Reopening New York: A Plan for Hofstra University

REOPENING NEW YORK:

A PLAN FOR HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY * Submitted by the President’s Task Force on Reopening July 15, 2020

Introduction

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The President appointed a Task Force on Reopening, and following consultation with all sectors of the campus community and a review of New York State, CDC and other guidance, the Task Force has approved the following Reopening Plan. The Plan follows the New York State Checklist for Higher Education, which includes the following categories: Reopening – Includes discussion of capacity, PPE, testing, residential living, operational activity, restart operations, extracurricular activities, vulnerable populations, and hygiene, cleaning and disinfection.

Monitoring – Includes discussion of testing responsibility, testing frequency and protocols, early warning signs, tracing and screening.

Containment – Includes discussion of isolation, quarantine, students confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19, hygiene, cleaning and disinfection, and communication.

Shutdown – Includes a discussion of operational activity, move-out, and communication.

The University’s Task Force on Reopening has been working closely with Northwell Health, New York state’s largest health care system and our partner in the medical and nursing schools, to develop protocols that align with local, state and federal public health guidelines and preserve the best of the Hofstra experience while protecting our entire community.

The Task Force, and the various committees on academics, education and communication, athletics, student life, and facilities that work with the Task Force, are made up of administrators, faculty, staff and students, representing each community within the University.

Our key tasks are: -

Creating excellent public and clinical health protocols that allow for effective containment, testing and treatment of the virus.

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Reconfiguring the campus’s technology and physical infrastructure to allow for the safe operation of the educational experience.

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Producing a multi-layered and omni-channel public health campaign that educates the entire community about safe practices and public health principles. Our “Safe Start” campaign (https://www.hofstra.edu/safestart) contains best practices, campus protocols, videos and infographics to talk about topics as varied as distance learning, cleaning and personal protection and hygiene.

The Task Force appreciates that this plan addresses an ever-changing, dynamic environment and the university will adapt the plan as appropriate.

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REOPENING In reopening, Hofstra University must create a “new normal,� while creating an environment that enhances safety and in which processes and guidelines are clearly defined and communicated.

The core of this is reconfiguring spaces and reducing capacity in our academic buildings and classes, as well as our residence halls, finding new spaces for individuals to study or take class online, and utilize and redefine all campus spaces in order to maintain physical distancing.

The University is set to welcome students, faculty and staff back to campus, requiring social distancing

Capacity Phasing and quantity of students, faculty and staff to return to campus, considering factors such as ability to maintain social distance in public spaces and residence halls, testing capabilities, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) availability, quarantine and isolation capacity, local medical capacity, and availability of safe transportation

and mask wearing in all buildings and in outdoor areas where social distancing is not possible.

The University has also arranged for the phased return of staff to campus during the summer, even as certain administrators continue to work remotely into the fall. (see NY First Plan for Offices).

Density in the residence halls has been reduced by approximately one-third, through the elimination of triple and quad rooms, limiting occupants by floor in high rise buildings to reduce use of common bathrooms, and the setting aside of 6 townhouses for use as isolation and quarantine spaces.

Residential students will move in beginning the week before classes begin, by appointment only so as to ensure appropriate social distancing and to allow for testing of students.

The law school and medical school begin earlier than the other schools so that their faculty and students will be in place prior to the main campus start on August 24.

Density in the classrooms has also been reduced. Classrooms have been individually reviewed to ensure social distancing between students in all directions (six feet side to side as well as in front and in back) resulting in an average new capacity of 30% of the original capacity in each classroom. Each room will have a new posted maximum occupancy, specially calculated to consider spacing issues.

New classrooms are being created through the use of other spaces not traditionally used for classrooms, including some athletics spaces, event and meeting rooms.

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The library, computer labs, and any academic area which has shared space will be outfitted with cleaning supplies for individual use, as well as undergoing regular and thorough cleaning. Each academic area will have guidelines as to how to clean equipment or use flexible space, to assist and educate students on its appropriate use under these best practices.

In campus public spaces (dining areas and study spaces): Furniture will be marked to indicate appropriate spacing. Floor decals will be used to make appropriate spacing for queues.

Tents will be added throughout campus and other campus facilities typically used for special events will be opened up to add more study and gathering capacity.

In support of students, faculty and staff, the University has determined that it has the ability to maintain social distancing in public spaces and residence halls, that it has robust testing capacity, has ordered appropriate PPE, has set aside quarantine and isolation facilities, has local medical capacity and availability of safe transportation.

