students: Dec. 19) Face mask requirement continues through January

To the FIT community,

In light of the recent local and national uptick in COVID-19 cases, FIT will continue our current practice of wearing face masks in campus buildings through January 2023. In early February we will revisit the mask requirement, taking into consideration the advice of scientists and medical experts.

Please visit and bookmark fitnyc.edu/covid to stay up to date on FIT’s COVID-19 protocols and procedures.

Thank you for your continued cooperation. We wish everyone a safe and healthy winter break.

COVID-19-related emails sent to students and employees at FIT's New York City campus.

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(To Students: Nov. 9) Updated COVID-19 Protocols

Dear Students,

Please see the information below regarding the college's current COVID-19 protocols:

COVID EXPOSURE
If you have been exposed, are testing negative, and have no symptoms, you may continue to attend class. If you are testing negative but are not feeling well, notify your instructors and department chairperson immediately and stay home. In the event that you do eventually test positive, please follow the steps noted below.

POSITIVE COVID TEST
If you test positive, please upload your test result to the FIT Health Portal immediately (if you are uploading an at-home test result, please write down your full name, student ID number, and date of the test on a piece of paper and snapshot the paper and test together). Additionally, if you would like to request that a COVID excuse note be sent out to your instructors, please send your written request to [email protected]. You may return to campus five (5) days after a positive test or symptom onset and you must be fever-free without the aid of Tylenol, Motrin, etc. (The day you tested positive or noticed symptoms is considered Day 0, thus you may return to campus on Day 6.) If you are continuing to experience symptoms after this time period, please contact FIT Health Services or your physician for further guidance.

FIT continues to require masks be worn in all campus buildings.
Students are required to be vaccinated and encouraged to get boosters.
FIT Health Services provides testing, vaccinations, and boosters to students in the Business and Liberal Arts Center Lobby, Monday through Friday, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can make an appointment for these services via the FIT Health Portal. Walk-ins are also accepted as scheduling permits.
Find updated FAQ about boosters and testing online.
Please visit fitnyc.edu/covid for additional resources.

FIT Health Services
Enrollment Management and Student Success

(To Employees: Nov. 8) Updated COVID-19 Protocols

To FIT Employees,

Please see information below regarding current COVID-19 protocols:

COVID Exposure
If you have been exposed, are testing negative, and have no symptoms, you may work/teach in person while wearing a mask. If you are testing negative but are not feeling well, notify your supervisor, stay home, and report your absences as sick in the leave reporting system. In the event that you do eventually test positive, contact HR via the HR Solution Center so that your leave bank can be adjusted from sick to COVID/non-chargeable days.

Positive COVID Test
If you test positive, please notify your supervisor and upload your test result to the FIT Health Portal. If you are feeling well enough to work, you may teach or work remotely. You may return to campus 6 days after a positive test or symptom onset. If you are continuing to have symptoms after this time period please contact FIT Health Services or your physician for further guidance.

Please visit fitnyc.edu/covid for additional resources or contact HR via the HR Solution Center.

(To Employees: Aug. 10) Fall 2022 Pandemic Protocols Update

Dear FIT Community,

I hope that you have had a good summer and a restful break. As you know, the health and safety of our community remains my highest priority, and as we look toward the beginning of the semester, we continue to monitor the ongoing conditions of the pandemic. In this regard, I want to provide an update on pandemic protocols for the fall 2022 semester as well as other health-related concerns.

We recognize that protocols are changing and more and more communities are making their own decisions on how to proceed. At FIT, we continue to rely on the data, the science, and the various recommendations coming from health organizations. The following factors influenced our own decision-making: the New York City positivity rate is currently greater than 7%; the campus is highly concentrated and our community is comprised largely of commuters; and predictions are for a fall upsurge in Covid cases.

As a result, we will first maintain the current masking policy. All employees, students, contractors, and visitors must wear masks at all times in all spaces on the FIT campus and related locations. The only exceptions are while eating or drinking in designated areas or while completely alone in a space (i.e., no one else is in that space, room, classroom, area, lab, studio, etc.). In elevators and public restrooms with more than one stall, everyone must stay masked. At all access points, Public Safety will provide a mask to any individuals who do not have one and want to enter the buildings. If an individual refuses to wear a mask after being provided with one, or if any individual is already in campus buildings but is not wearing a mask (and is not eating, drinking or alone), Public Safety should be called to escort the individual off campus.

Second, students will continue to be required to be vaccinated and are encouraged to be boostered. Employees are highly encouraged to be both vaccinated and boostered. FIT Health Services continues to provide testing, vaccinations, and boosters in their offices at A402 in the Dubinsky Student Center.

Third, the daily cleaning of FIT’s facilities will be maintained at levels that exceed Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), State of New York, and SUNY requirements.

Fourth, individuals who test through Health Services and are positive for Covid will have their results automatically uploaded to the portal; individuals who test on their own and are positive for Covid should upload their results to the Health Services portal (fit.studenthealthportal.com) themselves. All individuals who test positive are encouraged to notify their close contacts, including faculty and classmates.

We are also well aware that Monkeypox has become a concerning health issue. We are participating in information-sharing sessions with city health officials, monitoring details as they become available, and will publish general information to the FIT website within the next few days.

I expect that this information will help provide a more comprehensive picture of protocols and procedures in place for the fall. I look forward to seeing you on campus very soon.

Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President

COVID-19-related emails sent to students and employees at FIT's New York City campus.

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(To Employees and Students: May 11) Ongoing pandemic safety

Please remember that masks covering the nose and mouth are still required in all FIT campus buildings. The college has continuously maintained this policy, and we believe it has contributed to lower transmission rates among the community. Given the rising rates of COVID-19 infection and the recent uptick in cases of influenza in New York City, we ask that everyone continue to be respectful of the mask policy in order to minimize health and safety concerns through the end of the semester.

Please note that Health Services is set up in the John E. Reeves Great Hall and continues to offer testing, vaccinations, and boosting for the community. All are highly recommended.

Guidelines and protocols for the summer and fall semesters are forthcoming following the end of the spring semester.

Find more information about FIT's COVID-19 campus health and safety protocols at fitnyc.edu/covid.

(To Employees and Students: April 14) Message to the FIT Community - return to campus

Dear FIT Community,

We have continued to closely monitor the COVID-related health and safety conditions for our community as directed by New York City, New York State, and guidance from SUNY as well. As you know, the recent Omicron variants are causing a significant spike in positive COVID cases and, because of that, we are re-instituting a testing precaution for all students and employees:

To ensure you are not positive for COVID after spring break, please take a rapid test (antigen) either at home or at a facility, within 24 hours of your return to campus.
If you test negative, you are clear to come back to campus as scheduled.
If you test positive, please upload your test to the health portal and, as is protocol for all vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals, you must be quarantined for 7 days. Link for the health portal is - http://fit.studenthealthportal.com/
If you are an employee, contact your supervisor/department and HR to inform them you will not be at work in person for a week. They will help you follow the appropriate protocols for reporting that absence and for making arrangements for your work/classes.
If you are a student, after you upload your positive test to the health portal, Health Services will contact the appropriate faculty members and notify them that you are positive and will need to be quarantined for a week.

Thank you, stay safe and have a good rest of your break.

(To Employees and Students: March 7) Adjustment of COVID-19 protocols

In light of the recent easing of COVID-19 restrictions by New York Governor Kathy Hocul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the college has revisited its own campus protocols. The following decisions have been made with the continuing health and safety of our population in mind.

FIT will continue to require masks be worn in all campus buildings through the semester. This applies to visitors as well as community members in FIT facilities at The Museum at FIT, 236 West 27th Street, and 333 Seventh Avenue.
As of Monday, March 7, you no longer need proof of vaccination to eat in the FIT dining hall or FIT Express sites. Public Safety officers will no longer check for proof of vaccination.
Students continue to be required to be vaccinated and boosted; employees continue to be encouraged to receive vaccinations and boosters.
FIT no longer requires proof of vaccination from visitors.
FIT Health Services continues to provide testing, vaccinations, booster shots, and surveillance testing in the John E. Reeves Great Hall, which will continue to be used for these purposes. Make an appointment for these services on the Health Services portal.

Find all of FIT’s COVID-19 information and updates at fitnyc.edu/covid.

(To Employees and Students: Feb 11) Update on COVID protocols - FIT

Dear FIT Community,

As you may know, Governor Hochul made announcements this week about the NYS mask protocol and guidelines for different NYS entities.

In accordance with those announcements, SUNY has issued specific guidance for campus mask protocols which says that by keeping masking and safety protocols in place, in-person education will continue to be possible across the SUNY campuses. Therefore, SUNY will continue to require indoor masking for all individuals on campus at this time, regardless of vaccination status.

This means that FIT will also continue to require indoor masking for all individuals on campus and will continue to monitor state, city and SUNY guidance for any changes that need to be communicated to our community.

Please note that all other mandates and protocols currently in place for FIT will remain unchanged and you can find these and answers to other questions on the FIT website here.

Thank you and please have a safe and healthy weekend.

Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President
Fashion Institute of Technology

(To Employees: Jan 28) Updates, reminders, and COVID-19-related guidance for spring 2022

Dear FIT community,

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus in person on Monday, January 31, for the beginning of the spring 2022 semester.

As you prepare for your arrival on campus, we wanted to give some updates, reminders, and guidance that will help answer any questions you may have:

Please continue to use the webpage at fitnyc.edu/covid as the key reference for all COVID-19, semester restart, and health- and safety-related questions.
We are resuming in-person activities but for smaller meetings and events. Please continue to use all options including virtual and remote. The Office of Events Management and Facilities Rental will assist you with logistics, rules, and scheduling.
The MOUs from fall 2021 (attached here) that cover COVID-related remote classes and virtual office hours, among other things, have been extended for the spring 2022 semester.
Booster and vaccine mandates are still in place for students and they are receiving separate emails with details for compliance.
Testing protocols are in place as previously announced, so please see the COVID-19 website's testing page for details on how to upload your PCR test results to the FIT Health Services portal before January 31 and protocols for special circumstances with rapid tests if you are awaiting results. Weekly testing will resume for relevant groups.
Health Services will remain open in the John E. Reeves Great Hall for testing, vaccinations and boosters, and flu shots. Please make an appointment on the Health Services portal with your FIT username and login for any of these services.
As announced, the dashboard with current COVID-19-related data will “go live” on Monday, January 31. You can access it on the COVID-19 Information homepage at fitnyc.edu/covid.

Have a healthy and safe weekend, and we look forward to seeing you on campus next week.

MOU Extension - Remote Instruction if COVID 2022 1-28-22'
MOU Extension - Virtual Office Hours_Voting 1-28-22

(To Students: Jan 25) Spring 2022 Course Deregistration for Non-Compliance of SUNY COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Mandate

Dear FIT Student,

This is a reminder that the NYS Office of the Governor, NYS Department of Health, and SUNY requires that ALL students taking in-person classes receive a booster shot for the Spring 2022 semester in order to continue their enrollment at FIT.

This means that ALL students must upload evidence of their booster to the FIT Health Services Portal by February 11 or at least 5 months after completing your vaccine series if you took Moderna or Pfizer and after 2 months if you took J&J.

Students taking in-person classes who fail to follow the vaccine mandate will be deregistered from their classes. Note that this could also impact your financial aid and you may not be eligible for tuition refunds.

Upload proof of your COVID-19 booster to the FIT Health Services Portal.

Moderna COVID-19 boosters and vaccines are available at FIT. Log in to the FIT Health Services Portal to schedule an appointment. Alternatively, visit NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder to find a vaccine provider near you.

Please visit FAQ About Mandated Vaccine Boosters and Testing for more information regarding specific questions that you may have. If you have additional questions about the college’s reopening policies or health and safety protocols, please refer to FIT's COVID-19 updates or email [email protected].

Thank you for your continued efforts to help keep us all safe.

Sincerely,

Shadia A. Sachedina, EdD
Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students

Anne Miller, NP, MS
Director of Health Services

(To Students: Jan 20) Mandated Vaccine Boosters & Testing for Spring Semester: FAQ Guide

Dear FIT Student,

We are so excited to welcome you back to campus on January 31st. As we move into the spring semester, FIT continues to keep the health and safety of our community at the forefront.

As you know, New York State and SUNY require all students attending in-person classes be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive the booster shot by February 11th or at least 5 months after completing your vaccine series if you took Moderna or Pfizer and after 2 months if you took J&J.

We understand this is a confusing time and that you may have additional questions so we have developed a guide with frequently asked questions to help answer your inquiries about the booster, COVID testing, and more. Please visit FAQ About Mandated Vaccine Boosters and Testing for information.

Additionally, if you have any other questions about the College’s reopening policies or health and safety protocols, please refer to FIT's COVID-19 updates or email [email protected].

Thank you for your continued efforts to help keep us all safe.

