Spring 2021 - Maintain the Bubble

This was the Website for Spring 2021 information.  We have transitioned to Summer/Fall 2021 with information posted at http:/www.clarkson.edu/summerfall-2021.  

We are maintaining a bubble that is free from COVID-19 and stopping the spread in our campus community.  We have had less than one percent positivity rate in our testing and our University is working diligently with our public health partners to keep the campus safe.  We must maintain that same mindset to the end of the semester.  On this page are the links and answers to what you need to know to maintain the bubble.  We also have an easy to read FAQ page.  If you have any questions or further comments on these plans, please reach out to community@clarkson.edu. 

Scroll Through Our FAQ Page 

Clarkson classes for the Spring Semester began remotely on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 for all students. In-person classes resumed on Monday, January 18, 2021 and will conclude on May 11, 2021.  

The adjacent image reflects the color-coded risk alert system and related policies on gatherings.  We are currently in Gold Level.  

Academic Calendar

Announcements to Support Plan 

With limited exceptions, non-essential visitors are not permitted on campus until further notice. All contractors, vendors, tenants, and other visitors (including those who may be considered essential) on campus must be approved through Human Resources first. Please complete the form here at least 72 hours prior to your anticipated need for the visitor(s) to arrive on campus. 

The University posts an announcement to the campus community on the same day we are notified of a positive result on a COVID-19 test for one of our faculty, staff or students. The Reopening Plan (above) submitted to NYS details the ongoing plans for testing and monitoring of Clarkson's campus community members.  All students returning to campus have been required to submit a negative test result prior to their arrival and are tested again upon return. The University also is conducting random tests and uses wastewater and air monitoring surveillance in addition to immediate testing based on COVID-19 symptoms or circumstances reported on a daily screening tool.  All COVID-19 related information, including postive test reporting, is available at this link.   

COVID-19 Dashboard for Academic Year 2020-21

Testing Administered in University Health Center by St. Lawrence Health System Since 8/1/2020. 

Note: The NYS Department of Health on 9/15/20 initiated a NYS dashboard to include data effective from 8/1/20 and this dashboard, which originally had been from the start of classes, was adjusted to match the new NYS reporting for consistency and to ensure transparency.  All known cases have been reported publicly as of May 10, 2021, 3 p.m.

Other Campus Community Members/ Testing Sites

COVID-19 Vaccine Information 

New York State has created a new website with COVID-19 vaccine information  and a downloadable booklet that summarizes the vaccination program plan.  NYS also has a "Am I Eligible" form that you can complete to see if you are currently eligible to get a vaccination.  Based on responses, it includes how schedule an appointment at a location near you.  The State has established hubs through local hospital systems to distribute vaccines in a phased approach. including a location at SUNY Potsdam and a mobile vaccination unit in the North Country that our PA students are helping to staff.   The University has also shared ULT Freezers with the regional health system to appropriately store and inventory the vaccine vials. 

During the 2021 spring semester, Clarkson will be strongly encouraging individuals who are eligible to receive the vaccination to get it. The University will not be requiring vaccinations for students during the spring semester.

The Clinical and Rural Health Research Department of St. Lawrence Health System recently hosted a free virtual webinar, "COVID-19 Vax Versus Fiction: Answering Questions and Presenting the Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines" and can be viewed online here.

For recent announcements from Clarkson about vaccine eligibility, please see this recent announcement.

Check this out:  Rhiannon Clements ’22, double major in Biology and Communications, has started a regular newsletter, “Got Biotechnology” that translates the hottest news about recent advances in biotechnology into easy-to-read and good-to-know information.  Here are her recent posts explaining the science behind the Pfizer Vaccine. Clarkson University and the author make no warranties, either express or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein.

NYS Supplemental Guidance for COVID-19 Containment at Higher Education Institutions as of 8/28/20

NYS interim Guidance for Higher Education as of 6/20/20

Higher Education Research Guidance as of 6/8/20

New York Forward Website for Phased Reopening Guidelines for New York State