Frequently Asked Questions

Throughout the course of the pandemic, the CDC has recommended the use of face coverings when out in public.  Additionally, many jurisdictions have enacted mask mandates requiring individuals to wear face coverings when in public.  At NJIT, face coverings are required when in public at both indoor and outdoor areas of campus.  CDC mask recommendations are described at the link below:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html

Recently the CDC has conducted studies into ways to increase mask efficiency.  The CDC determined that mask efficiency could be improved greatly by: 

• improving the fit of medical procedure masks by knotting the ear loops and flattening the sides of the mask resulting in a tighter fit; and
• wearing a cloth mask or face covering over a medical procedure mask, a practice that has come to be known as double masking.
• These practices are depicted in the graphic below:
  

Learn More: Details of the CDC’s research concerning methods to improve mask efficiency

Students should contact the Dean of Students Office via dos@njit.edu and employees should notify Human Resources via hr@njit.edu.

NJIT will implement three modes to deliver courses during spring 2021:

• Converged mode: The class will meet at the scheduled time with some students physically in the classroom and others joining remotely. Those joining remotely will have the opportunity to ask questions and fully participate as if they were physically in the classroom. Because of social distancing restrictions, only a reduced number of students will meet physically at any one time. 

• Synchronous online: The class will meet at the scheduled time with all students attending remotely. Once again, students will have the opportunity to participate as if they were present in person.

Online: Students participate at the time they desire, post questions and participate in group chats. All course material is available digitally. 

Our plan is for classes at all levels to be offered in a converged mode. Laboratory courses will be offered mostly in a converged mode. 

Students registered for converged courses (except labs) have the option to attend remotely, even when it is their turn to be in the classroom. Students registered for lab courses run in the converged mode have to follow a special procedure if they do not want to physically attend labs when it is their turn. If they have health-related issues that prevent them from physically attending, students should notify the Office of the Dean of Students.

NJIT will maintain the original academic calendar for Spring 2021, which is available here https://www5.njit.edu/registrar/spring-2021-academic-calendar/.

Classes will be delivered through a converged learning model that will enable in-person learning.

Social distancing will be required in all locations on campus until the requirements are relaxed by federal, state, and local guidelines. When social distancing cannot be maintained, personal protective equipment (PPE) adequate to minimize the opportunity for virus transmission should be worn.  Face coverings are not considered PPE, but will be required in all public places on campus.

NJIT has developed a comprehensive plan for COVID testing that will include tests for students, faculty, and staff prior to the onset of the spring semester as well as ongoing surface testing, air testing, and wastewater testing.

Information for Students

The overall goal of NJIT’s student testing program is early identification and isolation of students who may be COVID-positive and asymptomatic, so as to reduce the chance of exposure to others on campus. The university will require proof of a negative test performed within the 14 day period prior to the start of classes on January 19, for the following student groups:

• All undergraduate and graduate students attending labs or face-to-face classes, including commuter students and those living in the UC or other non-NJIT housing

• Any student who is returning from abroad and is scheduled to attend labs and/or face-to-face classes (test must be conducted in the United States)

The required tests are a nasopharyngeal polymerise chain reaction (PCR) test, SARS Antigen to detect nucleocapsid protein from SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 (Antigen), or other FDA-approved test, and all students are required to submit proof of a negative COVID 19 result for such a test conducted within 14 days prior to attending in-person classes or moving into the residence halls. You may not return to campus until you provide medical evidence indicating a negative COVID test. 

Student results must be submitted through the portal at njit.medicatconnect.com.

If your test is positive, you may not come to campus until you have quarantined for 14 days and received a negative test result. You will start the semester online only while you are infectious, whether or not you have symptoms.

For students returning to campus, there may be limited situations in which testing may not be possible at home prior to return to campus. In such cases, students will have to schedule testing at the Student Health Center at St. Michael’s Primary Care Center and should bring their health insurance card to the testing appointment. Returning students who are tested upon arrival will be required to self-isolate in their residence until test results are received, which may take 5-7 days.

