STAC’s number one priority is the safety of all members of our community. The College will continue to provide a safe and secure learning, working, and living environment for our students, employees, and visitors.
Please note that the following policies are subject to change based on COVID-19 conditions at the College and in the surrounding community.
STAC's COVID-19 Mitigation Policies
Vaccination and Booster Information
STAC requires all members of the College community to become vaccinated, unless an individual’s personal medical condition or religious beliefs compel otherwise.
It is the College's expectation that you receive the booster shot when eligible, as we believe the boosters will provide a critical additional layer of safety across our campus. When you are eligible to receive your booster, or if you already are, please get your booster and upload documentation at www.stac.edu/COVID.
If you have not yet submitted your booster, or fully/partially completed vaccination record, you must submit via www.stac.edu/COVID, or complete the medical or religious exemption request form via www.stac.edu/exemption as soon as possible.
(We will continue to offer vaccination clinics on campus periodically.)
Fully vaccinated is considered 14 days after receiving the 2nd shot of Pfizer or Moderna or 14 days after receiving the single dose of the J&J vaccine.
Notes for individuals who are not fully vaccinated:
- Must comply with mandatory weekly COVID testing (see testing policy below).
- Should maintain 6 feet of physical distance from others whenever possible.
- Are encouraged to choose the “Grab and Go” option for on-campus dining and eat outdoors whenever possible.
- May be unable to participate in certain student activities, at the discretion of the event director after risk analysis.
- May be required to leave campus in the event of an outbreak.
- Conditions for using the Fitness Center will be evaluated.
- Will only be able to participate in Athletics according to current NCAA guidance and in accordance with the policies of any campus the team is visiting.
MASK WEARING
New Mask Policy: Effective March 7, 2022, members of the STAC community who have received their booster vaccination will:
- NOT need to wear masks on campus other than in classrooms (and in instructional spaces); however, they may do so if they please;
- NOT be subject to random COVID testing;
- NOT need to quarantine (and NOT have to miss class/campus activities) if in close contact with a COVID positive individual (and asymptomatic).
- NOT be restricted from participating in campus activities.
Eligible individuals who have not received their Booster will still need to wear their masks in ALL indoor settings, will be subject to quarantine, and may be subject to random testing in order to continue to safeguard the STAC community.
Remember, all students and faculty will still be required to wear masks in the classroom (and in instructional spaces) regardless of their Booster status.
This change results from new CDC guidelines, NYS guidance, low community transmissions levels within Rockland County, and a low campus infection rate.
Please note: acceptable face masks are ones that cover both your nose and mouth, fit snugly to the face, and do not have a valve. Gaiters and bandanas are not acceptable substitutes for face masks. We recommend masks with multiple layers, and also with a pocket for an extra filter for added protection.
Please use good mask etiquette! Use a clean mask every day. If using a disposable mask, it can be reused after 72 hours without cleaning. If using a reusable mask, please wash with soap and water and allow to dry completely before reuse. Only handle your mask by the straps, and avoid touching your mask with your hands. If you do, wash or sanitize your hands.
Pre-Arrival Requirements
All members of the STAC community will be required to demonstrate proof of full COVID-19 vaccination OR a negative PCR test taken within the 5 days prior to first arrival on campus.
- Fully Vaccinated Individuals. If you have already submitted proof of full vaccination and received confirmation, this will serve as your documentation for check-in. If you have not submitted your documentation via www.stac.edu/COVID, you should do so prior to check-in to facilitate the process and/or show your vaccine card at the check-in table
- Not Fully Vaccinated Individuals. Please bring proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within the 5 days prior to your first arrival on campus. You will have to arrange this test on your own prior to arrival and ensure that you have the results in time.
Check-In Process:
- Resident Students will present pre-arrival documents at a COVID-19 Mitigation Check-In Table and be given a check-in sticker, and those who are fully vaccinated will also be provided with a COVID-19 vaccine sticker, both to be placed on Spartan ID cards prior to proceeding with move-in. Further information specifically for students in residence life is forthcoming.
- Commuter Students and Employees will present pre-arrival documents at a COVID-19 Mitigation Check-In Table and be given a check-in sticker, and those who are fully vaccinated will also be provided with a COVID-19 vaccine sticker, both to be placed on Spartan ID cards prior to gaining access to campus.
- Check-In and Vaccine stickers will be checked in classrooms, at practices, and at random times and locations throughout the week to ensure that everyone has completed the check-in process.
