Student FAQs

Last updated on 3/9/22

COVID Vaccine
COVID Vaccine Booster
COVID Surveillance Testing - Return to Campus and During Spring Semester
Quarantine and Isolation Protocols
Residential Guest Policy 
Academics
Face Coverings
Campus Life 
International Students

Get More Student Resources and Further Assistance

COVID Vaccine  

• Is the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for students?

  Per New York State policy,   all SUNY students   who are enrolled in at least one in-person class OR use an in-person campus service or facility are now required to submit proof of their COVID vaccination.  

• Where can I obtain a COVID-19 vaccine?
  • The COVID vaccine and booster is now widely available at local pharmacies such as Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, and Duane Reade.  
  • You can also go to a New York state-run site, including the R&D Park (listed as “SUNY Stony Brook”) located on Stony Brook Road.  For a listing of all state-run and other vaccination sites, click  HERE .
  • We are offering on campus COVID booster PODs.  For  dates, times, and locations, please visit the Student Health Services website . 
• Where should I submit my proof of vaccination?

  Submit your vaccination record through the Wolfie Health Portal using this link . For instructions on how to upload your vaccination record, please review this tutorial . 

• Can I request a COVID-19 vaccine exemption?

  In very special circumstances you may request a limited exemption from the COVID vaccination requirement for medical or religious reasons.  Exemption requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.    Note: the deadline for religious exemption requests for the Spring 2022 semester has passed and requests are no longer accepted. 

  For a medical exemption request, please visit the Immunizations website. 

• What happens If I am granted a limited exemption?

  You will receive an email sent to your Stony Brook email address. If you are granted an exemption, you will be required to test  once a week in support of our health and safety measures.  Testing will be offered on campus. If you prefer to test off-campus, you may, but you are responsible for the cost of any COVID tests not covered by your insurance.  If you do not comply with the once a week testing required EVERY week, you will not be permitted to continue in classes or or access any in-person campus activities or services.

• What should I do if I have not and do not plan to receive a COVID vaccine?

  If you have not and do not plan to receive a COVID vaccine, you must drop your in-person classes via SOLAR.  If you are not vaccinated, you are permitted to enroll in online courses only (no in-person classes) and are  not   permitted to access any in-person campus services or facilities. 

  No remote learning options are available for students who do not want to receive a COVID-19 vaccine outside of any courses already offered remotely that have available seats. Students may not request a change in course modality to avoid receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, and faculty may not accommodate such requests received.

  Please review the  academic calendar   so that you are aware of tuition liability and add/drop deadlines.  If dropping your in-person classes results in moving from full-time to part-time status, please contact  Financial Aid   if you have any questions about your aid.

• If I am vaccinated, do I have to participate in surveillance testing?

  Yes! To safeguard the health and safety of our campus community, all vaccinated students will be required to participate in COVID surveillance testing. Please click on the appropriate link below:

  Testing Schedule for Vaccinated Resident Students :  All vaccinated residential students are required to participate in COVID surveillance PCR testing  every other week. 

  Testing Schedule for Vaccinated Commuter Students : All vaccinated commuter students are required to participate in monthly COVID surveillance testing.

  Although we strongly encourage you to utilize the testing we are offering on campus, you may choose to use an external provider, but you must meet the testing requirements in order to continue in classes.  Any costs associated with COVID testing at an off-campus location are your responsibility.  If you utilize an off-campus provider, you must upload your results to the Wolfie Health Portal by the deadline indicated in your testing schedule. If using an a t-home COVID test, upload a picture of the test result including your student ID and the date it was performed within the photo image and submit it through the  Wolfie Health portal. 

   

• If I am unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, do I have to participate in surveillance testing?

  Yes! All unvaccinated students are required to participate in surveillance testing . 

  All commuter students who are partially vaccinated or received a vaccine within the last two weeks are required to obtain a COVID test once per week until they are considered fully vaccinated (two weeks after their final dose).  After being fully vaccinated, please follow the monthly surveillance testing plan noted under  Vaccinated Commuter Students. 

  Unvaccinated resident students who have an approved/provisional exemption need to test once a week. 

