As New York State starts to open up and we slowly begin to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, there are still many restrictions. However, Hunter Business School has been granted an essential business waiver with respect to its health care programs since there is an ongoing need for medical professionals in light of COVID-19.
As of May 22, all Hunter’s health care programs—Medical Assistant, Practical Nursing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and Radiologic Technology—have been deemed essential to the welfare of Long Island communities. As a result, we can operate as an essential business and have been given permission for in-person operations for these programs and to open the buildings at both our campuses, but carefully and within certain limits.
A full return to campus will be a long process.
This plan is just the first step.
Hunter will begin classes once again on Monday, June 8. Only students in courses containing lab hours, lab skills practice, and competencies that necessitate face-to-face interaction will be returning to school at this time. All other courses will continue to be taught online until further notice.
Who Will Be Allowed on Campus?
Campuses will be restricted to staff, faculty, and students who have a need to be there. Children, relatives, friends, and acquaintances will not be permitted in the building.
Preparing Before Coming to Campus
Before arriving, you will have to complete a Self-Check Questionnaire which must be submitted every morning if you have a class or other valid business at the campus. A link will be sent to your Hunter email address. If you answer yes to any of the questions, please do not come to school.
Students who are symptomatic or have a fever of 100.4˚ Fahrenheit or greater will not be permitted entry into the building and will need to go home. In some cases, a physician’s note clearing a student to resume classes will be required.
Entry Into and Exit From the Building
We ask that students remain outside until they are cleared to enter the building. There will be designated areas marked outside for students to wait.
Students must use the newly installed automatic doors. This will be the only entrance allowed for students, faculty, and staff to enter and exit the building. Signs are posted on all other doorways prohibiting students, faculty, and staff from their use.
Protective Measures
Enhanced cleaning protocols have been implemented on campus to help minimize the potential for exposure to COVID-19 and any other pathogens. Students will be asked to clean their work areas before and after each lab session.
Before entry to the building, students will undergo a temperature check, and receipt of the Self-Check Questionnaire will be verified.
Students, faculty, and staff are required to wear proper personal protective equipment. These include gowns, mask, and gloves, which will be provided by the school. You may use your own mask, as long as it is clean and complies with CDC guidelines. Masks must be worn for the duration of time on campus.
Behavior While on Campus
Personal items allowed on campus will be limited to only what is required for the clinical lesson for that particular day. Small personal items (e.g., phone, keys, wallets) should be bagged and not displayed on counters, tables, or desks.
Classrooms will be set up to ensure social distancing. Social distancing must be practiced in the classroom. Students will sit only in designated spots.
There will be no food allowed on campus. The student lounge and other areas previously used for eating will not be available, so please eat and drink prior to getting to school.
There will be no smoking.
Restrooms will be available, however we would like to limit traffic, maintain social distancing whenever possible, and encourage handwashing.
Class Schedules and Attendance
A specific schedule has been created to reduce the number of students in the building at any one time. You will receive that schedule from your instructors with the dates, times, and classrooms assigned.
Since space is restricted, it is very important that you listen to your instructor to set up your time slots and review your training plans to get your work completed. In preparation, students will need to view the video recordings required by their instructors prior to coming to campus. Students will also need to complete the SIMTICS simulations previously assigned, where applicable.
Please be on time and be prepared. For the safety of all, students will not be allowed on the campus unless they are scheduled to be there.
Labs will be scheduled in intervals. Lectures, assignments, and exams will continue in the online format for the foreseeable future.
Attendance will still be recorded based upon submission of work and attending labs on campus. It is not required that students be on campus anytime other than for lab.
A Few Reminders
If you are ill or have been exposed to anyone with COVID-19, please follow the CDC guidelines and stay home. Continue to follow CDC guidelines both on campus and off campus.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol based sanitizer when you are unable to wash.
- Avoid unnecessary physical contact, and stay at least six feet apart from others.
- Do not touch your face, nose, and mouth, and do not rub your eyes.
- Students must wear appropriate personal protective equipment when on campus.
Final Thoughts
Since this pandemic began, life has been difficult for all of us, both personally and professionally. Both Governor Cuomo’s executive orders and Hunter’s deep concern for the health and safety of its students and staff are the reasons our campuses have been closed for the past few months.
We can see light at the end of the tunnel now. This is just a first step. Each of Hunter’s health care programs teaches empathy for others and concern for their well-being. We practice what we teach in the classroom.
Stay well and be safe. Whether from a distance or physically on campus, never forget that we are here to help and support you, now and the rest of the way.