Student FAQs

Last updated on 2/8/23

COVID Vaccine
COVID Vaccine Booster
Minimizing Risk
Quarantine and Isolation Protocols
Residential Guest Policy 
Academics
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 required to submit proof of their COVID vaccination.  For more information, visit stonybrook.edu/immunization

• 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.   For a listing of vaccination sites, click HERE.

• 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.  For more information about exemption requests, please visit the Immunizations website. 

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

  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.

• 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.

• I am out of the country and won’t be able to get the booster vaccine until after arrival to the US. 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.

COVID Vaccine Booster 

• Are students required to obtain the COVID booster?

  We strongly recommend that you obtain a COVID booster, once you become eligible, and upload it to the Wolfie Health Portal. You’re eligible when: 

  • It’s been at least 5 months after completing your primary series (two doses) of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines.
  • It’s been at least 2 months after your Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine.

  If you were vaccinated outside of the United States, other COVID vaccine and booster recommendations apply to you. Visit the CDC website for more information. 

  To check when you’re eligible to receive the booster, use this Booster Eligibility Calculator: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/studentaffairs/shs/booster_calculator.php 

• 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 were vaccinated outside of the United States, other COVID vaccine and booster recommendations apply to you. Visit the CDC website for more information. 

  To check when you’re eligible to receive the booster, use this Booster Eligibility Calculator: 

  BOOSTER ELIGIBILITY CALCULATOR  

• 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. 
  

• 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.

• How long should I wait to get a COVID booster if I recently had COVID?

  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. 

• I received an international vaccine and then received 2 doses of Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. Can I 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 were vaccinated outside of the United States, other COVID vaccine and booster recommendations apply to you. Visit the CDC website for more information. 

• When can I schedule my booster? I received my first and second dose abroad.

  If you were vaccinated outside of the United States, other COVID vaccine and booster recommendations apply to you. Visit the CDC website for more information. 

• 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?

  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 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

   

Minimizing Risk 

• 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 isolate for  minimum of five days  off-campus if you test positive for COVID (with or without symptoms). After this period, if you have no symptoms, you can return to campus and in-person classes. Please see this link for more information on what to do if you test positive.

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

  If you test positive for COVID, with or without symptoms, you will need to isolate for a minimum of 5 days and cannot attend in-person classes or activities. You can continue to participate in online classes as long as you feel well enough to do so. Leaving campus to isolate at home is strongly encouraged, so make plans ahead of time to isolate at home, including transportation as you cannot take public transportation while sick with COVID. 

  If you cannot leave campus, you will isolate yourself in your own room at your residence hall or apartment following these guidelines:  

  • Stay in your residence room for your isolation period. You should only leave your room to use the bathroom, pick up food, dispose of trash, or for a fire alarm or medical emergency.
  • If you have a roommate and/or suitemates, inform them of your status and plans for isolation. Include them when you report your close contacts to the Campus Health Response Team. 
  • Everyone should wear a mask at all times when in the same room with you. Once you have finished isolation after 5 days, continue to wear a mask at all times for 5 additional days.
  • Limit time in shared bathrooms and wash your hands after use.
  • Do not spend time in the hallway, lounge, kitchen, common living room, or laundry room.
  • Do not share personal household items like cups, towels, and utensils.

  For more information about isolating guidelines, please visit https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/studentaffairs/res/services/quarantine_isolation.php

   

 

Residential Guest Policy 

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

  Guests and visitors will be limited. For the first two weeks for the start of the semester, guests and visitors are not allowed in the residence halls until Tuesday, September 6. This includes commuter, off-campus students, family members, and/or non-SBU visitors. This allows time for your Resident Assistant to establish roommate agreements. 

  Tentative Guest Policy effective Tuesday, September 6: Residential students are permitted to have non-resident guests in the residence halls, including commuter and off-campus students, family, and friends.  For more information about the guest policy, please visit https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/studentaffairs/res/safety/policies.php

• 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. We recommend guests wear a face covering/mask 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 exception of the Student Health & Counseling Center.  Please note masks 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 and the Student Health & Counseling Center on West Campus. 

• 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. 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. 

  If you would like to request that your faculty members be contacted when you are unable to attend in-person classes due to testing positive, please click here for specific instructions and guidelines. 

• Can I request a remote learning accommodation for the 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. You can choose to wear a mask over your nose and mouth while inside campus buildings. All students are also required to be fully vaccinated, in addition to being strongly encouraged to receive the vaccine booster upon eligibility.

 

Campus Life  

• Will campus events be allowed this semester?

  Yes, programs and activities sponsored by University departments and student organizations will be permitted. Events will be held virtually and in-person. 

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

  Yes, in-person club meetings will be permitted. 

   

• 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 exception of the Student Health & Counseling Center. 

• 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 this semester. What should I do if I am not able to arrive in the U.S. for the semester due to visa issuance delays or travel restrictions?
  We understand and sympathize with the impact the closures and delays of many U.S. consulates and embassies is having on our incoming and continuing international students. We encourage you to schedule visa appointments as soon as possible; however, 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 this semester without jeopardizing their status?
  The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced on April 18, 2022 that the COVID-19 guidance issued in March 2020 will remain in place for the 2022-23 academic year. For details on how that may specifically impact you, please visit the 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 this semester?
  VIS remains fully operational in providing 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.