The University has already procured a sizable supply of procedural masks and other required PPE. In

PPE Develop plans for obtaining and providing acceptable face coverings to all employees of the institution.

Determine if the institution will be providing face coverings or other PPE to students. Develop requirements about what PPE is required where and when for employees, students, and other individuals on campus, in accordance with state and local public health laws, regulations, and policies

addition, we have established vendor supply chains for ongoing supplies of critical PPE, cleaning and disinfecting supplies.

Hofstra is requiring that students, faculty and staff, as well as any visitors to campus, wear face masks in all buildings on campus except for one’s own private office, or bedroom/private suite in residence halls.

Face masks are also required to be worn outdoors where it is not possible to maintain social distancing.

Both cloth face masks and disposable face masks have been ordered and are being received.

Faculty and other employees will each receive a set of three washable face masks. While all students will receive cloth face masks and sanitizer, residential students will receive a “wellness kit” which will include multiple cloth face masks, hand sanitizer and a thermometer. Additional disposable masks will be available in classroom buildings and residence halls, and face masks will also be available for purchase in the book store.

Testing Plan for screening and diagnostic testing students and faculty for SARS-CoV-2 upon return, especially any individuals with recent international or long-distance travel, particularly from areas with widespread community transmission of the virus. Plans should indicate if individuals will be tested, who will be tested, the Hofstra University – Reopen Yorknotification Plan 5 frequency of testing, the method ofNew testing, of test results, and the process for those arriving to campus untested. Plans may determine whether to quarantine students upon arrival until they receive testing and a negative test result.

Given the high priority that Hofstra places on the wellbeing of our students and the entire community, the University has established many regulations to promote the health and safety of the entire Hofstra community to the fullest extent possible as we return to campus. Our regulations include mandatory mask wearing, social distancing, deep cleaning and numerous other processes designed to keep our community safe. With regard to the issue of testing for COVID-19, following extensive consultation with the medical and public health professionals at Northwell Health, and in accordance with New York State and CDC Guidelines, Hofstra University has approved and established the following protocols:

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No one – students, faculty or staff – should report to work or attend class if ill or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

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All students, faculty and staff will be required to complete a daily electronic health screening (see section on Monitoring).

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Temperature check stations will also be available throughout campus as a resource if any member of the community wishes to check their temperature. Signage will be posted to assist users with next steps if the reading indicates an above-average temperature.

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The University is directing that all students be tested before arrival on campus. Students should submit their negative test results from a viral test administered as close to their arrival as possible and no more than fourteen (14) days before arriving at their residence hall, or fourteen (14) days before their first class or first activity on campus. The test results will be maintained at the Student Health Center. Any student testing positive must remain at home and should seek medical care and begin their courses remotely until they are medically cleared to come to campus.

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Upon arrival, all residential students will receive a viral test administered by the University’s Student Health Center and evaluated at the Northwell Health laboratory.

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Upon arrival for testing, students will complete a medical screening questionnaire. Students answering “no” to the screening questions will be tested using an Anterior Nasal Swab PCR diagnostic test (lower nose); those students answering “yes” to any question will receive the Nasal Pharyngeal Swab PCR diagnostic test (upper nose). All results will be sent directly to the student and the Student Health Center within 24-48 hours. While awaiting test results residential students will be asked to not leave campus and to strictly follow social distancing and mask wearing, even in their bedrooms.

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Follow up testing (surveillance testing) will take place on campus pursuant to a protocol developed in consultation with Northwell Health. Such testing, involving a sample of the student population, is designed to identify and isolate at an early stage any student testing positive for COVID-19. Surveillance testing will include residential students and may include all students, and/or a spectrum of campus locations, if warranted. The frequency and extent of such testing will be adjusted based on data and circumstances at the time. The results of surveillance testing may indicate additional testing is necessary. Surveillance testing is considered a best practice.

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All initial testing will be done at the Physical Education Building and will be available by appointment to all non-residential students as well beginning on August 3 rd. Students arriving from quarantined states and international students arriving from abroad will be tested upon arrival. Students will be instructed as to quarantine requirements per New York and CDC guidance. Residential students from international and quarantined states will quarantine on campus; non-residential students will quarantine in their off campus residences.

