Preparing for Your Return to Campus

As part of the University’s plan for the Fall 2020 campus reopening, the Office of Human Resources wishes to provide additional guidance to employees as we return to campus. We first want to acknowledge that it will take time for us all to adjust to being together again in a working environment that is different than any we have experienced before.  We ask that you have patience with yourselves and with your colleagues, and encourage you to reach out if you have questions or concerns.  

Before You Arrive

• Confirm your campus work schedule with your supervisor or chair.
   
• If you need an accommodation, contact the Benefits Department at 718-990-2363.
   
• Download the required COVID-19 Symptom Screening Questionnaire available through the St. John’s Connect App. This is also known as the wellness checking app. You can access this screening by clicking on “Campus Pass” from the home screen or by following these online instructions. If you do not have a smartphone, you can also access the Symptom Screening through a web browser here and print the clearance pass in color. If you are unable to use either of those options, please speak with your direct supervisor or chair, or come through Gate 6 and use a kiosk located in the lobby of the Department of Public Safety to obtain a pass.
   
• Review the guidance and resources we have provided, which includes the University’s fall plan.
   
• Read the new Return to Work on Campus policies:
  • Social Distancing and Hygiene Guidelines
  • Sick Leave and Paid Family Leave for COVID-19

• Items you must bring with you to campus include
  • a face covering. In addition, the University will provide each employee with one face covering.
  • your COVID-19 Symptom Screening questionnaire wellness check clearance (on your smartphone or print out)
  • your St. John’s StormCard
     
• Items you may want to bring to campus include
  • lunch and beverages, and ice packs or heat packs as needed. Please note that department kitchenettes are closed.

Entering and Exiting Campus

• Use the COVID-19 Symptom Screening questionnaire (aka wellness app) to check your health. If you get a green pass, you will receive an email with a .pdf attachment, which will serve as your clearance for the day. You can screenshot the pass or print it and bring it with you. The green pass will also be displayed within the wellness app itself. If you do not get clearance to go to campus, contact your supervisor or department chair and Employee Benefits at 718-990-2363. Please review the University’s Sick Leave and Paid Family Leave for COVID-19 policy for more details.
   
• Make sure to wear a face covering that covers your mouth and nose. A face covering must be worn while walking around campus, inside University buildings, and anywhere social distancing of six feet may be difficult to maintain (e.g., in offices, classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, elevators, and other common areas). If you cannot wear a face covering due to a disability or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance, please contact the Benefits Department at 718-990-2363. For more information about proper face mask wear and care, please view this infographic.
   
• Prepare to arrive early to allow for long waiting times for entrance to campus.
   
• Specific campus arrival and exit details:
  • Arrival to the Queens Campus (by automobile or on foot): Arrive at Gate 1 or Gate 6 and be prepared to show your face covering, wellness app screen or printout, and StormCard. Expect that there may be delays; please be patient with our colleagues who are working very hard to process arrivals as quickly as possible. View the campus map before your arrival. Exiting the Queens Campus (by automobile or on foot): Employees may use Gates 1, 2, and 6 to exit campus by automobile or for pedestrians. Note that Gate 2 will open in the afternoon for exit only. 
     
  • Staten Island: Park your car and go directly to the Public Safety office with your face covering, wellness app screen or printout, and StormCard.
     
  • Manhattan: Upon entrance, safely distance according to floor signage while you wait for Public Safety to check you in.

Changes to Campus Operations and Procedures

• Social distancing and good hygiene practices are required. Employees must socially distance throughout the day, regularly wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and cover coughs and sneezes. As stated above, please review the University’s Social Distancing and Hygiene Policy, as well as this video on preventing the spread of COVID-19.
   
• New signage to guide employees and our visitors. For information regarding visitors to campus, please refer to the section on Keeping our Campus and Community Healthy in the University’s Fall Plan.
   
• Meetings will continue to be held virtually.
   
• Common areas will be closed or limited (i.e. Fitness Center, etc.)
   
• Dining options vary. Check the 2020 Summer Dining Schedule and the Dining Services page for updated information.  
   
• Virtual appointments replace walk-in appointments in most service areas.

More detailed return to campus information, as well as COVID-19 employee Q&As, policies, benefits, training, and resources, can be found on the COVID-19 Employee Information page under Human Resources. Broader updates for the University community are found on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) page and the Preparing for the Fall Semester page on our website.

We understand that returning to campus may cause a range of emotional reactions. Support is always available to you and your family members through the Employee Assistance Program, CCA@YourService, which provides free, 24/7, confidential access to emotional and mental well-being resources. CCA@YourService can be reached by calling 800-833-8707 or visiting www.myccaonline.com (company code: STJOHNS).

We hope you find this communication helpful.  Again, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions.  For your convenience we include specific phone and email information here.  We look forward to speaking with you.

Office of Human Resources