
Fast Facts
- Offices, residence centers, and dining halls will be open
- Classes will be delivered through mixed modes, including face-to face, hybrid and fully online to allow for the live streaming of courses
- Physical distancing will be enforced in classrooms and throughout campus.
- Face masks or face coverings are required in public spaces
- Students, faculty, and staff must complete an online screening questionnaire every day
Read the President's Message on Returning to Campus
President’s Letter On Returning to Campus
January 26, 2021
Dear Dominican University Community,
Dominican University looks forward to the start of the spring semester on January 27 and resuming undergraduate in-person classes on February 1. Some adult and graduate programs resumed in-person classes earlier this month. I am grateful for the way our community came together to help ensure a safe and healthy campus during the fall semester and I know your efforts and cooperation will continue throughout the spring semester.
Throughout the difficulties of the pandemic, the College continues to strive for educational excellence while providing a safe and enjoyable environment. The College’s Reopening Coordinating Committee and President’s Cabinet monitors the pandemic and considers all aspects of the College’s operations in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
As previously communicated to all students, faculty, and staff to help support a safe return to campus for all - starting in January, all who have an on-campus presence must provide the College with a negative COVID-19 test result (test must be within 5 days of the return to campus date) or proof of receiving both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (receiving the second dose at least 14 days prior to returning to campus) - as part of the College’s spring return requirement.
Additionally, similar to the fall semester, the following will remain in place for the spring semester:
- A face mask or covering must be worn in enclosed spaces, and outdoors when six-foot distancing cannot be maintained
- physical distance guidelines enforced
- students, faculty, and staff who have an on-campus presence must complete a screening questionnaire every day
- random on-campus testing of students, faculty, and staff (will resume in February)
If you have any questions or comments regarding the College’s response to COVID-19, please email the Reopening Coordinating Committee (CoordinatingCommittee@duny.edu).
Wishing you all a successful spring semester. May your lives be blessed with good health and happiness.
Sister Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., PhD
President
Guiding Principles
Informed by our mission, vision, and our Dominican heritage, the College's plan to reopen campus is guided by the following principles:
- Dominican University will fulfill its mission and meet its standard of excellence
- The health and safety of our college community are paramount. Protecting our students, faculty, and staff is the starting point for each decision
- We will be flexible and innovative in the face of evolving circumstances
- We will heed our responsibility to ensure the College’s financial strength and stability

COVID-19 Report Card
In September, New York State launched The COVID-19 Report Card. The COVID-19 Report Card provides up-to-date data about the status of COVID-19 at institutions across the state.
View Dominican University's COVID-19 Report CardFor Your Health and Safety
Daily Health Check
Students, faculty, and staff must complete an online screening questionnaire every day
Face Masks/Coverings
To protect all members of the College community, a face mask or covering must be worn in enclosed spaces, and outdoors when six-foot distancing cannot be maintained
Our Plan for 2021
While the campus may look and feel different, we are the same Dominican Chargers making a Dominican Difference.
Explore the links below to find details about specific ways we are adapting to meet current challenges while staying true to the Dominican University experience.
You can also download the plan we submitted to New York State by clicking here.
Student Life
Learn MoreFacilities
Learn MoreAbout this Plan
Dominican University continues to actively monitor the incidence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in our region. The College is following guidance from local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding large gatherings, including CDC recommendations on preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Our reopening plan was developed in close partnership with local health officials and is consistent with guidelines promulgated in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s NY Forward-A Guide to Reopening New York & Building Back Better. In developing this plan, the College has received guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Rockland County Department of Health. We are following all applicable executive orders and ordinances.
The College continues to monitor closely the evolving understanding of COVID-19 by health and medical experts and will adapt its policies and procedures as appropriate as new information becomes available.