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The Student Health Center is available as a resource for all students experiencing health issues. With the guidance of Northwell Health and clinical professionals, students will be able to obtain current information about COVID-19 and other health protocols.

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The University has reserved residential rooms in separate townhouses in the event that it becomes necessary to isolate or quarantine residential students, either because the student has tested positive or because students have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive.

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In addition to these Testing Protocols, additional protocols will govern student athletes.

Those protocols will be outlined in a separate document and include the testing of all student athletes and staff upon arrival, more detailed daily monitoring, and follow up testing in accordance with NCAA and Conference guidelines and team physician guidance.

Residential students will move in over the course of a week by appointment only and we will limit to one the number of family members assisting with moving belongings into the residence. Students will

Residential living Residential living plans should include protocols for capacity limits, enhanced cleaning and disinfection, appropriate social distancing, use of acceptable face coverings in common areas, restrictions on non-essential gatherings and activities, limited access by students to other residential facilities (e.g. dormitories), restrictions of visitors, special housing considerations for students who are immunocompromised or who have an underlying health condition, separate living spaces for persons undergoing isolation or quarantine, and a modified set of rules for students to follow Hofstra University – Reopen New York Plan 7

check in and receive keys In the Sports and Exhibition Complex, adjacent to the testing center in the PEB. Disposable masks and wipes (cleaning supplies) will be available during check in.

All residential building common areas (laundry, kitchen, and lounges) will have new posted occupancy guidelines which maintain more than 6 feet of physical distancing wherever possible.

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One-way traffic patterns will be instituted in larger venues, such as Bits ‘n Bytes and the Student Center Café

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Ambassadors to manage social distancing and traffic guidelines

Public high touch areas, including tables, in dining locations will be sanitized frequently, as will all kitchen/food preparation surfaces. All areas will be disinfected daily.

Campus bookstore: The campus bookstore is instituting protocols for opening, including one-way traffic throughout the store, dedicated book pick-up areas, and other measures in alignment with retail operations under New York State’s guidelines.

Transportation: The University’s shuttle system will adhere to New York State guidelines for public transportation. In shuttles, we will reduce capacity to 50% and require mask wearing in vehicles. A plexiglass barrier will separate the driver from the passengers. More shuttles will be made available at peak commuting times to accommodate students and faculty who use public transportation.

For the Fall semester, Hofstra will offer flexible courses in a mix of in-person, hybrid and distance learning modes. Even in classes that are primarily in-person, a student will be able to view classes

Operational activity Determine how classes, shared spaces, and activities may be adapted in various phases of return and Hofstra – Reopen New Plan operations (e.g.,University identify which classes willYork offer alternate approaches such as A/B schedules or remote instruction; flipped classrooms; appointment-only use of shared spaces, limiting number of individuals participating in in-person activities at any given time)

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remotely through video conferencing, Zoom or Blackboard. Thus, students will be able to stay home and take all courses remotely if that suits their circumstances (medical or personal need), or come to campus and still have the option to switch to remote learning should it be necessary to switch at a later point in time. And in some classes, there will be assigned “A” and “B” sections to ensure appropriate distancing.

All classrooms have been reviewed to ensure that they can provide for social distancing. Classrooms have been outfitted with signage and markers indicating appropriate physical distancing, Plexiglass barriers, and lecture capture capabilities. Where furniture remains in place, it will be taken out of service with either physical distancing tape or clear cover bags. In more flexible academic spaces, such as studios and labs, decals and floor markings will be utilized to indicate appropriate spacing. Cleaning supplies will be available in classroom buildings for students to use to clean their space upon arrival in a classroom.

Classes are being moved to larger spaces where necessary, and a variety of other spaces are being repurposed for classroom use. Since approximately 50% of our classes are for 20 or fewer students, we have very few large classes and do not need to find rooms to house hundreds of students.

The classroom schedule will be adjusted to allow more time between classes at peak times, for appropriate physical distancing in doorways, hallways, restrooms, as well as to allow students to transition from in-person to online classes if necessary.

Building egress: Each building with more than one door will have marked entrance and exit signs, and each building with more than one staircase will use different staircases for up and down, creating a one-way flow of movement through every academic building.

Academic records, information technology, human resources and other administrative functions are working to create paperless processes and approvals wherever possible. Faculty office hours and administrative meetings should be hosted remotely through Zoom or other conferencing technologies whenever possible.

