2022-2023 Academic Year Health and Safety Guidelines

Protecting the university community

Updated 4/19/2023

The University at Buffalo is continuing to offer a full schedule of in-person classes and a vibrant campus experience. To protect the health of the UB community, the university has implemented a comprehensive set of health and safety guidelines.

UB’s guidelines are based on the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the New York State Department of Health and SUNY. All members of the UB community are urged to familiarize themselves with UB’s guidelines and to stay informed of any changes.

As always, the health and safety of the UB community remains paramount. The university may adjust its health guidelines, as needed, based on new scientific evidence and the course of the pandemic.

Students enrolled in health-related programs must continue to provide proof of their primary COVID-19 vaccination. Documentation must be uploaded using the UB Student Health Services portal.
All UB students and employees are strongly encouraged to stay up to date with their vaccinations, including getting booster shots when eligible.
Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is not required to attend events at UB.

> SUNY Announces the End of the Emergency COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Guidelines at a glance Complete guidelines Health Guidelines Committee

Guidelines at a glance

Effective Summer 2023

Students enrolled in health-related programs must continue to provide proof of their primary COVID-19 vaccination. Documentation must be uploaded using the UB Student Health Services portal.
All UB students and employees are strongly encouraged to stay up to date with their vaccinations, including getting booster shots when eligible.
Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is not required to attend events at UB.

> SUNY Announces the End of the Emergency COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Vaccination requirements
- For Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters, UB students who live on campus or who come to campus for classes or activities are required to complete their primary COVID-19 vaccination series and are strongly encouraged to get boosters when eligible, in accordance with SUNY guidelines.
- UB employees are strongly encouraged to stay up to date with their vaccinations, including getting a booster shot when eligible.
- Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is not required to attend events at UB.

COVID-19 testing
- UB will not require return-to-campus testing.
Masks
- Students, faculty, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are not required to wear masks in most settings, indoors or outdoors. Anyone who wishes to continue wearing a mask on campus is welcome to do so.
- Clinical health care settings: Masks are required in certain clinical health care settings on campus, such as dental school facilities.
- 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.
- Individuals are welcome to wear a mask. UB encourages individuals who are not up to date on their vaccinations or are immunosuppressed to wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask.
Off-campus settings
- Students enrolled in any program or course, or who are participating in a clinical or internship at an off-campus location, must comply with all health and safety guidelines in place at the location, including any vaccination or testing protocols.
Monitoring your health
- Monitor your health and stay home if you’re sick.
- Any student who receives a positive COVID-19 test result must isolate. Residential students who test positive must notify Residential Life staff at 716-645-2173 and follow directives regarding isolation and quarantine.
- Any employee who receives a positive COVID-19 test result must isolate and report it to their supervisor and to UB’s Office of Human Resources. HR will provide additional guidance.
isolation
- Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must follow the CDC’s guidance for isolation.
- Residential Students who test positive must notify the Residential Life Quarantine Coordinator at 716-645-9330 or campuslivingquarantine@buffalo.edu and follow directives regarding isolation and quarantine. If you have been exposed to the virus, you should immediately follow the CDC's precautions.
- Off-campus students who have tested positive for COVID-19 are advised to isolate at their residence. If you have been exposed to the virus, you should immediately follow the CDC's precautions.
- Employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 o are advised to isolate at their residence. If you have been exposed to the virus, you should immediately follow the CDC's precautions .
Compliance
- Incidents of noncompliance with any UB protocols will be adjudicated through UB’s Code of Conduct process for students and through the Office of Human Resources for employees.