School Reopening Plan

St. Joseph’s Seminary and College Fall 2020 reopening plan, as outlined below, was developed in consultation with the Archdiocese of New York, the presiding bishops, our campus directors, diaconate directors, faculty, staff, and students over the last few months. Zoom conferences were held throughout the spring and summer to discuss concerns and determine solutions. Students, faculty and staff have been asked to sign a reopening plan document to ensure all individuals understand (and are expected to comply with) the reopening plan directives, policies, and safety protocols.

Fall 2020 Semester Dates

The 2020 Fall semester will commence with new student orientation on Thursday, August 20, 2020 and will end on Friday, December 18, 2020. 
 

MA Theology Program

The Fall 2020 MA Theology Program at all four campuses (almost all classes and meetings) will be conducted via Zoom video-conferencing. At the request of the Rockville Center Diocese, a small cohort of diaconate candidates will attend in-person classes once a week (Saturdays) at the Huntington, NY campus.

     Huntington Campus Safety Protocols

• All students and faculty will be tested for COVID-19 before the start of the semester.
• All students, faculty and staff are directed to self-assess using the attached COVID-19 Daily Symptom Self Check Form before coming to campus.
• Masks are expected to be worn at all times while in the presence of others, except while eating or receiving Holy Communion.
• Plexiglass shields have been installed in the classrooms between the instructor and students.
• Hand Sanitizer and disinfecting wipes will be available throughout the building.
• All students are instructed to wipe down their desk and chair after use with supplies available in the classroom.
• Library, dining areas, and chapel are disinfected by the cleaning staff before and after use.
• All doors, doorknobs, tables, window sills, are disinfected throughout the day by the cleaning staff.

 

MACPS Program (Douglaston Campus)

The MACPS program (Cathedral Seminary) is a small pre-theology seminarian program for college students and professionals who are discerning the priesthood.

• The Fall 2020 semester will take place from August 18 – November 20.
• All faculty, staff and students will be tested for COVID-19 prior to the start of the semester. 
• Cleaning and Disinfecting
  • All doors, doorknobs, tables, window sills, are disinfected twice daily on the first floor by the cleaning staff
  • Library, dining areas, and chapel are disinfected twice daily by the cleaning staff.
  • Seminarians will disinfect desks and chairs after every class (MACPS classrooms). Sanitizing wipes will be stocked in the classrooms
  • Seminarians will disinfect all doors, doorknobs, tables, window sills twice daily on the on the residential floors
  • Seminarians will disinfect gym facilities daily. Sanitizing wipes will be stocked in the gym.  Seminarians will be responsible for disinfecting the equipment after every use.
• Masks are expected to be worn at all times while in the presence of others, except while eating or receiving Holy Communion.
• The campus will not host any groups or events during the Fall 2020 semester.
• The seminary will not be visiting other parishes or attending gatherings outside of the seminary.
• Seminarians will not be allowed to leave the seminary overnight, return to their homes or home dioceses, or be in large crowds during the semester.
• Seminarians will attend their college courses remotely or in classrooms designed for social distancing – following the directives of their institution (St. John’s, Fordham or Queens College)
• Seminarians who need to attend a college campus will do so using seminary vehicles.
• Dining, worship, exercise and living areas have been designated exclusively for seminary use.  Seminarians will not be using the areas of the building designated for diocesan offices and the senior priest residents.
• If a member of the seminary falls ill, there are separate living quarters with bathrooms where they can self-isolate as they recover. All their meals and needs will be provided for.
• Non-Resident Faculty and Students: For the safety of the residents, and for the duration of the COVID pandemic, non-resident student and faculty access to the campus is limited to Classrooms 140 & 142, the academic offices and restrooms.  Access is discontinued to the dining halls, chapel, and the first-floor hallway between the loading bay and the St. Joseph Seminary office.

 

Seminarian Program (Yonkers Campus)

COVID-19 Testing Required

• All students, faculty and staff are required to be tested negative for COVID-19 within 14 days before the start of the Fall Semester. Testing will be offered at the Yonkers campus on August 6 and August 7 between the hours of 9AM -1PM.  In an effort to avoid congestion a schedule will be followed based on the last name in alphabetical order.  

Arriving on Campus

• All faculty, staff and students who live off-campus are directed to enter the main entrance of the seminary building for health screening each day.
• All employees will be provided with masks and hand sanitizers.  Masks must be donned prior to entering the building and remain on when in proximity to others.
• Hand sanitizer stations will be provided at all entrances and in hallways throughout the classrooms and public areas of the building. 