  Please click on the appropriate link below for your testing schedule: 

  Testing Schedule for Unvaccinated Resident Students with Approved/Provisional Exemptions

  Testing Schedule for Unvaccinated Commuter Students 

  Although we strongly encourage you to utilize the testing we are offering on campus, you may choose to use an external provider, but you must meet the testing requirements in order to continue in classes.  Any costs associated with COVID testing at an off-campus location are your responsibility.  If you utilize an off-campus provider, you must upload your results to the Wolfie Health Portal by the deadline indicated in your testing schedule. If using an at-home COVID test, upload a picture of the test result including your student ID and the date it was performed within the photo image and submit it through the  Wolfie Health portal. 

• What should I do if I am enrolled in all online classes this spring and will not be coming to campus?

  If you are enrolled in all online classes and will not be physically present on campus at any time during the spring semester, you are not subject to the weekly COVID testing requirement.  Please complete this FORM as soon as possible .

• Why am I required to be fully vaccinated?

  You were identified as being covered by one or more policies or mandates, including SUNY’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, the NYS Department of Health Regulation, or federal Executive Order (EO) 14042 - Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors . Stony Brook University, Stony Brook University Hospital, and the Long Island State Veterans Home (LISVH) are all State-run facilities and are federal contractors. As such, we must comply with all SUNY, State, and Federal regulations.

• How are religious accommodation requests reviewed?

  All religious accommodation requests are individually reviewed and consider the applicant's specific circumstances. This review looks at whether the applicant has a sincerely held religious belief and whether granting the accommodation would cause undue hardship. Requests are granted if both elements are met.

• My religious exemption was denied. Can I appeal the decision?

  The decision cannot be appealed; the determination is considered final.

• Can I resubmit a religious exemption if I believe that my previous submission did not truly capture my sincerely held religious belief?

  No, this would be considered an appeal and would not be accepted.

• Who made the decision to approve or deny a request?

  All decisions were made by university officials who were tasked to review applications, consistent with applicable policies and mandates. The Office of Equity and Access then issued those decisions to applicants.

• If I am willing to follow precautionary measures, why can’t my exemption request from the COVID-19 vaccination be granted?

  We must balance your request for a religious accommodation against the University's responsibility to provide and maintain a safe and healthy environment for our faculty, staff, patients, and all members of the campus community.

• Haven’t federal judges ruled that religious exemptions cannot be denied?

  No. While federal courts have acknowledged that employees may request religious exemptions, they have not directed the manner in which employers determine the outcome of any given request. They have also held that exemption requests may be granted only in very limited circumstances, where reasonable accommodation is available.

• If my religious exemption request was granted, do I need to reapply in the future?

  In most cases, no. However, if you are changing majors from a West Campus program to an HSC program or taking a class in the HSC for the first time, you must submit a supplemental review and be approved for a religious exemption before declaring an HSC major/minor or enrolling in an HSC course. Approved exemption requests are subject to change based upon developing case law, emergency regulations, or other additional relevant information. If you were granted an exemption while you were a West Campus employee you would need to submit a supplemental review in the event you wished to work at the HSC, Stony Brook University Hospital, or the LISVH exemption.

COVID Vaccine Booster  

• Is a COVID vaccine booster required for the spring semester?

  Per New York State’s mandate, if you are living on campus, enrolled in at least one in-person class, or accessing in-person services or facilities at any Stony Brook campus, you are required to obtain a COVID vaccine booster as soon as you are eligible in order to continue your spring enrollment at Stony Brook. If you are eligible now based upon the details below, you must obtain a booster and submit proof to the Wolfie Health Portal by Thursday, January 20. If you are not yet eligible, you must submit proof within 15 days of becoming eligible for a booster.    Please see question below for eligibility information. 

  If you already have an approved medical or religious exemption, you are not required to obtain a booster, but must test weekly as noted in the COVID Surveillance Testing Schedule. If you do not already have an approved medical or religious exemption, you are required to obtain the booster. 

  If you are a fully online or study abroad, non-residential student, and will not access in-person campus services or facilities for the Spring 2022 semester , please complete this SPRING 2022 attestation by Thursday, January 20 . We will review your registration to verify that you are, in fact, enrolled in fully online classes or studying abroad. If you complete the attestation and you are enrolled in any in-person classes as noted on SOLAR, you will not be permitted to continue in those in-person classes.