Sincerely,

Anne Miller, NP
Director, FIT Student Health Services

Shadia A. Sachedina, Ed.D
Associate Vice President for Student Success & Dean of Students

(To Students: Jan 11) Booster Mandate Is in Effect: You MUST Get Your COVID-19 Booster

Dear FIT Student,

First and foremost, Happy New Year! We hope this letter finds you safe and healthy.

As you may be aware, the NYS Office of the Governor, NYS Department of Health, and SUNY issued reopening guidance on January 1, 2022 which requires that ALL students taking in-person classes receive a booster shot for the spring 2022 semester in order to continue their enrollment at FIT.

This means that all students must upload evidence of their booster to the FIT Health Services Portal by February 11 or within five months from your last vaccination.

Students taking in-person classes who fail to follow the vaccine mandate will be subject to potential academic withdrawal that could also impact their financial aid and may not be eligible for tuition refunds.

In addition to the above COVID-19 vaccination requirements, please note the following:

As President Brown’s email announced to the campus community on January 10, classes will begin on Monday, January 31. All students with an on-campus presence (not fully online), regardless of vaccination status, will be required to submit a negative PCR test to the FIT Health Services Portal within 72 hours of returning to campus for the spring semester. If your results are delayed, a negative rapid test taken on the day of your return to campus will be accepted. Please upload a photo of your negative result along with your name and test date to the Health Services Portal. Bear in mind that your PCR results must be immediately uploaded once you are in receipt of it.
FIT health and safety protocols remain in effect; indoor masking for all individuals on campus will be required regardless of vaccination status.
Students who have received a religious or medical exemption from the vaccine mandate must continue weekly testing.
A plan for community surveillance testing is being explored for implementation in the spring semester.

If you have any questions about the college’s reopening policies or health and safety protocols, please refer to FIT's COVID-19 updates or email [email protected].

Thank you for your continued efforts to help keep us all safe.

Sincerely,

Shadia A. Sachedina, EdD
Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students

Anne Miller, NP, MS
Director of Health Services

(To Students and Employees: Jan 10) Update on Spring 2022 Semester

To: FIT Community
From: President Joyce F. Brown

Happy New Year. I hope that you have had a lovely holiday season and a restful break.

The health and safety of our community remains my highest priority and as we look toward the beginning of the semester, we continue to monitor the evolving conditions of the pandemic. Pursuant to that, I want to update you on new information and decisions for spring 2022.

FIT will now begin the spring 2022 semester in person a week later than originally scheduled:

The spring 2022 semester will run in person from the new first day of classes on January 31, 2022 to the new last day of classes on May 23, 2022. There will be no make-up dates built into this calendar and President's Day and spring break will remain as scheduled.
Summer session 1 will now begin on May 25, 2022 and run through June 30, 2022.
Convocation will remain scheduled on January 20, 2022 but will now be virtual.
All employees who were scheduled to return in person on January 20, are now permitted to work remotely until January 31 unless they are deemed essential by their supervisor with approval of the senior administrator of the unit – this category has expanded to include personnel critical for preparing classrooms, labs, studios and residence halls for the spring semester.

In addition, there have been several changes in guidelines and mandates released by the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), New York State, New York City, and the State University of New York (SUNY), including the following:

The governor has mandated that all students receive a booster before arriving on campus. More information on this will be sent directly to students from the Dean of Students office.
Full vaccination and booster shots are highly recommended for all employees although there is no current mandate for those who work at SUNY community colleges.
Students and employees are required to upload negative results of a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arriving on campus to the FIT HEALTH PORTAL. Given the recent challenges in acquiring tests and the delays in processing results, you may supplement a negative rapid (antigen) test submission to the portal within a day of your arrival while waiting for PCR test results. A rapid test may be taken at a facility or self-administered.
The campus remains open as does the student dining hall, the residence halls will open on the current schedule for move-in and Health Services staff is providing services daily.

In order to provide the community with current guidance in one place, FIT’s COVID-19 website, located at fitnyc.edu/covid, has been updated and will continue to be your primary source for changing details. Please note that the FIT dashboard will be posted and maintained daily starting January 31.

As we receive further guidance from SUNY, the city, and the state in the coming days, we will ensure that the community is updated and has the needed information and resources for a successful spring 2022 semester.

Please take care during this challenging time and I look forward to seeing you in person soon.

Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President
Fashion Institute of Technology

(To Employees: Dec 30) Important Update on January return

To: FIT Community
From: President Joyce F. Brown

As I know you are aware, the city and state are experiencing another surge of the COVID-19 virus - this time the Omicron variant. We continue to monitor the reported data and to assess how it will affect our campus community and our plans for re-opening in January, 2022.

As you will recall, you received an email on December 22, 2021 stating that all non-essential personnel scheduled to return to work in person on January 3, 2022 would be permitted to work remotely from January 3 - 7, 2022.

Further, those individuals would be expected to return in person on January 10, 2022 having submitted negative COVID test results to the FIT health portal. Those test results must have been obtained within the prior 72 hours.

Based on current available information, it now seems prudent to revise that guidance. Consequently, employees in the category described above will be permitted to work remotely until January 20, 2022 which is the date of our scheduled Convocation for the spring 2022 semester. For their return, all employees will still be required to have proof of a negative COVID test administered within the prior 72 hours and all results should still be submitted to the FIT HEALTH PORTAL.

All employees categorized as essential personnel will return to work in person on January 3, 2022, or as advised by their supervisor with approval of the senior administrator. However, the number of essential employees will be expanded to include personnel who are critical for preparing classrooms, labs, studios and residence halls for the spring semester.

Campus is open and all Health Services in the Great Hall will be available as previously advised. We will continue to monitor the data and the prescribed protocols which, as you know from the news media, change frequently. The health and safety of our community remains my highest priority. As we receive guidance from SUNY, the city and the state in the coming weeks, we will communicate that information to the extent that It further impacts our return for the spring 2022 semester.

I hope you are enjoying the holidays with your family, and that you are staying healthy and safe. I look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President
Fashion Institute of Technology

(To FIT Community: Dec 22) January 2022 Return to Campus and Health Services

As you know, the college is closing today for the holiday break and employees will return in person on January 10 after a remote week. However, this communication provides a reminder that FIT Health Services will offer the following services on campus starting Monday, January 3:

January 3-January 14

Health Services will be open for all services, including testing, vaccinations, and boosters, in the Reeves Great Hall from 9:30am to 3:30pm. The Health Services Office is open from 9:30am to 4pm.

Beginning January 18

Health Services will resume hours, Mondays to Thursdays from 9am to 6pm, and on Fridays from 9am to 5pm.

Remote “chat” medical visits can be scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5pm to 7pm at fit.studenthealthportal.com.

Looking ahead:

Students and employees are required to submit a negative PCR test within 72 hours of returning to campus. All results should be submitted to the FIT HEALTH PORTAL.

Again, to ensure that the return to campus is as safe as possible, employees scheduled to return in person the week of January 3 will be permitted to work remotely the week of January 3-7, 2022.

A negative test is required to be submitted within 72 hours of January 10, when those employees will return to an in-person schedule.

All other returning individuals should follow these guidelines to submit a negative PCR test 72 hours before the dates listed below:

o January 18: New residential students

o January 20: Any in-person employee who will now resume a regular spring semester schedule

o January 22: All returning residential students

o January 24: All in-person students who have not already submitted a negative test

The winter session starting on January 3 will now be remote for those classes scheduled to be in person. Please plan accordingly and work with your department, school, and Academic Affairs to ensure that you have what you need to move to a remote format.

Thank you for your adherence to FIT’s COVID-19 protocols, for your patience, and for your cooperation as we continue to do everything possible to keep the FIT community healthy and safe.

Have a good holiday season.

(To Students: Dec. 16) Follow-up to Dr. Brown's update earlier today

Dear FIT students,

We are reaching out to clarify some information since we are hearing from students with questions about Dr. Brown's earlier announcement regarding the switch to remote operations. The original message is below for full details, but please note the following:

Classes have not been canceled. They will be offered remotely (via the web) for the rest of the semester
FIT buildings will be open until the holiday break begins on December 23rd, this means that labs and studios will be open/available to book
Use FIT Book It to reserve labs/studios/classrooms as usual
IT for FIT will be sending a separate email with detailed information about computer labs and remote support from their area
If you were scheduled to take a Senior Portrait on Friday, 12/17 you will be contacted by either Student Life or Thornton Studios with instructions for rescheduling.
More specific details are included in the original message below and you can always check the COVID-19 Updates page posted on the FIT website.

We wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy holiday season.

Be well,
The Enrollment Management & Student Success team

(To Students: Dec. 16) Changes to IT-supported services through end of Fall 2021 and winter recess

In-person operations moving to remote

Computer Commons (CC15 and CC15A)
To support remote learning, all Computer Commons (CC15 and CC15A) computers will be available through FIT Remote Labs, powered by Leostream (FRL) from Friday morning, December 17, to Wednesday, December 22, at 10 pm. The Computer Commons (CC15 and CC15A) will be locked and in-person access will not be permitted after the close of business on Thursday, December 16. Please visit it.fitnyc.edu/computer-labs/#FRL for instructions on how to access the Computer Commons using FRL. The Computer Commons, labs, and classrooms are closed each winter recess to allow for maintenance. In the continuation of these procedures, FIT Remote Labs will be unavailable.
Computer Classrooms and Labs
Students enrolled in Computer Classrooms and Labs that are scheduled to meet Friday, December 17 through Wednesday, December 22 will be contacted directly by IT.

In-person operations continue to be available

PrintFX and FabLab
PrintFX and FabLab essential services will continue as scheduled until Wednesday, December 22, at 6 pm. More details about these essential services for winter session will be posted at a later date.

Reminders for winter recess

Planned Maintenance
The Division of Information Technology is continuing the practice of upgrading technology services and performing critical maintenance over the winter recess when the college is closed. IT-supported services will be unavailable from Monday, December 27 through Wednesday, December 29. For a complete list of planned maintenance activities, visit it.fitnyc.edu/system-status.
TechHelp and IT Support
The Division of Information Technology will continue to support the FIT community with essential employees reporting to campus to support in-person needs as well as regular email, ticket, and phone support until the college closes for winter recess on Wednesday, December 22.

For IT support while the college is closed, please review our self-service articles at it.fitnyc.edu/self-service or open a ticket at TechHelp.fitnyc.edu. TechHelp will be closed for winter recess, from Wednesday, December 22, at 10 pm, to Monday, January 3, at 8:30 am.

Questions? Comments? Open a ticket at TechHelp.fitnyc.edu.

(To Students: Dec. 16) A Message from President Joyce F. Brown: Important Update to the FIT Community

Dear Students,

The below message from FIT President, Dr Joyce F. Brown, is being sent to all members of the college community. Note that additional information will be sent shortly to students living in FIT residence halls by the Residential Life office. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions and/or concerns.

Dear FIT Community:

The health and safety of our community remains our highest priority and we have continued to closely monitor the data around the rise in COVID-19 cases both in New York City and the slight rise on our own campus. Although our numbers remain low, out of an abundance of caution and with concern for our community, we will move all in-person operations, including classes, to remote functioning for the few remaining days of the semester, beginning at close of business today, Thursday, December 16th (after evening classes).

Please note, the campus will remain open. All essential functions will be operational and all essential personnel will continue to report to campus as necessary. If students, faculty or staff need to access campus (i.e. offices, classrooms and lockers) to retrieve materials, they may do so before winter break begins on December 23rd.

Health Services will remain open for all services, including testing, vaccinations, and boosters through Wednesday, December 22 at 4pm. The residential halls and dining services will also remain open for those students who still need to access them.

We strongly encourage our entire community to get tested before going home for the holidays or getting together with family to help stop the increased spread of COVID-19 that is being reported both here in this state and around the country. Looking ahead:

We are implementing a requirement to submit a negative PCR test within 72 hours of a return to campus after the holidays and before the start of the new semester. All results should be submitted to the FIT Health Portal.
To ensure that the return to campus is as safe as possible, employees scheduled to return in person the week of January 3 will now be permitted to work remotely for the week of January 3-7, 2022. A negative test is required to be submitted within 72 hours of January 10 when those employees will return to an in person schedule.
All other returning individuals should follow these guidelines to submit a negative PCR test 72 hours before the dates listed below:
- January 18: New residential students
- January 20: Any in-person employee who will now resume a regular spring semester schedule
- January 22: All returning residential students
- January 24: All in-person students who have not already submitted a negative test
Winter Session starting on January 3 will now be remote for those classes scheduled to be in person. Please plan accordingly and work with your department, school and Academic Affairs to ensure you have what you need to move to a remote format.
In accordance with SUNY’s recommendation, a plan for community surveillance testing is being explored for implementation in the spring semester.

As we approach the close of this very challenging fall semester, thank you for your adherence to our COVID-19 protocols, for your patience, and for your cooperation as we continue to do everything possible to keep the FIT community healthy and safe.

Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President
Fashion Institute of Technology

(To Employees: Dec. 16) Important Update to the FIT Community

Dear FIT Community –

The health and safety of our community remains our highest priority and we have continued to closely monitor the data around the rise in COVID cases both in New York City and the slight rise on our own campus. Although our numbers remain low, out of an abundance of caution and with concern for our community, we will move all in-person operations, including classes, to remote functioning for the few remaining days of the semester, beginning at close of business today, Thursday, December 16th (after evening classes).

Health Services will remain open for all services, including testing, vaccinations, and boosters through Wednesday, December 22, at 4 pm. The residential halls and dining services will also remain open for those students who still need to access them.

We strongly encourage our entire community to get tested before going home for the holidays or getting together with family to help stop the increased spread of COVID that is being reported both here in this state and around the country. Looking ahead:

We are implementing a requirement to submit a negative PCR test within 72 hours of a return to campus after the holidays and before the start of the new semester. All results should be submitted to the FIT HEALTH PORTAL.
To ensure that the return to campus is as safe as possible, employees scheduled to return in person the week of January 3 will now be permitted to work remotely for the week of January 3-7, 2022. A negative test is required to be submitted within 72 hours of January 10 when those employees will return to an in person schedule.
All other returning individuals should follow these guidelines to submit a negative PCR test 72 hours before the dates listed below:
- January 18: New residential students
- January 20: Any in-person employee who will now resume a regular spring semester schedule
- January 22: all returning residential students
- January 24: all in-person students who have not already submitted a negative test
The winter term starting on January 3 will now be remote for those classes scheduled to be in person. Please plan accordingly and work with your department, school and Academic Affairs to ensure you have what you need to move to a remote format.
In accordance with SUNY’s recommendation, a plan for community surveillance testing is being explored for implementation in the spring semester.

We will share detailed guidance from the city, state, and SUNY about the spring 2022 semester as it comes in over the next few weeks but for now, we are planning that in person operations, including instruction, will continue in the spring 2022 semester. As we approach the close of this very challenging fall semester, thank you for your adherence to our COVID-19 protocols, for your patience, and for your cooperation as we continue to do everything possible to keep the FIT community healthy and safe.

Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President
Fashion Institute of Technology

COVID-19-related emails sent to students and employees at FIT's New York City campus.

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(To Employees: Oct 11) UCE Staff and Non-bargaining Unit Employee Scheduling Options

The college recognizes the continuing challenges regarding reduced transit schedules, peak hour congestion, as well as other continuing family obligations, as a result of the pandemic. We also know it is critical that all college services are available and departments are staffed during core business hours of 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In an effort to assist employees in navigating these challenges, flexible scheduling options are available.

Bargaining Unit Staff. The CBA provides for start of work prior to 9 a.m. and/or end of work past 5:00 p.m. with prior approval of the supervisor. under section 28.0:

28.0 WORKING CONDITIONS: STAFF
28.1 The regular work day for all employees in this category is a seven (7) hour day exclusive of one (1) hour for lunch. For all new and vacant positions the College shall post and schedule the daily hours according to the needs of the College. The regular work week is defined as five (5) consecutive days. With the prior approval of the Supervisor and Senior Administrator employees may schedule their hours of work time outside the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Seniority shall prevail in the rescheduling of hours.

The supervisor is responsible for determining the overall staffing needs of the department. Current schedules, and any modifications that may already exist, will be reviewed. The supervisor will communicate the requirements to their team. Employees may then request in writing a modification to their schedule. If requests can be accommodated, the supervisor will notify the employee in writing as to the start date and end date, if temporary. In the event there are gaps in coverage, or all requests can not be accommodated, seniority will be used in determining ultimate approval of requests.

Non-Bargaining Employees. The option for flexible scheduling is available for non-bargaining unit employees.
The supervisor is responsible for determining the overall staffing needs of the department. Current schedules, and any modifications that may already exist, will be reviewed. The supervisor will communicate the requirements to their team and employees may request in writing a modification to their schedule. If requests can be accommodated, the supervisor will notify the employee in writing as to the start date, and end date if temporary. The supervisor has final approval for all requests.

(To Students: Oct 5) Contracting or Being Exposed to COVID-19: FIT Student Guide

Dear FIT Student,

We are all doing what we can to ensure a safe environment—we’re getting vaccinated, we’re wearing face coverings, we’re all trying to keep each other safe. But even still, COVID can affect us.

We know it’s a confusing time—there’s a lot of information out there so we’re going to try and sort some of it out for you.

COVID-19 Vaccine: All FIT students are required to be fully vaccinated in order to attend on-campus classes and continue their enrollment at FIT. All students should have uploaded verification documents to the FIT Health Services Portal.

Fully Vaccinated: You are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after your second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine.

PCR Testing: Any student who is not yet fully vaccinated must continue to participate in weekly PCR COVID testing. FIT Health Services will offer COVID-19 testing in the John E. Reeves Great Hall for those:

who are not vaccinated or fully vaccinated;
who have had or been exposed to COVID-19.

Appointments are available 9:30 am–noon and 1–4 pm and can be made online via the Health Services Portal or by calling (212) 217-4190. Walk-ins may be accommodated based on availability although appointments are preferred.

Masks/Face Coverings: Masks are required in all spaces in FIT buildings. If you arrive on campus without a mask, you will be given one by a Public Safety officer as you enter an FIT building.

Testing positive for COVID-19: If you test positive for COVID-19 immediately upload proof of your positive COVID test results to the Health Services Portal AND contact the Dean of Students ([email protected]) and/or reach out to FIT Health Services at (212) 217-4190.

If your period of isolation and recovery results in missing class, reach out to your professors directly and alert them of this.
The Dean of Students can send out an extended absence notice to your faculty if your absence would be for more than 72 hours. Please read the information about what an extended absence entails before requesting one.

Exposed to COVID-19 at FIT: If you are exposed to COVID by someone at FIT, you will be notified by the Dean of Students and/or FIT Health Services and given information on what steps you may need to take and information on how to reach out to us if you have additional questions and/or concerns.

Exposed to COVID-19 outside FIT: If you are exposed to COVID outside of FIT please contact the Dean of Students ([email protected]) and/or contact FIT Health Services at (212) 217-4190 as soon as possible so that we can help provide you with support and guidance.

Access to FIT Dining facilities and Athletics Fitness Center: A New York City executive order regarding indoor dining and fitness requires you to be fully vaccinated in order to access FIT’s dining facilities and the fitness center. You must show proof of vaccination.

Proof of Vaccination:

CDC Vaccination Card. A photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable.
NYC Vaccination Record or other official immunization record from within or outside the U.S., including from your healthcare provider. A photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable. If you are unable to get this record, call 311.
NYC COVID Safe App: Android | iOS. You can upload to this app a photo of your CDC vaccination card or other official record, along with your photo ID.
Excelsior Pass (or Excelsior Pass Plus). To use this app, you will need the phone number or email address associated with your NYC vaccination record. If you are unable to use this app, try one of the other options listed above.

Sincerely,

Anne Miller, NP
Director, FIT Student Health Services

Shadia A. Sachedina, EdD
Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students

(To Employees: Oct 4) COVID Testing Resumption, COVID Vaccine and Flu Shot Administration

To FIT employees,

Starting today, Monday, October 4, FIT Health Services will resume COVID-19 testing in the John E. Reeves Great Hall. Testing will be available for those:

who are not vaccinated or fully vaccinated;
who have had or been exposed to COVID-19.

Weekly testing is mandated for everyone in the categories above and testing is also available for individuals who request it.

Additionally, for those employees who have not yet been vaccinated, Health Services is offering the Moderna vaccine. “Booster” shots will not be offered until the FDA approves use of the Moderna vaccine for this purpose.

Health Services is also providing flu shots for employees and contractors.

All services are available in the Great Hall. Appointments are available 9:30 am–noon and 1–4 pm and can be made online via the Health Services Portal or by calling (212) 217-4190. Walk-ins will be accommodated if slots are available although appointments are preferred.

Thank you and stay healthy.

(To Students: Oct 4) COVID Testing Resumption, COVID Vaccine and Flu Shot Administration

To FIT Students,

Starting today, Monday, October 4, FIT Health Services will offer COVID-19 testing in the John E. Reeves Great Hall. Testing will be available for those:

who are not vaccinated or fully vaccinated;
who have had or been exposed to COVID-19.

Weekly testing is mandated for all students in the categories above and testing is also available for individuals who request it.

In addition, for those students who have not yet been vaccinated, Health Services is offering the Moderna vaccine, also in the Great Hall. “Booster” shots will not be offered until the FDA approves use of the Moderna vaccine for this purpose.

Health Services is providing flu shots for students, available in either Health Services or the Great Hall.

Great Hall appointments are available 9:30 am–noon and 1–4 pm and can be made online via the Health Services Portal or by calling (212) 217-4190. Walk-ins will be accommodated if slots are available although appointments are preferred.

Thank you and stay healthy.

(To Employees and Students: Sep 12) Vax Proof for Dining Hall Required Starting Monday, Sept. 13

To the FIT community,

Beginning Monday, September 13, per New York City requirements, proof of vaccination is required for all indoor public dining.

In order to eat inside the Dubinsky Student Center Dining Hall, you will need to show Public Safety officers, posted at the entrance, one of the following:

NYC COVID Safe App
Excelsior Pass
CDC Vaccination Card (or photo)
NYC Vaccination Record
An official immunization record from outside NYC or the U.S.

Non-vaccinated people are permitted to enter the dining hall to purchase food and/or drink but it must be taken to go.

(To Employees: Aug 30) Important Update: Employee and Student Non-Compliance Notices and COVID-19 Protocol FAQs

Dear FIT community,

In an attempt to reiterate the compliance protocol and the next steps for faculty and supervisors who receive notice of non-compliant students or employees, please see the details below:

For Faculty:

If you receive an email that a student is non-compliant with FIT protocol, this means that the student may not be on campus (except for their own residence hall rooms) or attend class that day. However, the student receives an email at the same time that instructs them to call/email Health Services (HS) to review their status if they are not in compliance. If Health Services determines that the student is in compliance, they will provide an email to the student that can be presented to instructors in order for them to attend class.

For Supervisors:

If you receive an email that an employee is non-compliant with FIT protocol, this means that the employee may not be in the office or on campus that day. However, the employee receives an email at the same time that instructs them to notify Human Resources (HR) via the HR Solution Center to review their status if they are not in compliance - HR in conjunction with Health Services will provide them with an email that will serve as a clearance to show to their supervisor assuming that they are in fact cleared to be on campus and in the office that day.

Please note, many of the non-compliance issues are a result of vaccinated individuals who have not yet uploaded their proof of vaccination. We expect that the majority of these cases will be resolved after this week. Thank you for your patience.

For more information regarding Fall Return 2021, please see the comprehensive FAQs attached and listed below.

Dr. Yasemin Jones
Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Cynthia Glass
Vice President for Human Resource Management and Labor Relations

FIT - Fall 2021 COVID-19 Quarantine and Contact Tracing Protocols and Processes

In response to many of the questions we are receiving about the Fall 2021 semester protocols, we have reiterated and outlined answers below In all instances, the college follows guidance issued by FIT Health Services in conjunction with the NYC Department of Health, New York State and SUNY guidelines for COVID-19 contact tracing and quarantining protocols.

FIT’s universal indoor mask requirement is already in place and has proven to be an effective method to curb the spread of COVID-19. Masking and frequent hand washing, in combination with high rates of vaccination in our community, will be especially effective. Additionally, all FIT students are mandated to be fully vaccinated by September 27 and must upload their verification documents to the FIT Health Services portal unless they have been granted a medical or religious exemption. These students will be required to submit weekly negative PCR test results and must comply with those expectations. Students who decide not to vaccinate will be withdrawn from their courses until they satisfy the mandatory requirements.

What happens if a student tests positive for COVID-19 and has attended a class?

Email notifications will be sent to the instructor as well as to the students who have attended the class. The instructor will receive a notification from Human Resources and the students will receive notification from the Dean of Students. The notifications will clearly outline what steps need to be taken by the recipient. The deans and chairs will also be notified. Contact information will also be provided so that recipients can reach out to Health Services should they have additional questions and/or concerns. Health Services, as part of FIT’s contact tracing protocol, connects to the individuals that were immediately exposed to (had immediate contact with) the student and advises them that they were potentially exposed to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.

The CDC advises COVID-19 testing on day 3-5 for vaccinated people exposed and 10 days of quarantine for those exposed who are not vaccinated. NYC’s DOH also contacts the affected individual, reviews the immediate contacts within FIT and initiates an external review with the affected individual.

NYC DOH OFFICIAL LANGUAGE:

EXPOSURE: fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine following exposure to someone with COVID-19 per NYS guidance; however, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they should get a COVID-19 test three to five days following the exposure and wear a face mask for 14 days following the exposure.
POSITIVE TEST RESULT: Symptomatic or Asymptomatic must quarantine.