Residential Faculty and Students

• All residential faculty and students are directed to self-monitor for symptoms using the Daily COVID-19 Daily Symptom Self-Check form (attached) and will be temperature screened periodically.
• A quarantine area will be maintained on the 1st Floor for those with suspected symptoms of COVID-19.

Personal COVID-19 Supplies

• Common areas are well supplied with hand sanitizer and single–use face masks. The Seminary will provide masks and hand sanitizer to all seminarians, staff and faculty.  All seminarians, staff and faculty are welcome to use their own face masks. All residents may bring antibacterial for their rooms and hand sanitizer for their personal use.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

• Building operations will be on site at all times and will be continuously cleaning and disinfecting all common areas each day. 
• New anti-germicidal sanitizer, Virex II 256, being used on all tables and surfaces (requires 10 minutes on surfaces)
• Bathrooms - antibacterial disinfectant being utilized in all bathrooms. Showers to be disinfected after morning usages.
• Door Knobs and Railings in Public areas will be cleaned in morning and throughout daytime.
• Library- Disinfecting with sanitizing all areas of contact and high touch surfaces (The library staff will help identify high traffic areas on a particular day).
• Designated area for quarantine- First Floor Kitchen Wing
• Disinfectant wipes - available for student areas, chapel, prayer hall, near classrooms

Classrooms and Study Areas

• Social distancing is of the upmost importance.  Classrooms will be arranged so that students and teachers are separated by at least six feet. 
• Additional, hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes will also be available in each classroom
• Masks must be worn throughout the day.  Wearing of gloves is permitted.
• Conference Rooms and communal meeting areas will be inaccessible until further notice. 

Library

• Residential students will be allowed in the library during normal business hours, and will have access to: in-person borrowing; interlibrary loan services; in-person reference; semester course reserves, email reference; entire suite of electronic resources (ebooks and databases); library computers; and complimentary scanning and printing.
• Non-resident students will be supported remotely by the library staff, including: curbside pick-up of research materials (available Monday - Saturday); interlibrary loan services; scanning of library collection materials (semester course reserve readings, articles and book chapters); Zoom reference; email reference; chat reference; and the entire suite of electronic resources (ebooks and databases).
• Access will be limited to the first floor and basement during the first few months to facilitate easier cleaning of the library by the maintenance staff.
• All staff will be wearing masks while in the library.
• Students will be required to wear masks into and out of the library, and while not socially distanced from staff and other students.
• All students and staff will have access to hand sanitizer throughout the library.
• Signage about new social distancing policies will be put up in the library.
• Library furniture and devices will be arranged in accordance with social distancing protocols.
• Bathroom access in the library will require a mask if there is more than one person using it. Handwashing encouraged before and after usage.
  • The high traffic areas, high touch surfaces, and devices of the library will be cleaned regularly in accordance with the seminary maintenance departments' COVID cleaning procedures.
• Books returned from students or interlibrary loan will sit for 24 hours before returning to the shelf.

Food Service

• Access to the Refectory will be limited to seminarians and faculty.  The Refectory will be arranged to comply with social distancing requirements and will be exclusively used by resident students and faculty.  Lunch meal sittings will be designated as follows:

• All other employees, staff from other buildings and department and service providers will have exclusive access to the lower level cafeterias for all meals. 
• New anti-germicidal sanitizer, Virex II 256, being used on all tables and surfaces (requires 10 minutes on surfaces).
• Masks and gloves will be worn by all kitchen staff.
• Limiting hand contact- Salad Bar pre-made and other condiments will be made available in prepackaged containers.
• Deli station will be moved several feet from entrance to avoid gathering students.
• Floor has been marked to show 6ft distances to avoid congregating at stations.
• Seminarian/Faculty Sign-in will be offered to allow for packaging of food items and preparation of “pick up” option.

Signage

There will be enhanced signage in various areas of the building with policy directives and reminders.

Residential Facilities

• Room Assignments - All rooms are singles, and new students will be spread around the building to limit proximity where possible.
• Residential floor hallways will be equipped with additional hand sanitizing stations and will also receive enhanced cleanings. 
• Residents will be assigned designated bathrooms for their use only.

