Dear Students,
As the start of the fall 2020 semester draws near, we write to provide you with a detailed description of the items you are expected to complete prior to your arrival on campus. Please note that your access to the physical campus this fall is contingent upon completion of these items.
PRE-ARRIVAL REQUIREMENTS
You must immediately complete the following:
COVID-19 Testing Consent Form and Health and Safety Agreement
Review and sign the following documents via the Student Health Center portal prior to your arrival. We are requiring that all members of the Rensselaer community follow the guidelines put forth in these documents in an effort to help protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff.
- Rensselaer Community Health and Safety Agreement
- SARS-CoV-2 Testing Acknowledgment and Consent
To access the forms, log into your health portal account and search for these forms in the “My Forms” section. After reviewing each form you will be asked to provide an electronic signature (mouse or touch screen) prior to submission. If you are having trouble accessing your health portal account, or do not see these two forms, contact the Student Health Center at (518) 276-6287 or email healthcenter@rpi.edu to request that your portal access be reset or that the forms be pushed out to your account.
Online Health and Safety Protocol Training Module
Training module was due August 3, 2020
Every student scheduled to access the physical campus this fall semester must complete the online training module. This module details the health and safety protocols that will be followed by all members of the Rensselaer community to help create a safe environment in which to live, learn, and work.
Personal Contact Update
Updated contact information was due in SIS on August 7
All students must include a residential address and a functioning cell phone number. This information will help to ensure that you receive the resources and support you need, whether taking classes on campus or remotely.
Arrival, Check-In, and Testing Update
You will need to arrive at the Rensselaer Houston Field House at your appointed date and time with your Rensselaer ID. Please wear a fabric or paper mask and observe social distancing protocols. You will then be directed to check-in at the testing area where you will receive a COVID-19 test. Family members and guests traveling with you will be directed to a parking area nearby and will wait with their vehicle. Only students may enter the testing tent and receive a COVID-19 test. For full details, read the communication that was sent on August 18.
Testing Procedure
You will be asked to take your own sample during your COVID-19 test. Prior to your appointment, watch the online video that provides instructions about ‘How to Take Your COVID Sample.’ At the completion of your test, you will be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that you can use throughout the semester.
Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook
On August 21, you received a link to the updated Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities which outlines your rights and responsibilities as a Rensselaer student. This Handbook conveys the values, beliefs, standards, and expectations we share as a community of scholars. It is the responsibility of each Rensselaer student to understand and comply with the rules and regulations set forth in the Handbook, and the requirements set forth in other Institute policies, including those that surround our COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocol Reminder
In order to protect yourself and others within the Rensselaer family, it is crucial that you maintain at least a six-foot distance between you and others at all times, wash or sanitize your hands regularly, and wear a face covering when you are outside of your residence.
We have created handouts that will help to address any questions you might have regarding quarantine and isolation. Another excellent source of information is the Institute’s COVID-19 website, where you will find up-to-date FAQs.
To ensure compliance and to reduce the risk to the Rensselaer community, all Rensselaer students who will have physical access to campus are required to self-quarantine for 14 days in their local residence prior to the start of a mix of remote and in-person/hybrid learning experience. We believe this approach will significantly reduce the risk of the virus spreading among our community.
Sincerely,
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Travis Apgar
Assistant Vice President for Student Life
and Dean of Students
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