Wherever possible, touchless dispensers for towels, sanitizer and soap have been added throughout campus.

Restart operation Implement plans to safely reopen buildings such as cleaning and disinfection, and restarting ventilation, water systems, and other key facility components, as applicable

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Buildings are being reopened following the CDC recommended 48 to 72 hour “flush out” period where the building air handlers are operated continuously, at the maximum outdoor fresh air setting.

All buildings will be deep cleaned and disinfected, using CDC approved products.

Cleaning Products and Equipment: Our Custodial Operations staff uses disinfectant wipes and sprays that are approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to kill the COVID-19 virus. In addition, we have purchased 65 electro-static disinfectant sprayers, which are used to safely and quickly disinfect large areas.

Cleaning Schedule: In general, common, high-touch spaces will be cleaned several times daily, and cleaning supplies will be provided so students, faculty and staff can clean areas on their own after each use. In addition, we continue to develop cleaning protocols for specific campus spaces.

Classrooms are cleaned and disinfected nightly using industrial strength disinfecting spray machines to

Hygiene, cleaning and disinfection Establish campus-wide cleaning and disinfection protocols for classrooms, residence halls, restrooms, dining halls and other facilities. Promote hand and respiratory hygiene among all individuals on campus. Monitoring Policies to track health conditions on campus.

disinfect large areas quickly and effectively.

Restrooms in classroom buildings are cleaned twice daily and more frequently in high use buildings.

Common high touch areas are cleaned frequently during the day, and cleaning supplies and hand sanitizers are made available.

Common areas and communal bathrooms in residence halls are cleaned daily and cleaning supplies and disinfectant wipes are provided.

Hofstra’s custodial staff is divided into shifts, and all have been trained for the deep cleaning required.

Sanitizing dispensers will be located throughout campus. In classrooms, cleaning supplies will be available for faculty and students to use at the start of each class session. Students and faculty should clean upon arrival to a class.

A team of Hofstra engineers, engineering consultants, building operators, and instrument control technicians have reviewed the ventilation in all buildings. As part of this review, the percentage of outdoor air to all climate control systems on campus will be increased where possible while maintaining the conditioned environment as ASRHAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and

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Air Conditioning Engineers) recommends. Hofstra is also enhancing air filtration by installing MERV-13 air filters where feasible throughout campus.

A video about our cleaning protocols is available at https://www.hofstra.edu/safestart/wellness.html#cleaning

Extracurricular activities Institute policies regarding extracurricular programs and which activities will be allowed, consider keeping social distancing and risk of COVID-19 transmission

The Student Affairs Division has instituted new and varied outdoor activities that maintain social distancing. Outdoor movies and recreation are planned, in order to encourage students and the community to use outdoor spaces. Outdoor recreational activities will be permitted where social distancing may be maintained. The Hofstra Cultural Center will offer virtual and Zoom programming and wherever possible, and if guest speakers do come on campus, they will make their remarks in an outdoor space. The University will offer the broadest array of extracurricular programs possible, taking into account the special precautions governing these activities during a pandemic period.

Student Activities: 

Student life will include a variety of events that include both virtual and in-person events and activities. The University has invested in tents and outdoor movie screens; in-person programming such as movie nights and fitness classes will largely be outside and follow relevant health guidelines for mask-wearing and physical distancing.

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Club meetings, meetings with administrative advisors, and student-run events will continue to take place virtually. An online platform (GetInvolvedHU) will be utilized to advertise all virtual meetings and events. Training for student organization leaders will be held throughout the month of August and early September to review the new guidelines and procedures. A Remote Club Management Guide has been developed https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lb5k5ci2wITNJ_GQmhlmlH_cEwJhzXUB/view

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Traditional campus events such as Welcome Week, 9/11 Memorial, Blue and Gold Leadership Programs, identity-based affinity group programming, and Pride Court will be offered in combinations of virtual and in-person experiences.

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Outdoor tents on both north and south campus that are equipped with wifi will allow for casual student activity and study spaces with social distancing and mask-wearing.

Campus Recreation: 

The Fitness Center will offer modified hours of operation. Guests are not permitted and no equipment will be issued (yoga mats, basketballs, etc.). An online reservation system will be implemented to ensure less than 50% capacity. Masks will be required at all times in the facility.

The Fitness Center will open in accordance with the Governor’s guidance on gym operation.

