Returning to CSI

Vaccinations and Boosters Spring 2023

• Students coming to campus for the first time in the spring for in-person and hybrid courses, or any other on-campus activities, continue to be required to submit proof of full vaccination to CUNYfirst prior to the start of classes, unless a religious or medical exemption has been approved. “Fully vaccinated” is defined as having both doses of Moderna or Pfizer, or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson.
• Although boosters continue to be non-mandatory, students are strongly encouraged to receive vaccine boosters, once eligible. According to the CDC, updated COVID-19 boosters can help restore protection that has waned since previous vaccination and provide broader protection against newer variants.

For more information, please consult CUNY’s Learning in Person FAQ and the Testing Program FAQ.

Spring 2023

CUNY testing sites remain open for random testing and for any member of the CUNY community who needs a free PCR test for any reason. For a list of CUNY sites and hours of operation, visit here. You can check the latest COVID metrics in our COVID-19 Safety Tracker, available here.

CUNY testing sites are available to all CUNY Faculty, Staff and Students who have a valid CUNY ID card, with no-appointment necessary. If you do not have a CSI Dolphin Card ID, please follow the instructions provided here Getting Your Dolphin Card | Dolphin Card | CSI CUNY Website. This expanded service will be provided at all CUNY testing sites throughout the city.  Regular and holiday hours for all testing sites can be found here.  Currently, the testing site is located in the 1P 116E.

CUNY COVID Guidelines: March 31, 2023

Testing:
CUNY will continue its testing program using various testing models for the safety and convenience of the CUNY
community.

• All students are encouraged to test before returning to campus.
• Weekly testing will continue for those who are unvaccinated
• Overall random testing of 5% of the on-campus population. Participation in the random surveillance testing is mandatory and failure to participate will result in the removal of the individual’s Cleared4 access pass to CUNY spaces.

For more information about CUNY’s COVID-19 testing program, please see the Testing FAQ. For a list of testing locations, visit here. For general frequently asked questions, please refer to the Getting Back to Working in Person FAQ. If you still have questions, please contact your HR office.

Self-Screening
Before coming to campus, each member of the community is expected to monitor your symptoms, stay away from others if you feel sick, and get tested at a public testing site if you have any symptoms. CUNY safeCircle testing sites should not be used if you have symptoms. 

Isolation and Exposure

CUNY continues to follow the latest CDC guidance on isolation and exposure. Any students, staff or faculty who test positive with COVID-19 or are exposed to someone with COVID-19 must follow these guidelines, as outlined below, prior to returning to campus. 

Isolation 

• Stay home for 5 days(day 0 is your first day of symptoms, or the day you first test positive if you do not have symptoms)
• You may end isolation based on how serious your symptoms were:
  • If you had no symptoms, you may end isolation after 5 days.
  • If you had mild symptoms, end isolation after 5 days if you have been fever free for 24 hours (without medication) and other symptoms are improving.
  • If symptoms are not improving, continue to isolate until you are fever free for at least 24 hours and symptoms improve.
  • If you had moderate symptoms (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing) you should isolate for 10 days.
  • If you had severe symptoms (hospitalization), isolate for 10 days and consult your doctor. You may need a viral test before ending isolation.

Removing your mask

• If you have ended isolation and are feeling better, you may remove your masks after 10 days.
• With two sequential negative antigen tests 48 hours apart, you may remove your mask sooner than day 10.
  • If your antigen test results are positive, you may still be infectious. You should continue wearing a mask and wait at least 48 hours before taking another test. Continue taking antigen tests at least 48 hours apart until you have two sequential negative results. This may mean you need to continue wearing a mask and testing beyond day 10.
  • Free, at-home rapid tests are provided by New York City. Use NYC COVID-19 Test Site Finder and COVID 19 Testing Sites – NYC Health + Hospitals (nychealthandhospitals.org) to find a test near you.
• After you have ended isolation, if your COVID-19 symptoms recur or worsen, restart your isolation at day 0. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about your symptoms or when to end isolation.

 If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status:

• You do not need to quarantine.

• Wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days and monitor your symptoms.

