December 24, 2021 | Preparing for an In-Person Spring

Monday, Jan 10, 2022
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Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I hope this email finds everyone safely enjoying a well-deserved winter break. While we can look back at the fall semester with tremendous pride in everything we have accomplished, we know many of you have questions about returning to our work together in January. At this time, we are making preparations for an in-person return in January.

That said, with the Omicron variant causing significant disruption around the world and within the performing arts community in New York City, much remains uncertain, and we will continue to evaluate how best to return to our work together in a manner that is as safe and productive as possible.  We anticipate starting the spring semester with increased COVID protocols in place, and plan to communicate those details the week of January 3.  As was the case this past fall, we hope that these increased protocols can be relaxed as this winter surge subsides.

While the emergence of Omicron is discouraging, we must also recognize that we are in a very different place with the pandemic as compared to one year ago. As a community, we are almost entirely vaccinated and will soon be fully boosted, we have a better understanding of the risks, and we know how to keep moving forward in our work together despite the disruption. We will continue to be guided by medical and professional advice, while prioritizing in-person performance work and our collective well-being.

In the meantime, we want to provide you with a few important reminders about items that have already been announced:

BOOSTERS

We will begin to require all members of the community to receive the COVID-19 booster shot in the spring semester. For those who are currently eligible for a booster, you will be expected to receive your booster shot no later than January 14.  If you haven’t already and are eligible, now is a great time to get your booster. New York City is currently offering a $100 pre-paid debit card to anyone who gets a booster shot at a City-run vaccination site by the end of 2021 - details here.  Details of Juilliard’s booster requirement will be announced the week of January 3.

TESTING

The testing requirements announced in my email on December 12 remain in place. We recognize that testing availability and wait times are a challenge right now, and encourage you to plan extra time to follow testing protocols. If you experience a delay in results, please communicate that to [email protected].  As a reminder:

  • Students who plan to stay in the residence hall over break must submit off-campus tests results for the weeks of December 20 and 27 via this form. On-campus testing will not be offered during these weeks. On-campus testing for Residence Hall students and ChamberFest participants will resume the week of January 3.
  • Non-residential students who plan to access the Diamond building over break are strongly encouraged to test weekly using an off-campus testing facility. For nearby locations, please refer to the attached testing instructions.
  • Juilliard will hold all-day testing on Monday, January 10 from 10am-6pm behind the main stairway at the Diamond Building’s 65th Street entrance.
    • Important note for students: in order to retain your building access, you must either participate in the on-campus testing on January 10, or submit off-campus PCR  test results from tests administered on January 8, 9, or 10. Off-campus test results must be submitted via this form no later than 5pm on January 11.

BUILDING HOURS

For those who remain in New York, the Diamond Building will maintain the following schedule over the winter break—normal building hours will resume on Monday, January 3:

  • Friday, December 24: 8am-7pm
  • Saturday and Sunday, December 25-26: CLOSED
  • Monday, December 27 – Thursday, December 30: 8am-12am
  • Friday, December 31: 8am-7pm
  • Saturday and Sunday, January 1 - 2: CLOSED

Thank you for your ongoing attention to these important details. Wishing you and your families a happy and healthy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Adam Meyer
Provost