COVID Policies for Spring 2023

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Specific COVID Policies

Vaccines

Students are no longer required to be vaccinated for COVID.  However, they are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated and get boosters to prevent infection to themselves or transmission to others.

For those students who wish to be vaccinated, vaccines are administered locally at these locations.

Alfred University employees (faculty and staff members) are also strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated, and to get boosters when eligible.

COVID Testing

COVID testing will not be required for any student, regardless of vaccination status. Students who experience COVID-like symptoms should call the Wellness Center at 607-871-2400 for an initial consultation. If a test is recommended by Wellness Center staff, they will administer a test to determine whether the student is positive. 

Campus Mask Use

For Spring 2023, the Alfred University campuses will be “mask friendly”.  As such, students, staff and faculty are no longer required to wear masks on campus. For those who elect to wear masks, the University will continue to provide replacement masks at Herrick or Scholes library while supplies last. Masks are still required in the Wellness Center, as with any healthcare facility.

Commuting Students

Commuting students who test positive for COVID should isolate at home and not come to campus.

Campus Visitor Mask Use

Visitors to campus do not have to wear a mask during their visit.

Faculty and Staff COVID reporting

Faculty and staff who test positive for COVID must report the test results to Kayleigh Jones in the Human Resources department as soon as possible following receipt of the test result.

Policies for Athletes

As with all other students, mask use is no longer required by athletes, except following isolation after a positive test result. In addition, athletes will no longer be required to be tested for COVID.

Daily Health Screenings

Daily health screenings are no longer required for students, staff or faculty. Students who experience COVID or flu-like symptoms should call the Wellness Center for an initial phone consultation regarding their symptoms (please see below).

COVID Dashboard

The Alfred University COVID Dashboard will be updated regularly based on results received. Employee positive test results must be reported to the Human Resources department (Kayleigh Jones).

General COVID Q&A

How is the virus spread?

The virus that causes COVID spreads from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

What are Alfred University’s COVID requirements and policies based on?

Alfred University follows the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) regularly updated guidance in determining the safest practices to require or recommend. In addition, the State of New York Department of Health (NYDOH) regularly issues guidance and mandates that state organizations must follow. NYDOH COVID pages can be found at health.ny.gov.

COVID Symptoms

COVID symptoms include the following: headache, cough, muscle or joint aches, elevated temperature, or other flu-like symptoms. Any student experiencing an onset of any of these should call the Wellness Center (607-871-2400, M-F 8:30 am – 4:30 pm). Any employee experiencing the onset of any of these symptoms should administer a home test, call their private health provider, or visit an urgent care facility.

Flu Vaccines

Each semester, Alfred University Wellness Center administers flu vaccine clinics. All students are encouraged to get a flu shot annually where they live or to take advantage of the Wellness Center clinics when available.


  • Are masks still required on campus?
    • Masks are no longer required on the Alfred University campus with 1 exception:
      • While in the Wellness Center
  • Is it possible we may have to wear masks before the semester ends?
    • We will continue to monitor applicable guidance and transmission rates for Allegany County and the Alfred University campus environment before recommending re-masking
  • What conditions will determine whether mask use is required again between now and the end of the semester?
    • Applicable guidance and/or a mandate from New York State or the Allegany County Departments of Health recommending or requiring resumption of mask use
    • A prolonged “spike” in student COVID cases on campus; the COVID Team is developing recommendations for the minimum length of time and the threshold number of cases that would result in resumption of use.
  • Will anyone who wants to wear a mask on campus be able to do so?
    • As a mask-friendly campus, we encourage anyone who feels safer wearing a mask to continue to do so, and we support their choice.
  • Are campus guests still required to wear a mask while on campus?
    • Campus guests will not have to wear masks while on campus.
  • Will surveillance testing be implemented?
    • Surveillance testing will not be resumed; however, if the rate of COVID transmission “spikes” during the semester, the University’s leadership Cabinet will determine whether remedial action such as testing is needed to address the condition, based on recommendations from the COVID Team.
  • Can instructors be given the tools needed to open windows in buildings like Olin (where windows are typically kept shut)?
    • Facilities staff will be available to help improve ventilation in those rooms where windows cannot be opened
  • Will unvaccinated students continue to be tested?
    • Since vaccines are no longer required, unvaccinated students will not be subject to periodic testing.
  • The University has provided KN95 masks during the semester; will it continue to do so for those who continue to wear masks?
    • Yes, while supplies last.

Related Information

COVID-19 Dashboard

This COVID-19 dashboard is used to help better assess current campus practices & protocols and how to modify them if needed to...