Lavatories

• Use of multiple occupancy lavatories will be restricted to no more than two (2) persons at any one time. 
• Signage has been added to remind those who enter to clean their hands both before and after use. 
• Some facilities will be designated out of service to promote social distancing in the lavatories. 
• Lids are being installed on all toilets.

Water Fountains

Water fountains will be shut off until further notice. 

Meetings and Guests

No visitors will be allowed in the Seminary building during the Fall semester.  All face to face meetings are prohibited.  When meetings are required, conference calls, Zoom, FaceTime etc. will be used.

The Chapel

• Seating assignments will be spaced six feet apart throughout the chapel.
• If visiting groups are in the chapel, all hymnals, misalettes, etc. will be removed from their stalls beforehand. After the group has departed, the chapel will be thoroughly cleaned.
• More seating will be provided for concelebrants in the sanctuary to allow for social distancing.
• Holy water will be removed from fonts.
• Doors to the chapel will be propped open to limit contact with door handles. 
• Commonly-touched surfaces in the church will be regularly cleaned and disinfected.
• The floor will be marked to indicate proper spacing between persons when approaching the sanctuary for Communion.
• Priests, deacons, readers, and sacristans are directed to wash/sanitize their hands before and after Mass, and before and after the distribution of Communion.
• Ministers of Holy Communion will wear a mask during the time of distribution.  
• The other ministers (deacons, lectors, sacristans) will maintain a 6-foot distance from the priest and from each other.
• Ritual Considerations

• The offertory procession will be omitted. 
• The invitation to the faithful to exchange a sign of peace will be omitted.  

COVID-19 Outbreak Response Policy

Faculty, staff and students must advise the dean or immediate supervisor immediately should they have COVID-19 symptoms and/or be positively tested for COVID-19.  This information will be kept strictly confidential.  The Seminary has identified facilities to isolate students who test positive and quarantine students who have been in close contact.  Testing, contact tracing and the quarantine/isolation protocols will continue throughout the semester and as long as necessary.  Please see the attached COVID-19 Exposure Policy.

Safety Ambassadors

To ensure we all follow our new policy, “Safety Ambassadors” have been assigned.  The ambassadors are there to ensure our policies are followed and thus safeguard your safely and to answer any questions you may have.  If an ambassador gives an instruction, please follow that instruction without delay.

Medical Services

Archcare medical staff offer a 24/7 dedicated COVID-19 hotline.

Leaving the Building

Off-site excursions on weekdays are discouraged and should be kept to a minimum. 

Communication

Personal safety and ensuring a safe learning environment are our primary concern and goal.  All individuals should bring any concerns regarding workplace safety and are directed to contact their direct supervisor, a safety ambassador or Frank Napolitano, Director of Risk Management (646-794-3024, frank.napolitano@archny.org) or Ella O’Sullivan (646-794-3034, ella.osullivan@archny.org).

Acknowledgment

All faculty, staff and students are expected to follow the re-opening policies at all times, and to sign an acknowledgement of their receipt and understanding of these policies.
 

STUDENT POSITIVE TEST – Next Steps

Student Positive COVID-19 Test Result – Next Steps

Steps to be taken immediately should a student receive a positive COVID-19 test result:
 

1. The student should stay home/in their room and immediately notify their dean.

 

2. The dean will promptly notify the Vice Rector, Fr. William Cleary.

 

3. Fr. Cleary will promptly contact ARCHNY Human Resources (HR) and communicate HR’s directives to the dean.

 

4. The dean will coordinate all HIPAA compliant campus site notifications (students/faculty, etc.) as appropriate, and communicate all quarantine directives.

 

5. Fr. Cleary will notify the Director of Assessment and Accreditation, Diane Lama, for incorporation of the data into the NY State Daily COVID Report.

 

EMPLOYEE COVID-19 EXPOSURE RESPONSE POLICY

The health of all employees, volunteers, staff, and those in our care is the primary concern of the Archdiocese and its administrative divisions.  The following COVID-19 Exposure Response Policy has been designed in compliance with U.S. CDC Guidelines.

Medical Checks:
Until further notice, all personnel that enter St. Joseph’s Seminary shall undergo temperature screening in the lobby by a health care practitioner.  Anyone presenting a temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit shall be directed to leave the building.  Departure from the building shall be handled confidentially and discretely. 

Symptom Self-Check Form
All employees are directed to complete a COVID-19 Daily Symptom Self Check (form attached) before the start of each work day.

