Dear Graduate Students, Hope you're all continuing to take care as best you can. As you may have already heard, CUNY announced that starting today (Monday, March 7), masks will now be optional <https://www.cuny.edu/coronavirus/university-updates/mask-policy-update/> for students, faculty, staff, and visitors on CUNY campuses. (I'm forwarding QC President Frank H. Wu's email about this update below, in case you missed it.) I know that there may be strong feelings about masking in our English Department community and indeed across QC/CUNY. For some, this sudden change may be upsetting or anxiety-producing. For others, this may be welcome news and a relief. However we each feel and whatever choices we make individually this week and for the rest of the semester, I hope we can continue to care for each other and respect each other's decisions. No one should feel pressured to share why or be bullied about whether they choose to mask or not. In support of the "mask-positive" environment that Pres. Wu talks about below, and out of an abundance of caution and care for vulnerable members of our community, I ask that you consider continuing to mask up in in-person classes, especially since the pandemic is not yet over and case numbers in NYC are still fairly high <https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/new-york-city-new-york-covid-cases.html>. But to be clear, this is only a request and not a requirement, and we will of course respect whatever decisions you make as individuals and with your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me and Hillary. (And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed or anxious, you might consider contacting QC’s Counseling Services <https://www.qc.cuny.edu/StudentLife/services/counseling/counseling/Pages/default.aspx> at CounselingServices@qc.cuny.edu.) Best, Caroline -- Dr. Caroline Kyungah Hong Associate Professor of English Director of Graduate Studies (English MA) Queens College, CUNY *she/her/hers* * Please note that I am off email on weekends and will respond to your email during business hours, Monday–Friday 9am–5pm, generally within 1–2 business days. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: President Frank H. Wu/Queens College <qcmailer@qc.cuny.edu> Date: Mon, Mar 7, 2022 at 9:10 AM Subject: Update on CUNY Mask Policy To: <chong@qc.cuny.edu>
From President Frank H. Wu:
On Friday, March 4, Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez shared CUNY’s updated mask policy <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001A07PwmZXm1K1G6S7-9kmeJyiA7CnB883bp3umZq0Ab13zPpHua8mcWdDCVmZYWaTc762UCzxUXrBujGKlQN1cpKwrRzpDMkIxCzuoKnsGOrqSmdU9tb_fMSl_H6GxuW6YIV_9n9fQjW0KtEPk1UJtFdxwJ6J4SUHaRKvj87qOE1cpQ5zHVUVUZu2e_zk5unCeKSBVKyGs0wUqP_-kYI6bw==&c=inqGzsRe6xAIzjB9tXJ0j9KOgDA8w8R1Y3Hm-mzF84vzcMbTlx7h5A==&ch=TA9jA3XKf0X3G_nvD1G7mVp96thHjOa29rp6b2viCCeVoSiQ-GgYJQ==>, which takes effect today, Monday, March 7. Following revised CDC guidance and recent announcements by Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams ending mask mandates in New York City and State pre-K through 12 public schools, CUNY is lifting the temporary mask mandate that has been in place since August 2021 on all campuses. As I am sure you are, we are relieved that the decline in cases has allowed CUNY to take this step. We have been able to achieve this outcome thanks to high rates of vaccination in New York City and especially at Queens College. Please get your booster shot when you become eligible to ensure we continue to be successful. At the same time, we must remain vigilant and cautious against COVID-19. Here at QC, we will support a "mask-positive" environment so that those who continue to wear masks, by choice or requirement, are welcome and encouraged to do so as masks are an added protection against COVID. There are many spaces on campus that are small and where it is very difficult to remain distanced from others, such as the Main Gate Public Safety office. Specifically in these tighter quarters, we request that you consider wearing a mask. Faculty, please note that you may request that students wear masks in class, but students cannot be required to do so. I urge you to review the message <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001A07PwmZXm1K1G6S7-9kmeJyiA7CnB883bp3umZq0Ab13zPpHua8mcWdDCVmZYWaTc762UCzxUXrBujGKlQN1cpKwrRzpDMkIxCzuoKnsGOrqSmdU9tb_fMSl_H6GxuW6YIV_9n9fQjW0KtEPk1UJtFdxwJ6J4SUHaRKvj87qOE1cpQ5zHVUVUZu2e_zk5unCeKSBVKyGs0wUqP_-kYI6bw==&c=inqGzsRe6xAIzjB9tXJ0j9KOgDA8w8R1Y3Hm-mzF84vzcMbTlx7h5A==&ch=TA9jA3XKf0X3G_nvD1G7mVp96thHjOa29rp6b2viCCeVoSiQ-GgYJQ==> as it details specifics about quarantine requirements, testing for those with medical exemptions or religious exceptions, the CUNY random testing program, and vaccine and booster mandates, all of which are still in effect. Stay safe and well. This mail was sent by an automated process. Do not reply to this mail, which cannot accept replies. At the bottom of this email, you will see Constant Contact language that offers the option of using "SafeUnsubscribe" to remove yourself from the email list. We strongly advise you not to unsubscribe because QCmailers may contain critical, timely information you need, such as CUNYfirst attendance and grading information for faculty; Human Resources announcements for faculty and staff; and announcements from the Registrar or Bursar for students. This information may not be communicated in any other way but through QCmailers. Queens College, CUNY | 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Queens, NY 11367 Unsubscribe chong@qc.cuny.edu <https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=0017wQOe3ygv3Ag6mWSt6yjlQ%3D&ch=f9177360-b558-11e3-84b4-d4ae52754055&ca=bb7d4fea-24bf-4fed-8f2e-13f94f07d311> Update Profile <https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=0017wQOe3ygv3Ag6mWSt6yjlQ%3D&ch=f9177360-b558-11e3-84b4-d4ae52754055&ca=bb7d4fea-24bf-4fed-8f2e-13f94f07d311> | Constant Contact Data Notice <https://www.constantcontact.com/legal/customer-contact-data-notice> Sent by qcmailer@qc.cuny.edu powered by [image: Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.] <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF21_3GE&pn=ROVING&nav=bb7d4fea-24bf-4fed-8f2e-13f94f07d311> Try email marketing for free today! <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF21_3GE&pn=ROVING&nav=bb7d4fea-24bf-4fed-8f2e-13f94f07d311>