• Get tested at least 5 days after your close contact (the date of your exposure is considered day 0); if you test positive, stay home and isolate per guidelines above.

• If you develop symptoms, get a test, stay home and follow the isolation guidelines above unless you receive negative results.

Travel

• All individuals should follow the CDC domestic travel recommendations and international travel recommendations before reporting to work or campus and notify their manager in advance of the travel dates and should quarantine be required.
• Any students, faculty or staff engaging in official travel on behalf of CUNY must follow the latest approval requirements for domestic and international travel.

Cleared4 Guide for Vaccinated CUNY Students, Faculty and Staff

Creating a shortcut on your iPhone/Android Phone/Personal Computer to personal Cleared4 URL

• Accessing Cleared4 using an iPhone
• Accessing Cleared4 using an Android Phone
• Accessing Cleared4 using a Computer

Proof of vaccination and/or a recent negative test are no longer required for visitors. Prior to coming to campus, visitors should review the CDC guidelines on How to Protect Yourself and Others from COVID19, and follow CDC guidance, including isolating when sick, and taking precautions when exposed to COVID19. Guests should advise Public Safety Officers at the entrance gates the purpose of their visit upon arrival.

Vaccination Verification
To provide a safe working and learning environment, students, faculty and staff must show a Cleared4 Access Pass.  

Students must upload proof of vaccination into CUNYfirst Vaccine Verification.  Please use Student Vaccine Verification Instructions to assist in uploading proof.

Employees should use the Faculty and Staff Guide to Vaccination Verification to assist in uploading proof of your COVID vaccination to CUNYfirst. A helpful Acrobat PDF version of the Vaccination Verification User Guide for CUNY Employees containing graphics can be found on CUNY's website.

Lost COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or need verification?
If you are fully vaccinated but lost your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or need verification of your vaccine status, you can request a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination record. You cannot get a replacement COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card at this time, but you can get an official record noting you have been vaccinated. Go here for more Covid information .  This only applies to those who received vaccination in NYC. 

Cleared4 Access Pass 

The Cleared4 Guide for Vaccinated Students, Faculty, and Staff provides information on how to obtain your access pass AFTER you have an APPROVED Vaccine Status in CUNYfirst. 
Employees who are not subject to the vaccine mandate and are either unvaccinated or do not wish to share their vaccination status via CUNYfirst should follow the Cleared4 Testing User Guide for CUNY Students, Faculty, and Staff  to obtain an access pass.

*Please note:  You will need to refresh your Cleared4 Pass by clicking "Show Access Pass" each day you enter campus.  This will produce a valid pass with the current date displayed. 

If you are unable to find your personalized Cleared4 email and/or link, please contact  covid19@csi.cuny.edu

BEFORE YOU ENTER CAMPUS MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A VALID CLEARED4 PASS READY

As we welcome back our campus community, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you of the process that will take place regarding campus entry.

We will have both the main gate and D-gate (Forest Hill Road) open to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.  During peak hours vehicles accessing the campus via Victory Boulevard will be directed to continue passed the main gate booth to the 3-way intersection to present their clearance pass to access the campus. Pedestrians walking on to the campus will present their pass to the officer at the walkway entrance. During off-peak hours this process will take place at the main gate booth.  The D-gate will be open Monday-Friday from 7:30am – 11:00pm, individuals entering from this gate must present their clearance pass to the officer prior to entry. The D-Gate will not be open on weekends.

During the testing sites’ hours of operation, those who require a test will be directed to the site location in the 1P building, room 116E, short-term parking for testing is available in front of the building.

The Ferry Shuttle will continue its route from the Ferry Terminal to the campus.  It will proceed directly to the front of the 1P building, where the verification of the clearance pass, testing appointments, and walk-in testing of individuals who are disembarking the bus will take place.  The Loop Bus will pick-up just inside the main gate at the bus shelter.  This bus will also proceed directly to the 1P building where all passengers will disembark and present their clearance pass.

At the Saint George site, the clearance pass verification will take place at the reception desk.  If COVID testing is required, individuals will need to complete the testing process at the 1P testing site (Room 116E) or at another CUNY facility that is open for COVID testing.

