May 7, 2021 | Important COVID Updates

Monday, May 10, 2021
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Dear Students,

We have much to look forward to in the final weeks of the 2020-21 academic year. Performances have returned to Lincoln Center and New York City, recording and livestreaming events are underway, and commencement is around the corner. Conditions in New York City and the United States continue to improve due to increased vaccinations and adherence to the current health recommendations. And as a result of our resilience and adherence to our Community Pledge, we have been able to maintain a safe and fruitful environment for our work together.

Even as we near the end of this academic year, we also continue to look ahead to 2021-22 and our return to campus. This message includes important reminders and updates on several topics. Below, you will find information on the following:

  • Fall semester planning
  • Vaccination requirements for the summer and the 2021-22 academic year
  • Small internal audiences for recitals in the spring 2021 semester

As always, if you have questions or concerns, please email [email protected].

Sincerely,
Adam Meyer
Provost

 

Fall semester planning

​​​​​As previously announced, the plan for the 2021-22 academic year is for in-person instruction with the understanding that, if needed, we will adjust for safety requirements that may be in place at the time. We will not be offering hybrid or online learning models and students will be required to be in residence.

We understand the challenges currently facing international students and are here to provide support. Last week, the U.S. Department of State updated its National Interest Exception (NIE) page to expand certain eligibilities to all countries subject to a COVID-19 entry ban. The Office of International Advisement is monitoring all reports, and international students should email any travel questions to [email protected].

Juilliard is also keeping close watch on the reopening of U.S. consulates worldwide for visa interviews and issuance. Various lobbying efforts are also occurring on behalf of international students, and the situation is rapidly evolving.

The Office of International Advisement will update international students throughout the summer via Zoom town hall sessions to answer questions regarding visa renewals and entry to the U.S. Those students who are not able to arrive in time for the start of the fall semester should contact the Office of International Advisement for further support and instructions.

Vaccination requirements for the summer and 2021-2022 academic year

In order to return as safely as possible in the fall to a fully in-person experience, Juilliard will require all new and returning students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the start of the fall semester. Students who wish to access the building this summer will also be required to provide a proof of being fully vaccinated (more than 14 days after the final dose) prior to entering the building. More information about building and practice room/studio access for this summer will be forthcoming. We also continue to encourage all faculty and staff to get vaccinated if they have not already done so.

We believe that this step will allow us to provide as safe, productive, and consistent an experience as possible for our work together. Ensuring our student population is vaccinated will also reduce the need for mandatory testing and other covid-related restrictions.

  • Vaccine types accepted: At this time, Juilliard will only accept the COVID-19 vaccines that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized (either under its Emergency Use Authorization designation or with full approval if and when that happens). Right now, the FDA has provided Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson (Jannsen) vaccines. If the FDA issues approvals or Emergency Use Authorization for additional vaccines, Juilliard will accept proof of those vaccines.
  • Exemptions: 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. More details on waivers will be forthcoming.
  • Start date: Beginning on Monday, June 21, students will need to provide documentation of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access the Juilliard building. Students who will not be returning to Juilliard until the fall semester will need to provide proof of vaccination prior to their first event on campus, whether that is for Orientation, the start of classes, or any other activity. More information about deadlines to submit proof of vaccination for the fall semester will be shared in the coming months.
    • We understand that some students outside of the U.S. may not have access to FDA approved/Emergency Use Authorized vaccines. At this time, we anticipate that these students will need to receive an FDA authorized vaccine upon arrival in the U.S., and they may be subject to testing requirements until they’re fully vaccinated.

As of today, over a third of our in-person students are fully vaccinated. If you have not already done so, we urge you to get vaccinated today. Many New York City and New York State sites now offer walk-in appointments. For information on how to schedule a vaccine appointment, please refer to the April 20, 2021, message from the Office of the Provost.

Please note that Mount Sinai has expanded its vaccine appointments to all eligible members of the public. If you are interested in receiving your vaccine at any of the Mount Sinai locations, including Mount Sinai West, please sign up directly here.

As a reminder, students who have been fully vaccinated are no longer required to test once they have submitted their vaccination card or record to Health Services via the Student COVID Vaccination Form.

Small internal audiences for recitals in the spring 2021 semester

After consultation with our medical advisors and following the current guidance set forth by New York State, we are pleased to announce that beginning Monday, May 10, students who are performing their recitals in Paul or Morse halls may invite up to 10 internal guests. Internal guests are students, faculty, and staff who are currently approved to access the Diamond Building.

Student recital performers should contact the Concert Office at [email protected] with any questions.

  • Members of the public will not be permitted. Recitals will continue to be livestreamed for the general public to view.
  • Audience members who are not approved for access to the Diamond Building will not be permitted into the building. This applies to all members of the public as well as any Juilliard student, faculty, or staff member who is not approved to access the building.
  • Audience members must observe signage and remain seated throughout the performance. Any motion in and out of the hall will be captured on camera.
  • Safety protocols and social distancing
    • Audience members must maintain a distance of 6 feet from any other audience member, and a distance of 12 feet from any performer.
    • Attendees must sit only in designated seats that are available. Do not move the chairs in Morse Hall as they have been placed at the distances required to adhere to state guidance.
    • No more than 10 audience members are permitted to attend any recital in Morse or Paul halls.
  • Student performers are permitted, but not required, to invite internal, approved community members. Recitalists must adhere strictly to the audience limit. Any adjustment to the available seat locations is forbidden and will be reported.