FAQ
Q. Should I get a COVID-19 booster shot?
The University is strongly encouraging all members of the Kean community to get a COVID-19 booster shot as soon as possible. With the rise of the Omicron variant, it’s clear that booster shots provide the best protection against serious illness and can help stem the spread of COVID-19.
Students, faculty and staff can make appointments for booster shots at locations across the state as well as at Union County's vaccination site in Downs Hall on the main campus. Anyone who is not vaccinated can also begin a vaccination series at those locations. Additional appointments are added regularly.
Q. Do I have to be vaccinated to attend in-person classes or campus activities?
Yes. All students must be fully vaccinated with the two-dose Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines or the one-dose Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine to access any Kean University building or classroom unless they have an approved medical or religious exemption. Students must submit their vaccination records through the PyraMED Patient Portal. Submission instructions are available here.
In addition, all employees must be vaccinated unless they have an approved medical or religious exemption. Employees should submit their vaccination status via Workday. Submission instructions are available here.
Q. I have an approved medical or religious vaccination exemption. Are there special rules I must follow?
Students who receive medical or religious exemptions to the vaccination requirement must be tested for COVID-19 weekly during the semester. Testing is free of charge and available on campus.
The testing schedule will be shared with unvaccinated students directly. Testing is mandatory. Anyone who does not comply will be subject to disciplinary action under the Kean COVID-19 Community Standards Policy for Students.
Q. Do I have to wear a mask?
Kean University became mask optional, in most circumstances, effective Friday, April 1. Anyone who feels more comfortable wearing a mask is welcome to do so, and all members of the University community are encouraged to respect others’ choices as we transition toward a mask-friendly, post-pandemic environment.
Kean is providing free N95s to the Kean community on a voluntary basis. They are available at Kean Hall, Miron Student Center, or by submitting a SchoolDude request. The University will also continue to make cloth or disposable masks available, and other facial coverings are available for purchase in vending machines across campus. Please see Mask Mandate section below for additional information.
Q. What else should I do to help stop the spread of the virus?
Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer stations throughout campus if hand washing is not possible.
Q. What if I don’t feel well?
Students who commute and are feeling sick should not come to campus and should consult their healthcare provider for assistance. Students who live on campus and are feeling sick should remain in their residence hall rooms and contact their resident assistant or residence hall director for support.
Employees experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or any other illness should use available sick leave as they normally would.
Q. I tested positive for COVID-19, what should I do?
Students should report a positive COVID-19 test by using this form. Students with questions may contact Student Health Services at (908) 737-4880 or studenthealthservices@kean.edu for guidance and support.
Employees who test positive for COVID-19 should report the result to hrvax@kean.edu or (908) 737-3300.
Q. What happens if cases occur on campus?
Kean University is working closely with local health officials and will follow state and federal contact tracing guidelines and protocols in the event of cases on campus.
Q. What happens if a student violates the health and safety protocols on campus?
A: Students would be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Kean University COVID-19 Community Standards Policy for Students.
https://www.kean.edu/media/2021-2022-covid-19-policy-students
Q. I ride public transportation, what can I do to keep myself and others safe?
Students, faculty and staff who use public transportation should take extra precautions with regard to hand hygiene and remember to wear a face covering and bring hand sanitizer. Limit touching frequently touched surfaces. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer upon arrival to campus.
Q. Is the University taking other steps to improve safety?
There are several noticeable physical changes to campus, including plexiglass dividers and designated spots for distancing while waiting in lines. Enhanced cleaning, sanitation and disinfecting will continue campus-wide using CDC-recommended and OSHA-approved disinfectants.