These are unprecedented times, but here at Maria College we are committed to doing all we can to minimize the disruption to your education that can occur given the ever-changing circumstances we are facing. Our reopening plans have focused on the safe return to campus and providing students with flexibility and options designed to meet their specific needs. We will communicate any changes to campus operations to our community via email (your mariacollege.edu account) and through this webpage.
Maria College COVID-19 Testing and Surveillance Policy
This Maria College COVID-19 Testing and Surveillance Policy applies to all members of the Maria College community, including faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
COVID-19 Vaccine Sites
If you live in NY state, click here to view available COVID-19 vaccination sites and to schedule your vaccine appointment. Albany County Department of Health is also maintaining a list of vaccine clinics available in Albany county. Additionally, Maria College will continue to host vaccination clinics. Please check the Events Calendar for upcoming dates.
Maria College Testing
The on-campus testing center at Maria is located in the Main Building, Room 116. Beginning with the Spring 2022 semester, testing is available to all Maria College employees and students. Testing is available by appointment beginning Tuesday, January 18. Please sign up here. Contact covidcare@mariacollege.edu with questions.
“Let us take one day only in hands, at a time, merely making a resolve for tomorrow, thus we may hope to get on taking short, careful steps, not great strides.” -Catherine McAuley, Founder of the Sisters of Mercy
Important Information
Booster Requirement: The COVID-19 vaccine booster is required for all eligible faculty, staff, and students as of January 18, 2022. Individuals ineligible at this time, will be required to fulfill this requirement within 10 days of eligibility. Please upload your vaccination information to ShareMy.Health, see instructions here.
Immunization Requirement: To ensure the safety of our entire campus community, Maria College will be requiring all faculty, staff, and students (except those eligible for religious or medical exemptions), to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This requirement started as of August 16, 2021. Please upload your vaccination information to ShareMy.Health, see instructions here.
Religious or Medical Exemptions from COVID-19 Vaccination: Maria College will allow for approved medical and religious exemptions from the vaccine requirement to those eligible. Students, faculty, and staff who cannot be vaccinated for COVID-19 because of a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance may request a medical or religious exemption by submitting a completed exemption request form to the COVID Care Coordinator at covidcare@mariacollege.edu. Both forms can be found below.
Completed requests will be reviewed and a determination will be made based on the documentation submitted. Additional information or documentation may be requested to complete the process. You will receive a determination notification to your Maria College email. If you are granted a medical or religious exemption, you will still be required to adhere to testing and mask guidance for non-vaccinated individuals. If the College has granted you an approved religious exemption, this does not entail the approval of accommodations.
Fully Vaccinated: If you are fully vaccinated, you only have to complete the ShareMy.Health screening before before coming to campus or to any other Maria College related activity (i.e. clinical or fieldwork).
Not fully vaccinated: If you have an approved medical or religious exemption you must adhere to testing and masking policy, maintain social distance, and complete ShareMy.Health before before coming to campus or to any other Maria College related activity (i.e. clinical or fieldwork).
Testing Requirements: If you are not fully vaccinated, you must upload a negative test into ShareMy.Health no more than seven days old to access buildings on campus or for any other Maria College related activity (i.e. clinical or fieldwork). This could mean being tested once every week.
Health Screenings: All students and employees must complete the daily health screening on the ShareMy.Health app on days they are coming to campus to allow them campus access, and for any other Maria College related activity (i.e. clinical or fieldwork). Review a list of possible COVID-19 symptoms on the CDC website.
ID Badges: In order to get access into any of the buildings, you must have your ID Badge with you to swipe into the building and have the ShareMy.Health screening completed that day for the badge to work.
Face Coverings: Effective February 10, 2022, per New York State regulations, Maria College is lifting the requirement that fully vaccinated individuals must wear masks within campus buildings. Important Notes:
- Unvaccinated individuals must still wear masks and be tested weekly in accordance with our policies.
- All students scheduled for clinicals must continue to be tested, according to current protocols. They must also continue to wear masks in all healthcare settings, as mandated by New York State.
Social Distancing: Social distancing is to be practiced when feasible.
Hand Washing & Hygiene: Adequate hand washing is the preferred method of hand hygiene. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol will be available for use in all common areas when hand washing stations or sinks are not available.
Communication: Your college email account and the Blackboard (Bb) page will be the primary methods of communication on the college operations and individual courses. Be sure to check both frequently.
Student Support: All functions of the Frank E. O’Brien, Jr. Student Support Center are here to support you! Please reach out to them if you have questions or need assistance: studentaffairs@mariacollege.edu or refer to staff listing.
Hours of Operation for Frank E. O’Brien, Jr. Student Support Center:
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am-6:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Weekend College: 10:00am-4:00pm
For information about Maria College’s participation in CARES Act funding, click here.