Can the class be offered remotely if a student tests positive?

Moving an in-person class to remote is not required. COVID-19 health and safety guidelines dictate that only those individuals as identified through contact tracing and test positive as a result will need to quarantine. As such, we are not planning to offer classes remotely if a student tests positive for COVID-19. Because we are a fully masked campus with high rates of vaccination, the entire class does not move to a remote format.

Will the class continue in person?

Yes, the class will continue in person and any impacted individuals will be contacted via the college's contact tracing protocol. Email notifications will be sent to the instructor as well as to the students who have attended the class. The instructor will receive a notification from Human Resources and the students will receive notification from the Dean of Students. The notifications will clearly outline what steps need to be taken by the recipient. The deans and chairs will also be notified. Health Services and HR contact information will also be provided so that recipients can reach out should they have additional questions and/or concerns. Health Services, as part of FIT’s contact tracing protocol, connects to the individuals that were immediately exposed to (had immediate contact with) the student and advises them that they were potentially exposed to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.

What happens if an instructor tests positive for COVID-19 and has taught class?

They should immediately notify the FIT Human Resources through the HR Solution Center. Human Resources will work with Health Services and the Dean of Students to ensure that notifications are sent to the students who were in the instructor’s courses.The deans and chairs will also be notified. The notifications will clearly outline what steps need to be taken by the recipient and contact information will be provided should they have additional questions and/or concerns. The process will align with the same process we will follow if a student tests positive.

If the instructor tests positive, they would isolate for ten days and their course would be taught by a substitute during that time. The instructor should work with their chair to find appropriate materials and timelines for the substitute instructors. Guidelines for returning to work will be provided by HR and Health Services.

How will the students be notified?

As noted above, students will be contacted by the Dean of Students via email notifications that will clearly outline steps that need to be taken and contact information if they have questions or concerns.

What are the expectations for supporting a student who is placed in isolation or needs to quarantine?

Students who are required to go into quarantine or isolate due to testing positive for COVID-19 will be provided guidance and support via Student Success support services (such as Health Services, Dean of Students, Counseling). The Dean of Students will send out an extended absence notice to the impacted student’s faculty if the student is expected to be out of class for more than 72 hours. The deans and chairs will also be notified. Faculty are requested to practice forbearance and flexibility in permitting the student to make-up missed classes and/or coursework in the most practical way possible.

How does contact tracing take place?

Contact tracers within Human Resources and EMSS staff will communicate with individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 to identify and initiate contact of any persons within the FIT community who may have been exposed to the positive individual. Subsequently notifications from Human Resources or the Dean of Students will be sent out to the impacted persons alerting them of their exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and providing them with guidance on what steps should be taken.

What steps does the college take to alert the Department of Health and SUNY?

FIT’s Health Services works closely with medical providers from the Department of Health (DOH). FIT has dedicated DOH medical providers assigned to the college. FIT also reports tracking data on a daily basis to SUNY. This information is posted on the SUNY COVID-19 tracking dashboard.

I am fully vaccinated but have been exposed to someone at FIT who tested positive. What steps should I take?

If you are an FIT employee, you should have a PCR test 3-5 days after exposure. You do not need to quarantine unless you test positive. The same process applies for an FIT student.

I am fully vaccinated and have been exposed to someone (not at FIT) who tested positive. What steps should I take?

Students and employees would follow the same process as outlined in response to question 9: PCR test 3-5 days after exposure. You do not need to quarantine unless you test positive.

I am not fully vaccinated and have been exposed to someone at FIT who tested positive, what steps should I take?

Individuals who have been exposed to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, who are not fully vaccinated or have not recovered from COVID-19 in the previous 3 months, are required to quarantine for 10 days after exposure. If you are an FIT employee, you should have a PCR test 3-5 days after exposure.

If a member in my department is vaccinated or unvaccinated and tests positive, does the department shut down?

No, the department would not close. If the individual is positive for COVID-19, the individual would notify Human Resources immediately and isolate, not the department. Individuals who have been exposed to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, who are not fully vaccinated or have not recovered from COVID-19 in the previous 3 months, are required to quarantine for 10 days after exposure. Fully vaccinated individuals do not need to quarantine after contact with someone who tested positive. The CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people or unvaccinated people should get tested 3-5 days after their exposure even if they don’t have symptoms. The CDC also recommends that fully vaccinated individuals wear a mask indoors for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.

Every individual – vaccinated or unvaccinated - who tests positive for COVID-19 must quarantine for 10 days.

(To Students: Aug 30) FIT ID Card Info: Tips for a Smooth Entrance to Campus

Dear FIT Students,

Welcome back to FIT for the fall semester. Since today is the first day that most students have been back to campus since March 2020, we have a large number of you who need to pick up validation stickers for your Campus ID cards. This means that it will take you longer than usual to get into FIT buildings in the beginning. We’d like to share some tips with you to make your first visit back to campus go smoothly:

If you already have an ID with a fall 2021 sticker, please try to use an entrance other than the Feldman Lobby to reduce the traffic since stickers and new ID’s are being distributed there to students who don’t have them.

If you need to pick up a fall 2021 sticker:

Please give yourself extra time before your first class to complete this step
Enter through the Feldman Lobby
Bring proof of fall registration (class schedule, with your name included or Bursar receipt)
Pro tip: Download the FIT Mobile App to get access to your schedule and more (search FIT Mobile or Fashion Institute in the App store)
Head off to class

If you need to get a new ID card:

Same steps as picking up the sticker above plus you will need photo ID (a license or passport)

Thanks to all of you for your patience and flexibility as we all re-enter the campus after a long absence. We are so excited that you’re back on 27th Street!

(To Students: Aug 29) Welcome to FIT - Important information and Essential Reminders

Dear Inspiring FIT Student,

Welcome to FIT! And, to those of us who have been here before COVID-19 happened, welcome back! It is mind-boggling to recall that the last time the FIT student community was on campus was back in March 2020. This communication outlines some important information and includes some essential reminders for you. As your Dean of Students, I have the privilege and the awesome responsibility of ensuring that your time at FIT is positive, supported, and successful.

As you know, all FIT students are now required to be vaccinated in order to attend in-person classes and continue their enrollment at FIT. Unvaccinated students have until September 27, 2021 (35 days after the date of FDA approval) to get fully vaccinated and upload verification documents to the FIT Health Services portal. In the meantime, any student who is unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and students who have not submitted proof of vaccination will continue to be required to participate in weekly PCR COVID testing and submit a weekly negative PCR test result. Please refer to various communications that have been sent to you outlining these details.

Masks Required: FIT is a masked campus. All students, employees, and visitors will be required to wear masks while in all spaces in FIT buildings, including 236 West 27th Street and 333 Seventh Avenue. Mask-wearing will continue until further notice in order to protect the health and safety of the FIT community and to ensure extra protection for everyone. If you arrive on campus without a mask, you will be given one by a Public Safety officer as you enter an FIT building.

Social Distancing: Social distancing requirements have been eliminated. Mask-wearing will be enforced to protect the community. All classroom and work spaces will be set for standard capacity levels.

Access to Academic Buildings and Your Student ID: All entrances to FIT academic buildings are open and staffed with Public Safety officers. All students must show their FIT ID in order to gain access. If you already have an ID card you can pick up your fall 2021 sticker the day you arrive on campus. If you do not have an ID, Public Safety will be issuing new ID cards and stickers in the Feldman lobby. Support for students who contract COVID-19: If you contract COVID-19 please contact [email protected] and/or reach out to FIT Health Services at (212) 217-4190. If your period of isolation and recovery will result in you missing classes, we encourage you to reach out to your professors directly and alert them of this. The Dean of Students can send out an extended absence notice to your faculty if your absence would be for more than 72 hours. Please read carefully the information about what an extended absence entails before requesting one.

Support for students who contract COVID-19: If you contract COVID-19 please contact [email protected] and/or reach out to FIT Health Services at (212) 217-4190. If your period of isolation and recovery will result in you missing classes, we encourage you to reach out to your professors directly and alert them of this. The Dean of Students can send out an extended absence notice to your faculty if your absence would be for more than 72 hours. Please read carefully the information about what an extended absence entails before requesting one.

Support for students who are exposed to COVID-19: If you are exposed to COVID-19 by someone at FIT who tests positive for COVID-19, you will be immediately notified by the Dean of Students and/or FIT Health Services. Notifications will clearly outline what steps you will need to take and contact information will also be provided so that you can reach out to us should you have any additional questions and/or concerns. Alternatively if you are exposed to COVID-19 by someone outside of FIT please contact the Dean of Students ([email protected]) and/or contact Health Services at (212) 217-4190 as soon as possible so that we can help provide you with support and guidance.

Access to dining facilities and Athletics fitness center: In keeping with New York City Executive order regarding indoor dining and fitness, you must be fully vaccinated in order to access FIT’s dining facilities and the fitness center.

FIT has many resources and services that are available to you. Getting involved and becoming engaged in the college community is a key component to your success at the college. Take the time to find out about student life at FIT and the various virtual and in person programs and events that will be taking place starting with our traditional Weeks of Welcome (WOW) events on campus beginning this week!

FIT’s Academic support services have been designed specifically with FIT students in mind. We offer a broad range of services that range from academic advisement to career and internships, the Writing and Speaking Studio, the Academic Skills Tutoring Center, and the Gladys Marcus Library so please take the time to explore and visit these campus resources.

You can expect that FIT support services are in place to ensure that you have a successful student experience. By that same measure, we also expect that as a member of the FIT community that you will adhere to our community standards and conduct yourselves with kindness and respect toward others. Make sure you familiarize yourself with student rights and responsibilities located in the FIT Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Additionally, make sure that you understand your rights under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Our student support services are especially designed to serve as a resource and support network in order to give you a positive college experience. Counseling, Health, and Disability (FIT-ABLE) Support Services are on hand to guide you through the challenges you may face on your FIT journey.

Additionally, FIT Athletics and Recreation offers a wide array of energizing classes specifically developed to ensure that you have an opportunity to de-stress and engage outside of the classroom environment. Finally, the Dean of Students office is always available to you and can serve as a helpful resource and advocate. I can be reached via email at [email protected].

Take advantage of these resources and services. Get involved in your college experience. As a reminder, getting yourself vaccinated is a surefire way to gain access to many of these opportunities and resources. As always I will be hosting Chats with the Dean of Students so please watch out for upcoming announcements on the various dates that these will be offered. It will be an opportunity for us to connect and for me to find out how things are going for you at FIT.

On behalf of FIT Student Success, I wish us all an excellent and successful fall semester. May we be safe, may we be happy, may we be healthy and may we find the space to feel the joy that is possible even in these challenging circumstances. See you on campus!

Best Wishes,

Shadia A. Sachedina, EdD
Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students

(To Employees: Aug 26) Visitor Access to Campus Fall 2021

To the FIT Community:

Given the ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19 and the priority interest of the health and safety of our community, additional guidelines are being put in place for visitors to the FIT campus.

For the purpose of this guideline, visitors are defined as those who are not “regular” members of the FIT community. They include guest lecturers, critics, and classroom presenters; researchers and other external guests who have appointments with library or museum staff; alumni; vendors; occasional service providers; and individuals who have appointments with Admissions personnel.

Further, visitors are identified as those individuals who must be cleared by Public Safety for access to campus and have scheduled appointments with members of the FIT community.

As of Monday, August 30, visitors will be required to:
• Check in at the Feldman lobby security desk 
• Show proof of vaccination to the Public Safety officer 
• Secure a visitor badge from Public Safety staff, which will indicate clearance 
• Meet their host at the Feldman lobby security desk for admittance to FIT offices and facilities 

Please note that as of September 13 and in compliance with New York City requirements, visitors to the Museum at FIT are required to show proof of vaccination for admittance to the galleries.

Further, guests are not permitted in the residence halls this semester.

As noted in prior communications, it is strongly recommended that visitors—whether they be to a classroom, to an office, or to a research facility—be hosted remotely during the fall 2021 semester.

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing compliance with guidelines that have been established with the community’s health and safety in mind.

Dr. Cynthia Glass
Vice President for Human Resources
and Labor Relations

(To Students: Aug 24): Vaccine Mandate is in effect: You MUST get Vaccinated Now!

Dear FIT Student,

The Pfizer vaccine has full FDA approval and the SUNY mandated COVID-19 vaccination requirement is now in effect. As previously communicated, this means that ALL students are now required to be vaccinated in order to attend in-person classes and continue their enrollment at FIT.