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The gymnasium will be redesigned for an equipment layout to accommodate single unit exercise equipment distanced more than six feet apart, with 8’x10’ markings on the floor. The weight rooms and track will be closed.

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Locker room showers will be closed. Lockers will be available at 6 foot distances.

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Intramurals and competitive club sports will be suspended. Outdoor and virtual group classes will be offered and encouraged. Running and walking maps will be provided outlining different routes/distances for north and south campus.

Advising, Tutoring and Student Success: 

Academic support services including advising, career counseling, disability accommodations and success coaching will all be available virtually, by phone and in person.

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Students can make appointments through an electronic system and choose the format for individual and group meetings.

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All drop-in services will be offered virtually to ensure social distancing and appropriately reduced density in advising offices.

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Peer tutoring will be available virtually, both for individual and group sessions.

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Success programming and workshops to help students thrive in both in-person and virtual formats will be offered virtually throughout the semester.

Because of our flexible class offerings, students will have the option of arranging to take classes remotely. The addition of lecture capture (more than 100 cameras across academic facilities have been

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added) and other technologies in the classroom, in addition to class materials on Blackboard, allow all students to take classes and do academic work online. For students who wish to be online through the semester, they may work through their advisement dean to make arrangements with each individual class, which may be offered online or virtually in different ways.

See more about lecture capture capabilities at https://youtu.be/QIIgXPWMyrI In addition, students who need to isolate or quarantine for a portion of the semester, due to health or exposure reasons, may take their classes online for the time in which they are restricted.

In addition, advising and tutoring services are offered virtually, as are technology services, and student counseling. Participation in student clubs and other lectures and events is also available virtually.

All offices and staff functions were retrofitted and reconsidered to enhance health and safety during the Phase II reopening process. Processes when possible are electronic instead of paper and interoffice mail.

Faculty who have sought accommodation and provided appropriate medical documentation will be permitted to teach online to the extent appropriate classes are available. The University has also ensured that social distancing will be maintained in all classrooms, and face masks will be worn at all times. Medical experts have assured Hofstra that mask wearing is an important key to preventing spread of the virus. Mask wearing will also be an important component of our public health campaigns, both before and during the semester.

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MONITORING Hofstra University’s monitoring policy depends on our strong partnership with the researchers and clinicians at Northwell Health as well as local Department of Health and public health officials. Our oncampus testing capabilities, and our plan for best-practice surveillance testing, tracing and screening, as well as our restricted guest policies for campus, allow us to monitor our population closely, and exceed what the state guidelines require.

Testing responsibility Identify who is responsible for purchasing and administering testing, as well as notification of test results; plans should offer contingencies for continual screening of symptoms and temperature checks without testing, if needed

The Student Health Center, which is led by the dean of the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, working in collaboration with Northwell Health, is responsible for purchasing and administering testing. Where available and if covered, student health insurance may defray lab costs. The Student Health Center, as well as the student, will receive all test results directly from the laboratory. As required, positive test results will also be sent to the Department of Health for follow-up contact tracing.

Screening of symptoms will be done and reviewed by the clinicians at the Student Health Center, as will the daily responses to digital health screening, which include questions about symptoms. The Student Health Center will follow up as necessary and test students with symptoms as appropriate. The Student Health Center is equipped to administer COVID-19 swab PCR tests on site, and will be monitoring trends that may require further testing.

Temperature screening kiosks will be placed in residence halls, in the student center and in south campus locations to permit students and the Hofstra community to quickly self- check their temperature. Signage will instruct students with a fever to return to their homes or residence and call the Student Health Center for further instructions. Students with a fever are not to go to class or other public places.

Hofstra’s detailed testing protocol was outlined earlier in this document. The testing protocol directs that all students be tested before arrival on campus. The protocol also requires the testing of all

Testing frequency and protocols Determine testing frequency and process which may include plans to test for cause (e.g. symptomatic individuals, close or proximate contacts, international travel), plans to test for surveillance to proactively 14 Hofstra University – Reopen New York Plan monitor for symptoms of influenza-like illness, as well as protocols around group testing

residential students upon arrival. Students arriving from quarantined states and international students arriving from abroad will be tested upon arrival. In terms of monitoring, the following sections of the testing plan are relevant to this section: Follow up testing (surveillance testing) will take place on campus pursuant to a protocol developed in consultation with Northwell Health. Such testing, typically involving a sample of the student population, is designed to identify and isolate at an early stage any student testing positive for COVID19. Surveillance testing will include a sample of residential students and may include a sample of all students if warranted. The frequency and extent of such testing will be adjusted based on data and circumstances at the time. A Surveillance testing program is considered a best practice. Symptomatic testing will also always be available.

