COVID-19 Community Guide

Vaccine Information

Effective June 2023, The New School will no longer require COVID-19 vaccination for students, faculty, and staff. The university continues to highly recommend that all community members remain up to date with COVID vaccines and boosters, including one bivalent Moderna or Pfizer vaccine as recommended by the CDC and individuals' healthcare providers.  

Uploading Vaccine Record to SHS Portal
Community members can upload their vaccination records to the Student Health Services (SHS) portal by following these instructions.

Questions
If you have questions, please email Student Health Services or BenefitsHelp@newschool.edu.

Testing

Testing is not required for building access, however the university recommends all community members test if they are symptomatic, after higher risk activities, and before or after travel.

Students who need to test should contact or visit Student Health Services. 

Faculty and staff can get over the counter tests through Aetna benefits for eligible plan participants or their medical provider.

In addition, low- or no-cost testing is available through: 

COVID-19: Express Testing: Schedule an appointment at one of the Health Department's free Express Testing locations, which usually return test results within a few hours. Testing is available regardless of immigration status.

NYC Health + Hospitals Testing Sites: Find locations where you can get free at-home tests. You can also visit the Health + Hospitals facility for testing, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.

Testing Positive
If you test positive, stay home and isolate for five days or longer, depending on your symptoms, and speak with a medical provider. Refrain from retesting after a positive test unless directed to do so by a health professional. 

Students will be asked to monitor their symptoms daily and can schedule a telehealth appointment by emailing shs@newschool.edu. Human Resources will check in with faculty and staff. 

Read more about our isolation policy for students.

Read more about our isolation policy for faculty and staff.

Masks

Barring the emergence of a new and more dangerous variant or a large campus outbreak, masking is strongly recommended but not required in crowded indoor spaces, especially when COVID rates in the community are high. This includes classrooms, theaters/auditoriums, elevators etc.

The university supports anyone who wishes to wear a mask at any time, in any environment, and for any reason.

When Masks are Required
Masks are always required in Student Health Services, Student Disability Services, and when directed by a medical professional.

Free Masks
Free masks remain available at vending machines throughout campus.

Travel Guidance

Those who are traveling or at higher risk of infection should take appropriate measures to ensure safe arrival, including testing before travel and wearing a mask in public.

Guests, Visitors, and Alumni

In line with existing university policy, all guests and visitors must have their host present when they are signed in with Campus Safety. All students, staff and faculty must use their New School ID card to access campus buildings.