Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

These questions and answers have been developed to respond to feedback on Binghamton University's plan. This is a fluid process and the answers to the questions may change moving forward. We will continue to update, and time stamp, this page as new information becomes available and new questions arise.

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Sections:

Vaccine and booster requirements

Effective immediately (April 12, 2023), Binghamton University, following guidance from the State University of New York, does not require students to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

International student vaccine/booster requirements

Effective immediately (April 12, 2023), Binghamton University, following guidance from the State University of New York, does not require students to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Surveillance testing

Masks are still required in all healthcare settings, including Decker Student Health Services Center and the University Counseling Center.

• Do unvaccinated faculty and staff still have to be tested? (Updated Jan. 11, 2023)

  As of Aug. 31, 2022, the Memorandums of Understanding with all bargaining units that required unvaccinated faculty and staff to test weekly have expired. 

  Since COVID testing is no longer required, faculty and staff no longer have the ability to test on campus and the Surveillance Testing Center closed, effective at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. However, there are various locations for faculty and staff to pick up  free, at-home COVID tests. They can be found on the web.

  All faculty and staff who test positive for COVID should continue to contact Sara DeClemente-Hammoud in Human Resources at declemen@binghamton.edu for guidance.

  Note that CDC guidance now indicates that individuals who are exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, no longer have to quarantine unless they are symptomatic.

• What are the surveillance testing requirements for students exempted from vaccination? (Updated Sept. 8, 2022)

  The State University of New York (SUNY) has updated its COVID guidance.

  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 closed.

  The University no longer offers courtesy surveillance testing to vaccinated students. Home test kits will be available on campus while supplies last.  

• What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms? (Updated Sept. 8, 2022)

  If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, and you are a student, make an appointment for diagnostic testing with Decker Student Health Services Center via the patient portal. If you are a faculty/staff member, consult your healthcare provider.

Confirmation testing

• If I test positive with a home test, do I need a second test? (Updated Sept. 8, 2022)

  If you test positive with a home test, you will be considered to have COVID-19. No further testing will change that designation. Since the Health Department is in charge of determining those who must isolate, Binghamton University does not have the ability to alter this requirement; therefore, no further testing will be done and you must isolate.

Diagnostic testing

• What if I have symptoms and decline to have a PCR test done?

  If you have symptoms and do not get tested, you will not know for sure whether you have COVID-19 and could spread this infection to others on campus.

  In addition, if you are infected now, you might test positive for up to three months. If you test positive at a later date, such as before you travel, it may cause difficulties for you.

• Can I trust a negative result early in the course of my symptoms?

  When infected with the SARS-CoV-2 variants BA-4 and BA-5, it may take 3–5 days for an individual to develop a positive test. Students whose symptoms seem consistent with COVID-19 but are testing negative with a home test should continue their self-isolation and make an appointment with a medical provider at the Decker Student Health Services Center via the student patient portal.  

• Why is it that only students with symptoms may get tested for COVID-19 at DSHSC?

  DSHSC runs a diagnostic service for students. Diagnostic testing is different than surveillance testing in that it is only done on people who have symptoms or who have been directly exposed to COVID-19. The accuracy of diagnostic COVID-19 test results depends on the pre-test probability of the person being tested actually having COVID-19. This, in turn, depends on  whether symptoms are present. DSHSC wants to have the most accurate results possible for students.  

• Can I get a hard copy of my test results after receiving a PCR test at DSHSC?

  You may request a hard copy of your test results by sending a secure message to the provider "OnlineNurs" in the student patient portal. You will receive a copy of your lab result by return secure message within 5–7 days.

• Do I need to upload my positive test results if the positive test was administered on campus?

  No. Students do NOT need to upload proof of a positive COVID test to the Decker student health portal if the test was administered on campus at the Surveillance Testing Center or at Decker Student Health Services Center.

• What tests are used at DSHSC?

  Testing is be done using a Lucira Rapid PCR test.

Reporting positive results from a home test or an off-campus provider

• If I live on campus do I have to report a positive test result from a home test kit or one received from a test administerd off campus to the University?

  Yes. Any residential student who tests positive for COVID-19 on a home test or on a test administered by a provider off campus must report their positive test to the University and enter isolation. To report an off-campus test result (e.g. a result from a test not administered at Decker Student Health Services Center), students must email Safe Housing at safehousing@binghamton.edu as soon as possible after receiving the positive result.

  The email must include your B-number, cell phone number and the date of your positive test.

  University staff will call you at the number you provided to follow up and discuss your isolation options as soon as possible. In the meantime, wear a mask, stay in your room and monitor your phone.

