COVID-19 Information

This page contains information related to Juilliard’s COVID-19 response and protocols. These protocols will continue to be informed by prevailing health guidance from New York City and State, the CDC, and the advice of our medical consultants. All COVID-19 protocols are subject to regular review and assessment based on current guidance. The safety of our community and the integrity of the Juilliard experience will continue to be our top priorities.

Please read this page carefully for information regarding Juilliard’s vaccination requirements for the 2022-2023 academic year and all current COVID-19 protocols.

For as long as health guidelines require it, each person entering the building will be required to follow all safety protocols outlined below.

The following protocols have been put in place to protect the community:

Juilliard requires all members of the Juilliard community—students, faculty, and staff, as well as contractors, vendors, food service providers, and guest presenters—to have completed a primary COVID-19 vaccine series or have an approved vaccine exemption prior to their first entry into Juilliard. 

Community members who have not met the vaccination requirements will be denied access to the Juilliard buildings and will have their ID cards deactivated until they are in compliance. Absences from classes and activities due to vaccine non-compliance will be unexcused.

At this time, Juilliard is accepting primary COVID-19 vaccines for which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued either final approval or Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and COVID-19 vaccines for which the World Health Organization (WHO) has either issued approval or authorized for emergency use.

As of August 1, 2022, Juilliard is no longer requiring a COVID-19 booster, but does reserve the right to do so at any point. Following CDC guidance, we strongly urge all members of the Juilliard community to stay up to date with their COVID-19 boosters.  Please note that CDC guidance is subject to change and be aware that some outside performance venues may require performers to have received booster shots, so not being boosted could limit your performance opportunities.

For Students:

• Only students who meet Juilliard’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements will be allowed in the Juilliard buildings (Diamond and Rose).

• Vaccine Waivers: As is the case with proof of vaccination or immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella, Juilliard students may apply for a medical or religious waiver. For information on applying for a medical or religious waiver, please contact Health Services at [email protected].  
• There may be additional testing, PPE, and safety requirements for students with waivers.
• International students who are unable to obtain an approved primary vaccine prior to arrival should contact [email protected] for assistance.
• All new students must upload documentation confirming their COVID vaccines through Medicat, which is accessed in OKTA. If you are boosted, please enter that information into Medicat along with your primary vaccine information.

For Employees:

• Employees can submit proof of vaccination through the Cadence Employee app, which is accessed in OKTA.
• Only employees who have confirmed their full vaccination status to or have received an approved exemption from Human Resources will be allowed in the Juilliard buildings. All other Juilliard ID cards will be deactivated. For more information about the vaccine requirements please contact the Office of Human Resources at [email protected].

Please note that the New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH) does require a quarantine period for any close contact who is unvaccinated.

For information on how to get a vaccine or booster, please visit Vaccines.gov or NYC’s Vaccine Finder.

Testing remains a part of our COVID-19 health and safety strategy. Testing requirements throughout the year are subject to change and will continue to evolve in accordance with current health guidance and specific activity needs.

On-campus surveillance testing is not currently required. However, PCR or rapid testing will continue to be required in certain situations.

In compliance with New York State regulations, all Juilliard students, staff, and faculty who test positive for COVID-19 are REQUIRED to report their test results to the school.

• If you test positive for COVID, please fill out the COVID-19 Reporting Form immediately so the COVID Response Team can reach out with information and guidance, and begin the contact tracing process.
• This form should also be used to report if you knowingly come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or if you have symptoms (including but not limited to coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell). Please be sure to include a phone number where you can be reached.
• Students who test positive should Immediately contact Health Services, at (212)799-5000, ext. 282, or email [email protected] during the workday. Faculty and staff who test positive should contact Human Resources at [email protected].

These steps will alert Juilliard’s COVID response team and connect you, and anyone with whom you have been in contact, with important resources and information, and allow the school to take steps to further protect the community. Other people will only be updated on a need-to-know basis.

Juilliard’s COVID Response team will continue to do contact tracing for individuals who test positive, and it will provide information, isolation and further testing instructions, and support as needed both to individuals who test positive and their close contacts. Juilliard will continue to follow CDC and New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH) guidelines for isolation and quarantine requirements of positive cases and close contacts. 

Masking is required at Juilliard in the following situations: 

• If you test positive, and following the required isolation period, masking may be required for additional days, even in performance–this determination will be made and communicated to you by the COVID Response Team in keeping with CDC and New York State guidelines.
• Anyone identified as a close contact of a positive case will be required to wear a mask for a period of time–this determination will be made and communicated to you by the COVID Response Team in keeping with CDC and New York State guidelines.  
• While visiting the Juilliard Health Services office.

Off-campus performance venues may impose different masking rules for performers. These protocols will be communicated in advance of the performance. 

In all other cases, mask wearing is now optional. However, you are strongly urged to wear a mask: 

• If you are high risk
• When in crowded indoor areas off campus. 

While individuals in the community may now choose to remove their masks, it is critically important that we all encourage a supportive and inclusive approach to mask etiquette. This means:

• Anyone at any time may choose to wear a mask–our medical advisors have stated that a vaccinated and boosted individual who is wearing a high-quality and well-fitting mask is extremely well protected from infection, regardless of whether those around them are wearing a mask.
• No one at any time should be told they must remove a mask – wearing a mask is a personal choice that should be respected by all.

High-quality masks will continue to be available at the Public Safety desk for anyone who needs one.

Juilliard’s Facilities Department has assessed and significantly improved building conditions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Diamond building we have improved ventilation/air quality, humidification, and building controls. In the Rose Building residence hall, we have repaired inoperable windows and added air purifiers in each of the suites.