• When am I eligible to receive a booster?

  Per CDC guidelines , you are eligible (check the link for specific age requirements and vaccine options) to receive a COVID vaccine booster as follows:

  • If you received a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna at least 5 months ago. 
  • If you received one dose of J&J or other single dose vaccine at least 2 months ago
  • If you received the recommended doses of a  World Health Organization emergency use listing (WHO-EUL) COVID-19 vaccine at least 5 months ago
  • If you received a mix and match series composed of any combination of  FDA-approved, FDA-authorized, or WHO-EUL COVID-19 vaccines at least 5 months ago

   

• Where can I obtain a booster?

  To find a COVID vaccination site near you, visit vaccines.gov . In New York State, you can get your booster at various state-run COVID vaccine sites . You can also get a booster at your local pharmacy. Appointments may be required, so check with your pharmacy for details. 

  Student Health Services will also be offering boosters over the next several weeks. Please visit their website for details. 
  
  

• How do I submit proof of my booster?

  Upon receiving your COVID vaccine booster, please upload this additional vaccination documentation to the Wolfie Health Portal within 2 days, but no later than Thursday, January 20 .  

  If your eligibility date is after January 20, upload your booster vaccination confirmation to the Wolfie Health Portal within 15 days of becoming eligible . 

  If you do not receive a booster and submit proof within 15 days of becoming eligible, you will not be permitted to continue enrollment in in-person spring classes and will not be permitted to utilize any in-person campus services until you submit proof. If you live on campus, you will be required to move out of the residence halls until you submit proof of receiving the booster.  If you are deregistered from in-person classes or are required to move out of the residence halls for not submitting proof of your booster, you will be held financially responsible for tuition, fees, room, and board.

• How long should I wait to get a COVID booster if I recently had COVID? Is it a 90-day waiting period? Can I still attend in-person classes?

  You are eligible to receive your COVID vaccine booster once you complete a 5-day isolation period and your symptoms have improved, including being fever-free for 24 hours. Please review this CDC guidance . 

  The CDC has updated its guidance regarding vaccination following receipt of monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma therapy, and there is no longer any waiting period or delay in obtaining vaccination.  

  Please visit https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/studentaffairs/shs/forms_new/immunization_exemption_requests.php for information and instructions regarding how to submit a request for a medical extension. 

• I received an international vaccine and then received 2 doses of Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. Am I required to receive a COVID vaccine booster?

  Yes. The revaccination in the United States is now your primary series. Based on the last dose of the 2-part series, that will determine your eligibility date to receive the COVID vaccine booster. Per CDC guidelines , you are eligible (check the link for specific age requirements and vaccine options) to receive a COVID vaccine booster as follows:

  • If you received a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna at least 6 months ago
  • If you received one dose of J&J or other single dose vaccine at least 2 months ago
  • If you received the recommended doses of a  World Health Organization emergency use listing (WHO-EUL) COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months ago
  • If you received a mix and match series composed of any combination of  FDA-approved, FDA-authorized, or WHO-EUL COVID-19 vaccines at least 6 months ago
• When can I schedule my booster? I received my first and second dose abroad.

  When you click the WHO-approved vaccines list , check to see if your vaccine is on the list. If so, per CDC guidelines , you are eligible (check the link for specific age requirements and vaccine options) to receive a COVID vaccine booster as follows:

  • If you received the recommended doses of a  World Health Organization emergency use listing (WHO-EUL) COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months ago
  • If you received a mix and match series composed of any combination of  FDA-approved, FDA-authorized, or WHO-EUL COVID-19 vaccines at least 6 months ago
• I am a new transfer student. I am getting vaccinated with my first dose of Pfizer or Moderna this week. Can I attend in-person classes this spring?

  As long as you are compliant with the other health requirements such as MMR and meningitis, we can provide you with a temporary grace period to become fully vaccinated. It is expected that once you become fully vaccinated, you will upload confirmation of your second dose of the vaccine to the Wolfie Health Portal within 48 hours. You will then wait the time eligible per the CDC guidelines to receive the booster dose and upload proof of vaccination to the portal within 48 hours of receiving that vaccine dose. If you fail to complete either of these two steps within 15 days of becoming eligible, you will not be permitted to continue enrollment in in-person classes and will not be permitted to utilize any in-person campus services until you submit proof. If you live on campus, you will be required to move out of the residence halls until you submit proof of becoming fully vaccinated or receiving the booster.   If you are deregistered from in-person classes or are required to move out of the residence halls for not submitting proof of vaccination, you will be held financially responsible for tuition, fees, room, and board.