Unvaccinated students have until September 27, 2021 (35 days after the date of FDA approval) to get fully vaccinated and upload verification documents to the FIT Health Services portal. This means that by September 27, you must have either a one-dose series (Johnson & Johnson) or both shots in a two-dose series (Pfizer or Moderna). The SUNY mandate will accept proof of receipt of the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, as well as other vaccinations authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization (e.g. AstraZeneca/Oxford). International students may submit documentation from a licensed healthcare provider that includes the dates of vaccination and name of the vaccine received. In order to be able to meet this mandate requirement you must get your first vaccine dose within the next 7 days because there is a required waiting period of 21 or 28 days between shots in a two dose vaccination series (Pfizer or Moderna).

Students taking in-person classes who fail to follow the vaccine mandate per SUNY policy will be subject to potential academic withdrawal that could also impact their financial aid and might not be eligible for refunds for their courses.

Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are available FREE OF CHARGE at FIT. Log in to the FIT Health Services portal to schedule an appointment within the next 7 days. Alternatively, visit NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder to find a vaccine provider near you. You may visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to review the benefits of COVID-19 vaccinations.

PLEASE NOTE: Classes begin Monday, August 30, and any student who is unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and students who have not submitted proof of vaccination will continue to be required to participate in weekly PCR COVID testing and submit a weekly negative PCR test result to the FIT Health Services portal until the deadline of September 27, 2021 at which time all students are required to be fully vaccinated. Students who have been granted medical or religious exemptions will be required to participate in weekly PCR COVID testing and submit a weekly negative PCR test every week throughout the semester until further notice.

You will be able to attend classes while you are in between doses and not yet fully vaccinated until September 27 provided that you adhere to required health and safety protocols set forth by the college and submit to weekly PCR COVID-19 testing.

Testing will not be offered on campus and you will be responsible for the costs of weekly testing. Vaccinated students must submit proof of vaccination to be exempt from weekly testing.

The first of these weekly tests must be administered within 72 hours of access to campus; any test completed outside the 72-hour window is invalid and access to campus and participation in classes will be denied.

For example, if you have your first on campus class on Monday, August 30, you must be tested as of this Thursday, August 26. The 72-hour requirement will be in effect for each week that you are not fully vaccinated. Failure to comply could result in additional disciplinary action as outlined in FIT’s Code of Student Conduct.

Limited medical and/or religious exemptions will be reviewed for consideration. The deadline to submit exemption requests is Monday, August 30. Requests can be submitted to Health Services and forms can be found here.

If you have any questions about the college’s reopening policies and COVID-19 protocols, please review FIT's updates about Fall Return 2021 or email [email protected].

Thank you for your continued efforts to help keep us all safe.

Sincerely,

Shadia A. Sachedina, EdD
Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students

Anne Miller, NP, MS
Director of Health Services

(To Employees Who Have Not Submitted Proof of Vaccination: Aug 20): HR Compliance reminder

Dear FIT Employee,

According to our records, you have not submitted proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test result to the Health Services portal. All unvaccinated employees, partially vaccinated employees, and employees who have not submitted proof of vaccination to FIT Health Services are required to participate in weekly PCR COVID testing. COVID testing will not be offered on campus and you will be responsible for the costs that are not covered by your health insurance. Vaccinated employees must submit proof of vaccination to be exempt from weekly testing.

The first of these weekly PCR COVID-19 test results must be submitted within 72 hours prior to your arrival at FIT on August 23 and must be performed weekly through the fall semester.

Employees who do not upload their weekly COVID-19 test prior to their arrival to campus will be restricted from coming on campus. Your Vice President and Supervisor or Chairperson will be notified immediately, and your failure to comply will not be considered an excused absence. You are required to charge your leave bank for any time missed from work. If you do not have any time left in your leave bank to charge, your pay will be docked for any time missed.

As a follow-up, please read the following FAQs for more detailed information:

Can I get a rapid test the day I’m coming to campus?

FIT does not accept rapid test results.

What kind of COVID test should I get?

FIT requires PCR COVID tests.

When do I need to start COVID testing?

You must plan to get a PCR COVID test and upload those results within 72 hours before arriving on campus.

How often do I need to get tested?

Employees who are not vaccinated or are not fully vaccinated must get tested weekly.

I missed the 72 hour window to upload my test results. Can I come to campus?

No. Upload your test results when you get them and then contact the HR Solutions Center to request written clearance to come to campus.

How will my Supervisor or Chairperson know if I didn’t get tested this week?

They will be notified every morning with an updated list of employees that are not in compliance. If you did not upload your weekly test and are present on campus you will be asked to leave campus immediately.

I missed the deadline to upload my test result. Can I work remotely?

Missing the deadline to submit your weekly compliance test does not permit you to work remotely or receive an excused absence.

I missed the deadline to upload my test result and am restricted from coming on campus to work. How does that count toward my attendance?

It is considered an unexcused absence and you must charge your leave bank in order to be paid for the day.

I’m working remotely due to an approved Family Medical Leave or ADA request. Do I need to submit weekly COVID test results?

If you are not working in person or coming to campus, you do not need to test weekly.

I missed the deadline to upload my vaccination card. What should I do?

Upload your vaccine card now through the FIT Health Services portal.

I am partially vaccinated. What should I do?

Upload your vaccination card now and upload it again when you get your second dose. You are still required to submit a weekly PCR COVID test to come on campus.

Can I come on campus if I am partially vaccinated?

Yes, but you must follow all health and safety protocols and submit weekly test results until you are fully vaccinated.

Can I get vaccinated at FIT?

Yes! Employees who wish to get vaccinated at FIT can get the Moderna vaccine from FIT Health Services. Details can be found here.

I have one dose of the Moderna vaccine. Where can I get the second vaccine dose?

You can get your second Moderna vaccine dose at FIT Health Services. Details can be found here.

I have one dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Where can I get the second vaccine dose?

There are multiple locations around the FIT campus to get the Pfizer vaccine. Click here to find a location.

If I get vaccinated at campus, do I still need to get weekly COVID-19 tests?

Yes, you must follow all health and safety protocols including submitting weekly test results until you are fully vaccinated.

If I plan to get vaccinated at campus, do I need to submit a weekly test before arriving?

YES! Employees must upload their COVID test result within 72 hours of arriving on campus.

Where can I get tested?

A list of COVID-19 testing facilities near FIT can be found here.

I submitted my vaccine information and I’m still getting these emails. Did you receive my vaccination card? To check to see if your record was added to your immunization history by doing the following:

1. Log in to the FIT Health Services portal with your FIT username and password

2. Click "My Profile"

3. Select "Immun. History"

(To Employees: Aug. 18) Update on fall protocols

Dear FIT Employees,

I hope those of you who arrived the first week in August had a good return to campus and are adjusting to our "new normal." I enjoyed seeing so many of you at our welcome reception on the breezeway that Monday morning and I look forward to welcoming the faculty and students to campus next week.

Many of you attended the town hall on July 28, and as a follow-up, we have posted the video recording and transcript of the discussion on MyFIT under the “Featured” section. This information covers answers to all the questions that were submitted with the RSVPs.

Additionally, we are updating the FAQs on the Fall 2021 Return to Campus website to include the questions and answers to all those that were submitted during the live chat of the town hall.

Moreover, there are a few additional topics that have come up that require more detailed responses and some guidance:

1. Protocol for vaccination/testing compliance
2. Virtual meetings that require voting and virtual office hours
3. Staggered work hours for this semester

Protocol for vaccination/testing compliance

In terms of vaccination/testing compliance, many of you have asked for further explanation of the campus access process and what the process is if an unvaccinated individual is in non-compliance with the testing protocol. As you know, FIT has a masking mandate for the entire community in all campus buildings, inclusive of space at 236 West 27 Street and 333 Seventh Avenue.

All employees, students, contractors, and visitors must be masked at all times in all spaces on the FIT campus and related locations. The only exceptions are while eating or drinking in designated areas or while completely alone in a space (i.e. no one else is in that space, room, classroom, area, lab, studio, etc.). In elevators and public restrooms with more than one stall, everyone must stay masked. At all access points, Public Safety will provide a mask to any individuals who do not have one and want to enter the buildings.

If an individual refuses to wear a mask after being provided with one, or if they are already in campus buildings but are not wearing a mask (and are not eating, drinking, or alone), Public Safety should be called to escort the individual off campus.

FIT also mandates that to be on campus, all employees (including contractors) and students must be either fully vaccinated or participating in a weekly testing protocol and the college is tracking and maintaining these records via the FIT Health Services portal.

For employees and students to access any campus buildings for work or any other purpose (attend class, etc.), they must upload their vaccination record to the Health Services portal. If they do not submit proof of vaccination, they are required to submit a weekly negative PCR test result to the Health Services portal. The test must be administered within 72 hours of access to campus; any test completed outside the 72-hour window is invalid and access will be denied. Please note that we are monitoring SUNY, NYS, and NYC guidance on surveillance testing protocol for vaccinated individuals; currently no official instructions have been issued in regard to this. IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO, PLEASE UPLOAD YOUR VACCINATION RECORD IMMEDIATELY.

For employees in a testing protocol:

Divisional VPs and unit supervisors will receive regular reports from Human Resources of employees who have not submitted their weekly PCR test results and are therefore non-compliant. The employees and their supervisors will receive a communication stating that they are not permitted on campus until the negative PCR test has been submitted to the Health Services portal. If that person arrives at the office, they will be sent home by the supervisor. If they refuse to comply, Public Safety will be called to escort the individual off campus. Paid leave will be used for an absence due to non-compliance.

For students in a testing protocol:

The Dean of Students will receive regular reports from Health Services for students who have not submitted their weekly PCR test results and are therefore non-compliant. Those students will receive an email each day of the week that they are scheduled to be at FIT reminding them that they have not submitted their information and that they are not permitted on campus until a negative PCR test or vaccination record has been submitted to the Health Services portal. Faculty will receive an email each day of the week that their class is scheduled with a list of non-compliant students enrolled in that class. If a non-compliant student arrives at class, they will be instructed by the faculty member to leave the campus. If they refuse to comply, Public Safety will be called by the faculty member to escort the individual off campus.

Failure to comply with weekly testing does not constitute an excused absence and/or permit a non-compliant student to attend class remotely. Extenuating circumstances will be discussed with the student’s academic department chair and dean.

If at any time non-compliant employees or students refuse to leave campus, or if they attempt to access the buildings on a day they have been told they are not permitted on campus, Public Safety will be called to escort the individual off campus. PLEASE NOTE THAT NEITHER EMPLOYEES OR STUDENTS WILL BE CHECKED FOR VACCINATION STATUS OR TEST RESULTS AT ANY CAMPUS ACCESS POINT. THIS IS DONE THROUGH EMAIL, THE HEALTH SERVICES PORTAL, AND/OR VIA PHONE WITH EACH EMPLOYEE AND STUDENT BEFORE THEY ARE SCHEDULED TO BE ON CAMPUS.

Virtual meetings that require voting and virtual office hours

The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) addresses the in-person procedure for meetings that require voting and to office hours that follow the course delivery method. Attached please find an MOU between the administration and the UCE that details the agreement for changes on these two issues for the fall 2021 semester.

Staggered work hours for the fall 2021 semester

In response to our employees’ concerns about the Delta variant, the changing nature of the pandemic, and that guidance from the city, state and SUNY is also evolving daily, I have authorized HR to work with supervisors and the UCE to develop a plan and implementation strategy that would allow for staggered work hours for the fall semester. This will be possible and effective only if all business operations are covered in each unit each day, as determined and approved by the department administrator.

We are working toward, and will continue consultation about, a system for implementation that will include guidance as well as responsibilities for supervision of the process. Assignment of schedules will have to be approved in advance. An outline of the process will be made available as soon as it is agreed upon and approved. The following work day schedules are under consideration:

7 am-3 pm;
8 am-4 pm;
9 am-5 pm;
10 am-6 pm;
11 am-7 pm

I expect that this information will help provide a more comprehensive picture of protocols and procedures in place for the fall. Thank you again for all your hard work, dedication, and commitment to our FIT community, and I look forward to seeing you on 27th Street soon.

Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President
Fashion Institute of Technology

(To Students Who Have Not Submitted Proof of Vaccination: Aug. 18) UPDATED - COVID Vaccine information and Weekly Compliance testing details

Dear FIT Student,

According to our records, you have not submitted proof of COVID-19 vaccination to the Health Services portal. All unvaccinated students, partially vaccinated students, and students who have not submitted proof of vaccination to FIT Health Services are required to participate in weekly PCR COVID testing. COVID testing will not be offered on campus and you will be responsible for the costs that are not covered by your health insurance. As a reminder, the vaccine will be required of all SUNY students upon full approval by the FDA. Vaccinated students must submit proof of vaccination to be exempt from weekly testing.

The first of these weekly PCR COVID-19 test results must be submitted within 72 hours prior to your arrival at FIT and must be performed weekly through the fall semester.

Students who do not upload their weekly COVID-19 test prior to their arrival to campus will be restricted from attending in-person classes. Your professors will be notified immediately, and your failure to comply will not be considered an excused absence. Additionally, this will result in disciplinary action as outlined in FIT’s Code of Student Conduct.

