SUNY, CUNY Systems to Require Students to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

On Monday, May 10, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that all students returning to SUNY (State University of New York) and CUNY (City University of New York) campuses for in-person learning this fall will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The SUNY system consists of 64 campuses spread around the state. Cuomo also encouraged private colleges and universities to set the same standard.

Cuomo later clarified that the mandate will take effect only when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gives the vaccines their full approval. The three vaccines on the market are currently being distributed under “emergency use authorization.” The vaccines can’t be legally mandatory until they receive full federal approval, which he said he hopes will happen over the summer.

“Let’s make a global statement,” he said. “You cannot go back to school in September unless you have the vaccine.”

Cuomo didn’t mention whether the SUNY Board of Directors must approve the requirement, or whether there will be any exceptions or exemptions. Though Cuomo does hold sway over university policies, the systems’ boards do have to approve any major policy changes on campus. Cuomo said that he expects the SUNY and CUNY boards to go along with the requirement.

Many other universities around the country like Cornell, Yale, Columbia, Rutgers, Brown, and Northeastern will also require returning students to be vaccinated.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning and Campus Security and Life Safety. He can be reached at [email protected]

Featured

  • Black Hills State University Takes an Open, Scalable Approach to Video Security

    Black Hills State University recognized the need for a centralized video system to improve campus security and streamline operations. The university sought a solution that could unify its main campus with a satellite location, enable cross-department access, and scale with future growth. By implementing open platform video technology, BHSU laid the foundation for a comprehensive, flexible, and scalable security infrastructure. Read Now

  • Pennsylvania School Uses Locked, Rolling Security Grille to Control Spectators, Secure Building

    St. Jude School in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, is a private Catholic elementary school that serves students from Pre-K through grade 8. Recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, St. Jude offers diverse educational programs designed to foster a nurturing and challenging learning environment, and extracurricular activities like sports are an integral part of promoting teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. Read Now

  • Fire-Rated Glazing Assemblies Modernize Academic and Social Hub

    In spring 2023, the University of Pittsburgh opened the doors to a seven-story west wing addition to Alan Magee Scaife Hall. The medical school building features several updated lecture halls, labs and classrooms. It also includes team-based learning and small group rooms as well as an entire floor dedicated to medical students. This floor is meant for students to congregate, study and build community. Read Now

  • Access Control Trends Continue to Strengthen School Safety Security

    Class period bells have been ringing across campuses for a few months now, but that doesn’t mean the subject of safety was fully settled before the start of the new school year. As one wise person once said, “It’s a journey, not a destination”. That’s why it remains a leading issue among administrators, faculty, students, and communities. Schools are striving to be at the top of their class when it comes to the ability to control access instantly and securely, monitor suspicious behavior accurately and consistently, and respond to threats immediately and effectively. Ultimately, they aim to provide a reassuring, comfortable, and conducive environment for a rich learning experience. These goals apply whether at a community college in Southern California, a major university in Pennsylvania, or a rural K-12 district in Michigan. Read Now

Webinars