COVID-19: School of Nursing Information
Together, we are stopping the spread.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacts everyone. Do your part to foster a healthy and safe campus environment for all by following these important guidelines.
Updated 1/21/2022
The Academic Info You Need to Know!
Get the information and resources you need for making decisions to support your academic success this semester.
Clinical Placements: Vaccination Requirements
Local hospital systems that University at Buffalo School of nursing partners with to provide clinical experiences in both the undergraduate and graduate programs are requiring the COVID-19 vaccination to participate in student clinical placement at their facilities.
These sites join many others that are commonly used by both the undergraduate and graduate programs in the School of Nursing. We expect most, if not all, other clinical sites will follow suit. For many programs, these sites are the only ones we use for specific clinical experiences required by your program.
As outlined in the School of Nursing policy library, we are contractually obligated to meet all clinical requirements for immunizations that are set by our practice partners. Furthermore, the State University of New York is planning to require all in-person students to obtain the vaccine to continue their studies in the fall. As a result of the directives from SUNY and our practice partners, we encourage students pursuing degrees in the School of Nursing to plan accordingly for COVID-19 vaccinations, to include completion of the vaccination and implied immunity 2-weeks post the last vaccination to be able to participate in required learning activities.
Students with questions or concerns regarding the vaccine should consult their health care provider for more guidance.
Attendance and participation in clinical-based learning is a requirement for nursing students. Unvaccinated students will not be eligible to continue or attend clinical rotations that start the first week of classes. If you do not meet the vaccination and implied immunity two weeks post-vaccination, please contact student services to discuss if you meet leave of absence requirements, or have decided to decline your seat in the nursing program.
Mask Guidance: Students
- In keeping with state and federal regulations, masks will continue to be mandatory for everyone aboard UB buses and shuttles and in clinical health care settings (e.g. UB Health Services, Dental School facilities, on-campus testing sites) on campus.
- UB faculty, staff and students who work or learn at hospitals, nursing homes, clinics or diagnostic and treatment centers off campus must continue to comply with any site-specific regulations in place.
Nursing Student FAQs
Academics
Will I still be able to go to clinicals, labs and simulation?
Clinicals
Nursing students are attending clinical in designated COVID-19 areas or in other situations where they would come in contact with possible and known COVID-positive patients. While the majority of clinical sites will be providing essential PPE to students, the SON will supply one N95 mask to students when their specific clinical site requests they provide it. (Note: Students outside of WNY are expected to adhere to their local guidelines for clinical rotations.)
The School of Nursing encourages you to take advantage of the fit testing opportunities available at the beginning of the semester.
What if I have a question about my course?
Please contact your course instructors for any questions related to your coursework.
Enrollment
Will this change any Early Assurance decisions?
We will still honor all Early Assurance decisions and will work with each student to manage their School of Nursing status.
Will in-person information sessions still be offered?
At this time, all information sessions will be moved online. Please check our events calendar for updates.
SON Office of Student Services
The School of Nursing Office of Student Services will continue to support you during this challenging time. We are happy to assist you with any issues you face as you navigate your program. We are currently maintaining our normal business hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Students may elect to change advisement appointments to phone or Zoom. Undergraduate students can make an appointment with your academic advisor by emailing nursing@buffalo.edu. For graduate programs advising, contact your program coordinator.
Undergraduate students may schedule an appointment through the Navigate app or by emailing nursing@buffalo.edu.
Zoom: Installation and Attending Class
Installation
Please take the time to setup your computer, phone, or tablet with the Zoom video conference app. This is especially important for all students currently in synchronous (live face-to-face) courses:
- Please test your internet connection here: www.speedtest.net. Please find a location that has at least 1Mbps upload and 1Mbps download and plan on being at that location each time you attend class.
- Activate your Zoom account and download Zoom using your UBIT name and password.
- When you log in to the desktop app, follow the sign in procedure below:
- Click "Sign-In with SSO" on the right.
- Type buffalo when prompted, then click "continue."
- Test your desktop computer’s audio and video by making a Zoom test call. Important: Test this again even if you have already done so.
- If you want to use a phone or tablet, please download the Zoom app from the App Store or Google Play.
- For further Zoom instructions and information, visit the Zoom support page.
Attending Class
You will attend class by:
- Restarting your computer.
- Calling in a half hour before your class begins.
- Going to your class UBlearns course, where you will find a Zoom link (tab) on the left menu.
- Click the Zoom link on the menu.
- Click the individual "join" button.
During class, if you have trouble:
- Restart your computer.
- Test your computer's audio and video by making a Zoom test call.
- Try connecting again.
- If this test is not successful, call the UB SON IT help desk: 716-829-2796
- Press option 1 for classroom support.
- If you cannot reach anyone by phone, please submit a ticket: nur-ithelp@buffalo.edu. Include your name, class number (e.g., NSG 375) and problem.
- Please remember there will be many students in multiple classes at the same time, so this is your last resort.
Zoom Etiquette
Technology
- Restart your computer before joining a meeting
- Test your video and audio before the meeting
- Use a good quality camera and headset
- Adjust your camera
Attendees
- Be on time
- Clean up and have a simple background
- Find a quiet space to meet
- Mute your audio when not speaking, refrain from talking to others while on the microphone, and inadvertently creating other disruptions
- Look at the camera
- Don’t get too close
- Have your cameras switched on unless notified otherwise
- Dress appropriately
- Refrain from multitasking
- Be kind to yourself and others
- If you can, hold off on eating
- Refrain from private behavior
Presenter
- Position yourself so that most of the light is coming from in front of you (behind your monitor). If you have a window behind you, shut the blinds. Otherwise, you will be backlit.
Library Support and Resources
Most resources, databases, tools and services can be access from home or other remote locations. Delivery+ will continue to delivery items to you electronically to your UB account.
- Access health sciences information, databases and tools via the Health Sciences Library Homepage.
- Access the UB Libraries LibGuide: Library Support for Online Courses.
You can contact Amy Lyons directly at alyons@buffalo.edu or 716-829-5719, or the Health Sciences Library at AskHSL@buffalo.edu.
Mental Health and Food Support
As we navigate this time of great uncertainty and stress, UB School of Nursing faculty and staff remain committed to not just your academic success, but also your emotional and mental well-being.
If you need mental health support during this stressful time, please visit the UB Student Life Mental/Emotional Well-Being webpage or contact UB Counseling Services at 716-645-2720 to schedule a same-day appointment.
UB has also created a helpful tip sheet for managing COVID-19 anxiety.
Food Support
If you are struggling to buy groceries, UB has some Food Support resources to assist with this:
- Consider using UB’s Blue Table, all enrolled students are welcome – place orders online and pick up your order in the Student Union (with a valid Student ID). You can order online using the Blue Table support form.
- The United Presbyterian Church Food Pantry across the street from the South Campus provides food items for students and residents who are in need. You can find more information on the UPC Food Pantry website.
- You may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) SNAP issues monthly electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food at authorized retail food stores. COVID-19 relief has softened eligibility for students (students eligible for work study or who have expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 on their FAFSA form may be eligible).