Back to Pratt: Starting at Amber, Res Life, Campus Services, COVID Testing, and Campus Access (January 7, 2022)

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From: Back to Pratt
Date: Jan 7, 2022
Subject: Starting at Amber, Res Life, Campus Services, COVID Testing, and Campus Access

Campus Conditions: The year 2022 is starting with campus conditions at amber. Review the color-coded chart to see protocols at this new level, and be prepared for any changes throughout the semester.

  • Spring Semester Start: Pratt Institute will temporarily shift all classes to remote delivery for the first two weeks of the spring 2022 semester, as well as all activities and events through January 30.
    • Does this mean campus is closed? Campus is not closed, but additional precautions and restrictions are in place while in “amber.” Specific instructions will be announced next week for campus resources, materials pickup, library services, studio use, and more—so keep watching your email!
    • What about the rest of the semester? We anticipate a return to in-person instruction on January 31, or as soon as possible thereafter.
  • Residence Halls: The residence halls are currently open and will remain open. Students returning to the residence halls must submit a negative COVID test result 72 hours prior to arrival. Contact reslife@pratt.edu with questions or concerns about current protocols.
    • Could the residence halls close? No, we’re committed to keeping our residence halls open. 
  • COVID-19 Testing: Free, fast testing is available to Pratt students, faculty, and staff from 8 AM to 4 PM on January 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, and 8 AM to 6 PM on January 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26 on both Brooklyn and Manhattan campuses.
    • Can I come to campus just to get a COVID-19 test? Yes, that is encouraged! Local students, faculty, and staff may come to campus for a test to complete spring access requirements. You do not need to submit a test just to come to campus to take the test! But once you do, we ask that you wait to return until you receive your test results. 
  • Spring Campus Access: Pratt will require all students, faculty, and staff to have a booster and a new negative PCR test result for campus access upon return to campus, as detailed in the December 22, 2021, email announcement.
    • What if I can’t get a test or get results on time? Testing is available on campus in January to meet the requirements for spring access with fast turn around. If you are a resident student with testing issues prior to move in, contact reslife@pratt.edu. Non-resident students can contact Health Services. Faculty and staff can contact Human Resources. 
    • What happens if I had a previous COVID infection and can’t provide a negative test? ​​A new test will only be required after the 90 days have passed since testing positive. Read more.
  • Isolation Requirement: Until city, state, and CDC guidance is definitive, Pratt’s policy requiring 10 days of isolation after a positive test will remain the same. Positive individuals with questions should contact benefits@pratt.edu if they are faculty or staff, and health@pratt.edu if they are a student. 
  • Stay Informed: We are actively assessing changing pandemic concerns, and plans and protocol will most likely continue to evolve. So, please continue to read your Pratt emails and the weekly Back to Pratt e-newsletter, visit the Back to Pratt website where you will find extensive, searchable FAQs and quick COVID-19 help information, or call Pratt’s COVID Helpline at 718.687.5200.

Be mindful of your responsibilities during the pandemic and watch for a new email update from Back to Pratt each week.