2020-21 Academic Year

Preparing for Fall Return, Action Items for Vaccination Uploading, and COVID-19 Precautions

August 12, 2021

Dear Students,

I write to thank you for remaining proactive in your planning for our Fall return to campus. As the start of the Fall term draws closer, a reminder that there are important deadlines and tasks you must complete before coming to campus.

Timeline to Comply with the Columbia Community Health Compact
Please ensure you meet the upcoming deadlines below in order to have access to campus this Fall.

  • August 16: Sign the Compact, even if you already signed earlier in the year. You can do this now on the ReOpen CU app or sign it online.
  • September 1: All students must complete a training, now available online, no later than September 1. Please note that if you need to access campus prior to September 1, you must first complete the training to do so.
  • September 9: Meet the University’s COVID-19 testing requirements.
    • Complete your gateway test when you arrive on campus.
    • This can be on day 1 if you are fully vaccinated or on day 3-5 if you are not fully vaccinated and are required to quarantine. (You can read more about quarantine requirements on this website.)
    • As a reminder, gateway COVID tests can be scheduled no earlier than 7-10 days in advance.

Beginning on September 2, any individual who has not submitted their vaccination documentation or has not received an approved medical or religious exemption will have a red pass on the ReopenCU app and will be unable to access campus.

Questions about Submitting Proof of Vaccination
If you have specific questions that are unique to your personal situation, the resources below can help you.

Please note that Columbia makes every effort to ensure the privacy of all health-related information. Read more details on our privacy policy.

Updated Questions and Answers about COVID-19 and the Campus Return
I know that many of you have questions about the requirements related to Fall reopening on campus. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

  • I’m a domestic student who hasn’t complied with the vaccine mandate, can I still move into Columbia housing?
    • No. Domestic students who have not complied with the vaccine mandate will not be able to move into housing.
  • I'm an international student. Do I need to arrive early to campus to get my gateway COVID test and/or COVID vaccine?
    • No. International students will be able to receive their vaccine once they arrive on campus. They should plan to get it shortly after arrival. Students will have access to campus following quarantine and testing requirements while they get their vaccine, but they will have additional restrictions in place until fully vaccinated (i.e. travel quarantine, face coverings, testing and physical distancing).
  • I am traveling from abroad, will I be able to participate in class and events while I get my vaccine regimen?
    • Students who are not fully vaccinated with a Food & Drug Administration (FDA) or World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccine must quarantine for 7 days after arriving in the US from international travel. This will also include a test on day 3-5 after return. You will not be able to attend class or other events until the quarantine is completed and the results of the gateway test on day 3-5 are received.
    • Students who are fully vaccinated with an FDA or WHO approved vaccine are required to test on day 3-5 after arriving in the US from international travel, but are not required to quarantine. They are required to get a gateway test but are able to attend class and other events.

Upcoming and Recent Vaccine Forums
If you are unable to make today’s University Life general student Forum, the captioned recording from this event will be posted on the University Life website and YouTube channel next week.

Still have questions regarding the COVID-19, vaccines, and what to expect when you return to campus? We invite you to join Global Centers for their upcoming Forum.

Become a Keeping Our Community Healthy Ambassador
The Keeping Our Community Healthy Ambassador program is a student-led peer to peer support initiative. As we navigate the pandemic together, Ambassadors work with students to keep our community and surrounding neighbors safe and healthy. If you are interested, please sign up here. We will share training dates that will inform participants about the pandemic, the role of the Ambassadors, and also answer questions.
 
Reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any general questions.
 
Thank you again for your help in ensuring a safe return to campus.

Take care,

Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Office of University Life
Gender Pronouns: He/Him/His
 
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