Archived Announcements

August 3, 2022

We look forward to welcoming our students and faculty back to campus for the start of the fall semester on Thursday, August 25. Please review these five reminders: 

1. If you submitted proof of vaccination and it has been approved, your physical or digital Tiger Card (Queensborough ID) will provide you with access to campus at all pedestrian and vehicle entry/parking checkpoints. If you do not have a physical Tiger Card, please download the QCC Connect App from the App Store to access your mobile card. 
2. Everyone is strongly urged to wear a face mask while on campuses. Please check this webpage often to learn of any updates to the CUNY Policy regarding wearing masks on campus. Should you forget or lose your mask, a limited supply will be available at all campus entry points as well and at the Welcome Desk in the lobby of the Administration Building and in the Department of Public Safety.
3. All students registering for a fully in-person or hybrid class for the 2022 Fall term, and thereafter, must have up-to-date vaccinations unless they have been granted a religious exception or medical exemption to the vaccine. Although booster shots are not required for course registration at this time, we strongly encourage all students to be up-to-date on their related booster shots. Learn more: https://www.cuny.edu/coronavirus/faqs/#req-1​​
   
4. Walk-in PCR testing for COVID-19 is available at no charge for all students, faculty, and staff. In addition, to help contain the spread of COVID-19 in our community, CUNY is conducting a mandatory randomized testing program, which includes a periodic screening of a sampling of all vaccinated individuals across all CUNY campuses. At some point during the semester you will receive an email informing you that you are expected to participate by getting tested at a local CUNY testing site. Please watch for an email from “no-reply@cleared4work.com” informing or reminding you that it is your turn to participate in this Random Testing Program. Failure to comply with this CUNY mandate will result in access being denied to all CUNY facilities, including the Queensborough campus. 
5. Please remember that administrative offices remain open and accessible to students. 

January 27, 2022

Dear Colleagues:

We look forward to welcoming our students and faculty back to campus for the start of the spring semester on Friday, January 28. Please review these five reminders in advance of your visit to ensure a safe return for all:

1. If you submitted proof of vaccination and it has been approved or if you participated in the CUNY COVID Testing Protocol and received a negative test result, your physical or digital Tiger Card (Queensborough ID) will provide you with access to campus at all pedestrian and vehicle entry/parking checkpoints. If you do not have a physical Tiger Card, please download the QCC Connect App from the App Store to access your mobile card. 
2. Per the Chancellor’s January 10 memo, face masks are required to enter all CUNY campuses and buildings. Please remember to bring and wear a mask when required by CUNY Policy. Should you forget or lose your mask, a limited supply will be available at all campus entry points as well and at the Welcome Desk in the lobby of the Administration Building and in the Department of Public Safety.
3. Students are now required to upload proof of a vaccine booster shot as soon as they are eligible. We are awaiting further guidance from CUNY regarding the implementation of a booster requirement for additional constituencies, such as faculty. In the interim, please remember that all members of our Queensborough community can prepare by uploading proof of a booster shot into CUNYFirst. Instructions are available here or via this video. 
4. Walk-in PCR testing for COVID-19 is available at no charge for all students, faculty, and staff. In addition, to help contain the spread of COVID-19 in our community, CUNY is conducting a mandatory randomized testing program, which includes a periodic screening of a sampling of all vaccinated individuals across all CUNY campuses. At some point during the semester you will receive an email informing you that you are expected to participate by getting tested at a local CUNY testing site. Please watch for an email from “no-reply@cleared4work.com” informing or reminding you that it is your turn to participate in this Random Testing Program. Failure to comply with this CUNY mandate will result in access being denied to all CUNY facilities, including the Queensborough campus. 
5. Please remember that office should remain open and accessible to students. As the number of on-campus students increases with the start of the semester, we need to be available in person to respond to their needs, serving them during normal business hours. 

We know that these times can be stressful. Please remember to be patient with one another as we work through the start of the semester together. President Mangino will be serving complimentary hot chocolate and coffee in the lobby of the Administration Building to welcome our students and colleagues back. Please feel free to stop by and say hello.