This semester, the majority of classes will be delivered in-person, although some will be offered as hybrid (a combination of online and in-person meetings), or fully online (through distance/remote learning).  Please check the details of your class schedule in CUNYfirst to confirm what meeting pattern each of your classes is utilizing.
 

ACADEMIC CALENDAR – IMPORTANT DATES
Please check the current academic calendar for all important dates and deadlines.
 

How will instruction be delivered this semester?
Classes will continue to be delivered fully in-person, hybrid (a combination of online and in-person meetings), or fully online (through distance/remote learning). Please check the details of your class schedule in CUNYfirst to confirm what meeting pattern each of your classes is utilizing, as sometimes that information changes.
 

What is distance learning or remote learning?
Distance learning or remote learning occurs when students and their instructors are in different geographical locations, and the instruction occurs on an electronic device, such as a computer or mobile phone.  The learning can happen in a synchronous environment, in which all participants are connected at the same time or in an asynchronous environment when participants are engaged in learning at different times. An example of synchronous learning is when the course meets virtually on the same day and at the same time as listed in the catalog. An example of asynchronous learning is when faculty members record their lectures and students may view them at any time.
 

If I have an in-person course and I cannot take it due to COVID-19 concerns for myself or a member of my household, what can I do?
Please send an email explaining your situation to Danielle Dimitrov, Executive Director of Student Affairs, Danielle.Dimitrov@csi.cuny.edu.  She will follow-up to discuss your options.
 

Where do I go if I need an academic accommodation due to a disability or had an IEP in high school?
Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) provides students with the same quality of service virtually, including arranging academic accommodations.  Contact CSA directly to register and/or ask questions.  They may be reached at  CSA@csi.cuny.edu  or by calling 718-982-2510.

Will tutoring be available?
Free tutoring is offered by the Center for Academic Student Assistance (CASA) on a virtual "walk-in" basis throughout the year, via Blackboard Collaborate.  Students can access CSI's free tutoring services on the CASA website and should check there regularly for the most current information on the tutoring schedule and mode of service delivery.
 

If I decide to change my major or to add a minor, how would I do this?
If you would like to make any changes to your major, you should first speak with your academic advisor. Once you have made an informed decision, you will submit the appropriate form to update your record.

The Library has re-opened with all regular services. Please visit our homepage​ for our hours and more! 

CSI provides students, faculty and staff with access to important resources and support that enables them to flourish in their work and studies and benefit from education opportunities beyond the classroom. In order to help our students and faculty locate the best online resources, we've tailored this group of the most useful links that offer exactly what you need for achieving success at CSI.  Visit 

I need a device. Can CSI provide me with one? 

A limited number of  Chromebook devices and additional technology (hotspots, earbuds, etc.) are available for loan to students who need them to participate in distance learning.  In order to be considered, students must be enrolled in an online or hybrid course offered by the College of Staten Island. Please contact the Helpdesk and your request will be considered, based on approval from your instructor.   Visit Loaner Device for more information on requesting or returning a device. 

Where can I learn more about the CSI resources? 
There are Online Resources as well as IT Help and Support available that will  assist you. Included on the online resources students tab is specific information about study spaces, lab availability, and hybrd learning as well as other relevant links to address your technology needs.    

How can I get issues with my CIX account addressed? 
Many times the challenges you are experiencing relate to your login credentials and password. The Self Service Password instructions can assist you. (For additional assistance with your CIX account, complete the Helpdesk form, or email the helpdesk at heldesk@csi.cuny.edu. It is important to provide your student ID (emplid) and  contact information in  your communication. The more information provided, the easier and faster it will be for the helpdesk to provide assistance.

What do I do if I have problems with my SLAS account? 
Your SLAS (Student Login Access Systems) is used to log into computers on campus. For issues with your SLAS account, please refer to the Self Service Password instructions. You can also complete the helpdesk form, or you may email the help desk at helpdesk@csi.cuny.edu.It is important to provide your student ID (emplid) as well as your contact information with either means of communication. The more information you provide, the easier and faster it will be for the helpdesk to provide you with assistance.  

