A Message From Student Affairs on the Start of the Spring 2022 Semester

Greetings,

As we begin our spring semester, we would like to ensure that all students receive the procedures for the start of the new year and Spring 2022 semester.

From January 18 through January 30, all instruction and instruction-related activities will be conducted through distance-learning platforms. The University will remain open with essential services. Full library services will be available remotely, with reduced in-person services determined by the Library Director. Academic Deans will assist with specific programmatic needs relative to their respective units.

We plan to return to in-person teaching on Monday, January 31, and update you as necessary. Below please find important information for your spring return. In addition, complete information on vaccine protocols and the start to Spring term can be found here.

I look forward to a safe return this spring. The University will continue to strictly evaluate conditions on campus and the surrounding area and make informed decisions based on them. Our COVID health and safety protocols are subject to change based on developing data.

On Behalf of the University,

Dr. Jodi Bailey
Vice President for Student Affairs
New Jersey City University

Vaccinations:

All students must be fully vaccinated to attend in-person classes, hyflex classes, in-person events, and utilize on-campus services.

Complete vaccination is defined as having received two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or a complete series of WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines. Proof of vaccination, or an approved exemption, must be presented to attend classes on campus. Students who fail to comply may be deregistered from their courses.

Vaccination Deadlines:

Continuing students who have already submitted proof of vaccination or have obtained an exemption from the University for medical or religious reasons do not need to take any additional action.
Returning students taking any on-campus classes in the spring who have not submitted proof of vaccination must do so by Friday, January 14, 2022 at 5 p.m.
New students taking on-campus classes must submit proof of vaccination or request an exemption by Friday, January 14, 2022 at 5 p.m.
After Sunday, January 9, 2022, international students and students admitted to the University must submit their proof of vaccination or request an exemption by Monday, January 24, 2022.

The university will grant a reasonable extension but not guarantee housing or course registrations after the preferred deadlines have passed based on the student's circumstances.

Vaccination Exemptions:

There are only two exceptions to the NJCU vaccination requirement:

1) Students who will not come to campus for any reason because:

They are enrolled in online courses only;
They attend courses, clinical placements, or internships at off-campus locations. Those students are subject to any vaccination requirements imposed by the host site.

2) Students may qualify under New Jersey law for an exemption for medical or religious reasons. However, those students must request an exemption in writing using the process provided by the University. Please refer to the medical and religious exemption process below.

Vaccination Exemptions Process:

Medical Exemptions:

The Student Health Center must receive all medical exemptions submissions no later than Friday, January 14, 2022 at 5 p.m. to be reviewed for consideration.

Religious Exemptions:

The Office for the Vice President for Student Affairs must receive all religious exemption requests no later than Friday, January 14, 2022 at 5 p.m. to be reviewed for consideration. You may email your request to VPSAEM@njcu.edu.

Policies for Unvaccinated Students:

Students who are not vaccinated because they have been approved for a medical or religious exemption MUST:

Wear a face mask at all times while indoors on campus, unless alone in their private room;
Wear a face mask at all times when outdoors on campus;
Test twice a week for COVID-19 based on a schedule established by the University.

In addition, unvaccinated students will have limitations regarding their participation in high-contact activities, such as athletics or performing arts, clinical placements, or externships.

Unvaccinated students are not permitted to participate in intercollegiate club sports.
Students who are unvaccinated and in performing arts degree programs will be required to maintain six (6) feet of distance from other people, wear a face mask at all times indoors, and wear a face mask when outdoors unless able to keep six (6) feet of distance from others.
Unvaccinated students participating in off-campus clinical placements, externships, and similar activities must follow the requirements of the host site. If the host site requires vaccination, these students will not be allowed to participate, and the University cannot assure that an alternative host site will be available

COVID-19 Testing

Testing will be available five (5) days per week for all students, faculty, and staff. Rapid tests from a physician or pharmacy/laboratory less than 72 hours old before attending an in-person activity on campus will be accepted. In addition, fully vaccinated individuals are encouraged to avail themselves of on-campus surveillance testing. Sign Up for COVID-19 Tests Here

Residential Students

Residential students will still move in for the Spring 2022 semester beginning on Friday, January 14. NJCU’s announcement regarding a remote modality for instruction to begin the semester will not impact operations of residential services or meal plans. Additional information pertaining to residential students will be sent to their NJCU email by ResLife staff.

International Students

International Students have special vaccination and course requirements.

COVID Vaccinations

Everyone five (5) years or older is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine in New Jersey and is encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The University urges everyone who is eligible for a booster to schedule one.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing you from getting sick. They are one of the most important tools to ending the COVID-19 pandemic and getting back to what you love.

How to get vaccinated

Find a vaccine appointment
Use the NJ Vaccine Appointment Finder to find available vaccination appointments near you or sites with walk-in vaccinations (no appointment needed).

Attend a pop-up or mobile vaccination event
The State holds pop-up COVID-19 vaccination events, mobile vaccination clinics, and other events across New Jersey. No appointment is needed. Find Community Events Near You.

Schedule with the NJ Vaccine Scheduling System
Sign up to schedule appointments at vaccine locations that use the State's Vaccine Scheduling System.

Senior Hotline
If you are 65 or older, you can call a special senior hotline for vaccination scheduling support from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dedicated appointment slots are reserved for those aged 65 and older. Call 856-249-7007.

NJCU Mask Policy:

NJCU follows the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State of New Jersey Department of Health regarding the wearing of face masks as a strategy to reduce the risk of COVID-19 among the campus community. The University will monitor infection rates closely and take additional precautions or remove restrictions as public health conditions warrant.

Procedures:
Anyone who comes to any NJCU facility must wear a multi-layer face covering, regardless of whether the person has been vaccinated for COVID-19. The mask must cover both the nose and mouth.

Indoors:

Masks must be worn indoors, except when alone in a private room. You may remove your mask briefly when eating and drinking, but only when you can keep at least six (6) feet of distance between you and the others.
Masks must be worn at all times inside University vehicles, including buses and shuttles.
A limited number of exceptions may be permitted, including allowing performers on stage and intercollegiate athletes engaging in sports activities to remove their masks. Such exemptions will be based on established best practices and approved by the Presidential Advisory Committee.

Outdoors:
Masks are required outdoors in crowded settings or when participating in outdoor activities that involve close contact with other people.

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