Additional details regarding our safe return to campus are available on the Queensborough and CUNY websites. I encourage you to review them carefully.

• IMPORTANT: Feeling Sick or Exposed? Stay Home and Notify Health Services: COVIDHealthServices@qcc.cuny.edu
• Questions about CUNY COVID-19 Testing? CUNYCOVIDTesting@qcc.cuny.edu
• General Questions, Comments or Feedback? COVID19Coordinator@qcc.cuny.edu

As always, I welcome your questions and suggestions and hope you see you at today’s 3PM COVID Town Hall.

William Faulkner
Vice President
Finance & Administration
Coronavirus Coordinator

January 21, 2022

Dear Queensborough Community:

Per Executive Vice Chancellor Hector Batista and Interim Executive Vice Chancellor
and University Provost Daniel E. Lemons’s November 17 memo, part of CUNY’s multi-pronged strategy to monitor and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within our University community is a Random COVID-19 Testing Program for students and employees.

We have been advised by CUNY that several members of our Queensborough community recently received an email from no-reply@cleared4.org informing or reminding them that they have been selected to participate in this Random Testing Program but have failed comply with the mandate.  Please note that all members of the CUNY community must comply with this mandate. Failure to do so will result in denied access to all CUNY facilities, including the Queensborough campus.

The Random Testing Program consists of a periodic screening of a sampling of individuals across all of CUNY. This means that everyone at Queensborough will be randomly selected to test for COVID-19 at a CUNY testing site in the coming months, regardless of vaccination status. By participating in CUNY’s Random Testing Program, you are helping to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Once you test, you will not be asked to do so again until ALL members of our community have been selected. You can test at any CUNY testing site that is closest and most convenient for you, including the one located in the Annex Building near the Bus Stop at Queensborough Community College. For locations and hours of operation, please click here.  Please remember: Appointments are NOT required and only tests from CUNY testing sites are accepted for this random testing program. Once you test, you do not need to take any further action. You will receive your result within 36 hours. To learn more the program as well as for information about how, where, and when to test, please click here. 

Please also note that, per the Chancellor's January 5 memo, students enrolled in in-person or hybrid classes for Spring '22 will be required to get the booster shot as soon as they are eligible for it. Faculty will also be required to be boosted as soon as they are eligible. We are awaiting further guidance from CUNY regarding the implementation of this requirement; however, all members of our College community can now upload proof of a booster shot into CUNYFirst. We encourage everyone to be prepared for this policy to go into effect by uploading booster information as soon as possible. Directions are available here or via this video. For more information and the latest updates, please visit here.

As always, we welcome your questions and suggestions.

• Feeling Sick or Exposed? Stay Home and Notify Health Services: HealthServices@qcc.cuny.edu
• Questions about CUNY COVID-19 Testing? CUNYCOVIDTesting@qcc.cuny.edu
• General Questions, Comments or Feedback? COVID19Coordinator@qcc.cuny.edu

Be well,

William Faulkner
Vice President
Finance & Administration
Coronavirus Coordinator

December 31, 2021

Dear Colleagues:

A few minutes ago, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a plan to combat COVID-19 in New York State which includes new guidelines for SUNY and CUNY colleges.   

We expect to receive guidance and details about this plan and its impact on CUNY shortly. As always, we will communicate this information to you and our students as quickly and transparently as possible.

We recognize that as with any news briefing, there will be questions and a need for clarity in specific situations. However, if you wish to watch the press conference, you may do so here  (CUNY/SUNY announcement starts at 14 minutes and 30 seconds).

Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.

William Faulkner
Vice President
Finance & Administration
Coronavirus Coordinator

December 22, 2021

Dear Colleagues:

As per the Chancellor’s December 21st memo (below), we are pleased that CUNY has worked out an agreement with testing provider, Applied DNA, to expand current services. Beginning on Tuesday, December 28, any CUNY student or employee who needs to be tested for any reason will be able to walk into a CUNY testing site, show their CUNY ID, register in the system and get tested. As usual, results will be sent via email within 24 to 48 hours. We are especially pleased by this news as many of you have been asking for additional access to testing, and we have been advocating for this change on your behalf.

