Coronavirus Information

 

NOTE: The COVID vaccination is required for all students taking in-person classes or participating in on-campus activities two weeks before the start of the semester. Additionally, for the same students, the Booster Shot is highly recommended for those that have received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine 6 months ago or 2 months ago for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The COVID vaccination is in addition to your other required vaccinations (MMR and Meningitis) to attend in-person classes. For more information on the additional vaccination, please visit https://www.ecc.edu/search-results.html?nav-search=Health+Center.

Quick Links
Latest Updates
Vaccinations
COVID Testing
Positive COVID Diagnosis or Experiencing Symptoms
Additional Health Information
FAQ


Quick Links

Vaccination VERIFICATION FORM (Submit Your Card HerE)
VACCINATION EXEMPTION APPLICATION
The form will open for the Fall 2023 semester on Monday, May 15, 2023.
The deadline to submit for fall exemptions is Friday, September 8, 2023. Exemption applications for summer classes must be submitted prior to the start of your summer course. 

Latest Updates

The State University at New York (SUNY) and SUNY Erie Community College (SUNY Erie) continue to operate under the most up to date federal, state and county public health guidance to ensure the safety of the faculty, staff and students at SUNY Erie. The health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and college community remain our top priority. 

Please find listed COVID-19 protocols that SUNY Erie will be adopting or continuing. These protocols were developed under the guidance of SUNY, New York State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Erie County Department of Health.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Campus Safety Monitor, Amy Yoder at (716) 851-1620 or via email yoder@ecc.edu.

Vaccinations

SUNY Erie encourages all students and staff to get vaccinated for COVID-19 as part of our community effort to promote health and safety. The Erie County Department of Health offers several vaccination locations. For more information on available vaccination pods, please visit the Erie County, NY Department of Health's vaccine information webpage. Reservations are recommended; however, walk-ins are accepted. 

COVID VACCINATION REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS TAKING IN PERSON CLASSES OR PARTICIPATING IN ON CAMPUS ACTIVITIES TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE START OF THE SEMESTER. 

As per the May 2021 mandate from New York State as well as SUNY Board of Trustees approval, a COVID-19 vaccination has become mandatory for all SUNY students who take in-person classes or participate in on campus activities since full approval of the vaccine by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) occurred on Monday, August 23, 2021. All students registered for in an in-person class are required to complete the full COVID vaccination series two weeks prior to the start of the semester. Students and staff are considered fully vaccinated and in completion of the series: (1) two weeks after receiving the second dose in a two dose vaccination series or (2) two weeks after receiving a single dose vaccine.

Medical and Religious Exemptions

Students who are seeking an exemption to the vaccination must apply and receive approval. Their application for the exemption will be reviewed and additional information will be requested from the student for committee review. Students will be notified of the committee’s decision to the email provided on the application.

The following are reasons for and exemption for the COVID -19 vaccination: 

  • Religious - Documentation required 
  • Permanent medical - Documentation required 
  • Temporary medical condition - Documentation required. Once temporary medical exemption expires the student will be required to complete the vaccination series, within a certain period of time, as determined by SUNY Erie in order to continue with in-person classes.

Beginning Monday, May 15, 2023, all students seeking an exemption must initially apply for the exemption using the online exemption application form. Deadline to submit for Fall applications is Friday, September 8, 2023. Exemption applications for summer classes must be submitted prior to the start of your summer course. For those students with a previously approved religious or permanent medical exemption you do not need to resubmit your application as your previous exemption is still valid.

Student Submission of Vaccination Record

In order to be in compliance with the mandate, fully vaccinated students must submit evidence of their vaccination to their campus health office. Confirmed vaccinated students will also be exempt from weekly Covid testing. This information will also be used for SUNY Erie’s COVID-19 data management purposes. You must either upload a copy of your vaccination card, call the campus health office or submit a copy of your vaccination card in person. Please be advised that health office hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; however, there is a secure drop box outside of each office for document submission during off-hours or when staff are unavailable. 

Login and upload a copy of your vaccination card: ​​​​Vaccination Verification Form

(716) 851-1699

City Health Office, POST 228
South Health Office, 5109
North Health Office, S152B  

Vaccine Guidance for International Students

For SUNY Erie’s international students, the SUNY vaccination requirement recognizes vaccines that have been authorized by the World Health Organization. 

International students who have received a vaccine not authorized for emergency use by the FDA or the World Health Organization will need an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. Please contact your campus health center for more information or submit a copy of your vaccination card.

Covid Testing

Staff and students may pick up an at-home Covid test kit at any of our campus safety offices free of charge.

Positive COVID Diagnosis or Experiencing Symptoms

Any student or staff member with a physical presence on campus who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms must call campus security dispatch to report this information at 716-270-6600. Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19, have been exposed to individuals who tested positive for COVID-19, or are informed by a state or local health department, medical professional or through SUNY Erie’s weekly COVID-19 pool testing representative that you are "at risk" for having COVID-19, may be required to quarantine or isolate for a specific period of time.

Additional Health Information

Monkeypox

According to the CDC, Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox can be spread through close, personal, often skin to skin contact. For more information on Monkeypox please visit the CDC Monkeypox page. SUNY and SUNY Erie will continue to monitor the Monkeypox virus and will update the college with any changes to protocols.

FAQ

What Happens to my Financial Aid if the College closes temporarily or classes are moved online?
Students continue to remain eligible for any financial aid they receive through the College. In addition, as a result of Coronavirus, the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid Office released guidance that provides schools much greater flexibility in administering federal financial aid programs (Pell, SEOG, Federal Direct Loans, and Federal Work-Study). If you have questions, please contact Financial Aid at: 
City (716) 851-1177 
North (716) 851-1477 
South (716) 851-1677 

If I have the Coronavirus, will I suffer consequences if I miss classes?
You will not be penalized if you missed classes due to Coronavirus. The College has communicated with all instructors to ensure that classes will be able to be moved online. Your professor will work with you and will provide alternate solutions if you are ill. Contact your instructors by email if you have additional questions.

What happens if a faculty member is unable to continue teaching a class?
We have standard protocols for faculty members if they become sick or incapacitated. If a faculty member is sick and unable to teach another faculty member will replace them.

What resources are available for students experiencing financial emergencies due to Coronavirus?
The College is committed to supporting students who are experiencing financial difficulty or incurring additional expenses as a result of Coronavirus. Students who are experiencing financial insecurity should contact the Dean of Students Office.

I am feeling stressed what should I do?
We recognize that some of you are feeling growing concerns about family or friends, or about your own health. Please contact our Advisement Counseling and Student Support Service Centers during weekday office hours, or email erieconnects@ecc.edu for additional support.

How can I avoid getting sick?
Please visit the CDC website for current recommendations.
 
What should I do if I become ill with fever, cough or shortness of breath?
Please visit the CDC website for current recommendations.