On Monday, Aug. 23., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the full authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This activated the SUNY policy mandating that all SUNY students taking in-person classes or accessing college facilities must be fully vaccinated.
Our records indicate that you have not submitted documentation of your full dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. You must comply with this mandate to remain enrolled at SUNY Oneonta.
What does this mean?
SUNY Oneonta students who are taking any in-person classes or using any college facilities have until Sept. 27, 2021 to submit proof that they have received a full series (all doses) of any COVID-19 vaccine available in the U.S.
You can select the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at your discretion and still complete the full vaccine series by the deadline.
If you have not yet begun the vaccination process, you must make sure you have enough time to receive a full series by Sept. 27.
- If you want to get the two-dose Pfizer vaccine, you must get your first dose by Monday, Sept. 6.
- If you want to get the two-dose Moderna vaccine, you must get your first dose by Monday, Aug. 30.
- If you want to get the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, it is recommended you get vaccinated by Friday, Sept. 10, but must be no later than Sept. 27.
If you are partially vaccinated, you must complete your vaccination series as scheduled, but no later than Sept. 27.
Where can I begin or finish my vaccine?
The college is offering regular on-campus vaccination clinics in the Counseling, Health and Wellness Center. Please see the “Where can I get vaccinated?” section of the COVID-19 webpage for details and to sign up.
How do I submit proof of vaccination?
(International students can submit proof of receipt of a vaccine under emergency authorization by the World Health Organization (WHO). See the SUNY vaccine policy for instructions on acceptable documentation for international vaccines.)
What happens if I don't comply with the mandate?
Students who do not submit proof of vaccination or do not have an approved exemption on file by Sept. 27, 2021 will be disenrolled and no longer have access to any in-person activities and services or college facilities.
If you are not planning to get vaccinated or submit an application for a genuine religious or medical exemption, it may be in your best interest to either complete the withdrawal process or apply for a leave of absence* by Aug. 29 so you incur as little financial liability as possible.
Financial liability is determined by the withdrawal date, and if you wait until Sept. 27 you will incur full financial liability for tuition and most fees for the semester. The college will follow the standard liability schedules for tuition, fees, room and dining. See SUNY Oneonta’s withdrawal webpage, leave of absence webpage, or SUNY’s tuition and fee liability policy for more information. If you do not complete this semester, your financial aid may also be impacted. Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (finaid@oneonta.edu or 607-436-2532) for more information before making a decision to withdraw or take a leave of absence.
(*Students requesting a leave of absence must provide proof of vaccination in order to return to campus.)
What if I'm already vaccinated?
If you are receiving this email, that means we do not have record of your CDC vaccination card in the student patient portal. In order to comply with this mandate, you must upload a photo/copy of your CDC vaccination card as soon as possible, but no later than Sept. 27.
What if I'm studying completely online?
If all of your classes are fully online, and you do not plan to access campus for any reason, you do not need to submit proof of vaccination, but you must attest that you will not come to campus through the pre-screening tool by Sept. 3.
If you plan to come to campus, or access college facilities for any reason, you must submit proof of vaccination or have an approved exemption on record.
Are exemptions available?
Exemptions are available but are extremely limited. Applications for either a medical or religious exemption must be filed no later than Sept. 3, 2021. Exemption forms are available under the "Vaccine Exemptions" section of the COVID-19 webpage. Review of submitted applications will occur after Sept. 3.
Anyone who applies and is approved for an exemption must continue to participate in weekly testing for the duration of the semester.
Do I still have to participate in weekly testing?
You must continue to participate in weekly surveillance testing until you are fully vaccinated (two weeks past your final dose). Anyone who applies and is approved for an exemption must also continue to participate in weekly testing for the duration of the semester.
If you have any questions, please contact CRT@oneonta.edu.