Community Conversations: Student Life, Career Services, and Housing

The fourth discussion in the Students First: Community Conversations series was held on July 30 and featured Tiffani L. Blake, interim assistant provost for student engagement and development. Blake conversed with students about student life and engagement, career services, and the housing situations for both the New York City and Long Island campuses.

Read about the steps New York Tech is taking to ensure a successful fall semester both on and off campus.

Will there be events for student engagement this fall?
It was announced that there will be “a lot of opportunities for involvement” starting September 8, both online and on campus. At the Long Island campus, there will be a “grab-and-go” breakfast in the quad on September 9, a barbeque September 10, and a remembrance for September 11. There will also be new virtual student life initiatives, including a virtual orientation, student-focused lectures, and an involvement fair on September 15. All in-person gatherings will require facial coverings and social distancing.

Will clubs and sports be able to function?
Clubs and organizations will be encouraged to meet online, though there will be some opportunities to meet in person with social distancing and face masks. Sports will not start until January 1, though athletes will still be able to practice and work with their coaches in the fall.

How will Career Services Function?
Career Services will transition to mostly online services, with virtual academic advisements, career development events, and employer workshops, along with a career fair on October 15. Blake encouraged students to build their Handshake resumes and continue networking, and to also continue volunteering through Consultants for the Public Good. She also noted that students will be provided with assistance in registering to vote and to better understand the voting process.

Will dining halls be open?
Dining services will be available at the Long Island campus, including pre-packaged items such as salads, yogurts, and fruits, in addition to hot food items that will be protected behind a sneeze guard. Seating will be socially distanced and offered both inside and outside. The New York City campus’s Metro Café will not be open this academic year.

What will housing look like?
Blake advised that the New York City residential housing plan has been released, and students are encouraged to sign up for their housing. She added that the Long Island housing plan will be released in the coming days. There will be frequent disinfection of high-traffic areas and items, required facemasks in social spaces, and encouraged consistent hand-washing. Students who come from highly impacted states will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days before entering dormitories.

Students also asked about the procedures in the event that a student in the dorms becomes infected with COVID-19 and it was explained that said student would be isolated until no longer contagious, along with anyone who had prolonged contact with them.

Students First: Community Conversations is a series of discussions aimed at informing students about the changes being made at New York Tech during this pandemic and the support systems available to members of the New York Tech community. Tune in on Thursday, August 6 at noon to hear from Michael Schneider, MSW, director of counseling and wellness, on emotional and mental health wellbeing.