Please also note that CUNY COVID testing sites will be closed on 12/24-12/27, and subsequently on 12/31-1/2/22.  Tests taken on 12/23 will be run on 12/26, and those taken on 12/30 will be run on 1/1/2022. For a list of CUNY sites and hours of operation, visit here. For our general FAQ on the testing program, visit here.

A few other reminders:

The Science Cafe will close today, December 22, after final exams. It will reopen on Monday, January 3rd, 2022.

Stay home if you do not feel well! If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms (even mild ones), please stay at home and immediately notify HealthServices@qcc.cuny.edu. If you have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID, please stay home and immediately notify HealthServices@qcc.cuny.edu. If you have any reason to believe you might have COVID, please stay home and immediately notify HealthServices@qcc.cuny.edu. In all instances, we encourage you to seek medical advice, get tested, and immediately notify HealthServices@qcc.cuny.edu.

Masks, testing, and vaccinations remain the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones this holiday season. To find a location offering initial and booster shots, visit https://www.vaccines.gov. As previously communicated, individuals who get boosted at a City-run vaccination site before the end of 2021 can receive a $100 pre-paid debit card. To learn more about this incentive or refer friends and family please visit: nyc.gov/covidvaccine.

We remain cautiously optimistic for a mostly on-campus college experience this spring with 70% of classes in-person, and we look forward to seeing you on campus after the new year.

As always, I remain available to address any questions or other feedback.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy break. 

William V. Faulkner
Vice President for Finance & Administration

December 22, 2021

If you haven't done so already, get your COVID-19 vaccine booster at a City-run vaccine site through 12/31 and earn $100. Find out more on the NYC coronavirus vaccine website. 

Vaccine booster shots are now authorized for everyone 16 and older who is fully vaccinated.

If you get your booster dose at a City-run vaccination site by the end of 2021, you can receive a $100 pre-paid debit card. This new incentive announced on December 21.

To refer your friends and family to this service please visit the NYC coronavirus website.

Please contact NotifyNYC@oem.nyc.gov with questions.

December 21, 2021

Dear Colleagues:

Several faculty and staff have reached out with questions regarding the impact of Omicron on our campus and CUNY communities. Given the latest headlines, we can certainly appreciate these inquiries.

Please note that the University remains in constant communication with local and state health authorities. The latest guidance and information available will always guide our University and local response.

As always, we remain in touch with CUNY and are committed to communicating any new, accurate and official information as soon as it becomes available.

I remain available to address any questions or other feedback.

William Faulkner
Vice President
Finance & Administration
Coronavirus Coordinator

December 13, 2021

Dear Colleagues:

Effective today, New York State requires that masks be worn in all indoor public places unless the business or venue requires proof of vaccination for entry.

While CUNY’s existing Mask Mandate Policy already meets this requirement, we would like to take this opportunity to remind our colleagues to prioritize the health and safety of all members of our community by remaining masked while indoors.

We appreciate your cooperation in support of the well-being of our community.

Stay well, and please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.

William Faulkner
Vice President Finance & Administration
Coronavirus Coordinator

December 8, 2021

Dear Colleagues, 

In light of the news about the Omicron variant, we wish to assure you that Queensborough and CUNY continue to be in regular communication with local and state health authorities and are closely monitoring emerging information. We strongly encourage you to consider and to be aware of the following: 

Get your COVID-19 booster shot and your flu shot now, if you have not done so already: Vaccines remain the best way to protect against COVID-19 and the flu. Get your shot(s) now. 

• We are pleased to report that more than 90% of Queensborough full-time faculty and 80% of our total workforce, including part-time staff, are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Access NYC’s vaccine finder here.

Remember that all students enrolled in a hybrid or in-person class(es) must be fully vaccinated regardless of how often they are scheduled to visit campus.  