• What do I do if I have a positive home test for COVID-19 while I am in Binghamton? (Updated Sept. 15, 2022)

  If you have a positive home COVID-19 test while you are in Binghamton, regardless of whether you live on or off campus:

  • Immediately put on a mask and avoid contact with other people.
  • Place your test device on a piece of paper.  On the paper, write your name, your date of birth, the date you performed the test and one of the following: the date your symptoms started or the fact that you are having no symptoms.
    
    • Upload a photo of the paper and test device to the patient portal using the "COVID Positive Test Results" function.
    • Place the test device in a sealed plastic bag in case a medical professional requests to see it.
  • Immediately report your positive test result to the Broome County Health Department using this short survey. 
• Where can I find a home test kit?

  Home COVID-19 test kits are available for free for students, staff and faculty while supplies last at the following locations:

  • Information desk in the Tillman Lobby of The Union
    • Generally staffed during The Union's regular hours.
  • Security desk at the University Downtown Center
    • Staffed 24 hours/day
  • PB-110, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
    • Open regular business hours
  • University Police walk-up window, basement of the Couper Administration Building
    • Staffed 24 hours/day 

  Free at-home test kits are also available at the Broome County Health Department at 225 Front St., Binghamton. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order a third round of free at-home tests. Order yours at covid.gov. Most insurance plans also cover free home tests at local pharmacies. Check with your insurance company for details.

Isolation

• Does the University have  isolation space?

  The University will have limited isolation housing on campus in the fall of 2022 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.

  On-campus residing students will be contacted by University staff to coordinate their isolation period.

• What do I do if my roommate is isolating in place? (New Sept. 8, 2022)

  It is up to individual students to communicate their status to their roommates or suitemates, as the University cannot reveal private medical information. If you are uncomfortable staying in your room/suite with an isolating individual, activate your isolation plan, which may involve you moving to another space (a friend's room, a common area in your suite, with a friend off campus, etc.) while your roommate isolates.

• How long is the typical isolation period?

  The typical isolation period lasts for 5 days.

• How should I handle testing after I have been exposed?

  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.

• What if I have questions or need support when I'm in  isolation?

  Students in isolation should contact DSHSC at 607-777-2221 for any medical issues. The University Counseling Center (607-777-2772) is available to assist with mental health concerns. You will also be provided with the contact information for the CARE team and MSW interns who can help, in addition to a number of other student support resources available on the Dean of Students Here to help web page. 

  In case of emergency, call University Police (607-777-2222).

Graduate students 

• Will the University offer GRE waivers for the 2022-23 academic year? (Updated July 25, 2022)

  Any program that wishes to waive the GRE may do so.

• I have been admitted to a graduate program. Can I defer my admission and attend in a future term? (Updated July 25, 2022) 

  It is possible to defer an offer of admission for up to one year (two semesters). Deferrals are granted at the recommendation of the academic department. Applicants who wish to defer their offer of admission should contact their academic department to request a deferral. 

  From an immigration perspective, the Form I-20 (for F-1 students) can only be deferred for up to one year at a time. However, if the program allows, it can be deferred to spring 2023 (less than a year), and later deferred to fall 2023 (as needed). The I-901 SEVIS fee that students have to pay to SEVP is also only valid for up to a year, and may need to be repaid at a later date, should a student elect to defer for a longer period of time.

• If I enrolled in courses at another university, can I enroll at Binghamton University?  (Updated July 25, 2022)

  Yes, this is an option. You must apply to and be admitted to Binghamton University. If you are an international student, once you have been fully admitted, you would then submit a request to your current institution to transfer your valid SEVIS record to Binghamton University through the SEVIS system. All graduate students who are considering transferring to Binghamton University are encouraged to review the Graduate School’s policy regarding the transfer of graduate credits.

• I am a newly admitted graduate student. When do I need to submit my final official bachelor’s transcript(s) to the Office of Graduate Admissions? (Updated July 25, 2022)

  New graduate students must submit final official transcript(s) no later than sixth week after the beginning of the semester in which they start graduate studies.

  All final, official transcript(s) must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Instructions for submitting final official transcript(s) are available online.

• If a student defers for a semester or a year, will the student sacrifice their deposit and have to make a new one? (Updated July 25, 2022)

  Yes. The admission deposit confirms a student's intent to enroll at Binghamton University and reserves their place in the academic program for the semester for which they were accepted. If a student requests and accepts a deferral of the admission offer, the deposit will be forfeited. Admitted students should review the admissions deposit refund policy.