Notification by Symptomatic Employee:
At Home:  Employees are required to notify Human Resources if the employee begins to experience COVID-19 symptoms while at home or has been exposed to a person who as or may have COVID-19.  Notification should be made to the employee’s supervisor and the director of Human Resources as soon as possible by email, text, or telephone.  Employees should remain away from work until the employee receives medical clearance to return to work.
At Work: If the employee begins to experience COVID-19 symptoms while at work, the employee is required to notify his or her direct supervisor and the Director of Human Resources and separate themselves from other employees.  

Notification by Supervisor: 
The symptomatic employee’s supervisor should direct the symptomatic employee to separate his or herself from others and the supervisor should contact the Director of Human Resources to confirm that HR has been notified of the potential outbreak. The infected person will be provided safe transport from the building to the person’s home or medical provider.

Response to At-work Outbreak:
Human Resources will inform employees who may have been exposed – but in adherence with privacy concerns, will do without identifying the employee.  Potentially exposed employees will be directed to stay at home for 14 days (or until a negative test result is obtained, whichever is shorter), telework if possible, and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.

Testing Positive Procedure:
If an employee alerts Human Resources of a positive test result, personal privacy will be maintained.  The infected person will be asked to identify those who, within the past 48 hours, were working within 6 feet of the person for a period of at least 10 minutes.

Isolation and Return to Work
The infected person should seek medical care, self-isolate for 14 days, and return to work only after receiving medical clearance to do so.

Medical Clearance:
Any personnel who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be required to provide proof of clearance before returning to work.

Cleaning of the Affected Workplace:
The potentially affected area shall be evacuated and shall remain vacant for 24 hours to minimize potential for anyone to be exposed to respiratory droplets.  During this waiting period, windows may be open to increase air circulation in the affected area, if feasible.  After 24 hours, the affected area will be cleaned and sanitized.  The space may be occupied 12 hours after the cleaning has been completed. 

ADDENDUM 1 – 9/23/2020 Policy Update

ADDENDUM 1
Updated Covid-19 Protocol as of Sept. 23, 2020

Memo to the Community 9/23/2020
As part of our ongoing review, two important COVID-19 protocol changes will go into effect on Thursday, September 24. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we move forward with maintaining a high level of protection against exposure and transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
 

1. For the Main Building, Benedict XVI Hall, and Archives Building, all archdiocesan staff, commuting seminarians, non-resident faculty, and employees are required to enter the Main Building through the front entrance. Upon entering, all will have their temperatures taken and complete a short form reporting possible symptoms or exposure to COVID.  Staff who work in the Benedict XVI Hall and Archives Building are asked to go to the Main Building for the temperature check and form before going to their own building.

 

2. Employees of ABM and FLIK should follow the established procedures determined by their supervisors who will take body temperature and collect the completed forms. Every Friday, these forms must be deposited outside the Rector’s Office in the Main Building.

 

3. Employees of Aramark, Catholic Faith Network (CFN) and Catholic Mutual Group, whose offices are located on seminary property, are also required upon entering their respective buildings to have their temperatures taken by a designated worker, and also fill out the same form reporting possible symptoms or exposure to COVID. Every Friday, these forms must be deposited outside the Rector’s Office in the Main Building.

 

4. For Seminarians, Archdiocesan Employees, ABM workers taking lunch at the Refectory in the Main Building, there will be two dining sessions, Monday through Friday.

1. Session 1:  11:45 AM—12:30 PM:

1. Session 2: 12:40 PM—1:25 PM:

                    Resident Seminarians, Faculty, and anyone attending 12 Noon Mass

Please Note: The time between the two sessions will be dedicated to sanitizing the tables and other surfaces. Lunch will no longer be served in the Cathedral Prep Dining Room on a daily basis. Morning and afternoon coffee breaks for archdiocesan staff and ABM workers are to be taken in the Cathedral Prep Dining Room to allow for the Refectory to remain sanitized. On Wednesdays and Fridays, seminarians may use Session 1 or Session 2, mindful of social distancing. The Cathedral Prep Dining Room is available in the event of over-crowding.
Thanks to everyone for your understanding. These protocols are under continued review as we respond to the changing landscape of the pandemic. Let us pray to Mary our Mother, Our Lady Health of the Sick, for everyone’s health!

Click Here to Access the Covid-19 Daily Symptoms Self-Check