• Students without a previously approved religious or medical exception who are enrolled in hybrid or in-person classes and who failed to upload proof of vaccination into CUNYfirst were dropped and awarded a WA grade (Administrative Withdrawal). Affected faculty were notified.  
• Students without a previously approved religious or medical exception who are enrolled in hybrid class(es) which are scheduled to meet in person only for the final exam will be dropped and awarded a WA grade on 12/10. Please help us remind all students enrolled in hybrid classes that have not yet met on campus to upload proof of vaccination before Friday, 12/10. Affected faculty will be notified immediately following the 12/10 withdrawal.  
• As a reminder, faculty may not unilaterally change the modality of instruction from what is posted in CUNYfirst, nor may they make any “special arrangements” (such as replacing an in-person final with an online version) to accommodate those students who have failed to comply with CUNY’s vaccine mandates. Faculty who may have made such arrangements must rescind any and all such offers. 
• Across CUNY, only a handful of students received an approved religious or medical exemption. These students must continue to test every 7 days to access campus.  

Stay home if you do not feel well!  

• If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms (even mild ones), please stay at home. We encourage you to seek medical advice, get tested, and notify HealthServices@qcc.cuny.edu.

CUNY’s COVID-19 random testing program is underway.  

• Randomized testing provides an added layer of protection and will further ensure the well-being of our college community. Each week, between 5% and 10% of our student, faculty and staff population are randomly selected to test. Please watch for an email from “no-reply@cleared4work.com” and follow the provided directions. You will be asked to complete a self-swab test at a CUNY testing center, such as the one located in the Annex Building near the bus stop, within 7 days of notification. 

Take care of yourselves and each other. We recognize that students, faculty, and staff may be feeling heightened levels of stress and anxiety. Please seek support when needed and encourage others to reach out for personal, professional, and confidential counseling: 

• Students may contact QCC Counseling Center at (718) 631-6370 or visit the Counseling Center Website. Students can also text the CUNY Crisis Text Line at 741741 for free 24/7 support. 
• Faculty and Staff may obtain help from CUNY’s Employee Assistance Plan Provider, CCA. They are available by phone 24 hours a day 7 days a week at (800) 833-8707 or by logging in to the CUNY Employee Assistance Plan website presented by CCA. The Company Code is “CUNY”. 

Set our students up for success this Spring.  

• Please encourage students to register for the upcoming spring semester before they leave for the holidays. We know that uncertain times can put students at greater risk for dropping out and not graduating. Students should know that they benefit greatly by locking in their class schedule before they leave for the semester and should be reminded that they can continue to make modifications or drop class(es) with a 100% refund through January 27, 2022. A little care and encouragement from each of us can make a big difference.

Stay informed.

• For the latest CUNY-related COVID-19 news, information and policies, please visit the CUNY coronavirus website  

We remain cautious and hopeful for a robust, mostly on-campus college experience for the spring. Please know that we are here for you. We wish you all the best for the remaining weeks of the fall semester and look forward to seeing you on campus after the new year.  

As always, we remain available to answer any questions.

November 17, 2021

October 28, 2021

Dear Colleagues:

Please be advised that as of Thursday, October 28, 2021, unvaccinated students without a medical or religious exception are no longer able to test at a CUNY testing center or present a Cleared4 pass or Tiger Card to enter campus. All students who plan to visit a CUNY campus must be fully vaccinated and submit proof to CUNYFirst. Please remember that fully vaccinated is defined as two weeks after the final dose. Unvaccinated students who require access to campus for emergency services (defined as access to the campus food pantry, medical, or mental health services), should contact the Department of Health Services to apply for emergency clearance.

As always, we remain available to address any questions or other feedback.

William Faulkner
Vice President
Finance & Administration
Coronavirus Coordinator

Stephen Di Dio
Vice President
Marketing and Communication
Coronavirus Liaison

August 31, 2021

Dear Colleagues:

Please help to remind our students that Thursday, September 2 is the final day to receive the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in order to be fully vaccinated (defined as two weeks after the final dose) and submit proof of verification to CUNYfirst by the September 27 deadline.