• I am out of the country and won’t be able to get the booster vaccine until after the deadline. Can I move into the residence halls (if living on campus) and attend in-person classes?

  If you are currently residing outside of the United States and do not have access to any COVID vaccine in your home country, or cannot complete your vaccine series before you arrive in the United States, you are required to obtain vaccination within 48 hours after arrival.  You will be permitted to check into campus housing if you will be living on campus and may attend in-person classes.

• I had a reaction to the first two doses of the COVID vaccine. Can I get a medical exemption from the booster?

  Medical exemptions are reviewed carefully and considered based on specific criteria. For information and instructions regarding how to submit a request for a medical exemption, please visit: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/studentaffairs/shs/forms_new/immunization_exemption_requests.php  

• I have been trying to but am unable to get a COVID booster appointment. What should I do?

  Please check the New York State site for appointment options:  https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/   Student Health Services is also offering the vaccination.  For more information, visit: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/studentaffairs/shs/Influenza_PODS.php

   

• I am an employee on campus who is enrolled in classes. Where can I submit my COVID booster vaccination?

  If you are an employee on campus who is enrolled in in-person classes, you must submit your vaccination information to the Wolfie Health Portal by January 20.
  

COVID Surveillance Testing - Return to Campus and During Spring Semester  

• Should I get a COVID test on campus if I recently tested positive for COVID or am currently sick?
  Surveillance testing is an important tool that we utilize for well, asymptomatic students to help keep our campus community safe. For the safety of others, do not come to on-campus COVID testing centers if you have had COVID symptoms in the last 10 days or have tested positive on a home rapid test, antigen test, or PCR test in the last 90 days . If you do not feel well or have COVID symptoms, please contact Student Health Services at (631) 632-6740.
• What COVID testing is required over the winter break?
  If you are currently on campus or will be coming to campus during the winter session, either as a resident or commuter, you are required to participate in Winter Session surveillance testing. Please visit the Student Health Services website for information about the schedule and locations.
• What COVID test do I need to take and when do I need to take it if I’m not yet on campus, but will be returning between today and the start of the spring semester?

  For everyone’s safety, as you plan your return to campus anytime from today through the start of the winter or spring semester, you are required to get a COVID test (PCR or antigen/rapid) and produce a negative result. This test must be taken no more than 3 days prior to move-in (for residential students) or your first day of in-person winter or spring classes (for commuter and off-campus students) .  

  Given the recent high demand for COVID tests, plan ahead and make an appointment in advance with a local provider. If appointments are not available, you can purchase at-home test kits from your local pharmacy or online sites, and take a photo of your negative test results. If you plan to order an at-home test, we recommend doing so now given the high demand. 

  Please bring your negative test result with you when you come to campus and have it available to show to Student Health Services or Student Affairs staff.

• What if I test positive for COVID or have tested positive in the last 90 days?

  If you test positive, please isolate yourself in your home for the duration of time required by your state given the latest guidance from the CDC.  If you have tested positive for COVID within the last 90 days, DO NOT get tested . Upload your COVID positive test result indicating the date of your positive covid test to the Wolfie Health Portal . This will also exempt you from participating in the on-campus surveillance testing for a 90-day period from the date of your positive COVID test.  If you did a home test, upload a picture of the test result including your student ID and the date it was performed within the photo image and submit it through the  Wolfie Health portal.  If you have not completed your 5 day isolation period or still have symptoms, do not return to campus. 
  
  

• Can I get tested on campus in order to return to campus given the challenge of finding a COVID test in my local community?