If you are a commuter and test positive upon arrival, you will be required to leave campus promptly to begin quarantine and will start the semester online only.

If you are a residential student who tests positive, you will be provided space to quarantine and may continue your courses online.

If you become ill with symptoms of COVID-19 before you plan to arrive on campus, you should delay travel and contact your health provider for evaluation. Do not come to campus until you have completed quarantine and are no longer infectious.

We are aware that this is a tight timeline and may be challenging for you, depending on testing in your area. It is important to plan ahead.  

Every member of the NJIT community will be required to wear a face covering in public places. NJIT will provide two reusable, washable, cloth face coverings for every member of the NJIT community. A face covering will be required in classrooms, teaching labs, and other instructional spaces, even when social distance is available. Personal Protective Equipment may be provided in certain circumstances where social distancing is not achievable. Faculty may have the option of wearing an alternative to a face covering, such as a face shield, to facilitate long periods of speaking during instruction.

Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 during the spring 2021 semester will need to follow the appropriate guidelines below.

• If a commuter student tests positive, they need to self-isolate at their primary residence.

• If a residential student tests positive, they will be asked to relocate immediately to a room designated for self-isolation within the NJIT residence halls or as arranged.

• If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, they will need to self-isolate at their primary residence or other off-campus location. The Office of Human Resources should be notified by the employee by emailing benefits@njit.edu.

• Per updated CDC guidelines, self-isolation can end after:

  • At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and

  • At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and

  • Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving

    • **Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation​

  • If you have no symptoms, you can end self-isolation after 10 days have passed since the date you had your positive test.

• In order to resume in-person classes and activities at NJIT, a student will need to provide a negative test to the Dean of Students prior to these interactions.

• In order to return to work, an employee will need to provide a negative test to Human Resources prior to returning to campus.

Once the State of New Jersey moves to Stage 3 of the multi-stage approach to recovery, visitors will be allowed on campus. Visitors will be required to follow the same guidelines regarding face coverings and social distancing as the NJIT Community members. Their host will be responsible for communicating these requirements prior to their visit.

In accordance with safety protocols put in place by the State of New Jersey, the WEC fitness center will be operating at a 25% capacity. Access currently is limited to NJIT students only. You must register for an account on ImLeagues.com to create a reservation. Reservations are required to use the fitness center; walk-ups will not be admitted. DO NOT ENTER fitness center if you are experience symptoms of COVID-19. Your temperature will be checked prior to entrance, and a FACE COVERING will be required at all times.

Hours of Operation
Fitness Center Regulations (PDF)

Monday through Friday
8:00am to 8:00pm

Saturday
10:00am to 4:00pm

Sunday
11:00am-6:00pm

For COVID-19, a close contact encounter is contact with anyone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes. An infected person can spread COVID-19 starting 48 hours (or 2 days) before the person has any symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19.

No.

Discussions with Human Resources about personal medical information are confidential. This means that your medical information will be kept private and only shared with those who may need to know, like the NJ Health Department, if applicable. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, your name will not be shared with those you came in contact with. The Human Resource Department will only notify people you were in close contact with (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) that they might have been exposed to COVID-19.

negative, do I still have to quarantine (isolate) for 14 days after I was last exposed?

Yes. You should still self-quarantine. Based on updated CDC guidelines, self-quarantine can end:

• After day 10 without testing

• After day 7 with a negative test result (test must occur on day 7 or later)

See the CDC’s website: Protect Yourself When Using Transportation

COVID-19 tests are available at no cost nationwide at health centers and select pharmacies. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act ensures that COVID-19 testing is free to anyone in the U.S., including the uninsured. Additional testing sites may be available in your area. The State of New Jersey has information on free testing here: https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing.