After Thursday, September 2, students scheduled to attend in-person or hybrid classes can only receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to meet the September 27 deadline and be in compliance with CUNY's student vaccine mandate.

To help accommodate our students, we have arranged for the NYC Department of Health Mobile Vaccination Van to be parked outside the main gate on 56th Avenue this week. The van is administering the Pfizer vaccine on a walk-in basis. All members of the community are welcome to take advantage of this free service. Please encourage your students to take advantage of this free service and not to delay.

Wishing you a successful semester,

Queensborough Community College

Dear Colleagues:

We look forward to welcoming staff back to campus starting on Monday, August 16. Please review these three reminders in advance of your visit to ensure a safe return for all:

1. If you submitted proof of vaccination and it has been approved or if you participated in the CUNY COVID Testing Protocol and received a negative test result, your physical or digital Tiger Card (Queensborough ID) will provide you with access to campus at all pedestrian and vehicle entry/parking checkpoints. If you do not have a physical Tiger Card, please download the QCC Connect App from the App Store to access your mobile card. Note: Tiger Card is the fastest and easiest way to enter campus, however, the CUNY Vax Pass or Green Pass (testing) will also be accepted through the end of the month.

2. Per the Chancellor’s August 12 memo, face masks are required to enter all CUNY buildings. Please remember to bring and wear a mask when required by CUNY Policy. Should you forget or lose your mask, a limited supply will be available at all campus entry points as well as at the Welcome Desk in the lobby of the Administration Building and in the Department of Public Safety. A staff member will gladly meet you outside of these locations.

3. We know that these times can be stressful. Please remember to be patient with one another as we work through these new procedures together. Please also remember that President Mangino is hosting a series of on-campus Welcome Back Events on Monday and Tuesday, August 16 and 17, to provide colleagues with the opportunity to relax and reconnect. I encourage you to RSVP here. From coffee and donuts to a bring your own brown bag lunch with ice cream and a comedy show, all are welcome to spend the day with us and, most importantly, have fun! Note: Comfortable clothing is suggested but not required for fitness classes including Zumba, Pound and Stretch.

Additional details regarding our safe return to campus are attached and available here.

As always, I welcome your questions and suggestions.

Bill

William V. Faulkner
Vice President for Finance & Administration

We look forward to welcoming our community back to campus this fall while prioritizing everyone’s health and safety. It was wonderful to see so many students and colleagues come together at last month’s campus food pantry distribution event. If you were unable to attend and would like to check out the photos, please click here.

As we prepare for our official return, and as a follow up to Chancellor Matos Rodríguez’s July 26 Return to Work email, we wish to remind you that all CUNY employees must adhere to the University’s Health and Safety Protocol before returning to campus. 

This means that, effective August 16, any individual entering a CUNY facility, including the Queensborough Community College campus, will need to be fully vaccinated (two weeks beyond the last vaccination shot) or be tested for COVID-19 every 7 days. Outlined below are the steps that every employee must complete before returning to work. Please remember that I, along with members of the President’s Cabinet and the Emergency Management Advisory Group, remain available to answer questions and to support you throughout this process. 

Return to Work Protocol for vaccinated individuals who wish to disclose their vaccine information: 

1. Submit proof of vaccination via CUNYFirst by Friday, August 6, or at least 10 days prior to your first visit to campus (Instructions). 
2. Allow the Office of Human Resources time to verify and approve your submission.
3. Once your vaccination information is approved, you will receive the CUNY Vax Pass required to enter CUNY campuses. (Queensborough checkpoints to be announced) 

Please note: You will not gain entry to Queensborough unless your proof of vaccination is uploaded to CUNYFirst, verified by Human Resources, and you have the CUNY Vax Pass to show Public Safety Officers. Additional information about the CUNY Vax Pass is forthcoming from CUNY. 

If you have a technical problem, please review these instructions or contact the Helpdesk at 718-631-6348 or Helpdesk@qcc.cuny.edu for assistance. 