  Please do not come to campus to conduct business, attend classes, or use our surveillance testing site if you are sick, have COVID symptoms, or have taken a recent test that shows a COVID positive result. If you currently feel well and have no symptoms, you can be tested on site through our partnership with Enzo Labs. If you live locally and wish to use this service, please follow the steps below: 

  Making an Appointment  

  • Use this MAC COURT registration link
  • Provide your insurance information, as indicated
  • Enter your SBU ID correctly for your test to be accurately recorded. You still need to bring your test result with you to move in despite being tested on campus.
  • Enter the information that matches your legal name on the back of your Stony Brook University ID card
  • After registering, make an appointment using this link: https://bit.ly/CovidMACAppointment  

  Getting Your Results

  As a registered user of Enzo Clinical Labs' Patient Portal System, you will have access to your laboratory results at any time. During registration, you will have the opportunity to create a password with your email as the username. Then, just click on the portal login page to get your information. 

  If You Test Positive

  You will only be contacted by the University’s COVID Response Team if you have a positive test result. When you register to make your appointment, please provide us with your cell or the phone number where we can most easily reach you. While not listed as ‘required’ on the registration form, giving this information allows us to contact you as soon as possible. Enzo Clinical Labs will also contact you at the email address you provide on the registration form if you test positive.

• What are the COVID testing requirements for the spring semester?

  Commuting to Campus: Vaccinated commuter and off-campus students must participate in on-campus surveillance testing once a month. Unvaccinated commuter and off-campus students who received a limited exemption are required to get tested once a week. To view the full schedule, testing locations, and hours of operation, visit: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/studentaffairs/shs/services/COVID_Testing/Index.php  

  We carefully monitor testing compliance.  If you do not comply with your required testing, you will be referred to Student Conduct and Community Standards.

   

  Living on Campus :  Vaccinated residential students must participate in on-campus surveillance testing every other week. Unvaccinated residents who received a limited exemption are required to get tested once a week. To view the full schedule, testing locations, and hours of operation, visit: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/studentaffairs/shs/services/COVID_Testing/Index.php  

  We carefully monitor testing compliance.  If you do not comply with your required testing, you will be referred to Residential Conduct and Community Standards.

• What if I test positive for COVID?

  If you're a Stony Brook student who received a positive COVID-19 test result recently, call the Student COVID-19 Information Line at (631) 632-6176 (on campus 2-6176) to leave a message to report a recent positive test. In this message,  provide your name, SBU ID#, a phone number to return your call, and a brief description of why you are calling.  Messages will be returned as quickly as possible, generally within 24 business hours of receipt. The COVID Response Team will provide information on next steps.   While you are awaiting a call back,   please do not attend classes or come to campus. 

  The COVID Response Team are the experts and will  determine who was exposed. Students are not required to take action related to possible cases or exposures because of this process. For more information about the quarantine and isolation process and the Student COVID-19 Information Line, please click here. 

  If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention right away. In case of emergency, contact University Police at (631) 632-3333 if you are on-campus, or call 911 if you are off-campus.

  In addition to contacting the Student Health Service COVID Response Team if you test positive or are instructed to isolate or quarantine, you should also contact  the Student Support Team at  student_supportteam@stonybrook.edu   or (631) 632-7320 so that they can then email your instructors regarding your absence from class.  The Student Support Team does not share any personal or medical information with your instructors, but will validate your absence from in-person classes for the duration of your isolation or quarantine period.  You are permitted to continue any online courses if you feel well enough to do so.

• What should I do to minimize my risk of being infected with COVID and spreading COVID to others?

  We continue to count on you to do your part to keep our community safe and healthy. Please follow these important steps:

  • Wash your hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, generously use hand sanitizer. 
  • Carry hand sanitizer with you at all times.
  • Wear your face covering/mask over your nose and mouth where required.
  • Do not share food/drinks and personal items with anyone.
  • Wash your bed linens and clothing frequently.
  • Clean all surface areas in your immediate space regularly.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (or into your elbow when a tissue is not available) when you cough and sneeze.
  • Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Contact Student Health Services at (631) 632-6740 if you feel ill.  Do not go to class or work, and stay in your room/home.
  • Get your flu shot, which is offered for free at Student Health Services.

   

 

Quarantine and Isolation Protocols  

• What if I commute to campus and test positive for COVID and need to isolate or quarantine?

