To support a healthy campus community, Binghamton University will follow a baseline set of protocols while monitoring key metrics to adapt University response as needed and appropriate. By remaining flexible, the University will be well-suited for an agile response to potential rising positivity and/or hospitalization rates.
The following protocols will be considered a baseline for Binghamton University operations. These protocols may be elevated as needed upon reflection of COVID-19 data, as described below.
COVID-19 diagnostic testing
The Decker Student Health Services Center (DSHSC) will continue to provide diagnostic testing for students who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or who need a test five days after being in close contact with someone with diagnosed with COVID-19. DSHSC maintains multiple self-scheduled and medical provider-guided appointment slots daily during regular business hours for symptomatic students seeking tests.
Students in need of diagnostic testing outside DSHSC business hours may seek COVID-19 testing off campus. Medical care is also available to students at several off-campus urgent care walk-in clinics and emergency rooms, including UHS and Lourdes in the Binghamton area.
Distribution of free masks
Masks will be made available for free for students, faculty or staff while supplies last at the following location,
- Guest Services desk in the Tillman Lobby of The Union (generally staffed during The Union’s regular hours)
Masks offer an option for any community members seeking additional precautions from COVID-19, as they allow for continued washing and long-term use. The inventory of these cloth masks will be managed by Facilities Management with guidance from the vice president of operations and vice president for student affairs.
High-Touch Surfaces and Sanitizer Stations
Facilities Management custodial staff will continue to routinely clean areas regularly touched by students, staff and faculty. Example surfaces receiving extra attention may include, but are not limited to, door handles, railings, reception area chairs and elevator buttons. Sanitizer stations at building main entrances will continue to be checked and refilled with sanitizer as necessary for community member use.
COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Policy
While Binghamton University does not mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for any students, faculty or staff, community members are strongly encouraged to maintain up to date vaccinations and boosters. Information on where to seek vaccinations locally is available at https://www.vaccines.gov/.
Residential Students and COVID-19 illness
Residential students will have the option to recover from COVID-19 at home, at an off-campus location at their own expense or in their room in residence halls. Guidance on recovery procedures, support and frequently asked questions can be found at the DSHSC website. On-campus dedicated isolation housing will not be provided for residential students.
COVID-19 messaging
A variety of communication methods will be used to communicate with the campus community to provide updates, guidance and recommendations as related to COVID-19 response within Binghamton University. These methods may include, but are not limited to, Dateline/B-Line, Residential Life communications, posters/signage, etc.
Messaging will proactively include the "Have a Plan" campaign. This campaign will encourage community members to be prepared ahead of being impacted by COVID by encouraging the following,
- Open and honest communications between roommates regarding expectations and concerns when it comes to COVID or any impactful communicable illness
- Remaining at home if you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID
- Identifying alternate living arrangements after a positive test, if possible
- Mask wearing, especially after a potential exposure
- Public health hygiene practices (frequent hand washing, etc.)
- COVID vaccination and boosters
- COVID diagnostic testing when experiencing symptoms
Reporting positive test results
Changes in Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on the management of COVID-19 illness means that students no longer have to report a positive test result to Binghamton University or to the Broome County Health Department.
Employees should report positive results to Human Resources by emailing Sara DeClemente-Hammoud at declemen@binghamton.edu. This is necessary so you do not have to use accruals if you are out of work due to COVID-19, while this program is in effect.
Monitoring of COVID-19 metrics
Key University staff will monitor COVID metrics to ensure the University maintains an accurate understanding of COVID infection and hospitalization rates. Decker Student Health Services Center, Human Resources and Division of Student Affairs officials will share data (without identifying information) and communicate regularly to maintain situational awareness regarding the impact of COVID on Binghamton University. Data points which will be monitored regularly include, but are not limited to,
- The number of employees self-reporting a positive test (reported to Human Resources by staff and faculty)
- Decker Student Health Services diagnostic positivity rate (confirmed positive tests as performed by DSHCS staff)
- Local COVID-19 hospital admission rates (shared by Broome County Department of Health)
University staff will also continue to meet regularly with the Broome County Department of Health to discuss ongoing trends within the campus community and the county at large. Subject matter experts will remain involved in these conversations for valued input and recommendations.
Response to an increased COVID-19 impact
Upon a concerning rise in positivity/hospitalization data within the metrics described above, key University staff will meet to discuss a transition to an elevated set of protocols. Concerning data may include a sustained spike in positivity rates over several days/weeks, an increase in symptom severity or an increase in local hospital COVID admissions.
This transition may happen immediately following group consensus to ensure a rapid and effective response to a rapidly changing environment.
Elevated enhancements to baseline protocols may include, but are not limited to,
- More regular and active messaging, especially regarding the ‘Have a Plan’ campaign
- Recommendations for the use of free masks and rapid antigen tests provided by Binghamton University
- Additional cleaning of high-touch surfaces, if staffing allows
- Following updated guidance from the State University of New York
Binghamton University will monitor local, state and CDC protocols and will closely follow any mandates from the State University of New York, New York State or Broome County.
