Instruction FAQs

Updated 3/8/22

• Can faculty require different health and safety measures for their classes than those outlined in University policy?

  Since the start of the pandemic, the University has convened a group of on-campus experts, who have worked in close partnership with local and state health departments, to follow and implement appropriate measures to protect the health and safety of our campus community. We continue to follow the science and guidance from the CDC and other officials, and have developed, implemented and continue to update policies as necessary to protect the entire campus community. To continue to protect our community, it is vital that these policies be implemented consistently and uniformly across our classrooms, laboratories, libraries, dining facilities, residence halls, elevators, and other spaces. 

  Required syllabus statements are available.

• Can I ask others - including my colleagues or students - about their vaccination status?

  Though it can be tempting to ask others about their vaccination status, it is important to remember that an individual’s health information, including medical history and vaccination status, is a confidential matter and protected under federal privacy laws.  Therefore, please do not ask about your students' or colleagues' vaccination status, or corece them to share that information.

  If you have concerns about your health as you return to classroom instruction, please contact the Office of Equity and Access.

• How can I help the University protect our community?

  Know who to contact if you test positive or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and know where to direct your students if they test positive. If you test positive, you should stay home (except to get medical care), follow your health provider’s guidance and call the Health Information Line at 631-632-5000. Clinical faculty in the Renaissance School of Medicine who are credentialed by the hospital and come through employee health for clearance should contact Employee, Health and Wellness at 631-444-7767. 

  If a student tells you that they have tested positive, please encourage them to contact Student Health Services at 631-632-6740 to discuss next steps. 

  To maintain student privacy, you should not share this information with anyone else. If a student in your class becomes ill, you should follow the same guidance on class absences as you would for any other illness, as listed in your course syllabi. There will be no shifts to hybrid instruction, as this creates additional burdens on faculty and instructional support staff. 

  You may also remind your students that, in the event they become ill, they can contact the Student Support Team at student_supportteam@stonybrook.edu for help reaching out to their instructors to discuss absences and any make-up coursework.

• What is the current ruling for mask wearing in classrooms?
  As of March 2, 2022 (in line with new New York State, CDC and SUNY guidance), masks are no longer required in most West Campus locations. Read more in our Stronger Together Update.