• I was an undergraduate at Binghamton, but am now a graduate student. What health requirements am I required to submit? (New July 25, 2022)

  A new graduate student who was enrolled at Binghamton as an undergraduate student and has been fully compliant with all health requirements, including COVID-19 vaccination, does not need to submit any health requirements, with the following caveats:

  • If their last meningococcal meningitis (MMR) was more than five years ago from the time of their enrollment as a new graduate student, they must complete a new Meningococcal Meningitis Response (MMR) Form (or submit proof of a shot within the last five years).
  • If they have been absent from Binghamton University for more than three semesters, they must complete a new health history form (which includes a TB screen) and TB testing if the TB screen is positive, and also prove they have had a meningococcal meningitis (MMR) vaccine within the last five years (or submit a response form declining the vaccine).
• I am a nursing/clinical psychology/social work/TLEL graduate student and I am worried about my clinical placement. What should I do?  (Updated July 27, 2022)

  Nursing students

  Nursing students at the undergraduate and graduate levels are responsible for providing their own personal protective equipment (PPE) for clinical experiences.  PPE may include surgical masks, N95 masks, and eye protection as specified by the clinical site.  Decker College nursing faculty can guide students toward appropriate purchases. If N95 masks are required, students will be provided with instructions for fit testing.  Students may be required to care for patients with COVID-19 during clinical experiences. Clinical agencies have safety protocols in place that include monitoring for exposure. If a student is exposed, the student will be notified and then supported through the quarantining process. 

  Clinical psychology students

  Agencies currently vary with regard to conducting mental health services either in-person, remotely (via telehealth), or a hybrid of in-person and telehealth. All agencies have affirmed that they will follow New York State laws and regulations, as well as CDC guidelines, regarding the health and safety of our students while they are on-site. The Psychological Clinic, located in Clearview Hall, continues to require clients, staff and trainees to wear personal protective equipment (face coverings of nose and mouth). 

  Social work students

  If you are a MSW or BSW student and have concerns about your field placement, reach out to Maria Gordon at  gordonm@binghamton.edu or Cara Kenien-Ponomarev ckenien@binghamton.edu.
  
  TLEL students

  If you are a TLEL student and have concerns about your field placement, reach out to Matt McConn (mmconn@binghamton.edu) or Andrea Decker (andecker@binghamton.edu).

• Can students who have been provisionally admitted due to lack of proof of English proficiency enroll? (Updated Jan. 11, 2023)

  All international students will continue to be required to provide proof of English proficiency via English language test scores. Applicants who do not provide scores above the University minimums will not receive a regular admit or be able to pay the deposit, and therefore will not be able to register/enroll in classes. Additional information regarding proof of English proficiency is available online at https://www.binghamton.edu/grad-school/admissions/requirements.html#englishproficiency.

  Note: In response to COVID-19, the Office of Graduate Admissions has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency for applications for the 2023 application cycle. A minimum score of 105 is required.

• Do I need a visa before the term begins? (Updated July 25, 2022)

  If you plan to attend classes in person at Binghamton University, you will need to receive your I-20, pay the SEVIS fee, be issued an F-1 visa by the U.S. consulate or embassy, and enter the United States before the end of the add/drop period. Students who are unable to arrive prior to the start of classes should be in communication with their academic department and the ISSS to communicate this delay, acknowledging that if they are unable to arrive by the end of the add/drop period, they should either engage in online learning from abroad or defer their admission to a future semester, in alignment with what may be offered by their specific academic program.

• Should I request an emergency visa appointment? (Updated July 25, 2022)

  This will depend on the policies of the embassy or consulate nearest you. You may be able to request an emergency appointment up to 30 days before the start date on your I-20. Students are encouraged to review the website for your local embassy or consulate for additional details on emergency visa appointments.

  Note: If you are currently in the United States and your visa has expired, you do not need to take any action. You can remain in the United States with an expired visa and apply for a new visa on a future trip.

• I received an electronic I-20. Will I be able to use this electronic I-20 to apply for my visa? (Updated July 25, 2022)

  The United States Department of Homeland Security has approved the use of electronic I-20s. If you received an electronic I-20 from ISSS, it is valid for the same period of time as an original hardcopy I-20. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has coordinated with the Department of State and Customs and Border Protection, and both agencies have confirmed their support for electronic I-20s. You should print a copy of this document for the purpose of applying for your visa and entering the United States. 

