April 12, 2023
Effective immediately, Binghamton University, following guidance from the State University of New York, does not require students to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
Jan. 6, 2023
Find below the campus guidance for the spring 2023 semester. We’re looking forward to having everyone on campus for the semester, and as you prepare, know that we continue to follow all public health and state guidelines, and have developed the following guidance with your safety and the safety of the entire community in mind.
Vaccinations and boosters
All students who have a physical presence on campus are required to complete a primary series of COVID-19 vaccines (fully vaccinated*). For domestic students, this meant completing a series of FDA-approved or authorized vaccines at least two weeks prior to the start of classes on Aug. 23. International students must complete a primary series that is FDA-approved or authorized, or one that is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Students who moved into campus housing were not allowed to move in unless they had completed a series of FDA-approved or authorized, or WHO-approved vaccines, or had been granted a medical or religious exemption. NO unvaccinated student was able to complete course registration without an approved exemption.
SUNY has removed the requirement for students to have received a booster. However, the University strongly recommends that students receive booster shots when eligible because they help the student and the community raise the level of protection against the COVID virus. In addition, students who have not received a booster shot may be subject to quarantine if exposed to an individual who tests positive. Find information on COVID-19 vaccine boosters at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html.
Isolation
The University will have limited isolation housing on campus for on-campus residing students who test positive for COVID-19. Should the need expand beyond available beds, students will be strongly encouraged to return home for their isolation period, or, if that is not possible, will be required to isolate in place where they reside on campus.
Testing after known exposure
Current CDC guidance recommends that individuals who have had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 should wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of their last close contact and get tested at least 5 days after exposure. Students who develop symptoms or who would like to get tested after exposure may request a test following the instructions on the diagnostic testing webpage.
Masking
The University no longer requires masking, except for individuals in healthcare facilities (e.g., Decker Student Health Services, the University Counseling Center, surveillance testing sites). Following Gov. Kathy Hochul's lifting of the mask mandate for public transportation, masks are now optional on OCCT and BC Transit buses. However, the CDC continues to communicate that masks can protect you and others from COVID-19. The campus community is asked to remain supportive of those who choose to wear masks and especially sensitive to individuals who may be immunocompromised. Please consider wearing a mask when you live with or have social contact with someone at high risk for severe illness.
Non-symptomatic surveillance testing (updated Sept. 8)
The State University of New York (SUNY) has updated its COVID guidance, effective immediately.
Students who have a campus-approved medical or religious exemption from COVID-19 vaccinations, and who have a regular presence on campus, are no longer required to undergo regular surveillance testing at the University’s Surveillance Testing Center.
Therefore, the University’s surveillance testing site has been closed.
The University no longer offers courtesy surveillance testing to vaccinated students. Home test kits will be available on campus while supplies last.
Symptomatic diagnostic testing
Decker Student Health Services will provide diagnostic testing for students with symptoms by appointment.
Requesting an exemption
Students may request a medical or religious exemption from the vaccination. Students with exemptions are no longer required to undergo regular surveillance testing at the on-campus site. The process for requesting exemptions has been automated. Find information on how to request an exemption on the Decker Student Health Services website at https://www.binghamton.edu/health/covid-19/index.html.
Providing proof of vaccination
Students will not be able to attend class or move into their residence hall until proof of being fully vaccinated is uploaded to the Decker Student Health Services portal.
All booster shot documentation must be uploaded into the portal at binghamton.medicatconnect.com/
To upload documentation, follow these instructions:
- Indicate you are from Binghamton University.
- Sign in using your Binghamton University login ID username and password.
- Go to the Uploads section of the portal.
- Upload a copy of your immunization to COVID Immunizations.
Monkeypox
For information on monkeypox, including how it is spread and precautions the University is taking, see the monkeypox webpage.
Questions?
During this time of intense preparation and to coordinate responses, direct all questions to fall2022@binghamton.edu. Your questions will be answered as soon as possible.