Testing at the PEB will be available by appointment to all non-residential students as well beginning on August 3rd , including the students arriving from quarantined states and international students arriving from abroad who are required to be tested.

The Student Health Center is available as a resource for all students experiencing health issues, for those who have been diagnosed or who are under isolation. With the guidance of protocols developed through Northwell Health, students will be able to obtain current information about COVID-19 and other health protocols. For employees, Human Resources is available to answer questions about our policies and procedures as well as assist with accessing health services.

Hofstra will rely upon the medical expertise offered by Northwell Health to determine if early warning

Early warning signs: Define metrics that will serve as early warning signs that positive cases may be increasing beyond an acceptable level; define method(s) to monitor against such metrics

sign metrics, including data from surveillance testing, health screening questionnaires and cases presenting to the Student Health Center, and evidence such as clusters of positive tests on surveillance, increased respiratory complaint visits to student health, tracer results indicating multiple sources of infection or multiple exposures, a rise in community prevalence, indicate positive cases of Covid-19 are increasing and that therefore additional action should be taken. Such additional action may include broader testing of an entire residence hall or halls, or of other populations, as well as increasing the frequency of surveillance testing. This would occur only if significant numbers of positive cases occurred within a specific location or among a defined group of students, for example. As noted earlier, quarantine and isolation rooms are available on and proximate to campus.

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Tracing Consider plans for contact tracing in close coordination with state and local health departments using the protocols, training, and tools provided through the New York State Contact Tracing Program – an initiative between the Department of Health, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Vital Strategies

If a student tests positive, the Student Health Center will work closely with the Department of Health and facilitate contact tracing efforts, including notification of roommates and others who had close contact with the individual. If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, upon being advised, Hofstra’s Department of Human Resources will cooperate with contact tracing efforts, including notification of potential contacts, such as workers or visitors who had close contact with the individual, while maintaining confidentiality required by state and federal law and regulations.

The Communications Task Force is also developing a comprehensive education plan on the importance of working with and speaking to contact tracers, so that students may understand why contact tracing is critical to the continued operation of the campus.

Screening Develop plans for regular health screening of employees, students, and visitors.

Students will be required to complete the daily “COVID Screening Questionnaire” which will ask: 1. Indicate if you have experienced ANY of the symptoms potentially related to COVID-19 within the past 14 days. Symptoms include: Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea 2. Have you tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days?

3. Have you knowingly had close or proximate contact with someone in the past 14 days who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has had symptoms of COVID-19 (see above for list of symptoms)?

4. Have you traveled outside New York, New Jersey or Connecticut in the last 14 days?

Student responses will be reviewed by the Student Health Center, which will follow up where appropriate.

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Employees who will be working on campus will also be required to complete the daily electronic “COVID Screening Questionnaire” prior to beginning their work day and responses will be monitored daily by Human Resources. Responses will be reviewed and recorded by Human Resources and will remain confidential. In instances where follow up is required, a member from the HR benefits department will contact the employee.

Visitors will be restricted and limited to invited visitors approved by the appropriate Vice President or Provost. Whenever possible, hosts should utilize Zoom or other videoconferencing means to engage with guests. However, when visitors do come to campus, they must be registered and approved, and they are required to fill out the digital health screening questionnaire, as well as wear masks and maintain social distancing. Each department is responsible for compliance for any visitors they bring to campus. Administrative departments have been advised to ensure that visitors including consultants, contractors, and other business visitors fill out the health questionnaire, wear a mask and observe physical distancing. As to invited visitors (speakers, etc.), the person who issued the invitation, and that person’s department, will be responsible for overseeing compliance with these requirements.

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CONTAINMENT Hofstra University has reduced residential density in the residence halls, left six townhouses unoccupied and reserved for isolation and quarantine housing, implemented on- campus testing and isolation protocols and created partnerships with local hotels in order to ensure the campus is ready to handle positive cases in a responsive and caring way, while protecting the health of our community.

