Testing
UAlbany expects that anyone who is feeling unwell will stay home, follow public health guidance and seek medical care as needed. Find a community-based testing site.
If you need to speak to a medical provider, make a Student Health Services appointment. Note: Masks are required inside Student Health Services for sick visits.
Students are no longer required to report positive COVID-19 test results to the University. However, if you have a meal plan and need to pick up to-go meals from the State or Indigenous Quad dining halls, please submit the Sick Meal Letter Request Form to obtain an authorization letter.
Isolation
The University expects all students who test positive for COVID-19 to follow the CDC’s isolation guidelines and the Albany County Department of Health’s guidance.
Therefore, students should not attend in-person classes while in isolation following a positive COVID test. Please communicate directly with your instructors regarding absences.
You may isolate at your permanent residence, at an off-campus location with family or friends, or in your on-campus housing assignment.
Consult your medical provider (such as your primary care physician or Student Health Services) if your symptoms change or worsen.
If you need to document your isolation, please use the New York State Department of Health’s Affirmation of Isolation form.
On-campus Isolation Guidance
If you choose to isolate in your on-campus housing assignment, the University expects the following in accordance with CDC guidelines:
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Wear a tightly fitting mask anytime you are in a room with other people, including your roommates, suitemates and/or apartment-mates.
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Wear a tightly fitting mask anytime you leave your on-campus housing.
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Limit leaving your on-campus housing to essential trips only, such as obtaining to-go food, picking up mail, obtaining medical care and/or responding to emergencies.
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Use campus funds (Discount Dollars, Munch Money and Podium) or a credit/debit card to order to-go food from on-campus retail dining locations through the GET Food and CBORD Mobile ID apps.
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If you have a meal plan and need to pick up to-go meals from the State or Indigenous Quad dining halls, please submit the Sick Meal Letter Request Form to obtain an authorization letter.
Guidance for Roommates, Suitemates & Apartment-mates
We encourage all students to talk with their roommates, suitemates and/or apartment-mates about how the group will handle isolation if someone tests positive.
Planning ahead is especially important for on-campus students because alternative isolation housing is not available on campus. Consider using your roommate agreement form as a guide for that conversation.
If someone you live with has tested positive for COVID-19, you are not required to quarantine. Review the CDC’s exposure guidelines.
Mental Health Guidance
We know isolation can take a toll on your mental health, so we encourage you to reach out to family and friends virtually to stay connected.
You can also call the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Hotline to talk with a supportive peer.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) counselors are available to provide virtual mental health services. Make a CAPS appointment.
Call CAPS at 518-442-5800 any time of day or night to speak with a mental health professional.
Exposure Guidance
If you believe you may have exposed others to COVID-19, please refer to the CDC’s exposure guidelines and the Albany County Department of Health’s guidance.