  You must establish a plan to quarantine/isolate off-campus should you test positive for COVID, or have an approved COVID vaccine exemption and be exposed to a COVID-positive individual.  Note that COVID-positive individuals cannot take public transportation. Given the latest guidance from the CDC, you will need to isolate yourself for the duration of time noted . After this period, if you have no symptoms, you can return to the campus and in-person classes.  

• What if I live on campus, test positive for COVID and need to isolate or quarantine, and have a home address within a 50-mile radius of Stony Brook?

  You must establish a plan in advance to quarantine/isolate off-campus should you test positive for COVID, or have an approved COVID vaccine exemption and be exposed to a COVID-positive individual. If you have a home address that is within a 50-mile radius of Stony Brook, you will be required to quarantine/isolate at home (or other safe off-campus location), and should proactively determine travel arrangements with family members since COVID-positive individuals cannot take public transportation. Given the latest guidance from the CDC, you will need to isolate yourself for the duration of time noted . After this period, if you have no symptoms, you can return to your residence hall and in-person classes.  If you have a vulnerable or high-risk individual in your household, the COVID Response Team will discuss ways you can isolate yourself at home utilizing safety precautions.

• What if I live on campus, test positive for COVID and need to isolate or quarantine, and have a home address beyond a 50-mile radius of Stony Brook?

  Based upon the recommendation of Student Health Services, including your campus living situation and symptoms, and if your home address is beyond a 50-mile radius of campus, you may either be instructed to isolate in your room or isolate in a designated campus residence hall for the duration of time required by New York State’s health department. After this period, if you have no symptoms, you can return to your in-person classes.

   

 

Residential Guest Policy  

• If I am living on campus, what is the guest policy?

  Given the Omicron variant, we will have a limited guest policy from now through at least the first two weeks of the semester:
  
  

  • Each resident is permitted to have one resident guest. 
  • No overnight guests are permitted in campus residence hall rooms, suites, or apartments. 
  • Non-resident guests are not permitted, including commuter or off-campus students, family members, or friends, except when moving a student into the residence halls.

  Campus Residences will continue to monitor infection rates and send you an update by February 4 regarding any modifications to the guest policy. 

• Can I have family or friends help me move into my campus housing?

  Yes. You can have up to two guests help you move into your residence hall/apartment. Your guests must wear a face covering/mask at all times while inside the building.

 

Academics  

• What is required of me to attend an in-person class?

  As of Wednesday, March 2, 2022, indoor masking is no longer required at most West Campus indoor locations, with the exceptions of the Student Health & Counseling Center, on-campus surveillance testing sites, and on SBU shuttles and buses.  Please note m asks are still required for all students, faculty, medical staff, employees, patients and visitors in all locations within the Health Sciences Tower (East Campus), including classrooms , offices and all public areas.

   You are also required to participate in surveillance testing. For more information, visit the Student Health Services website. 

• What safety precautions have been put in place to ensure in-person classroom safety?

  All classrooms will be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis. You should carry your own hand sanitizer and/or use the hand sanitizer that is available at all building entrances. Additional time has been allotted between classes to reduce density in the hallways. Wearing a mask is required for all students in all Health Sciences Tower (East Campus) locations. 

• If I am diagnosed with COVID-19 and have to be out for an extended period of time, how can I remain on track with my coursework? Will I be given additional time to complete assignments? If it is a class with an attendance policy, will that impact my grade?
  If you cannot attend in-person classes and/or complete your coursework due to COVID or other medical issues, you should review your course syllabi and reach out to your professor to indicate that you will need flexibility in obtaining class materials, notes and other support during your absence from class. You are permitted to continue any online courses if you feel well enough to do so.
• Can I request a remote learning accommodation for the spring semester because of health related concerns?
  There are some online class options available as noted on SOLAR. In-person classes will continue as scheduled. Faculty are not permitted to change in-person classes to online formats. To promote a safe classroom environment, all individuals are required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth at all times while inside campus buildings. All students are also required to be fully vaccinated, in addition to receiving the vaccine booster upon eligibility, as well as participate in surveillance testing. 

 

Face Coverings  

• What is considered a face covering?

  An approved face mask/covering must cover your nose and mouth, and either include straps that hook over your ears OR be of a material that remains over your nose and mouth without use of your hands.  It is not acceptable to use a t-shirt, jacket, or other item to substitute as a face mask/covering.

