Frequently Asked Questions | Pandemic Recovery

General

Will face masks be required in public areas on campus during any recovery phases? If so, what criteria is used to determine the areas considered public?

Face coverings will be required in public areas of the campus until we reach Stage 4 in the State of the New Jersey multi-stage approach to recovery or as recommended by the CDC. Social distancing will be encouraged. Face coverings will not be required where engineering controls, such as cubicle walls, are present, or where sufficient distance between staff is provided.

Will personal protective equipment (PPE) be provided, especially in labs? Will the university provide individuals with PPE?

NJIT will provide and require community members and visitors to wear a face covering. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be identified based on the specific needs in teaching and research laboratories and instances where social distancing may not be possible. The University is planning to provide every community member with two reusable cloth face coverings for their use, one to wear and one to wash. Distribution of these face coverings will be communicated separately based on the group involved.

What will the policy be regarding building and room capacity (including offices, labs, and other spaces), and how will it be enforced?

Room capacity will be defined and articulated through occupancy information outlining appropriate social distancing. We expect NJIT community members to abide by the guidelines provided, but egregious offenders will be referred to the Dean of Students, the Office of Human Resources, or Public Safety as the circumstance required.

Will the university monitor individuals' temperatures to identify those who may be ill? If so, how will this be done?

The University is considering many options for medical surveillance and testing. Testing protocols will follow CDC guidelines and recommendations from healthcare professionals. Additional information will be communicated as the protocols are determined.

Will visitors be allowed on campus? If so, will there be any restrictions on the areas they can visit or the number of people they can see?

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.

Will buildings require swipe card access to ensure only members of the NJIT community enter?

At various stages of our recovery, swipe card access will be evaluated to determine the level of access authority required to enter a building. We anticipate full, open access will occur at Stage 3 of the State of New Jersey multi-stage approach to recovery.

What accommodations will the university make for employees with children when schools, camps, or day care centers close?

Those who can work remotely to fulfill some or all of their work responsibilities may continue to do so. These arrangements, which should be approved by the immediate supervisor, can be done on a full or partial day/week schedule as appropriate in accordance with the telework policy and collectively bargained agreements.

Will personal protective equipment (PPE) be provided to employees who come in frequent contact with people as part of their work duties?

NJIT will provide and require community members and visitors to wear a face covering. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be identified based on the specific needs in teaching and research laboratories and instances where social distancing may not be possible. The University also is planning to provide every community member with two reusable cloth face coverings for their use, one to wear and one to wash. Distribution of these face coverings will be communicated separately based on the group involved.

WIll staff be tested for COVID-19 before being allowed to return to campus? If so, who is responsible for the cost of testing? How frequently will testing occur?

The University is considering options for medical surveillance and testing. The testing protocols will follow CDC guidelines and guidance from healthcare professionals. Additional information will be communicated as the protocols are determined.

How will social distance be maintained in waiting/ reception areas?

Each reception area will have requirements for social distancing based upon size. If there is a question regarding how best to provide the recommended 6 feet of social distance, please contact the Office of Campus Planning, Design, and Construction for assistance.

How will students know whether and when they can 'attend' a converged course remotely or in-person?

Students in courses to be delivered in a converged mode with some presence on campus, will be (ideally) divided into two groups, "red" and "blue". The fall calendar will be divided into alternating blue and red weeks. Students in a red group will be able to attend in person during red weeks, and students in blue groups will be able to attend in person during blue weeks.