Surveillance Testing
Testing for Not Fully Vaccinated Individuals:
- All individuals who are not fully vaccinated will be required to take a weekly PCR COVID-19 test for at least the first two weeks. Weekly surveillance testing will be conducted through Vault Health on STAC campus. Frequency and percentage of population tested after the first two weeks is subject to change based upon conditions at the College and locally.
- Students who do not comply with testing requirements will be contacted and their status at the College evaluated. Employees who do not comply will be contacted by their supervisor and their status at the College evaluated.
Testing for Fully Vaccinated Individuals:
- A small percentage of fully vaccinated individuals may be randomly selected each week and required to take a PCR COVID-19 test. This random, weekly surveillance testing will be conducted through Vault Health on campus. Frequency and percentage of population tested is subject to change based upon conditions at the College and locally.
- Students who do not comply with testing requirements will be contacted and their status at the College evaluated. Employees who do not comply will be contacted by their supervisor and their status at the College evaluated.
Symptomatic Testing
Students: If any student is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (see list below), they should contact Health Services at [email protected] or 845-398-4242 during normal business hours. Outside of normal business hours, they should contact STAC Telehealth in order to describe their symptoms and discuss whether a PCR COVID-19 test should be administered. Tests for symptomatic students will be provided by STAC through Vault Health either on campus or remotely depending on the situation.
Employees: If any employee is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (see below), they should contact their primary health physician to describe their symptoms and discuss whether a PCR COVID-19 test should be administered. This test would be provided through their own provider. If positive, please contact either Health Services at [email protected] or Human Resources at mco[email protected]. (If employees are determined to be close contacts through STAC contact tracing, a test will be provided by STAC through Vault.)
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms* may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
*This list does not include all possible symptoms.
Quarantine and Isolation
Cleaning and Disinfection
In an effort to provide a safe learning and working environment for students and employees, St. Thomas Aquinas College has created the following Cleaning and Disinfection Policy. St. Thomas Aquinas Colleges outsources its custodial duties to Aramark Higher Education Services. Aramark Services is overseen by Mr. Paul E. Carroll, Aramark, Higher Education, General Manager.
Campus Cleaning Protocols: The Facilities Management team, in cooperation with the College’s Cleaning Services provider, Aramark, has adopted cleaning and disinfection protocols that comply with guidelines from the CDC for preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols.
For cleaning schedules, see the Aramark Scope of Work Sheet. Cleaning and custodial staff have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfection activities (deep-cleaning) across campus.
In addition to the above cleaning, if a person is suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19, STAC Custodial Services has developed a cleaning plan in compliance with CDC Considerations for Higher Education for cleaning after such person has been identified.
St. Thomas Aquinas College has placed hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes throughout the campus to enhance cleanliness and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Academic Areas:
Disinfection of academic areas will be increased in frequency for all bathrooms, elevators, and major touchpoints throughout all shifts. Classrooms have disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer stations available in each room for students to wipe desk surfaces before and after classes.
Student Life Areas:
Romano Student Alumni Center: Cleaning and sanitizing of the Romano Student Alumni Center has been increased in frequency for all bathrooms and major touchpoints throughout all shifts. Custodial staff will follow the deep-cleaning protocol for cleaning and disinfection following group activities. Wipes and hand sanitizer are available throughout the building. In addition, this space will utilize ultraviolet light sanitizers.
Residence Halls:
Disinfection will be increased in frequency for all major touchpoints outside of “Family Residence” areas throughout all shifts. Custodial staff will not enter residence halls. Residents are responsible for cleaning the inside of units. STAC will provide disinfectant materials for inside the residence rooms.
Recreation/Athletic Areas: All recreation and athletic areas will undergo cleaning in accordance with the Aramark Scope of Work throughout the day. This may impact the hours of operation. Wipes and hand sanitizer are available throughout the building. In addition, this space will utilize ultraviolet light sanitizers.
College Offices: Disinfection will be increased in frequency for all bathrooms, elevators, and major touchpoints throughout all shifts.
Campus Safety: The following equipment will be available in the middle office and to be used as needed:
- Iradacon Cleaning Spray
- Disinfectant Wipes
- Disposable Cleaning Wipes
- Alcohol Wipes
- Disposable Gloves
- Eye Protection
- Disposable Lab Coats
- Supply of disposable masks
- Hand Sanitizer
At the start of each shift:
Offices: Using spray and wipes provided by Aramark or Alcohol Wipes to wipe down frequently touched and used surfaces.
Vehicles: Using spray and wipes provided by Aramark or Alcohol Wipes to wipe down steering wheels, consoles, dashboards, and frequently touched and used surfaces. Additionally, seats will be sprayed.
