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COVID-19

View the SUNY COVID-19 Case Tracker
Select "Schenectady County" from the left menu to see SUNY Schenectady's COVID-19 information.

Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (CARES, CRRSAA, ARP, SSARP)

SUNY Schenectady has received $17,728,669 from the U.S. Department of Education through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), American Rescue Plan (ARP), and Supplemental Support under American Rescue Plan (SSARP).  A minimum of $7,428,178 shall be distributed to eligible students through the form of emergency grants.  As of September 26, 2022 all emergency grants have been awarded to students. 

COVID-19 Vaccine for Students

Search for a COVID-19 vaccination location.

Are vaccines required for students?

No. SUNY Schenectady, in alignment with the State University of New York and Chancellor John B. King, announced the end of the emergency COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the Summer 2023 and Fall 2023 semesters. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to remain up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters in a manner consistent with other viruses such as influenza. Masking will remain voluntary and rapid home tests and masks will continue to be available on campus. The College reserves the right to adjust and implement more restrictive COVID-19 health protocols in the event of an outbreak. Thank you for your patience and support. 

Students should submit proof of their vaccination using one of 3 options:

  1. Submit their vaccination information to the SUNY Vaccination Verification Application;
  2. bring a copy of their vaccination card or their Excelsior Pass to the Office of Student Affairs, Elston 222;
  3. email a copy to StudentAffairs@sunysccc.edu. Returning students who attended SUNY Schenectady in 2021-22 and were fully vaccinated or approved for a medical or religious waiver do not need to disclose their vaccination status again in 2022-23.

COVID-19 Testing for Students

Where can I get a COVID test kit on campus?

Students may get a COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test nasal swab kit to self-administer off campus. Test kits are available at any of the Campus Safety Stations located at the Casola and Washington Avenue entrances of Elston Hall, the Kindl Building, and the Center City location. 

What do I do if I am positive for COVID?

First, if you feel ill do NOT come to campus. If you test positive for COVID, notify the College by emailing StudentAffairs@sunysccc.edu with a picture of the positive test and a completed self-attestation form from the New York State Health Department.

Students who test positive for COVID must isolate for 5 consecutive days with the date of the positive test counted as day 0. Students may only return to campus if they are fever and symptom free after the 5-day isolation period.

Students who have questions may contact the Office of Student Affairs at 518-381-1365 or via email at StudentAffairs@sunysccc.edu.  

COVID-19 Safety Guidance for SUNY Schenectady Campus Gatherings

Safety Guidelines for gatherings at SUNY Schenectady are informed by the Centers for Disease Control current considerations.

Defining "Gatherings"

Large gatherings bring together many people from multiple households in a private or public space. SUNY Schenectady defines large gatherings as planned events with more than 50 individuals. 

Small gatherings are informal in nature and may occur with colleagues whom you regularly socialize. SUNY Schenectady defines small gatherings as groups of 50 or fewer individuals.

Event organizers will continue to assess, based on current conditions, whether to postpone or cancel large or small events and gatherings, significantly reduce the number of attendees, or hold virtual gatherings on a case-by-case basis when event requests are made.

Campus Event Guidelines

  • Social distancing is recommended. Individuals who wish to wear a mask or face covering may do so at their own discretion. Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask or face covering.
  • Face coverings are provided at all campus points of entry to all individuals wanting one. Hand sanitizing stations will be located at all points of entry/exit and in convenient locations around the campus for student, staff and visitor use.
  • Any requests for use of space will adhere to all current SUNY guidelines and/or policies. SUNY Schenectady will follow the current guidelines on capacity limits and any required procedures including securing identifying information from attendees of any events.
  • External communications to campus visitors will include:
    • The College website will list announcements, plans, and updated protocols and guidelines.
    • Poster signage at entrances providing information all who enter.

Important Phone Numbers

New York State Coronavirus Health Hotline
1-888-364-3065

Schenectady County Public Health Services (SCPHS) Communicable Disease Department
518-386-2824, option 4
After Hours 518-437-7878