Return to Work Protocol for unvaccinated, not fully vaccinated, or those individuals who do not wish to disclose their vaccination status: 

Recurring Process (every 7 days): 

1. Visit your nearest or preferred CUNY campus testing site at least 48 hours prior to reporting to Queensborough for work. 
2. Immediately exit CUNY campus after testing and wait up to 48 hours for test results. 
3. Individuals with a negative test result will receive a temporary CUNY Vax Pass, which is required to enter a CUNY campus. The temporary CUNY Vax Pass is valid for 7 days. 
4. Repeat this process every 7 days. We recommend that you plan to test for the following week while on campus. For example, get tested on Friday if you are planning to come to campus on Tuesday. 

Please note: Details of the CUNY testing locations, operating hours, protocols, and procedures are forthcoming from CUNY.

Click the graphic below to link to the Faculty & Staff Guide for Vaccine Verification.

Masks

As of Wednesday, August 4, people who are not fully vaccinated and those who might need to take extra precautions must always wear a mask indoors. CUNY is closely monitoring the latest guidance from the CDC as well as state and local health officials. More information, which is subject to change, can be found at the University’s Guidelines for CUNY Fall 2021 Reopening Where Not Everyone is Fully Vaccinated. We will continue to communicate as quickly and transparently as possible as we learn more. 

Additional Information

For general information and answers to frequently asked questions related to returning to in person work, please refer to this FAQ. 

CUNY’s vaccination policy requires all students to get vaccinated for all hybrid and in person classes beginning with the fall 2021 semester. To learn more about this policy, click here.

If you have questions about accommodations and general health benefit information for faculty and staff, please consult Queensborough’s Office of Human Resources. 

Last week’s Town Hall meeting is also available for you to review. Please note, however, that some information shared in the meeting has since been changed or updated due to new advice from CUNY and other sources.

Please stay informed by checking your email and frequently accessing the college website. We look forward to welcoming everyone back over the coming weeks and are excited to announce that we are planning a series of festivities and celebrations to thank you for your resilience, flexibility, and commitment to each other and our students! 

Sincerely,
Bill Faulkner

COVID-19 Coordinator
Vice President Finance and Administration

August 2, 2021

Dear CUNY student,

I'm writing today with an important update regarding the process to upload proof of COVID-19 vaccination into CUNYfirst and the timeline to complete the process.

First, you can now upload your proof of vaccination in CUNYfirst (more information below). At the same time, I want to let you know that we are moving the deadline to fulfill this requirement from August 10 to Tuesday, September 14. The decision to extend the deadline was made in order to give students more time to be fully vaccinated and upload their information.

As we have previously announced, per CUNY policy, all students taking in-person or hybrid classes on a campus this Fall will be required to be fully vaccinated unless they have been granted a medical exemption or religious exception.

Vaccination Verification

If you are already vaccinated, as most CUNY students are, you can upload your information by signing in to CUNYfirst and clicking in the Vaccination Verification portal. You will need the dates of your two shots for Pfizer and Moderna or the date of your single Johnson & Johnson shot, the location where you got your vaccine, a scan or photograph of your CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card, and, if you have the NY State Excelsior Pass app, a scan or photograph of your pass on your mobile device. We are working with NYS Excelsior to link the pass to CUNY for validation purposes. International students who have received vaccination outside the United States will also be able to upload in CUNYfirst their verification documentation, as long as the vaccine received was approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Requesting an Exemption

You can also submit in CUNYfirst your request and supporting documentation for a medical exemption or religious exception to the vaccine. Students requesting an exemption for medical reasons will be required to submit a COVID-19 Vaccine Medical Exemption Request Form signed by a healthcare provider. Students requesting an exception for religious reasons will be required to submit a written statement explaining how immunization conflicts with the student's religious beliefs. The requests will be verified by the campus Location Vaccine Authority liaison responsible for implementing the COVID-19 Vaccination Program on your campus. Exemptions and exceptions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are not automatically granted.