As a follow-up, please read these FAQ for more detailed information:

Can I get a rapid test the day I’m coming to class?
FIT does not accept rapid test results.

What kind of COVID test should I get?
FIT requires PCR COVID tests.

When do I need to start COVID testing?
You must plan to get a PCR COVID test and upload those results within 72 hours before arriving on campus.

How often do I need to get tested?
Students who are not vaccinated or are not fully vaccinated must get tested weekly.

I missed the 72 hour window to upload my test results. Can I come to class?
No. Upload your test results when you get them and then contact FIT Health Services to get written clearance to come to campus and/or attend your in-person class.

How will my professor know if I didn’t get tested this week?
Your professors will be notified every morning with an updated list of students that are not in compliance. If you did not upload your weekly test and are present in class you will be asked to leave campus immediately.

I missed the deadline to upload my test result. Can I attend my class remotely?
Missing the deadline to submit your weekly compliance test does not permit you to attend your class remotely or receive an excused absence.

I missed the deadline to upload my test result and am restricted from attending my in-person class. How does that count toward my attendance?
It is considered an unexcused absence.

All my classes are online. Do I need to submit weekly COVID test results?
If you are not attending in-person classes or coming to campus, you do not need to test weekly.

My classes are online but I want to use the FIT labs and studios. Do I need to test weekly?
Yes! You must test weekly to come to campus, attend in-person classes, and/or use campus resources.

I missed the deadline to upload my vaccination card. What should I do?
Upload your vaccine card now through the FIT Health Services portal.

I am partially vaccinated. What should I do?
Upload your vaccination card now. Upload it again when you get your second dose.

Can I attend class if I am partially vaccinated?
Yes, but you must follow all health and safety protocols and submit weekly test results until you are fully vaccinated.

Can I get vaccinated at FIT?
Yes! Students who wish to get vaccinated at FIT can get the Moderna vaccine from FIT Health Services. Details can be found here.

I have one dose of the Moderna vaccine. Where can I get the second vaccine dose?
You can get your second Moderna vaccine dose at FIT Health Services. Details can be found here.

I have one dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Where can I get the second vaccine dose?
There are multiple locations around the FIT campus to get the Pfizer vaccine. Click here to find a location.

If I get vaccinated at campus, do I still need to get weekly COVID-19 tests?
Yes, you must follow all health and safety protocols including submitting weekly test results until you are fully vaccinated.

If I plan to get vaccinated at campus, do I need to submit a weekly test before arriving?
YES! Students must upload their COVID test result within 72 hours of arriving on campus.

Where can I get tested?
A list of COVID-19 testing facilities near FIT can be found here.

I submitted my vaccine information and I’m still getting these emails. Did you receive my vaccination card? Should I resend it?
To check to see if your record was added to your immunization history by doing the following:

Log in to the FIT Health Services portal with your FIT username and password.
Click "My Profile."
Select "Immun. History."

Do not resend!

I thought I submitted my vaccination card but I checked and it’s not listed. What should I do?
If your vaccine information is not listed, please upload it immediately:

Log in to the FIT Health Services portal with your FIT username and password.
Click Document Upload.
Under Document Type, select COVID-19 Vaccine.
Click Browse to browse for your COVID-19 Vaccine file.
Click Save.

If you have any questions about the college’s reopening policies and protocols, please review FIT's updates about Fall Return 2021 or email [email protected].

Thank you for your continued efforts to help keep us all safe.

Sincerely,

Shadia A. Sachedina, EdD
Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students

Anne Miller, NP, MS
Director of Health Services

(To Students: Aug. 12) If you plan to return to FIT this fall - URGENT REMINDER

Dear FIT Student,

The deadline to submit proof of your COVID-19 vaccination is August 15, 2021.

If you do not submit proof of vaccination, you will be required to submit results of a weekly PCR COVID test in order to come to campus and attend class.

If you are fully vaccinated, upload your vaccination card information to the Health Services portal no later than August 15. Alternatively you can email it to [email protected] or fax it to (844) 941-1991.

Students who haven't submitted proof of vaccination will be required to participate in weekly PCR COVID testing and submit those results to the Health Services portal in order to attend class. Students who do not upload their weekly COVID test results will be restricted from accessing campus and attending classes.

Again, we urge you to get vaccinated, for your health and safety and that of the whole FIT community.Note that FIT will notify SUNY of verified vaccinations.

Please review FIT's updates about Fall Return 2021 and refer to the July 20 and August 2 communications sent to all FIT students for more detailed information regarding vaccination information for a return to campus this fall. If you have any questions, email [email protected]. Thank you for your continued efforts to help keep us all safe.

Sincerely,

Shadia A. Sachedina, EdD
Assistant Vice President for Student Success & Dean of Students

Anne Miller, NP, MS
Director, Health Services

(To Employees: Aug. 11) Fall 2021 Return: Keep up the good workouts with these last two "Exercise Shorts"

To the FIT community,

Our return to campus is off to a great start, and we can keep going strong with good self-care. Always remember to breathe and stretch. Here are the last two videos in our "Exercise Shorts" series to help you do just that.

Liquid Hip Opener with Laura Pantazis
Breath Meditation and Relaxation with Theresa Herron

Thanks to the Environmental Health and Safety Advisory Group, the UCE’s Health and Safety Committee, the HR Wellness Committee, Communications and External Relations, Media Services, and FIT alum Charlie Shelton, for this series of one-minute videos that encourage us to move at our desks after months of inactivity. You can access the entire "Exercise Shorts" series at any time on Vimeo.

Good luck this fall, and be well!

(To Employees: Aug. 4) Fall 2021 Space Reservations and Use

As FIT prepares to return to in-person operations, there are myriad considerations that must be factored into opening and managing the college’s public facilities, including the Haft Theater, Katie Murphy Amphitheatre, Reeves Great Hall, Dubinsky 8th floor, and the conference center seminar rooms. Understandably, the college community’s health and safety are paramount as we make these decisions. Various discussions have taken place to make plans for the fall semester and President Brown has approved the following: College facilities will be unavailable for rental or use by external parties not connected to FIT until at least January 2022. We will continue to monitor this situation for potential spring rentals by external users throughout the fall.

In addition, there are more than 3,000 internal meetings, activities, and events produced annually in college facilities that are scheduled and managed through the Events Management and Facilities Rental Office. These include recreational activities, student programming activities, faculty and staff development events, open houses and other recruitment events, conferences, forums, and guest lectures, as examples. Among these space uses are:

those attended and presented by the FIT community only,
those attended by the FIT community but with external presenters,
and those attended by internal and external participants with FIT and external presenters.

In order to responsibly manage the number of in-person events and the use of space, and to monitor the attendees who participate in them, the following guidelines have been established, effective for the fall semester:

It is strongly recommended that internal meetings that are led by and include only FIT employees and are typically held in person—such as departmental/divisional, committee, planning, task force, governance, issues-based, student club and organization, and ad hoc meetings—be held remotely through the fall semester whenever possible.
In-person event and activity planning should include an evaluation of whether a virtual option is possible, with a preference for virtual being the choice.
In order to prioritize and reduce the number of in-person events during the fall semester, all requests for space reservations must be approved by the divisional vice president of the unit organizing the proposed event or activity prior to reserving a facility.
Further, in order to prioritize and manage the number of potential virtual events during the fall semester, all requests for technical support must be approved by the divisional vice president before planning begins.
Any unit planning an in-person event that will include attendance and/or presentations by external parties is responsible for ensuring that attendees and/or presenters have proof of vaccination or a negative PCR diagnostic test result taken within 72 hours of the FIT event.
Any event or activity with a planned attendance over 25 people requires an RSVP process.
Masks will be required at all in-person gatherings located in FIT’s spaces.
Social distancing is not required at any FIT events and activities.
Room occupancy limits will be enforced.
The Reeves Great Hall will be offline for possible ongoing use by Health Services or other units, until further notice.
The use of FIT space by Residential Life staff and/or student residents for their own meetings, events, and activities will be permitted without qualification since that population is required to be vaccinated.

Please consult with your respective divisional vice presidents/senior supervisor for further discussion and decision-making. If there are any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let us know. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and patience as we plan for a fall 2021 semester on campus. Mary S. Oleniczak, Executive Director of Events Management and Facilities Rental Loretta Lawrence Keane,Vice President for Communications and External Relations

(To Employees: Aug. 4) Fall Return 2021: Two new "Exercise Shorts" to keep you moving!

To the FIT community,

Our fall 2021 return to campus is officially underway, and we've got a couple more “Exercise Shorts” to help keep us moving!

Try these new shorts on for size:

Butt Burning Chair Squats with Laura Pantazis
Seated Cross-body Reaches with Aubrey Brown

Thanks to the Environmental Health and Safety Advisory Group, the UCE’s Health and Safety Committee, the HR Wellness Committee, Communications and External Relations, Media Services, and FIT alum Charlie Shelton, for this series of one-minute videos that we're sharing to encourage movement at our desks after months of inactivity.

Join Stitch and get fit!

(To Students: Aug. 2) Return to Campus -- vaccination and weekly PCR testing details

Dear FIT Student,

As a reminder, if you plan to attend classes at FIT this fall you must submit proof of your COVID-19 vaccination by August 15, 2021. If you do not submit proof of vaccination, you will be required to obtain and submit a weekly negative PCR COVID test in order to attend class. COVID testing will not be offered on campus and you will be responsible for the costs that are not covered by your health insurance.

Last week a communication was sent to all FIT students regarding important vaccination information for a return to campus this fall. As a follow-up, please read these FAQs for more detailed information:

Am I required to be vaccinated if I am commuting and/or living off campus?

FIT strongly recommends that all students, including those who are commuting and/or living off campus, get vaccinated as soon as possible to help ensure the health and safety of the entire campus community. If you do not submit proof of vaccination, you will be required to obtain and submit a weekly negative PCR COVID test in order to attend class. As noted by New York State Governor Cuomo in the May 2021 press release, the vaccine will be required of all SUNY students upon full approval by the FDA.

Am I required to be vaccinated if I am living in the FIT residence halls?

All students living in campus-operated residence halls must be fully vaccinated prior to occupancy for the fall 2021 semester.There will be limited medical and religious exemptions. If you are planning to live in an FIT residence hall and are not fully vaccinated, you will be subject to quarantine and testing protocols upon your arrival to the residence halls and in accordance with SUNY’s mandate. Details on campus living, checking in, and room assignments are now available and have been sent to all residential students by the FIT Residential Life department. Contact [email protected] for assistance should you have any questions.

What should I do if I have been vaccinated?

If you are fully vaccinated, please upload your vaccination card information to the FIT Health Services portalno later than August 15. If your vaccination records are not on file by August 15, you will have to undergo weekly mandatory PCR COVID-19 testing. Here are the ways that you can send proof of vaccination or COVID test results to Health Services:

Online via the Health Services portal:
1. Log in to the FIT Health Services portal with your FIT username and password
2. Click Document Upload
3. Under Document Type, select COVID-19 Vaccine
4. Click Browse to browse for your COVID-19 Vaccine file
5. Click Save
Fax to (844) 941-1991
Email to [email protected]

What is required if I do not submit proof of vaccination by August 15 or are unvaccinated?

If you are not fully vaccinated, you will be required to comply with mandated weekly PCR COVID-19 testing and must submit weekly proof of negative PCR COVID tests to Health Services in order to be cleared to attend class. Note that you will be unable to attend classes if you do not comply with this requirement.

The first of these weekly PCR COVID test results must be submitted within 72 hours before your first week of arriving on campus in person and every following week through the end of the fall semester. You will be financially responsible for any testing costs that are not covered by your health insurance plan.

A list of COVID-19 testing facilities near FIT are listed below. Testing will not be offered on campus. You may also find alternative sites in your local neighborhood.

COVID-19 testing facilities near FIT:

Northwell GoHealth Urgent Care in Chelsea, 225 W. 23rd St., (212) 897-1994
CityMD West 29th Urgent Care, 330 Seventh Ave., (646) 647-1263
Mount Sinai Doctors West 23rd Street, 309 W. 23rd St., Second Floor, (212) 256-7000

For other locations, visit get-tested-covid19.org.

PLEASE NOTE: Failure to comply with this SUNY-wide mandate will result in disciplinary action as outlined in FIT’s Code of Student Conduct and could result in deregistration from your fall classes. If you are receiving federal or state financial aid, your award may be impacted if you are not attending classes and not meeting attendance requirements.

If you are in between doses and not yet fully vaccinated, you will be able to attend classes provided that you adhere to required health and safety protocols set forth by the college and submit to weekly COVID testing. Please upload your proof of vaccination once you are fully vaccinated.

What should I do if I am enrolled in all online classes this fall and will not be coming to campus?

If you are enrolled in all online classes and will not be physically present on campus at any time during the fall semester, you are not required to submit weekly negative PCR COVID tests.

Where can I obtain a COVID-19 vaccine?

