COVID-19 Read & Act:  Booster Requirements; Return to Campus in January with Negative Test Result

Clarkson Students at Potsdam Campus,

Clarkson is committed to providing all students with an in-person learning experience as well as the health and safety of our community.  We have continued to follow federal and state regulations and guidance, as well as the counsel from our regional public health representatives, to balance safety and normalcy. 

The Omicron Variant for COVID-19 was first identified three weeks ago and its impact on our national, state and regional healthcare system requires new action.  Below are the details on Clarkson’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements which include getting a COVID-19 booster shot timed according to the CDC’s guidance.  We are also requiring all campus members to submit a negative COVID-19 test result before returning to campus in 2022 for the Spring Semester. 

Clarkson’s COVID-19 policy requires full vaccination.  Booster Shots Now Required to be Fully Vaccinated.
Clarkson Community Members need to submit Booster Shot documentation.  

Clarkson’s COVID-19 policy requires full vaccination.  Following new Federal regulations that will go into effect in January and new measures being taken by New York State, the additional booster shots for COVID-19 are now required in order to be considered fully-vaccinated.  Clarkson has updated its documentation portals to meet these government measures with a place to upload your updated proof of vaccination. Students can submit proof of vaccination/booster by logging into their MyCU and navigating to Tasks and Holds. Please refer to the CDC Chart on when to get boosted and options  (J&J – 2 months after last dose, Pfizer/Moderna six months after second dose). 

For example, a Clarkson graduate student who had their last Pfizer vaccine dose before June 3, 2021 will need to get a third shot/booster shot and upload documentation prior to returning to the campus for classes, work assignments or labs for the spring semester on January 3.  As the semester progresses, all campus community members will need to submit proof of a third shot/booster shot based on the date of their last dose. Boosters for Pfizer/Moderna are six months after the second dose.  Persons who had the J&J vaccine need to get a booster two months after their last J&J dose and also upload the documentation to the portal.

Our exemption policies remain the same, subject to provisions in Federal and NYS regulations.

St. Lawrence County Public Health is offering a comprehensive vaccination clinic with both Moderna and Pfizer first and second doses, and booster shots on Tuesday, December 28 at the St. Lawrence University Fieldhouse.  This website also provides statewide information on booster clinics.   We are working with Public Health to offer booster clinics on campus when all classes have resumed for people who were vaccinated after June 2021.  Drug stores (Kinney Drugs, Walgreens, Walmart, also have free booster shot appointments available on their web sites as well as St. Lawrence County Public Health and the CDC for national sites. 

Negative COVID-19 Test Required for Employees and Students Before Returning to Campus

Based on best practices in higher education, the national and regional rise in COVID-19 cases brought on by the new variant and increased public access to test kits, we are requiring all students and campus community members to submit a negative test result prior to their return to campus in January.  If you have had a positive COVID-19 test result in the last 90 days, you will need to submit your public health release authorization form.   Our objective is to responsibly begin the semester and continue proactive measures with masks, social distancing and good hygiene to limit the spread of COVID-19.  

Each student will be required to submit a PCR test (preferred for all and mandated for international travelers) no more than 72 hours before they return to campus or an antigen test no more than 24 hours before they return to campus.  If the antigen test is an at-home test, you will need to take a picture of the test with your full name and the date and time it was taken.  You will not be permitted to enter the residence halls, class or participate in co-curricular/extra-curricular activities without a negative test result.  Students can submit their negative test result by logging into their myCU and navigating to Tasks and Holds. 

This website shows places to schedule appointments to get tested in New York State. 

Surveillance testing will continue in the spring semester.  Anyone with symptoms will also continue to be referred to the Student Health Center for more immediate follow up.  It is imperative that if you are sick or showing symptoms that you get tested and not participate in campus activities until cleared.

In a dynamic environment, we appreciate your diligence and personal commitment to the health and safety of the entire University community.  Have a safe and happy holiday and we look forward to welcoming you back to campus for a great spring semester.  

COVID-19 Response Team
community@clarkson.edu