Dear LIU Community,

Welcome to the Spring 2022 semester. We look forward to continuing to work together to provide a high-quality educational experience in a safe and secure environment.

We are continuing to implement protocols that are aimed at protecting the health and safety of our Long Island University community. As we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are more prepared than ever to face these challenges. However, we also know the Omicron variant has created new issues that will continue to demand our attention, discipline, understanding, and resilience. Together, we will work to build on the success of our previous semesters.

Classes begin Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

All LIU campuses are open, and classes will resume in person on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. We know that for most of our community, in-person teaching and learning is the preferred choice. As you are aware, LIU has implemented a policy for all community members to receive the COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot, when eligible. Our high vaccination rate, mask requirement and other COVID-19 policies are essential.

As a reminder, please complete the daily self-check prior to arriving to campus each day at certify.liu.edu. 

Receiving your COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Shot.

All community members must log into the COVID-19 Vaccination Portal and upload current vaccine documentation for the spring semester.

We recognize that some may not be eligible for booster shots at this time. Please remember, community members are expected to receive the COVID-19 booster shot by January 14, 2022 or within 14 days of becoming eligible. Any qualified exemptions will also be considered through the portal. Community members with an approved exemption must participate in regular testing.

Using the Proper Mask to Fight Omicron.

Due to the increased transmission rate of the Omicron variant, a higher-grade, properly fitting mask will be required indoors. The following masks are considered acceptable on-campus: N95, KN95, KF94, or a surgical/ medical mask. Cloth masks are no longer deemed as effective in preventing COVID-19 transmission. 

Reporting a Positive Test.

Please complete the Positive Test Report Form if you test positive for COVID-19, and a member of the COVID-19 Response Team will be in touch with you to provide additional assistance. Employees can direct questions to Human Resources at 516-299-3522.

Setting Expectations.

The University has put safety measures in place throughout the pandemic that have helped to ensure our community is able to continue learning safely in person. As we enter the spring semester, it is likely that we will experience higher case counts that are consistent with regional trends. This will require all faculty, staff, and students to remain flexible—and most importantly, understanding— as we navigate the spring, particularly in the first few weeks of the semester. We may also need to make adjustments or modifications as CDC and State guidance changes, and we ask for your patience during those times. As always, your health and safety will guide everything we do.

We are equipped with a high vaccination and booster rate, a steadfast commitment to following safety protocols, and an individual pledge to protect each other and our University community. Together, we look forward to a successful and safe spring 2022 semester.

Sincerely,

Joseph L. Schaefer

Chief Operating Officer, Long Island University