How do I log into Office 365?
CUNY provides a FREE Microsoft Office 365 account to all actively enrolled CSI students.  To access your account, go to mail.office365.com and sign in with your CSI email credentials.  The account will be free while you are a CUNY student and provides access to online Microsoft Office and the downloadable MS Office 365 “ProPlus” suite.

How will student services offices assist students in the Spring?
From advisement to counseling to financial aid to student life, these offices and many others are available in-person and by video, phone, or email.    

Will the Center for Career and Professional Development be accepting in-person appointments this Spring 2023?
Yes, the Center for Career and Professional Development will provide services in-person five days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and remotely.  We can help you navigate the transition back into the work environment and provide you with job and internship information for in-person and remote opportunities.  To schedule an appointment, please call the Center at 718.982.2300 or visit us in Building 1A, Room 105. If you prefer, you can also schedule an appointment by logging into your Handshake Student Account.

Will the Childcare Center be open this Spring?

The Children’s Center is open from 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. for in-person, hands on learning experiences.  For more information, please call us at 718.982.3190, or email us at childrenscenter@csi.cuny.edu, or visit our webpage. 

What student activities are planned for Spring 2023? 

Campus Life is back in full swing. Many activities are being offered on campus and available to all students. Student groups (clubs, organizations, and publications) are holding meetings and events. We encourage all students to download the CORQ App (Google Play or Apple Store) to search for events and involvement opportunities. Involvement Ambassadors are available to meet with students to help form new clubs or to identify existing groups to join. Information about starting a club can be found on the CSI Website.  Our groups use the student activity fees to offer as many community-building and educational programs as possible to support the College’s mission and given students a complete college experience.

The Office of Student Life (1C-201) is open Monday – Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is committed to helping students re-connect (or connect those on campus for the first time) to campus life through its many offerings. Various events will be planned by Student Government and the Campus Activities Board and there are also leadership development and civic engagement opportunities.  All of these events and options can be found on CORQ or CSI Connect.  If you are a first-year student, please use the CORQ App to help you complete your CLUE requirement. 

If you have questions, please reach out to studentlife@csi.cuny.edu and follow us on social media:     

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/csi_studentlife/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CSIOfficeofStudentLife/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CSIStudentLife

All operations for Parking & Dolphin Cards Services are back to normal.  Please visit our web pages for hours of operations and information.

CSI Campus Dining Services are back to normal. Please visit our web pages for hours of operations and information.

I am feeling stressed and anxious about the upcoming semester.  Are personal counseling services available?

The Counseling Center is open Monday - Friday. In person and virtual services are available. Counselors are also available 24/7 by telephone.  For more information or to make an appointment, contact the Counseling Center at counseling@csi.cuny.edu.  If you have an immediate need to speak to a counselor, please call 718.982.2391. 

I want to utilize the services provided in Health and Wellness Services.  Are any options available?

If you have questions about COVID-19, email Covid19@csi.cuny.edu For other health concerns, please email healthcenter@csi.cuny.edu or call at 718.982.3045.  Health & Wellness is located in 1C-112 and the office is open for all health services everyday from 9am-5pm. 

Spring 2023

Random and Return-to-Campus Testing

• Athletes and students living in dorms will now be included in the random testing program eliminating the need to be tested each week. For safety protocols and updates regarding CUNY’s athletics programs, see the CUNY Athletic Conference Return to Sport Plan.

Sports and Recreation Center facilities are open.  Hours of Operation can be found on the CSI Athletics website 

Thank you for your interest in visiting CSI's magnificent campus.   As the health and safety of our guests is of our utmost concern, w​e have made the decision to place precautionary restrictions on visits and other events.  

In-person office hours are Monday - Friday, from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. 

Our Recruitment and Admissions Virtual Office is open Monday and Wednesday, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, and Tuesday and Thursday, from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm for live private chats with our staff.

As we understand the importance of campus visits in your college selection process we have developed alternatives to assist you with your decision. 

• Experience the CSI virtual tour.
• A schedule of virtual events and other resources are available, and additional options will be added. Please check back regularly for updates.
• Limited, small group in-person campus tours.