More Time to Vax Up

Moving back the deadline to share proof of vaccination gives unvaccinated students more time to get fully vaccinated (defined as two weeks beyond the last vaccination shot). I continue to urge you to be vaccinated, as that is by far the best protection against COVID-19 and the highly transmissible Delta variant. In order to be fully vaccinated by September 14, you will need to get the first Moderna shot by today, August 3; the first Pfizer shot by August 10; or the single shot of Johnson & Johnson, by August 31. Please visit our VaxUpCUNY page for additional information on how to get the vaccine.

Unvaccinated students who have on-campus class sessions between August 25 and the September 14 deadline will have to show proof of a negative test taken no more than 7 days before attending the class. All students visiting a campus for any reason – including students who are taking only remote classes this fall – are required to upload proof of vaccination or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than seven days prior to the visit.

FDA Approval, Dorms and Sports

Please note that until the expected full FDA approval of a COVID-19 vaccine, unvaccinated students will be required to regularly test and show proof of a negative test. This test must be taken no more than seven days prior to attending any on-campus class sessions or visiting a campus for any reason. Details of the testing protocols and procedures are forthcoming. To avoid constant testing, please take this time to get vaccinated. Further, being fully vaccinated is required to move into a dorm or participate in any sport in the CUNY Athletic Conference; this is regardless of FDA approval.

Helpful Links and Everbridge

For a visual step-by-step guide to submitting information to CUNYfirst, please visit here. For a list of frequently asked questions about the student vaccination policy, please refer to the policy FAQ or the Getting Back to Learning on Campus FAQ. If you have a technical problem, please contact your campus help desk. If you still have questions, please contact your campus student affairs office listed here.

Finally, the symptom tracker feature of Everbridge that has been in use to visit a campus will not be in use in the Fall. We will transition to a new feature in Everbridge that will display a CUNY VAX Pass for those who have verified their vaccination information in CUNYfirst.

CUNY and campus leaders throughout the University are continuing to work hard to facilitate a safe and smooth return for all our students, faculty and staff. I reiterate our ironclad commitment to protecting the health of all members of our community in a climate that continues to be fluid and rapidly changeable. We look forward to welcoming you back later this month or in September for the colleges that have a later start date; until then, please continue to stay safe.

Sincerely,

Felo

July 14, 2021

Dear Colleagues:

As you know, CUNY’s vaccination policy requires all students to get vaccinated for all hybrid and in-person classes beginning with the fall 2021 semester. Toward that end, I wanted to share with you recently posted FAQs on the student vaccination policy. They can be found on the CUNY coronavirus page or by clicking here: www.cuny.edu/VAXFAQ.

The process for students to upload their vaccine information is being finalized and more details will be shared by CUNY soon. The College remains in communication with each student regarding this policy. I also encourage members of the campus community, particularly those who work in student-facing offices, to familiarize themselves with the FAQs so that we can continue to work together in support of our students and answer their questions.

While CUNY has not mandated that faculty and staff receive the COVID-19 vaccine, getting vaccinated at Queensborough Community College or your local site remains the single most important step you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. It's also the best way to prepare for our return to campus this fall.

Finally, I wish to thank those colleagues who have completed the New York State Return to Work training on Blackboard. Effective today, July 14, New York State will no longer require completion of this module to visit or return to campus.

I will continue to share updates and details regarding the fall semester as information is finalized and becomes available. As always, I welcome your questions and feedback at covid19coordinator@qcc.cuny.edu.

Be well,

Bill

William V. Faulkner
Vice President for Finance & Administration

May 13, 2021

New Yorkers have easier access to COVID-19 vaccinations with the opening of a New York City Department of Health designated dispensing site at Queensborough Community College located at 222-05 56th Avenue. The site opened on Wednesday, April 21 and administered over 1,000 vaccines on its first day!

Operating from the college's Robert. F. Kennedy Hall, New York residents aged 12 years and older can now get their COVID-19 vaccination without an appointment. For vaccine related questions or hours of operation, please visit NYC Health COVID-19: Vaccines or call 877-VAX-4NYC or 877-829-4692. This site is independent of Queensborough Community College and we regret that we are unable to answer vaccine-related questions.

