COVID-19 Employee Guide

Together, we are staying informed

Know the rules regarding: Vaccinations, Face Coverings, Testing, Quarantine and Isolation.

UB continues to adjust our workplace to protect our community during this fast-changing and unpredictable pandemic. UB employees are advised to stay informed of the university’s most recent COVID-19 protocols.

For more information or help with employee COVID-19 concerns, please contact:

UB Human Resources
716-645-7777
ub-hr@buffalo.edu

2022-2023 Academic Year Health and Safety Guidelines

Updated 1/9/2023

Quick Links to Forms
Form Description Link
Proof of Vaccination or Booster for Employees Employees can submit proof of vaccination or booster to Human Resources. By submitting this proof, you will be exempt from mandatory weekly surveillance testing. COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination and Booster for Employees
Acknowledgment of Workplace Health and Safety Provisions All employees are expected to submit this form acknowledging their obligation to follow updated COVID-19 return-to-work guidance from SUNY and the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER). Acknowledgment of Workplace Health and Safety Provisions for Employees (UBITName login required)
Flexible Work Program Application Faculty and staff may use this form to request flexible work such as a compressed work week, flexible start and end times and telecommuting. Applications may be submitted at any time; there is no specified application period. Flexible Work Program Application
Latest Updates Working During COVID Safe Workplace Health and Wellbeing FAQs

COVID-19 Updates

In this section:

Updated 6/29/22

Masks are optional on UB’s campuses in most settings:

  • Students, faculty, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, will no longer be required to wear masks in most settings, indoors or outdoors. 
  • Anyone who wishes to continue wearing a mask in a classroom, office or any other campus space is encouraged to do so. 
  • Clinical health care settings: Masks may be  required in certain clinical health care settings on campus, such as dental school facilities. Please review the requirements of the health care setting prior to your visit.
  • Student Health Services: Masks are no longer required within the Student Health Services facility EXCEPT
    • if you have any symptoms of a respiratory infection including cough, runny nose, sneezing, throat pain, fever, body aches, headache OR
    • if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 10 days OR
    • if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 10 days    
  • Buses and Shuttles: Masks are not required on most buses and shuttles. Masks are no longer required within the Student Health Services Shuttle EXCEPT:
    • if you have any symptoms of a respiratory infection including cough, runny nose, sneezing, throat pain, fever, body aches, headache OR
    • if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 10 days OR
    • if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 10 days.
    • Shuttle operators will continue to have a supply of masks on hand in case a passenger fails to bring one and has a need.
  • UB faculty, staff and students who work or learn at hospitals, nursing homes, clinics or diagnostic and treatment centers off campus must continue to comply with any site-specific regulations in place.

Remember: There are many reasons that individuals may continue to wear a mask, including those who are:

  • Unvaccinated 
  • Immunocompromised
  • Living with someone at higher risk

Please be kind and respectful toward others in our UB community.

Faculty and academic support staff, see Guidance for faculty and academic support staff.

Please note that universal masking is dependent on CDC-reported community transmission rates, and may be reinstated if Erie County experiences a sustained increase in the number of new cases and/or if masking is otherwise recommended by public health authorities. Masks have been a highly effective strategy at reducing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

Updated 3/2/22

Working Remotely

Updated 8/31/2022

On August 2, 2021, the new SUNY Telecommuting Policy was distributed to the University at Buffalo for implementation at the campus level. The policy has been officially extended by the New York State Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER) through December 31, 2022.

Events and Gatherings

Updated 3/2/22

Visitors

Updated 3/2/22

Resources

You can learn more about UB’s and New York State’s guidelines and protocols for COVID-19 from these resources:

COVID-19: UB Planning and Response

  • Health and safety information for the university community
  • How UB is moving forward during COVID-19

Student Guidance

  • Staying healthy together
  • Living and dining tips
  • Campus resources
  • Get the most from your experience

Research Ramp Up and Guidance

  • Guidance for resuming research activities
  • Lab ramp-up checklists and policies