To provide a safe working and learning environment, no one will be allowed entry to campus unless they show proof of a negative COVID test or COVID vaccination through Cleared4.  

Vaccine Mandate:

• Employees in the executive compensation plan (ECP) and employees in full-time and part-time teaching and non-teaching instructional staff titles (PSC/CUNY titles, including but not limited to, Faculty, HEO, CLT, Adjunct and Non-teaching adjunct titles.) are required to be vaccinated (unless approved for a religious or medical exemption/exception) and should follow the Faculty and Staff Guide for Vaccine Verification to upload their vaccination information into CUNYFirst.
• Unvaccinated faculty and staff with an approved exemption/exception and staff who are not subject to the vaccine mandate (who are either unvaccinated or have not voluntarily uploaded proof of vaccination into CUNYFirst) must continue to test regularly at a CUNY COVID-19 Testing Site.
• Vaccination information must be uploaded to CUNYfirst which then provides for validation through the CUNY Cleared4 Access Pass. Once the documentation has been verified and approved by HR in CUNYfirst, the information will be transferred into Cleared4, usually within 24 hours.

BEFORE YOU ENTER A CUNY BUILDING, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE, EITHER  A PRINTOUT OF A CURRENT AND VALID CLEARED4 PASS or  A CURRENT AND VALID CLEARED4 PASS READY ON YOUR SMARTPHONE.  You will need to show your Cleared4 pass to Public Safety at campus entry points.

• For individuals who have uploaded their vaccination verification via CUNYfirst: Please use the CUNY Access -Cleared4 Guide for Vaccinated CUNY Students, Faculty and Staff to register for Cleared4.

You can find instructions on how to create a shortcut on your iPhone/Android Phone/ Personal Computer to your personal Cleared4 URL on our website:

• Accessing Cleared4 using an iPhone
• Accessing Cleared4 using an Android Phone
• Accessing Cleared4 using a Computer

*Please note:  You will need to refresh your Cleared4 Pass by clicking "Show Access Pass" each day you enter campus.  This will produce a valid pass with the current date displayed.

COVID-19 Testing Program Launched (Faculty & Staff) - Message from the Chancellor

• COVID-19 Testing Program for Faculty and Staff – Frequently Asked Questions
• Getting Back to Working in Person and Learning on Campus – Frequently Asked Questions  
• Testing Program: FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about CUNY’s COVID-19 Testing Program for Students, Faculty and Staff

The CUNY Work/Life Program

The CUNY Work/Life Program is an important benefit for all employees and their families. The program is offered through CCA@YourService at no charge to the employee or members of the employee's family to help them balance the demands of their professional and personal lives. 

As schools announce their plans for virtual classrooms or limited, in-person instruction due to COVID-19, many working parents are in need of practical solutions. Please be reminded that you and your family have access to skilled researchers, committed to identifying custom-matched resources and referrals, including child care, tutoring, and social-emotional support. Free, confidential and available 24/7, CCA@YourService can help you balance work, family, and personal life, especially during these unprecedented times. 

Call 800-833-8707 or log onto www.myccaonline.com  and use "cuny" for the Company Code to get started. 

Why do official email notifications go to my CIX account and not my personal email?
For security purposes, emails will NOT be sent to personal accounts.  You should check your CIX email frequently for official communications and updates.

Where can I find contact information for my professors and other College personnel and offices?
Effective communication is a key pillar of success, and we encourage students to be proactive in their approach to it.  Faculty will list their contact information on their syllabi, and Academic Departments and Student Services offices will include contact information on their respective webpages.  However, you may also use the CSI Directory to search for individuals by name or department.  Email is the preferred method of communication during the pandemic.

• CARES Act Student Emergency Grant Program FAQs
• Carroll and Milton Petrie Student Emergency Grant Fund

Will the Ferry Shuttle and Loop buses be in operation?

Yes. Riders are encouraged to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID and other seasonal viruses, however, there are no social distancing or masking requirements on CSI buses.

View our Transportation page for CSI bus schedules and transportation information.