Limited campus parking is available and the college is accessible by public transportation. Get directions to the campus.

April 23, 2021

New Yorkers ages 16 years and older can now get their COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment at select sites across NYC.

Get vaccinated at Queensborough Community College

April 22, 2021

Dear Colleagues:

I am pleased to announce that starting today, Thursday, April 22, Queensborough Community College employees can walk into the COVID-vaccination site located in the RFK Building without an appointment.

A valid QCC Faculty/Staff ID is requested for entry. Faculty and Staff without a physical ID can access their digital ID card by downloading the QCC Connect Mobile App from the Apple and Android app stores. Faculty and Staff without an ID will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis, and may encounter increased wait times.

Please remember that the college is not operating this site but continues to advocate on behalf of our community. We’ve received assurance from our partners that they will do everything possible to accommodate our needs in this regard.

The vaccination site is open Wednesday-Sunday and will be closed on Monday and Tuesday each week. Current hours of operation are as follows:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 7AM-7PM
Thursday: 7AM-7PM
Friday: 7AM-7PM
Saturday: 7AM-4:30PM
Sunday: 7AM-4:30PM

Don't forget to share what motivates you to get vaccinated by posting your photos to social media using the hashtag #VaxUpCUNY. Click here to see who was on campus today to receive their first vaccine!

Be well,

William V. Faulkner
Vice President for Finance & Administration

April 21, 2021

Dear Faculty and Staff:

As a follow-up to yesterday's message, I am pleased to share that New York City authorized the opening of a COVID-19 vaccination site in the RFK Building starting today, Wednesday, April 21.

As a reminder, appointments are available to eligible individuals through New York City by visiting its vaccine website or calling 877-VAX4NYC (877-829-4692). Recent changes in guidelines make it possible for all New Yorkers 50 and older to receive a vaccination without an appointment. Please check the city’s website for additional details.

I encourage everyone to schedule an appointment as soon as possible while availability remains. Starting next week, we'll also establish a Priority Appointment Hotline for Employees. Additional details will follow.

Be well,

Bill

William V. Faulkner
Vice President for Finance & Administration

April 20, 2021

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As a follow-up to the conversation that took place during our last Town Hall meeting, the City of New York is tentatively scheduled to open a COVID Vaccination site on the Queensborough Community College campus tomorrow, Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

Once the site is officially approved and authorized by the City of New York, the Department of Health will begin administering the Pfizer vaccine to the public. The Department of Health will fully be responsible for managing the site, located in Robert F. Kennedy Building.

All information regarding vaccines at this location, including appointments, is available through New York City by visiting its vaccine website or calling 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692). Recent changes in guidelines make it possible for all New Yorkers 50 and older to receive a vaccination without an appointment. Please check the city’s website for additional details.

I am also pleased to announce that through a special arrangement with the City of New York, Queensborough faculty and staff will be eligible to receive priority vaccination appointments directly through the College. Starting next week, Queensborough will establish a Priority Appointment Hotline for Employees. Please watch for additional details in the coming days.

At this time, students who wish to receive a vaccine should make an appointment through the City’s website. We’ve asked the City to provide our students with the same priority access that our employees will be receiving and are still awaiting confirmation. We will share updates if they become available.

On behalf of President Mangino and her cabinet, we are proud to partner with our colleagues in New York City government to help provide access to this vital service. Getting vaccinated is the single most important step that we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19. We encourage you to listen to the latest CUNYCast and visit the CUNY Vaccination website to learn more about the public health benefits of vaccination and the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health’s new initiative to reduce fear and misinformation about the new vaccines. We would also love to hear from you! Share what motivates you to get vaccinated by posting your photos to social media using the hashtag #VaxUpCUNY.

Please remember that this site is operated by the City of New York and not Queensborough Community College. Kindly direct any inquiries from members of the public to the New York City vaccination website or ask them to call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).

Be well,

William V. Faulkner

Vice President for Finance & Administration