2022-2023 Academic Year Health and Safety Guidelines

Protecting the university community

Updated 9/29/2022

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.

Guidelines at a glance

Vaccination requirements
- All 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.
- UB students with medical or religious exemptions to the vaccination requirement and who live on or come to campus must participate in COVID-19 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 clinical health care settings on campus, such as Student Health Services, dental school facilities and testing sites.
- Buses and Shuttles: Individuals will be asked to put on a mask while aboard UB shuttles to the Student Health Services center at 4350 Maple Road, near Sweet Home Road. Masks are not required on other buses and shuttles.
- Individuals who are not up to date on their vaccinations or are immunosuppressed are encouraged to wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask in indoor settings.
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 and report it via UB’s confidential reporting form. Residential students who test positive must also 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.
Quarantine and 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.