Separate townhouse residence halls have been set aside to house: (1) residential students who may

Isolation Identify how to isolate symptomatic individuals, both residential and non-residential (as applicable). Plans must specifically identify where individuals will be residing (e.g. residence halls, hotels, home) throughout the duration of their isolation, as well as the support system that will be provided including food, medicine, psychosocial, academic and/or other support, as needed

test positive for COVID -19 and will be required to self-isolate, as well as (2) residential students who are identified as having close contact (in accordance with Department of Health and contact tracing definitions) with an individual who tested positive and need to quarantine.

Students testing positive for COVID-19 will be required to self-isolate as required by the DOH and CDC guidance. When possible, students will be expected to self-isolate at their permanent residence.

Where a residential student tests positive and it is not feasible for that student to return to his or her permanent home, the separate resident buildings set aside for this purpose will be used. The Student Health Center Staff will remotely monitor students in isolation on-campus and will arrange for the student to be moved for clinical evaluation if required. Food will be delivered. Students who have tested positive may return to campus when cleared by the Student Health Center working with the Department of Health.

Close contacts of those who have tested positive will return to their home to quarantine for 14 days when feasible. Residential students who cannot return home will be quarantined in separate housing set aside for this purpose. Food will be delivered and the Student Health Center will remotely monitor.

Close contacts who have not developed symptoms may return to classes in accordance with DOH, CDC and Student Health Center guidance.

In addition, Hofstra has created relationships with several area hotels if expanding housing options becomes necessary.

Hygiene, cleaning and disinfection

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Implement strategies for cleaning and disinfection of exposed areas and appropriate notification to occupants of such areas

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Hofstra’s custodial staff has identified and procured the equipment, supplies and training necessary to clean and disinfect contaminated areas utilizing EPA registered disinfectants.

A communication plan is under development by the University, in partnership with students and faculty

Communication Develop plans to share protocols and safety measures taken by the institution

from communication, nursing, and public health, and administrators that will identify and highlight safe practices recommended by the CDC for the prevention of COVID. Posters, electronic signs, social media and video will be deployed to educate our community on CDC recommendations such as maintaining social distancing, hand washing, reduce face touching, face coverings, etc. Information will also be sent via email to students and the Hofstra community. In addition, the university website will also share protocols and safety measures as well as answer Frequently Asked Questions.

Public health campaigns may include: 

Mask wearing and principals of physical distancing

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How to wear a mask

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Hand-washing

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The importance of contact tracing

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How contact tracing works

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Risky behaviors in the pandemic world

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Get a flu shot!

SHUTDOWN Two national security consultants have cited Hofstra University for the excellence of the campus emergency communications plan. Our communications in any shutdown scenario will be guided by public health best practices, and combine mass, personal and interpersonal communications, to build understanding and foster a calm and efficient environment.

Operational activity Include which operations will be decreased, scaled back, ramped down, or shutdown and which operations University – Reopen YorktoPlan will beHofstra conducted remotely; includeNew process conduct orderly shutdown which may include phasing, 19 milestones, and involvement of key personnel

If it became necessary to decrease on-campus activities temporarily but not to return student to their homes, the university would consider the following possible actions: a pause on in-person classes with all classes being held remotely for a specified period and conversion of in-person activities to virtual activities for the same period.

In the event that it became necessary to ask students to leave the residence halls, the student’s coursework would continue remotely and could, if necessary, be completed remotely. The university would continue to remain open but with only essential workers on campus in person. All other functions would continue to operate virtually.

If it should be determined that it was necessary for students to leave the residential halls, move-out

Move-out For residential universities, plans need to be put in place for how students would safely depart campus.

Institutions should consider policies for students who may not be able to depart campus quickly (e.g. international students)

would be staggered and by appointment only to ensure social distancing. Limited housing would be kept available to house students unable to leave because of travel restrictions, or other compelling circumstances. Students in isolation and quarantine would continue to receive services until it was safe for them to be moved.

The University’s Office of University Relations has been involved in contingency planning and will

Communication Develop comprehensive plans to communicate internally and externally throughout the process.

ensure clear messaging both internally and externally during any reduction of activities or move-out.

The University’s crisis communication plan, which includes texting, email, phone, a PA system, electronic signage in and around campus, website, cable television emergency messaging, and a crisis call center, can be implemented to assist in any change in status. The University website, https://www.hofstra.edu/safestart has sections dedicated to health & wellness, living, learning and working on campus, webinars and up-to-the-minute research about the coronavirus.

