After a year of online learning, SVA is back IRL this fall. As we diligently prepare for a return in September— faculty, staff and students, all of us—safety, peace of mind, mental health and well-being are our top priorities. SVA's plan for a safe reopening has been created by academic and administrative leadership in accordance with New York State guidelines, as well as the guidance of authorities.

For the fall semester, SVA will require all students, staff and faculty to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Everyone will also be required to wear a mask while on campus.

The College's comprehensive Reopening Page already has tons of information on this subject. But we wanted to present some Frequently Asked Questions to answer remaining questions you may still have.

Here are the basics of what you need to know:

1. Everyone must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend classes in fall 2021. SVA accepts COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
2. Please upload your COVID-19 vaccination record to the secure portal. SVA students should upload their documents here. SVA faculty and staff should upload their documents here.
3. Unable to obtain a WHO-authorized COVID-19 vaccine in your current location? We can help! Start by filling out the Temporary Exemption Form. Then arrive in the U.S. as early as August 8 in order to start your COVID-19 vaccination process in time for classes to start on September 7.
4. Can’t arrive at SVA as early as August 8? No problem! If you’re in the process of being vaccinated on or before September 7, you can still attend classes by filling out the Temporary Exemption Form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why do I need to get the vaccine?

The science behind the vaccines clearly demonstrates that the vaccine is key to stopping the spread of the coronavirus and its variants. Therefore, this requirement intends to support the well-being of all members of the SVA community and the NYC community. SVA continues to put the health and safety of students and employees at the forefront of decision-making. 

Where can I get the vaccine? 

Anyone 12 years of age and older in the NYC area can get the vaccine for free at a walk-up vaccination site. The locations are posted here. Students from outside New York should check with their local or state health department for a list of vaccination centers.

I live in a country where I don’t yet have access to the vaccine. Can I still come to campus in the fall?

Students who cannot receive the vaccine in their country will be required to receive a vaccine when they arrive in the U.S. SVA’s Student Health & Counseling Service will provide students with assistance in obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine in NYC in August and September.

Will there be exemptions to immunization against COVID-19?

SVA will provide students and employees the opportunity to request religious and medical exemptions. This will be done in a manner consistent with the College’s existing vaccination requirements (for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines) for students and in accordance with New York State public health laws.

Will there be a remote option for students who are enrolled in the fall but aren't vaccinated?

Fall courses will be predominantly conducted in person. At the undergraduate level, most art history and humanities and sciences classes will be conducted online. There will not be a fully remote option for students who choose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

I already had COVID-19. Do I still need to show proof of vaccination for in-person attendance?

Yes, you will need to show proof of vaccination.

How do I submit my proof of vaccine or request form for an exemption?

Please use the secure portal to upload your documents; they should not be emailed.

Please visit SVA's Reopening page for the most up-to-date information.

More questions? Refer to our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement FAQs on the College's Reopening page for more.