During the shift - ongoing:
Offices: Periodically wipe down frequently touched and used surfaces.
Vehicles: When changing drivers, the inside of the vehicle will be cleaned as if it were the start of a shift.
Campus Air Filtration and Purification
Last summer our HVAC systems were modified to accept CDC-recommended Merv-13 filters. In addition to this, we have further enhanced our air filtration systems by installing air purification devices from RGF Environmental Group. These devices utilize RGF’s proprietary Reflective Electromagnetic Energy technology. Installed into the air ducts, the device produces low-level, airborne hydrogen peroxide that is distributed through the duct system, and into the conditioned space. Unlike passive air technologies, which need pollutants to pass through the unit for purification or filtration, the RGF air purifier actively purifies pollutants at the source. Benefits include:
- Reduces up to 99% of bacteria, mold, and viruses.
- Reduces sneeze germs by 99% in the time a sneeze can reach three feet.
- Unlike portable units that are limited to the room in which they are placed, this device provides whole building purification.
These purification units have been installed throughout our College campus.
Classroom Health and Safety Protocols
The health and safety of students, faculty, and staff on our campus is our top priority. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the STAC community will be working together to support compliance with recommended health and safety standards to optimize the learning experience while minimizing health risks.
- Follow quarantine and isolation guidelines. Do not come to campus or leave your residence hall if you have recently tested positive for COVID-19, have recently come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (and you are unvaccinated against COVID-19), have been told to quarantine as a result of contact tracing, or you feel ill. You can return once you have been cleared by STAC Health Services. If you have been cleared by your own primary care physician or by STAC Telehealth, documentation must be sent to STAC Health Services ([email protected]) stating that you are cleared to return to campus/class.
- Wear face masks. All members of the STAC community, regardless of vaccination status, are currently required to wear face masks while in public spaces, including classrooms, hallways, the library, and any other shared spaces. Your mask should cover your mouth and nose, and should not be removed while in class for any reason. Please be aware that this policy may change according to CDC guidance and local health and safety conditions.
- Sit in the same seat every class. For contact tracing purposes, students will need to sit in the same seat every class.
- Maintain physical distancing where possible. All students, faculty, and staff should maintain 3-6 feet of physical distance where possible. However, realistically there will be classroom spaces where this is not always possible. Classroom capacities have been managed to allow for the greatest degree of distancing possible.
- Minimize shared equipment. Individuals should avoid sharing equipment where possible. However, if equipment does need to be shared, please wipe it down with provided disinfecting wipes in between users and maintain physical distancing as much as possible.
- Do not eat or drink in the classroom. Individuals should avoid eating and drinking in classroom spaces, unless they have a documented accommodation.
- Disinfect your classroom space. Students and faculty are encouraged to disinfect areas within their workspaces by cleaning these at the beginning and end of each class. This includes desktops, seats, and equipment used during class. Disinfectant supplies will be provided.
- Practice good hand hygiene. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as often as possible or use personal hand sanitizers. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the campus.
- Respect each other. Express concern for each other’s health and safety, and remember that this is a stressful time for everyone. Do not make judgments about people depending on their vaccination status, and do not treat people differently because they are or are not vaccinated. STAC cherishes its reputation as a warm and welcoming community; we are justifiably proud of our tradition of acceptance and tolerance. COVID has increased the overall anxiety level, and we need to make sure that we maintain our commitment to being a caring campus. Failure to comply with these health and safety protocols will be handled according to the College's Disruptive Student Policy.
Campus Events and Activities
Mask Wearing: Mask-wearing policies at events and during transportation to and from events will be consistent with the College-wide mask policy.
On-Campus Events: Fully vaccinated individuals can attend all on-campus events, following College-wide COVID-19 safety protocols. Not fully vaccinated individuals can attend outdoor events, and some indoor events, depending on the approval of the Director of Student Engagement.
Off-Campus Events: All students must be fully vaccinated to attend Off-Campus Events.
Student-Run Events: Any student-run events must be approved by the Director of Student Engagement and must follow rules set forth by the Department of Student Engagement regarding fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated attendees. Clubs can reserve space and host an event on campus.
Athletics
St. Thomas Aquinas College is requiring the COVID-19 vaccination for all students and employees. All protocols and procedures are in accordance with NYS guidelines, NCAA guidelines and institutional policy. Guidance is subject to change based on changes made by these or other local authorities.
Arrival to Campus
All not fully vaccinated students must supply negative results from a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 5 days of arriving on campus for the first time in accordance with College policy.
Institutional quarantine/testing plan in effect for all international students arriving in the USA in accordance with the CDC International Travel Policy.