• Where will I be required to wear a face covering or mask on campus?

  As of Wednesday, March 2, indoor masking is no longer required at most West Campus indoor locations, with the exceptions of the Student Health & Counseling Center, on-campus surveillance testing sites, and on SBU shuttles and buses.

  All Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine employees, medical staff, practitioners, students, patients and visitors must still wear masks when physically present in any of the following locations:

  • Stony Brook University Hospital and all common areas, including but not limited to the lobby, cafeteria, Starbucks, Panera Bread and Jamba Juice
  • Health Sciences and Basic Sciences Towers
  • All patient-care settings
  • All off-site clinic locations regardless of Hospital Article 28 affiliation
  • All offices, including in Flowerfield, Tech Park, Ronkonkoma and Commack
  • All outpatient facilities and physician practices, including the administrative areas within them
• Where will I be required to wear a face covering in the residence halls/suites/apartments?

  No, as of Wednesday, March 2, indoor masking is no longer required at most West Campus indoor locations, with the exceptions of the Student Health & Counseling Center, on-campus surveillance testing sites, and on SBU shuttles and buses. 

• What happens if a student does not comply with these requirements?

  Our communications have emphasized the importance of adhering to safety expectations related to COVID. If we all do our part to protect ourselves and each other, we will be able to remain safe and healthy as a campus community.  If a student does not comply with the directives regarding wearing face masks/covering, social distancing, and other specific residence hall-related expectations, it will be addressed through our Community Standards process.  More details on the Code of Student Responsibility are noted here .

   

Campus Life  

• Will campus events be allowed?

  Yes, programs and activities sponsored by University departments and student organizations will be permitted. Events will be held virtually and in-person. Participants in any in-person event held indoors must wear their face mask at all times. 

• Will clubs and organizations be allowed to have in-person meetings?

  Yes, in-person club meetings will be permitted. Participants in any in-person event held indoors must wear their face masks at all times. 

   

• What safety measures are being taken to keep me safe when dining on campus?

  The  Faculty Student Association (FSA) and  CulinArt are ensuring your safety by adhering to the strongest safety measures, including additional sanitation and disinfecting practices, deep cleaning and disinfecting foggers at each location after closing, enhanced hand-washing protocols, use of gloves and providing contactless payment options such as the GET app, and Google and Apple Pay.  For more information, visit the Dining Safety page .
  

• Do I have to wear a mask or face covering in the dining halls?

  No,  as of Wednesday, March 2, indoor masking is no longer required at most West Campus indoor locations, with the exceptions of the Student Health & Counseling Center, on-campus surveillance testing sites, and on SBU shuttles and buses. 

• I am concerned about density at the dining halls. Is there a way to tell which dining halls are busy in real time?

  Visit stonybrook.edu/dining or use the Nutrislice app (available in the Apple Store and Google Play) to view heat maps showing the density of dining locations. 

   

 

International Students  

• I am a newly admitted student for the Spring 2022 semester. What should I do if I am not able to arrive in the U.S. for the spring semester due to visa issuance delays or travel restrictions?
  We understand and sympathize with the impact the worldwide closure of all U.S. consulates and embassies for routine visa processing is having on our incoming and continuing international students. While we are encouraging you to schedule visa appointments as soon as consular services reopen for non-immigrant visa processing, we recognize you may not be able to secure a visa appointment until after the start of the semester. As such, you may request a deferral of admission, or inquire about studying remotely from abroad. More information for new students can be found on the VIS Student FAQ's During COVID-19 .
• Will F-1 and J-1 students be able to enroll in online courses for the Spring 2022 semester without jeopardizing their status?
  The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced on April 26, 2021 that the COVID-19 guidance issued in March 2020 will remain in place for the 2021-22 academic year. For details on how that may specifically impact you, please visit the Fall Enrollment tab of the VIS Student FAQ's During COVID-19 . If additional guidance or clarifications please email vis@stonybrook.edu .
• How will the Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) office operate for the Spring 2022 semester?
  VIS planning for a "normal semester." We will continue to be fully operational and provide services to international students, faculty and staff under normal business hours (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm). We continue to offer advising services; students can schedule an appointment with an advisor online or by calling (631) 632-4685.