• What will happen to my I-20 if I am unable to come to the United States? (Updated July 25, 2022)

  If you are unable to enter the United States in F-1 status by the end of the add/drop period of the fall 2022 semester, you should inquire about deferring your admission to the spring 2023 semester. If you gain approval to defer your admission, the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will defer the start date on your I-20 to spring 2023. You will be sent an updated I-20 for the purpose of applying for your visa (if you have not yet been able to do so) and for future travel to the United States.

• As an international student, are there any travel restrictions I should be aware of? (Updated July 25, 2022)

  Effective November 8, 2021, all non-citizen and non-immigrant air passengers traveling to the U.S. must show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Travelers will need to show documentation of full vaccination with a WHO-approved vaccine. Additional details about travel to the U.S. and the vaccination requirement are available on the CDC website. 

  Exceptions to this requirement are only available in very limited circumstances. Students who have received a medical or religious exemption from the vaccination requirement at Binghamton University may not qualify for an exception under the CDC requirements and should review the exceptions information on the CDC website. If you have additional questions about travel, email isss@binghamton.edu. 

• If I deferred my admission to spring 2023, when will I be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)? (Updated July 25, 2022)

  International students are eligible for CPT after completing one full academic year as a full-time student. Students who defer their admission to spring 2023 and do not arrive in the United States until spring 2023 will therefore delay their eligibility for CPT.

• I am an incoming international student funded as a Teaching/Graduate Assistant. What actions must I take to be added to the New York state payroll? (Updated July 25, 2022)

  Incoming international GA/TAs with new assistantships cannot be placed on the New York State payroll until they physically complete their I-9 form/work authorization and other employment paperwork in person with Human Resources. Additionally, the NYS payroll system requires a U.S. address and direct deposit to a U.S. bank account. If you are unable to physically report to complete your I-9 to verify your employment authorization, and acquire a local address and U.S. direct deposit, we are unable to place you on the payroll. Respond via EMAIL to notify your supervisor immediately if this applies to you.

Health

• Do I need to wear a mask?  

  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 Sept. 7 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.

• What should students who think they are sick do?

  Students who think they may have coronavirus must CALL THE DECKER STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES CENTER at 607-777-2221 within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms and as early in the day as possible.

  There are no walk-in appointments. All appointments will begin via telehealth. Students must call for medical care, at which time they will be routed to a nurse for a Doxy.me session (similar to Zoom) to triage their problem. If necessary, a Doxy.me appointment will be arranged with a physician or nurse practitioner. The medical provider will treat most conditions via telehealth, but in-person visits are available at the provider's discretion.

  Students using an off-campus walk-in or urgent care facility should also call ahead, and faculty and staff should contact their healthcare provider by phone to make an appointment.

• Do I have to make an appointment to be seen at Decker Student Health Services Center?

  There are no walk-in appointments at Decker Student Health Services Center. All appointments will begin at Decker Student Health Services Center via teleheath.

  All students wishing to receive medical care at Decker Student Health Services must call 607-777-2221 to begin the triage process.

• What if a student needs medical attention when Decker Student Health Services is closed?

  Medical care is available to all students through Decker Student Health Services Center (DSHSC) from 8 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, and information about COVID-19 symptoms, prevention and testing is also available on the DSHSC website. 

  If a student would like to speak with a registered nurse when DSHSC is closed, call our FoneMed service toll-free at 833-359-0167 to speak directly with a nurse. During regular business hours, call DSHSC at 607-777-2221.

  If students believe they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, they should call ahead before visiting any healthcare facility to allow providers to properly prepare. 

  For emergency and after-hours care on nights and weekends, students have several options, including through emergency room, walk-in and telehealth care. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911, call Harpur's Ferry at 607-777-3333 (campus emergency response squad) or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department:

  • Lourdes Hospital, 169 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, N.Y. 
  • UHS Wilson Medical Center, 33-57 Harrison St., Johnson City, N.Y. 
  • UHS Binghamton General Hospital, 10-42 Mitchell Ave., Binghamton, N.Y. 

  For minor emergencies, visit a walk-in center, which is appropriate for acute illness that isn't life threatening. Some walk-in centers have X-ray, lab and suturing capability. Call the location first if you need special services.

  • Lourdes Hospital Walk-In Centers
  • UHS Walk-In Centers
  • UHS Vestal Campus, located directly across the street at 4417 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, N.Y.
  • Endwell Family Physicians Walk-In Center, 415 Hooper Rd., Endwell, N.Y. 

  Telehealth options are also available for remote evaluation, care and advice.