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*Approved on July 15, 2020

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Appendix –Task Force and committee membership

President’s Task Force on Reopening Patricia Adamski (Co-Chair) Senior Vice President for Planning and Administration Joseph Barkwill Vice President for Facilities and Operations Herman Berliner (Co-Chair) Senior Vice President for Academics, Provost

Steve Fabiani Vice President for Digital Innovation and Technology Dolores Fredrich Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs, General Counsel

Jean Peden-Christodoulou Associate Vice President, Student Affairs

Kathy Gallo Founding Dean, Hofstra/Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies Executive Vice President and Chief Learning Officer, Northwell Health

Melissa Connolly Vice President for University Relations

Catherine Hennessy Senior Vice President for Finance, Treasurer

Jessica Eads Vice President for Enrollment

Lawrence Smith Founding Dean, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Executive Vice President and Physician-in-Chief, Northwell Health

Fall Semester Academics – Contingencies Planning Committee Task Force Margaret Abraham (Co-chair) Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

Chair, Senate Executive Committee and Associate Professor, Library Operations

Joseph Barkwill Vice President for Facilities and Operations

Cornell Craig Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Herman A. Berliner (Chair) Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Steve Fabiani Vice President for Digital Innovation and Technology

Kevin Boston-Hill Chair, Undergraduate Academic Affairs Committee and Adjunct Assistant Professor, Rhetoric William Caniano

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George Giuliani Speaker of the Faculty and Associate Professor, Special Programs in Education Evan Koegl

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Registrar Julian Ku Professor of Law, Law School Janet Lenaghan Dean, Zarb School of Business Dominique G. Outlaw Associate Professor, Finance Anthony J. Santella Chair of the UAB and Associate Professor, Health Professions

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Daniel Seabold, Chair of the Mathematics Department and Associate Professor, Mathematics Kathleen Wallace Chair of the Chairs Caucus and Chair, Philosophy Department Patricia Welch Professor, Comparative Literature, Languages & Linguistics

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Committee on Communication and Education Carole M. Bates Assistant Dean for Curricular Affairs and Special Projects, Zucker School of Medicine Andrew Berman Assistant Dean of Communication, Deane School of Law Elfreda V. Blue, Ph.D. Vice Provost, Graduate and Undergraduate Studies Isma Chaudhry Executive in Residence, MPH & Adjunct Associate Professor, Health Professions Athelene Collins Executive Director, Hofstra Cultural Center Melissa Connolly, Chair Vice President, University Relations Denise S. Cunningham Chief Human Resources Officer & Equal Rights Opportunity Officer, Human Resources Martine Hackett Associate Professor, Health Professions Corinne Kyriacou Chair and Associate Professor, Health Professions

Renee Mcleod-Sordjan Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies at Hofstra/Northwell Jeffrey S. Morosoff Chair and Associate Professor, Journalism, Media Studies, & Public Relations Zaibis Munoz Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Advocacy and Prevention Awareness, Division of Student Affairs Chanapong Rojanaworarit Assistant Professor, Health Professions Anthony J. Santella Associate Professor, Health Professions Karla Schuster Assistant Vice President, University Relations Daniel Seabold Chair and Associate Professor, Mathematics Co-Chair of the Chairs’ Caucus Holly J. Seirup Dean, School of Health Professions and Human Services Charmise Woodside-Desire Assistant Director, Alumni Affairs

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Committee on Facilities Joseph Barkwill Vice President, Operations and Facilities, Chair

Dom Lavin Director of Campus Facilities

Paul Romano Director of Physical Plant

David Dale Director of Purchasing Contracts Michael Sweeney Associate Director, Custodial Services

Other subcommittees include: Student Center subcommittee on issues of traffic and usage of Student Center spaces (co-chaired by Dom Lavin and Dean of Students Gabrielle St. Leger) Dining subcommittee will consider capacity, openings and food handling procedures (co-chaired by Michael Ogazon, Director of Budget and Administrative Services and a Compass representative) Athletics subcommittee will interpret guidance from the NCAA and the Colonial Athletic Association and consider athletic events, game production, team travel, training and facilities protocol.

Jay Artinian (Chair) Deputy Director of Athletics Cindy Lewis Senior Associate Director of Athletics, SWA Stephen Gorchov Associate Director of Athletics for Communications Evan Malings Head Athletic Trainer Ryan Watson Assistant Director of Athletics for Faculties Jimmy Prendergast Head Strength and Conditioning Coach

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