NJIT strongly discourages non-essential personal travel. If you have traveled to such an area, you must follow the CDC guidelines for after travel, including, but not limited to, getting tested 3-5 days after travel and self-quarantining for 7 days. If testing is not available, travelers are required to quarantine for 10 days. If you develop symptoms or feel ill during this time and/or have a fever, you should contact your healthcare provider. If you test positive, refer to the FAQ on what to do if you test positive for COVID-19. Updated information on recommendations for travel can be found on the travel information page on the CDC’s site:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html

In addition, the State of New Jersey provides guidance for domestic and international travel here: https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/travel-and-transportation/are-there-travel-restrictions-to-or-from-new-jersey

Please visit https://www.njit.edu/pandemicrecovery/njit-covid-19-viral-testing-program for a detailed description of NJIT's ongoing testing program.

300 students and 100 employees are randomly selected each week for surveillance testing. If you have not been invited and would like to volunteer to be tested, use THIS FORM to sign up. Members of the campus community may participate in on-campus surveillance testing up to twice per month.

NJIT students may obtain a COVID-19 PCR test at NJIT Student Health Services at St. Michael's Primary and Specialty Care Center Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 am - 10:30 am, and 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm. Health Services is located at 111 Central Avenue, University Heights, Newark NJ 07102. 

Testing is optional if you have been fully vaccinated.

No. You do not need to be tested if you are fully vaccinated and you are not showing any symptoms of the Covid virus. If you are showing symptoms then you should isolate from others and get tested.

Yes, the Van Houten Library and other common spaces will be open. Occupancy of the library will be monitored to maintain social distancing. In other common spaces, furniture will be spread out to facilitate social distancing to the extent possible. We rely on the responsible use of these spaces and remind everyone of their responsibility to maintain appropriate social distance.

Yes, clubs, athletics, and events are planned to take place this spring. Depending upon the Pandemic Recovery Phase, meetings may be virtual, social distancing measures will be followed, and density of people within facilities will be minimized. Our Division 1 athletic programs will follow guidance from the NCAA and respective conferences. Other policies and guidelines, like face coverings, will be encouraged and enforced as applicable.

The NJIT food pantry is open to the NJIT community in need through online appointment booking only; first time users can email foodpantry@njit.edu to sign the pantry waiver.

Students who do not feel comfortable attending classes in person will have the option of using synchronous virtual learning through the converged learning model. For experiential learning, like labs and studios, the student is encouraged to speak with their advisor, the academic department, or the Dean of Students office regarding accommodations or schedule changes.

In order to return to work on campus, the employee will need to provide a negative test result to Human Resources prior to returning to campus. Human Resources will authorize the employee to return to work after review of the documentation.

Despite all precautionary measures, there is always a risk of workplace exposure to communicable diseases. Should an employee contract COVID-19, we will work to identify people (through contact tracing) who have been potentially exposed, and ensure they are notified. We will provide guidance for employees who may need to self-quarantine. A thorough cleaning of the workspace used by the individual will be conducted.

Medical confidentiality and privacy will be maintained. Contacts will only be told they have been exposed to a positive case, but the identity of that case will not be directly revealed.

Report any concerns of this nature to your supervisor or Human Resources. Please remember that it is critical for people who are sick to stay home. This includes all faculty, staff and student workers. Do not assume all illnesses are COVID-19.

The university is committed to supporting employees who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you fall into any of the categories listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you are considered at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 infection. This generally includes all individuals over the age of 65 and anyone with an underlying medical condition.  Employees may request a reasonable accommodation, which is assistance or changes to a position or workplace that will enable an employee to do his or her job despite having a disability. Additional information can be found here: https://www.njit.edu/pandemicrecovery/reasonable-accommodations.

Due to pandemic supplies being scarce, in some instances there are limits on the quantities per customer and order. Due to the availability issues we are offering a selection of suppliers that are connected in eMerchant and have either a punch-out or hosted catalog. You may also want to check availability with suppliers prior to submitting requisitions. Please contact the Procurement Office if you have any questions, or download the COVID-19 Related Expenses Guideline.