  • Lourdes Online Care
  • UHS Virtual Health
  • UHS NurseDirect at 607-763-5555

  Students who visit a local emergency room or urgent care center are responsible for all costs incurred. Students with Binghamton University student insurance can also see a doctor 24/7 through healthiest you. Many insurances are also currently offering no out-of-pocket expense tele-doctor visits.

• What resources are available to help me stay healthy, mentally and physically?

  A number of resources are available to students, faculty and staff to help them through this unusual spring semester — all available virtually.

  For faculty and staff:

  • Academic continuity website
  • BFirst mentoring network
  • Binghamton University Interfaith Council (BUIC)
  • Campus Recreational Services
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Healthy Campus Initiative: B-Healthy including Steps to B-Healthy, Farm Share, Healthy Campus Agents and the AHA Check it! Challenge. 
  • Human Resources (payroll, benefits, etc.)
  • Meditation labyrinth
  • Ombudsman

  For students:

  • Academic Continuity website
  • BFirst mentoring network
  • B-Healthy (see above for more)
  • Binghamton University Interfaith Council (BUIC)
  • Campus Recreational Services
  • The CARE Team
  • Health Promotion and Prevention Services
  • Meditation labyrinth
  • Alumni Mentor Match
  • Services for Students with Disabilities
  • Student services (on-campus resources)

Employees

• I am an employee who tests positive for COVID and must isolate. Can I work from home? (New Aug. 17, 2021)

  Employees who are isolated or quarantined following a positive test (or following subsequent contact tracing) at a public health, medical or campus direction shall be allowed to work remotely to the greatest extent possible. If remote work is not possible, the employee shall use identified available COVID paid leave benefits working through Human Resources. 

• I am an employee who is vaccinated and came in close contact with an individual who tested positive? Do I need to quarantine?  (New Aug. 17, 2021)

  Following close contact with an individual who tested positive, vaccinated employees should wear a mask at all times for a period of two weeks and it is recommended that they be tested within 3-5 days. Asymptomatic employees may continue to work. Those who develop symptoms should test, call their healthcare provider, must not report to work, and must contact Human resources regarding quarantining and working remotely.

• I am an employee who is NOT vaccinated and came in close contact with an individual who tested positive. Do I need to quarantine? Can I work from home? (New Aug. 17, 2021)

  Unvaccinated employees who have had close contact will be required to quarantine. Employees who are isolated or quarantined following a positive test (or following subsequent contact tracing) at a public health, medical or campus direction shall be allowed to work remotely to the greatest extent possible. If remote work is not possible, the employee shall use identified available COVID paid leave benefits working through Human Resources. The Department of Health will issue official orders in this case.

• My child is home sick from school. Can I work from home? (New Aug. 17, 2021)

  Appropriate family sick leave benefits should be used to care for a sick child.

• We are having very inclement weather. Can I work from home?   (New Aug. 17, 2021)

  Working from home is not an option during periods of inclement weather unless someone is enrolled in the pilot telecommuting program and the inclement weather falls on a day one was already scheduled to work remotely.

• My child has been placed in quarantine. Is there a program available to be able to remain at home with them? (New Aug. 17, 2021)

  Since working from home is not an option, you would be required to charge the appropriate leave accrual during this time away from the office.

• What if I am sick unrelated to a COVID exposure notification and I stay home and get tested and my results are negative. Do I have to charge my leave accruals? (New Aug. 17, 2021)

  Yes. The appropriate sick leave accruals are charged in an instance where an employee is out of work sick without a positive COVID test or close contact situation as informed by the Department of Health.

Parking and transportation

• What are the spring schedules for OCCT and BC Transit?

  The OCCT schedule for the spring semester will be posted on the OCCT website. Download the ETA SPOT application for real-time bus tracking information.

  BC Transit operates between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. BC Transit routes and schedule information are available at the BC Transit website. Download the DoubleMap application for real-time bus tracking information.

• Are masks still required on OCCT and BC Transit buses? (Updated Sept. 8, 2022)

  Following Gov. Kathy Hochul's Sept. 7, 2022, 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. 

• Do I need a parking permit? (New Jan. 11, 2023)

  When parking from 7 a.m. Monday through 4 p.m. Friday, a valid parking permit is needed. Permits are available for purchase online at the TAPS portal. First-year resident students are not eligible to purchase a parking permit.

Dining

• What can I expect from dining this spring? (Updated Jan. 11, 2023)

  Binghamton University Dining Services provides full, in-person dining at 100% capacity in all of our venues. For additional details on dining, visit the Binghamton University Dining Services website.

Monkeypox

• What information is available about monkeypox?

  For information on monkeypox, including how it is spread and precautions the University is taking, see the monkeypox webpage.