Mask Policy
Masks are NOT required during practice/competition.
Masks ARE required for all team travel by all members of the travel party.
Masks are to be worn by all students/staff at all other times while indoors on campus. Please note, this is subject to change for vaccinated students/staff based on local conditions, CDC recommendations, and College policy. See above section 8 for the College’s Mask Wearing policy.
Testing Protocols
All not fully vaccinated student-athletes, coaches, and administrators will be tested weekly during the non-championship segments of the season and weekly (at a minimum) within 3 days of the first competition of each week during the championship segment of the season.
Fully vaccinated individuals, including student-athletes, coaches and administrators will be exempt from mandated COVID-19 surveillance testing for athletics unless they become symptomatic or if local/campus conditions call for more stringent testing.
Travel Policy
Masks are required at all times during transportation.
- Unvaccinated individuals MAY NOT be permitted to travel to contests where unvaccinated individuals are not permitted on campus/site of competition or where proof of vaccination is required.
- All rules and regulations provided by the institution/game site must be followed at all times.
Visiting Team Policy
Schools will adhere to the NCAA’s COVID-19 management and testing considerations for Tier 1 individuals. All opponents must adhere to the NCAA guidelines at a minimum.
- Weekly PCR/NAAT or three times a week Antigen when no competition
- PCR/NAAT test within three days of first competition of the week or antigen within one day of each competition
Schools will be required to use the designated ECC Roster form to communicate vaccinations and testing status for all members of the travel party OR use a similar process to ensure all standards are met
Game Day Officials
Officials will be expected to show either proof of vaccination or follow the protocols outlined for unvaccinated officials:
- Unvaccinated officials are required to provide proof of a negative PCR test within three days of the competition, or proof of a negative antigen test within one day of the competition, or proof of a previous positive COVID-19 test result in the last 90 to the host institution.
- Unvaccinated officials are required to wear masks at all times on campus, including during the competition.
Spectator Policy
Spectators will be permitted at outdoor athletic events.
- Social distancing is recommended when possible
- Masks are recommended for non-vaccinated individuals
More information to follow for indoor events.
Athletic Workout Guidelines (Mandated at all athletic facilities)
- Mask must be worn properly at all times when not actively competing/practicing (indoors).
- Use hand sanitizer/wash hands before and after every workout.
- Strict cleaning protocol for all equipment after every workout.
Athletic Facilities
Kraus Fitness Center
- Masks must be worn at all times.
- Only vaccinated students and staff are permitted to use the Fitness Center for the first two weeks of the semester. Conditions will be re-evaluated at that point.
- Athletic teams will have planned access to the Fitness Center for team activities.
- Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipe dispensers added in multiple locations.
- All users are responsible for wiping down all equipment after each use; Virex spray is available in addition to wipes.
- UVC Lights used to sanitize areas every night.
Aquinas Gymnasium
- Increase percentage of outdoor air (using two large air purifiers).
- Hand sanitizer and wipe dispensers added at each main entrance.
- UVC Lights used to sanitize areas every night.
Spartan Field
- Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipe dispensers added in multiple locations.
- Coaches and student-athletes responsible for wiping down all equipment after each use.
- No student-athlete parking at Spartan Field or in Venture Lot.
- All student-athletes must walk to the field.
Riley Family Tennis Courts
- Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipe dispensers added in multiple locations.
- Coaches and student-athletes responsible for wiping down equipment after each use.
Athletic Training Room (ATR)
- The ATR will be open for regular hours.
- Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the ATR.
- Gloves are available upon request.
- Athletic Trainers will disinfect tables between use.
- Athlete is responsible for wiping down all rehab equipment used.
- Appointments will be scheduled in 25-minute blocks, with a 5-minute cleaning window.
- Pre/post practice treatments will be utilized through appointment only.
- All daily cleaning and sanitization will be completed in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Student-Athlete/Staff Member Exhibiting Symptoms
- Do not attend workout/practice. If anyone records a temperature of 100.0 or higher, they are not permitted to work out. Immediately leave the facility, return to dormitory or home and contact STAC Health & Wellness Services at [email protected] and use STAC Telehealth (students) or contact Healthcare Provider (staff).
- Coaches must notify athletic training staff.
- Defer to College policy.
Student-Athlete/Staff COVID-19 Positive Test Result
- Defer to College policy – Contact Health Services/Human Resources.
- Could result in isolation/quarantine for multiple team members.
Return to Play Following COVID-19 Positive Test Result
- Full policy initiated by athletic training staff in accordance with NCAA and CDC guidelines.