If you do not have access to a COVID-19 vaccine or cannot complete your vaccine series before you arrive on campus, we will offer you the vaccine for free. FIT Health Services can administer the Moderna vaccine and details can be found here. You will be able to attend classes while you are in between doses and not yet fully vaccinated provided that you adhere to required health and safety protocols set forth by the college and submit to weekly COVID testing.

Can I submit a request for an exemption from taking the vaccine?

Requests for exemptions due to medical or religious reasons can be submitted to FIT Health Services. Contact them directly at [email protected] for additional information. Note that unvaccinated exempted students are required to obtain and submit weekly negative PCR COVID test results.

Again, we urge you to get vaccinated, for your health and safety and that of the whole FIT community. Please note that FIT will notify SUNY of verified vaccinations.

If you have any questions about the college’s reopening policies and protocols, please review FIT's updates about Fall Return 2021 or email [email protected]. Thank you for your continued efforts to help keep us all safe.

Sincerely,

Shadia A. Sachedina, EdD
Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students

Anne Miller, NP, MS
Director, Health Services

(To Employees: July 28) Fall Return 2021: "Exercise Shorts" to help get you moving!

To the FIT community,

Our fall 2021 return to campus is fast approaching and who better than FIT to produce “Exercise Shorts” to help us start moving!

Thanks to the Environmental Health and Safety Advisory Group, the UCE’s Health and Safety Committee, the HR Wellness Committee, Communications and External Relations, Media Services, and FIT alum Charlie Shelton, a series of one-minute videos is being introduced over the next three weeks to encourage movement at our desks after months of inactivity.

It’s all in fun, but it’s healthy fun!

Seated Jumping Jacks with Aubrey Brown
Yoga Release with Theresa Herron

Join Stitch and get fit to get back to campus!

(To Employees: July 23) Message from the President - Virtual Town Hall invitation

Dear FIT Community,

I hope this email finds you well and that you have been able to enjoy some rest and relaxation with friends and family this summer.

As, you know, we recently sent out several communications regarding our reopening for the fall semester as well as information about FIT's vaccinations/testing protocol. We have been working with the Faculty Senate and the UCE on issues that have been raised by members of our community and also responding to many additional inquiries over the past few weeks. However, there continue to be questions about returning to the FIT campus that may not be specifically covered in the communications or on the website.

In order to respond to this, and to acknowledge several requests, we will hold a virtual town hall meeting on Wednesday, July 28, from 11 am to 1 pm, to discuss the reopening of the campus and to answer questions from the community. The link below will allow you to RSVP to the event and submit questions/issues in advance that will be addressed during the town hall.

https://forms.gle/qKRgLnPB9DzUb9aBA

Further, participants will be able to submit additional questions through a chat function during the last 45 minutes of the meeting. Cabinet members and other subject matter experts from the college will join me throughout the meeting and be available to field these additional questions at the end.

Please join us and submit questions that will ensure we have a thorough and productive discussion. This event will be recorded and placed on the website for later viewing and the questions and answers will become part of our FAQ.

Thank you and I look forward to speaking with you virtually next week.

Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President
Fashion Institute of Technology

(To Employees: July 20) Fall Return 2021 - Important Employee Information

Dear FIT employee,

We look forward to welcoming you back to campus and have been busy planning a safe and healthy reopening experience for our community. As you know, a communication was sent by President Brown on May 21 that described the Fall 2021 Return to Campus plan. The following describes access to campus protocols for all employees.

Vaccinated Employees: You must upload your vaccination record to the FIT Health Services portal, or otherwise provide your vaccination information to Health Services as detailed below, no later than Monday, July 26, in order to be excused from mandated weekly COVID-19 testing. If we do not receive your vaccination information by July 26, you will be required to provide weekly negative test results (starting August 2) as described below.

Non-Vaccinated Employees: Employees who are not vaccinated will be required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result to FIT Health Services weekly.

Unfortunately, due to the potential volume of requests, testing will no longer be available on campus as of August 2. This means that unvaccinated individuals will be required to obtain the weekly PCR test outside of work hours. Please note that depending on where the test is obtained, there may be a fee or copay that will have to be submitted to insurance for reimbursement, if available.

If weekly test results are not provided, unvaccinated individuals will not be permitted access to campus and will not be permitted to work remotely (unless granted an accommodation under the ADA). You would need to charge paid time off leave banks if you are not permitted access to campus. The requirement of weekly testing for unvaccinated employees is a SUNY-wide mandate with which we must demonstrate compliance.

COVID-19 testing facilities near FIT:

Northwell GoHealth Urgent Care in Chelsea

gohealthuc.com/nyc/manhattan/chelsea
(212) 897-1994
225 W. 23rd St., New York, NY 10011

CityMD West 29th Urgent Care

citymd.com/urgent-care-locations/ny/west-29th
(646) 647-1263
330 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10001

Mount Sinai Doctors West 23rd Street

mountsinai.org/locations/urgent-care
(212) 256-7000
309 W. 23rd St., Second Floor, New York, NY 10011

For other locations, visit get-tested-covid19.org.

Here are the ways you can send proof of vaccination or test results to Health Services:

Online via the Health Services portal:

1. 1. Log in to the FIT Health Services portal (note this portal is for both employees and students) with your FIT username and password
  2. Click Document Upload
  3. Under Document Type, select COVID-19 Vaccine
  4. Click Browse to browse for your COVID-19 Vaccine file
  5. Click Save

Fax to (844) 941-1991
Email to [email protected]
Deliver a copy to Health Services located in the Dubinsky Student Center, Room D402, or in the red drop boxes located in the Feldman and Pomerantz lobbies, which will be checked weekly.

How to Get Vaccinated: While you can seek the vaccination on your own, FIT Health Services administers the Moderna vaccine. Make a vaccination appointment online on the Health Services portal, or call (212) 217-4190. If you opt to be vaccinated at FIT, you will be able to work on campus while you are in between doses and not yet fully vaccinated, provided that you adhere to required health and safety protocols set forth by the college and that you continue to submit a weekly negative COVID-19 PCR test result.

Please remember that New York State’s mandate that all SUNY students be vaccinated is still subject to full FDA approval. However, FIT is requiring all residence hall students to be vaccinated.

If you have any questions regarding vaccinations, please contact Health Services via the FIT Health Services portal, or email [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you on campus on August 2.

Be well,

The HR Team

(To Students: July 20) IMPORTANT Vaccination Information for Fall 2021 Return to Campus

Dear FIT Student,

We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to campus and have been busy planning a safe and healthy reopening experience for our FIT community. As you know, President Brown sent a communication on May 21 (see below) indicating that while the State University of New York (SUNY) will require students to be fully vaccinated before they return to campus for the fall 2021 semester, enforcement of this mandate would go into effect once the FDA formally approves the COVID-19 vaccine.

As we await the FDA’s actions on this matter, we strongly recommend that you get vaccinated as soon as possible. This will help to better ensure the health and safety of the entire campus community and will significantly improve our ability to return to normal campus operations.

In addition, please note that FIT is requiring all students living in campus-operated residence halls to be fully vaccinated prior to occupancy for the fall 2021 term, with limited medical and religious exemptions, regardless of the FDA approval of the vaccine for non-emergency status. If you are planning on living on campus this fall and have not yet been vaccinated, now is the time to do so to ensure that you are fully vaccinated at the time of move-in.

Get Vaccinated: Once you are fully vaccinated, you must upload your vaccination card information to the FIT Health Services Portal no later than Friday, July 30, so that your medical records are updated. If your vaccination records are not on file by July 30, you will have to undergo weekly mandatory COVID-19 testing. For your reference, here are the ways that you can send proof of vaccination or test results to Health Services:

Online via the Health Services portal:

1. 1. Log in to the FIT Health Services Portal with your FIT username and password
  2. Click Document Upload
  3. Under Document Type, select COVID-19 Vaccine
  4. Click Browse to browse for your COVID-19 Vaccine file
  5. Click Save

Fax to (844) 941-1991
Email to [email protected]

Mandated Weekly COVID-19 Testing for Unvaccinated Students: If you are not fully vaccinated, you will be required to comply with weekly COVID-19 testing. This means that you will need to submit weekly proof of negative COVID tests to Health Services in order to be cleared to attend classes. Failure to comply with this SUNY-wide mandate will result in disciplinary action outlined in FIT’s Code of Student Conduct. A list of COVID-19 testing facilities near FIT are noted below.

COVID-19 testing facilities near FIT:

Northwell GoHealth Urgent Care in Chelsea

gohealthuc.com/nyc/manhattan/chelsea
(212) 897-1994
225 W. 23rd St., New York, NY 10011

CityMD West 29th Urgent Care

citymd.com/urgent-care-locations/
- Manhattan, West 29th st., CityMD #253
(646) 647-1263
330 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10001

Mount Sinai Doctors West 23rd Street

mountsinai.org/locations/urgent-care
309 W. 23rd St., Second Floor, New York, NY 10011
(212) 256-7000

For other locations, visit get-tested-covid19.org.

While you can choose to be vaccinated at any number of locations across the U.S., FIT Health Services can administer the Moderna vaccine and details can be found here. You will be able to attend classes while you are in between doses and not yet fully vaccinated provided that you adhere to required health and safety protocols set forth by the college and submit to weekly COVID-19 testing.

Residential Students: As noted previously, FIT is requiring all students living in campus-operated residence halls to be fully vaccinated prior to occupancy for the fall 2021 term. There will be limited medical and religious exemptions. If you have plans to live in an FIT residence hall and are fully vaccinated, you will be able to move into your room at your assigned move-in day and time, which will be sent to you by Residential Life. If you have not been fully vaccinated, you will be subject to quarantine and testing protocol upon arrival to the residence halls and in accordance with SUNY recommendations. Additional details about the move-in process as well as housing safety guidelines and procedures and medical and religious exemption information will be sent to all residential students by Residential Life in the coming days.

International Students: FIT has been approved by SUNY to accept vaccinations received from outside the United States as long as they are COVID-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). A vaccine is approved if "Finalized" appears in the column titled "Status of Assessment.”

If you are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in your country of residence, you will be permitted to enter the U.S., provided that you follow U.S. travel advisory guidelines in effect at the time of travel. Upon your arrival, FIT expects that you will obtain a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. Currently, the COVID-19 vaccines that have emergency use authorization in the U.S. from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are Moderna, Pfizer, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). You may receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at FIT or you may receive any FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine at vaccine sites throughout the U.S. International students will be required to participate in routine testing until their vaccination course is completed.

Questions related to your International Student status, including queries about F-1 student visas and travel to the United States, should be directed to the Office of International Student Services at [email protected].

If you have any questions regarding vaccinations, please contact Health Services via the FIT Health Services Portal, or email [email protected]. For Health Services hours, please visit their hours page.

We will share additional information regarding arrival on campus, residence hall move-in, and on-campus health and safety precautions (e.g., masks) in separate communication in the days to come.

For any other inquiries or assistance, please email [email protected].

We look forward to welcoming you in the fall!

Sincerely,

Catherine O’Rourke
Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success

(To Employees: July 8) Return to campus checklist from IT

As announced in the June 21 email from the Office of the President, non-classroom faculty and staff will begin returning to campus spaces for work on July 12 with a full reopening planned for August 2.

Over the last 16 months, many of us have worked from home and in other off-site locations. We adjusted admirably to the new demands of the remote work environment, and we recognize it may take time to reacclimate to our on-campus routines. To assist with the return to campus, we have a few tech tips below:

Before your return to the office:

Move your files/documents to Google Drive

If you have any files saved locally on a personal computer at home, be sure to move them to Google Drive to access the files from work computers.

Forget FITAIR on your computer and phones

Most devices cache your password to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks you have marked as trusted, like FITAIR. However, the password saved on many of your devices is likely your old password, which will result in the device trying to connect with an invalid password once you are in range of FITAIR, causing your account to be locked or temporarily suspended. Follow our instructions to “forget” FITAIR on all your devices before your return, and rejoin with your current password when you get to campus.

Your first day in the office:

Reboot your computer and allow time for updates

We regularly deploy updates and system patches to fix security vulnerabilities and improve overall computer performance; for these upgrades to take effect, your computer needs to be on and restarted regularly. If your computer was turned off, it will take time to reboot and apply all the updates/patches from the past year. If your computer has been turned on, reboot the computer. It may take several reboots before all the updates are applied: If this is true in your case, the computer will direct you to reboot when it needs to.

Update out-of-office messages

Revise your email and voicemail out-of-office messages. For additional assistance with your FIT desk phone, view our telephone service page, including tips on checking your FIT voicemail and quickly deleting voicemail messages.

Be prepared for two-factor authentication (2FA)

As a reminder, 2FA was required to access the FIT Google Workspace for all non-faculty employee accounts on April 22. To ensure you will be able to access your account, be sure to bring your phone, backup codes, or other secondary authentication methods you used when enabling 2FA. Review 2FA instructions.