On-campus surveillance testing is typically held on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 PM to 6 PM and Thursday and Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM. 

Please note that surveillance testing will not take place during Spring break (March 15 - 19) or on Good Friday (April 2). 

Surveillance testing for the Spring 2021 semester is scheduled to end on Thursday, May 13.

A rapid antigen test (nasal swab) will be administered by New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) in conjunction with Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.

The portal account can be setup at https://communicator.changehealthcare.com but you should wait 24 hours to see if you receive the invitation from the hospital to set up the account. After setting up your portal account, be sure to select Bergen New Bridge Medical Center as the provider.

You must be logged into your NJIT Google account to make an appointment (RSVP form). The easiest way to login to your Google account is to go to https://webmail.njit.edu and login using your UCID and password. 

If you are experiencing difficult with the hospital registration step (www.research.net/r/NJITCOVID) or accessing your results (patient portal) please contact JHCSupport@newbridgehealth.org for assistance.

All other questions may be directed to covid-testing@njit.edu.

Please submit the Google RSVP Form to opt out for the week. The link to the RSVP form is located in the email invitation you received.

Please submit the Google RSVP Form to opt out of testing. The link to the RSVP form is located in the email invitation you received.

Please note, surveillance testing is different than baseline test. While surveillance testing is voluntary, it is important that anyone who spends time on campus participate to help ensure the safety of our campus. You are not required to take this test but we encourage participation.

After creating your portal account at https://communicator.changehealthcare.com, be sure to select Bergen New Bridge Medical Center as the provider.

If you are still unable to access your test results, please contact JHCSupport@newbridgehealth.org for assistance.

You are not required to send your surveillance test results to anyone at NJIT.

Results are typically posted to the patient portal within 36 hours of testing.

In the event of a positive rapid antigen test you will be contacted by Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and NJIT (Dean of Students Office of Human Resources). Arrangements will be made for you to take a follow up PCR test. The PCR test will be processed through your health insurance, and NJIT will cover the cost of the test in the absence of insurance. 

Click the 'Health Records' icon under the 'Home' tab.

It will take some time for your body to build immunity to the Covid-19 virus following vaccination. The CDC defines fully vaccinated as:

• 2 weeks after receiving the second dose in a 2-dose series (Moderna, Pfizer)
• 2 weeks after receiving a single dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson)

For additional information visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html

Yes. While vaccines are highly effective in preventing you from becoming ill, not enough is known about transmission of the virus from fully vaccinated persons. Therefore, continue to take precautions in public places like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces until more is known.

• People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered do not have to quarantine or get tested again as long as they do not develop new symptoms.
• People who develop symptoms again within 3 months of their first bout of COVID-19 may need to be tested again if there is no other cause identified for their symptoms.

New Jersey Governor Murphy announced that as of April 5, 2021 NJ is following the CDC travel recommendations.

Domestic Travel

FULLY VACCINATED persons and those who have recovered from Covid-19 in the past three months no longer need to quarantine or get tested before or after domestic travel.

UNVACCINATED persons are to continue to do the following if travel is necessary

• Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel.
• Self-quarantine for 7 days after travel even if you test negative.
• If testing is not available, self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
• If you develop symptoms or feel ill during this quarantine time and/or have a fever, self-isolate, and get tested.
• If you test positive, self-isolate and refer to the FAQ on what to do if you test positive for COVID-19.

See full CDC recommendations

International Travel

FULLY VACCINATED persons are required to do the following after return from travel:

• Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel.
• Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

UNVACCINATED persons are required to do the following after return from travel:

• Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel.
• Self-quarantine for 7 days after travel even if you test negative.
• If testing is not available, self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
• If you develop symptoms or feel ill during this quarantine time and/or have a fever, self-isolate, and get tested.
• If you test positive, self-isolate and refer to the FAQ on what to do if you test positive for COVID-19.

See full CDC recommendations