Rationale
Montclair State University has established this policy to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 and provide a safe environment for students, employees and visitors.
Policy Statement
In order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 among the campus community, Montclair State University will establish requirements and procedures based on the best available scientific knowledge. The University will follow the guidance of the New Jersey Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including the executive orders of the Governor of New Jersey.
As the scientific understanding of the disease improves and in response to changing conditions, the University may adjust its procedures from time to time.
Applicability
All students, employees, contractors and visitors are required to follow this policy.
Current Procedures
Updated on May 11, 2023
Vaccination
The University continues to strongly encourage all members of the campus community to get vaccinated and boosted to help protect against COVID-19. Visit the CDC’s vaccines.gov website to find vaccination sites in the United States, or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
The requirement to be vaccinated currently applies only to persons who reside on the campus, and in some cases, to students who participate in certain activities off-campus.
Students and employees who live on the campus must continue to be vaccinated, because the risk of transmitting COVID-19 appears to be higher in congregate housing.
Everyone who lives on campus must submit proof of having received at least one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, one dose of the newer Pfizer or Moderna bivalent vaccine or two doses of the original monovalent Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. The primary series for another WHO-approved vaccine is also acceptable. Boosters are encouraged but not required. If you have questions about whether your COVID-19 vaccination meets the University’s requirements, please call the Student Health Center at 973-655-4361.
Employees must submit their proof of vaccination online using the University’s Vax Check portal. Students must submit their proof of vaccination through the MyHealth portal.
Individuals who cannot take the vaccine for medical, pregnancy or religious reasons and who have an approved accommodation on file with the University are exempt from this requirement.
Students may request an exemption by following the instructions on the Student Health Center’s website.
Employees may request an exemption by downloading the employee exemption waiver form, available on the Human Resources website. Make a scan or take a photo of the completed form and all supporting documentation, and upload the JPEG file to the University’s Vax Check portal. For questions, email HR-Benefits@montclair.edu.
Students who participate in learning opportunities hosted by other organizations, such as student teaching, externships or clinical rotations, must continue to follow the COVID-19 safety requirements of their host site, which may include vaccination. Students who have questions about the requirements of their host site should talk to their program coordinator or Dean’s Office.
Face Coverings
Everyone is free to wear a mask at any time on the Montclair State University campus. This is an individual choice.
Masks will continue to be required in the Student Health Center. Masks are requested in Occupational Health. Masks are optional in the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology clinics, and in the Center for Clinical Services. These centers will provide masks for patients who would like one, and their clinicians will wear masks if requested by a patient.
Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to reduce their risk by continuing to wear a mask indoors when in the presence of other people.
The University asks that all members of the campus community carry a mask and when in close contact with another person, ask them if they’d like you to wear it. This is a courtesy to those who may be at higher risk, or who may live with people at higher risk, or who may simply feel more comfortable wearing a mask. Red Hawks take care of each other, so please respect their choices, and put on your mask if you’re asked.
What to Do if You are Infected or were Exposed
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive, isolate yourself at home immediately, do a home COVID test if you have not done one, and contact a health-care provider if you have health concerns.
Follow CDC guidance for isolation information. If you were exposed, follow CDC guidance, regardless of your COVID vaccination status.
Students can call the Student Health Center at 973-655-4361. Employees should contact their primary care provider or call Occupational Health at 973-655-5014.
Testing is available for symptomatic students at the Student Health Center. Appointments are required, please call to make an appointment and arrive wearing a mask.
Employees can find testing sites by using the CDC’s testing locator.
If you are tested off-campus and the result is positive, students should inform the Student Health Center and employees should inform Occupational Health as soon as possible.
Still have questions? Read: What to do if you test positive for COVID 19.
The procedures specified above are subject to revision based on new scientific evidence, guidance from federal and state health authorities, changes to laws or regulations, and the changing needs of the University.