Campus Changes Designed to Keep University Community Safe

Keeping the community safe and the campus open depend on everyone following some basic rules: Wear a mask and keep your distance. (Photo by Brendon Phillips)

Seats in a Lecture Center classroom are marked for social distancing: a green check means you can sit there, a red X means the seat is off limits. (Photo by Patrick Dodson)

ALBANY, N.Y. (Aug. 18, 2020) — The fountains are on but tunnels are off limits. Welcome to Fall 2020, the semester brought to you by COVID-19.

You’ll see lots of changes on campus – all designed to keep the University community safe.

First of all, density has been reduced everywhere on our three campuses. Staff that are able to work remotely are staying home. Classrooms occupancy will be limited to between 20 and 40 percent of capacity in order to allow at least 6 feet of physical distance between people. Furniture has been spaced out or marked off limits so people know where it is safe to sit.

Facilities staff will disinfect classrooms and instructional spaces every night, and routinely disinfect door handles, bathrooms and other high-touch areas throughout the day.

You’ll see hand-sanitation stations in all public spaces on campus, and disinfecting wipes adjacent to classrooms and public computer areas to use, as needed, to disinfect study or instructional areas. But it’s also important that you wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, and carry your own sanitizer to use during the day. Offices can request sanitizer for their shared areas or customer service counters by contacting the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

The north side of the State Quad parking lot is currently serving as a New York State-operated drive-through testing site. Traffic flow is restricted in the area, and testing is by appointment only (888-364-3065).

Building access

The entire campus community should keep ID cards handy. Uptown spaces will largely be open, but the University Libraries will require swipe access, as will the PE and SEFCU buildings, and all buildings on the Downtown Campus.

At the George Education Center, home of the School of Public Health, the main door will be swipe-access only, with a Health Sciences Campus ID. The east entrance door will be locked and available only as an exit.

When the University Libraries’ buildings reopen on Aug. 24, seating will be reduced to accommodate social distancing, and many services will remain virtual, including PAWS, reference consultations and Information Literacy workshops. Access to the physical collection will be limited to staff only, but students and faculty can request materials through the website. Curbside pickup will continue for community users. Commuter students can use one of 10 single-occupancy rooms to attend online classes, available on a first come, first served basis. Check the website for up-to-date information on services and hours.

In heavy pedestrian areas at the University, traffic flow will be controlled with floor directional decals. In spaces with multiple doors, such as the larger lecture center rooms, decals will mark doors as entrance- or exit-only.

The mechanical air flow systems have changed too, with systems running two hours before and after building occupancy. In elevators, bathrooms and residential buildings, the systems will run at all times. Outdoor air intake will be increased where possible and filters will be upgraded.

In buildings or spaces that lack proper air flow, mobile air filtration systems have been installed to circulate and purify the air. And the mere fact that density has been reduced campus-wide will provide improved air quality.

Tunnels are off limits for pedestrian traffic this fall.

While the physical Registrar’s Office will be closed this semester, the virtual office is open for business, with all services offered online. Check the website for hours of operation and related services.

The University Bookstore reopened Monday, with limited occupancy. Online services and curbside pickup remain available. For up-to-date hours check the UAS website.

Personal responsibility

Face masks or coverings are required on campus. The tunnels will be off limits to prevent pedestrian crowding and to encourage people to stay outdoors in the fresh air. Only those with job duties that require tunnel use will be allowed to use them.

The fountains are on, but will be monitored to make sure people are wearing masks and maintaining appropriate distance – a minimum of 6 feet apart. If safety rules are not adhered to, the fountains will need to be shut down and drained.

Dining options have changed, with consolidated hours and venues, online ordering and contactless pickup options, and limited indoor seating. Tents have been installed to provide outdoor seating for dining, studying and properly distanced socializing. You’ll see plexiglass barriers at all dining venues and other front-facing counter services.

In all cases, remember that keeping space between yourself and others is one of the best ways to avoid spreading or exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Since even asymptomatic people can spread the disease, it’s important to stay 6 feet apart from people whenever possible, avoid gatherings and groups, and wear a face mask whenever you are in public.

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