For more information from the Division of Information Technology, visit our website at it.fitnyc.edu. Visit fitnyc.edu/campus-return for the most recent developments regarding fall 2021.

Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to prepare for the fall 2021 return to campus.

Questions? Comments? Open a ticket at TechHelp.fitnyc.edu or call (212) 217-HELP (4357).

(To Employees: June 21) FIT FALL RETURN 2021

Dear FIT Employees,

Attached you will find a memo (.doc) detailing our Fall 2021 Return to Campus planning with upcoming dates and information about access, accommodations and resources for any questions you may have about the upcoming semester.

I look forward to seeing everyone back on 27th Street in August but for now, enjoy the rest of your summer.

Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President
Fashion Institute of Technology

(To Employees: June 14) COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Update

To the FIT Community,

We write to inform you of new guidance from SUNY about testing vaccinated employees.

FULLY VACCINATED EMPLOYEES (including auxiliary workers and vendors with a regular on-campus presence) are EXEMPT from mandatory weekly testing upon the submission of documentation showing completion of a full vaccination series.

Mandatory weekly testing will continue to be required for any person who has a physical presence on campus and who has not been fully vaccinated or who has not shown proof of vaccination.

You can submit your record of vaccination (a photo or scanned image of your immunization card) online via the Health Portal:

Log in to the FIT Health Portal with your FIT username and password. (PLEASE NOTE: THIS PORTAL IS SECURE AND IS USED FOR BOTH FIT STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES.)
Click on "Document Upload."
Under Document Type, select "COVID-19 Vaccine" from the drop-down list.
Click on "Browse," which will allow you to search your computer for the photo or scanned image of your record.
Click on the document name
Click Save.

For immediate questions or other options for providing your information, please contact Health Services at (212) 217-4190.

(To Students: May 21) Update to the Students on Fall 2021 Semester

Dear FIT Students,

I write to follow up on the previous messages you have received regarding our return to in-person operations in the fall, and to describe some of the preparations we have made in this regard. Our primary goal is to ensure that conditions are in place to bring the community back safely and enable us to resume more normal campus activity. At the same time, we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 environment and adhere to the public health guidelines from the city, state, and SUNY, just as we have done since the beginning of the pandemic.

I know that you have heard similar messages confirming a return to in-person activities in the fall from the Enrollment Management and Student Success Office and the leadership of the Student Government Association (SGA), among others. But I am aware that many questions remain and your plans will depend upon how we proceed. So let me provide some information about those plans:

• First, we are working on dates for students to return when the campus will officially reopen and we will be back on campus. This will be inclusive of new-student orientation, the first day of classes, and other start-up events and activities that are typical of the fall semester. In the next few weeks we will begin to send those dates as we finalize them. Also, please note that the Fall 2021–22 housing application is open for current and new students

• Second, in collaboration with a working group that includes the Faculty Senate, the United College Employees of FIT (UCE), and SGA leadership, we have discussed and identified best practices and procedures for a return to our classrooms and studios with a fully in-person schedule.

We recognize that there will be those students who will seek approval for accommodations (e.g., medical, religious) due to conditions that preclude their return to campus. Consequently, we are considering appropriate measures for instructional and other services that would permit a combination of in-person and limited synchronous remote instruction for those with approved accommodations.

• Third, we are addressing our ability to monitor health protocols directly related to continuing COVID-19 testing and tracing on campus into the fall. This includes social distancing and mask-wearing requirements. In addition, we will continue to administer the vaccine on campus to both students and employees.

As you may know, Governor Cuomo announced that SUNY will require students to be vaccinated before they return to campus for the fall 2021 semester—see the official press release here. In order for SUNY to officially adopt and enforce this mandate, there are a number of actions that must be taken first, including the FDA lifting the current emergency status of the vaccine. We will keep you informed as those actions are undertaken. For those students with special requirements related to vaccinations, we encourage you to contact the Enrollment Management and Student Success Office as soon as possible to discuss your concerns.

Also, you may have seen the announcement from the CDC regarding decreased regulations on social distancing and mask-wearing for vaccinated people. Please note that although Governor Cuomo adopted those changes in requirements for New York State, this guidance is still being looked at in terms of public higher education and we will wait to hear from SUNY on specific details for campuses. Therefore, all FIT protocols remain in place and at this time the community is required to wear masks and maintain social distancing on campus now and in the fall.

In addition, all FIT classrooms have been analyzed for socially distanced configurations and plans have been put in place so that 100% of our courses—apart from those that are categorized as online/asynchronous and blended—can have in-person learning.

• Fourth, as we have from the earliest days of the pandemic, we continue to prioritize efforts to provide a safe learning environment on campus. This means ensuring that all of our facilities' ventilation systems and air quality are maintained at the highest levels, that cleaning and sanitizing protocols for every campus building are comprehensive and extensive, and that everyone is interacting at a safe distance and in a safe space. Specific information on these issues has been provided and can be accessed on our website here [link removed, information is no longer available - May, 2022]. This information will be updated on a regular schedule throughout the summer.

Each of these areas noted above require focused attention to many details that must be addressed before we open our doors. I fully understand that we all need those details—and want to assure you that we will share them over the next few weeks in order to provide you adequate time to plan for your return to campus for the fall 2021 semester.

I thank you for your patience and cooperation during this very long and difficult period of disruption and I look forward to greeting you on campus.

Thank you.

Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President
Fashion Institute of Technology

(To Employees: May 21) Update to the Community on Fall 2021 Semester

Dear FIT Community,

I write to follow up on the previous messages you have received regarding our return to in-person operations in the fall, and to describe some of the preparations we have made in this regard. Our primary goal is to bring the community back safely and enable us to resume more normal campus activity. At the same time, we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 environment and adhere to the public health guidelines from the city, state, and SUNY, just as we have done since the beginning of the pandemic.

I know that you have heard similar messages confirming a return to in-person activities for the fall from the leadership of your constituent groups—the Faculty Senate, the United College Employees of FIT (UCE), and the Student Government Association (SGA), among others. But I am aware that many questions remain and your plans will depend upon how we proceed. So let me provide some information about those plans:

• First, we are working on dates for employees—faculty and staff—as well as for students as to when the campus will officially reopen and we will be back on campus. This will be inclusive of new-student orientation, convocation, and other start-up events and activities that are typical of a fall semester. In the next few weeks we will begin to send those dates to each group as we finalize them.

• Second, in collaboration with a working group that includes the Faculty Senate, UCE, and SGA leadership, we have discussed and identified best practices and procedures for a return to our classrooms and studios with a fully in-person schedule.

We recognize that there will be a limited number of individuals—both employees and students—who will seek approval for accommodations (e.g., medical, religious) due to certified conditions that preclude their return to campus. Consequently, we are considering appropriate measures for instructional and other services that would permit remote work as well as a combination of in-person and limited synchronous remote instruction for those with approved accommodations. For those community members with special situations related to returning to campus, we encourage you to contact HR as soon as possible to discuss your concerns.

• Third, we will monitor health protocols directly related to continuing COVID-19 testing and tracing on campus into the fall. This includes social distancing, mask-wearing, and possibly altered work schedules. In addition, we will continue to administer the vaccine on campus to both students and employees.

As you may know, Governor Cuomo announced that SUNY will require students to be vaccinated before they return to campus for the fall 2021 semester—find the official press release here. In order for SUNY to officially adopt and enforce this mandate, there are a number of actions that must be taken first, including the FDA lifting the current emergency status of the vaccine. We will keep you informed as we hear about those actions moving forward. For those community members with special requirements related to vaccination, we encourage you to contact HR as soon as possible to discuss your concerns.

Also, you may have seen the announcement from the CDC regarding decreased regulations on social distancing and mask-wearing for vaccinated people. Please note that although Governor Cuomo adopted those changes in requirements for New York State, this guidance is still being looked at in terms of public higher education and we will wait to hear from SUNY on specific details for campuses. Therefore, all FIT protocols remain in place and at this time the community is still required to wear masks and maintain social distancing on campus now and in the fall.

Ensuring the workspaces and offices in all departments are able to have appropriate social distancing is now underway and will be put in place over the summer before a return to campus.

• Fourth, as we have from the earliest days of the pandemic, we continue to prioritize efforts to provide a safe learning and work environment on campus. This means ensuring that all of our facilities’ ventilation systems and air quality are maintained at the highest levels, that cleaning and sanitizing protocols for every campus building are comprehensive and extensive, and that employees and students are interacting at a safe distance and in a safe space. Specific information on these issues has been provided and can be accessed on our website here [link removed, information is no longer available - May, 2022]. This information will be updated on a regular schedule throughout the summer.

I thank you for your patience and cooperation during this very long and difficult period of disruption and I look forward to greeting you on campus.

Thank you.

Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President
Fashion Institute of Technology

(To Students: May 5) Upload your COVID-19 Vaccination Card to the FIT Health Portal

Dear FIT Student,

As we continue to develop and improve on our Fall 2021 reopening plans, it is essential that you upload your COVID-19 vaccination card to the FIT Student Health Services Portal. This will not only assist you in keeping your FIT student medical records updated but will also help us as we work to put in place appropriate health and safety measures for members of our campus community.

Thank you for working with us to maintain a safe and healthy campus environment. Good luck with your end of semester projects and finals.

Have a great summer!

Shadia A. Sachedina, EdD
Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students

Anne Miller, NP, MS
Director of Health Services

(To Students: April 13) Update on Fall 2021

Dear FIT Students,

As we approach the end of the spring semester, I have received many inquiries about whether we will continue to function remotely for the summer sessions and for the fall semester.

While we continue to plan and confer with SUNY about a final resolution regarding our status, I am encouraged by the many signs that point in a positive direction for fall 2021.

First, I can say that the 2021 summer sessions will remain remote. We do not expect to have clearance in time for the first summer session. Additionally, in recent years many of our summer courses have been offered remotely, so this will be a continuation of that practice.

As far as the fall semester, our goal is to come back to campus in person—this means either fully in person or in a format that is a combination of in person and remote instruction. The most recent message from SUNY leadership is that they plan to allow in person instruction for the fall 2021 semester and that campuses should begin planning for that now. They further advise that campuses need to be flexible and continue to monitor the state, local, and SUNY guidance as planning moves forward. We also understand that there will be issues to discuss around international students who are unable to travel to the United States and other special circumstances.

There are factors that may result in a different decision and the most likely would be a mandate from the state based on new concerns about the virus. However, as I am sure you are aware from the news media, supplies of the vaccine are more available and the effectiveness of the vaccine is noteworthy, even in regard to the variants. Further, access to the vaccine has expanded to include everyone over 16 years old and, in NYC the mayor announced that 80,000 municipal workers will return to their offices starting May 3. Even though the data about the number of COVID-19 cases and the variants continues to evolve, these are all very good signs that with continued diligence and attention to established protocols, our community should be able to plan for a return to normal functioning.

In the meantime, I will continue to discuss with the community how best to support and maintain the college as a strong and viable educational institution, while ensuring the health, safety, and concerns of our community: all faculty, students, and staff.

I understand and share the stress that has been caused by continued uncertainty, but it is my hope that the latest message from SUNY will allow us to put in place more definitive plans for an in person fall semester with the input of our community. I so appreciate the cooperation and resilience each of you has shown during this extraordinarily difficult time, and I am looking forward to the time when we can be together on campus again.

Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President
Fashion Institute of Technology

(To Employees: April 13) Update on Fall 2021

Dear FIT Community,

As we approach the end of the spring semester, I have received many inquiries about whether we will continue to function remotely for the summer sessions and for the fall semester.

While we continue to plan and confer with SUNY about a final resolution regarding our status, I am encouraged by the many signs that point in a positive direction for fall 2021.

There are factors that may result in a different decision, and most likely that would be a mandate from the state based on new concerns about the virus. However, as I am sure you are aware from the news media, supplies of the vaccine are more available and the effectiveness of the vaccine is noteworthy, even in regard to the variants. Further, access to the vaccine has expanded to include everyone over 16 years old and, in NYC the mayor announced that 80,000 municipal workers will return to their offices starting May 3. Even though the data about the number of COVID-19 cases and the variants continues to evolve, these are all very good signs that with continued diligence and attention to established protocols, our community should be able to plan for a return to normal functioning.

In the meantime, I continue to work with the Faculty Senate and UCE leadership to share any information that I receive from SUNY. As many of you know, we have jointly surveyed the faculty about the fall semester, and we will survey staff shortly as well. Those results will be part of our analysis as we discuss how best to support and maintain the college as a strong and viable educational institution, while ensuring the health, safety, and concerns of our community: all faculty, students, and staff.

Dr. Joyce F. Brown
President
Fashion Institute of Technology

COVID-19 Communications Archive

Fall 2023 Communications

Spring 2023 Communications

Fall 2022 Communications

Spring 2022 Communications

Fall 2021 Return Communications