About

2020-21 Campus Compact Student Commitment in the COVID-19 ERA

View PDF version

Both learning and making music are among the most exalted of human pursuits. Manhattan School of Music recognizes that both are best enjoyed in social connection and in person. Nevertheless, for the sake of safety during the coronavirus epidemic, Manhattan School of Music has taken the necessary step of reducing in-person teaching and learning and has offered several “tracks” which give students the option to choose for themselves, in conversation with their families, from a number of options ranging from a fully online academic year to participation in a hybrid instruction model with students’ on-campus for instruction beginning at different points in time from September to November to January.

In order to participate in these activities on an in-person basis, students on Tracks A, B, and C, Manhattan School of Music will require unwavering cooperation from students, faculty and staff to keep our environment as virus-free as possible. Fortunately, medical science has provided information on behaviors which help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 until a vaccine can be developed. For this reason, Manhattan School of Music and Student Affairs requires students on these tracks to sign a pledge committing to themselves to follow all School guidelines designed to mitigate the spread of the virus. By returning to campus at Manhattan School of Music in 2020-21 you are agreeing to adhere to the behavioral expectations outlined below.

The Compact

I understand that as a Manhattan School of Music student planning to partake in a hybrid online and on-campus education at the School during the 2020-21 academic year, I have a role to play in keeping our community safe. I understand that what I am being asked to undertake is considered necessary to protect my health and the health of others in the community, including fellow students, our faculty and Manhattan School of Music staff, as well as New York City, and our West Harlem/Morningside Heights community.

I recognize that most violations of this Compact will be handled expeditiously by a special MSM Compact Response Team, which will be separate from the Campus Judicial Process. Nevertheless, if I am reported to be in violation of this Compact, I will be allowed to present my point of view and speak in my defense as part of a decision-making process. I also understand that anyone found to be significantly or repeatedly in violation of this Compact will be required to complete the academic year online and will forfeit any room and board fees. Decisions made by the MSM Compact Response Team will not be recorded as part of my Campus Judicial record; however, any student who does not comply with the findings and requirements of the MSM Compact Response Team will be subject to adjudication under the Campus Judicial Process, as will any student whose behavior demonstrates a willful recklessness or violates other Manhattan School of Music policies and procedures at the same time the student is in violation of this Compact.

I agree to abide by all protocols, procedures, directives, and mandates adopted by Manhattan School of Music developed in accordance with the best medical guidance available and with city, state and federal mandates.

I agree to participate in all training and testing protocols required by the School. Should I become ill or if I am reasonably believed to have been exposed to the virus, I agree to participate in required isolation or quarantine.

I understand that if the MSM Community cannot adhere to this Compact, and/or a serious COVID-19 outbreak occurs in our city, state or School, Manhattan School of Music may not be able to continue to provide on-campus education, and we will be required to transition to a fully remote teaching and learning experience. Any such transition to different teaching and learning modalities, and any associated limitations upon the availability of residence hall facilities or meal plan services, is further addressed in the Informed Consent and Assumption of Risk, to which I also agree.

The Required Behaviors

I understand that guidance from health authorities may shift during the course of the 2020-21 academic year, and that Manhattan School of Music may revise these behavioral expectations accordingly. All students participating in a hybrid instruction track will be notified of changes if and when they occur. Students are responsible for reading and accordingly responding to these changes.

Health and Wellness

• I agree to regularly self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and to contact the Professional Staff in Andersen Hall by calling the RA cell phone at 917-683-7864 and asking for the professional staff on duty (Andersen Hall residents only), and/or the Dean of Students at 917-493-4036.
• I agree to be tested as Manhattan School of Music requires and to share my results with Manhattan School of Music
• I agree to execute fully and truthfully comply with the daily health questionnaire on the Envoy app and to respond to other reasonable requests for information relating to COVID-19 screening for access to campus.

• I agree to immediately share the results of a positive COVID-19 test with the Dean of Students at 917-493-4036 and/or with the Professional Staff in Andersen Hall by calling the RA cell phone at 917-683-7864 (Andersen Hall residents only), and asking for the Professional Staff in Andersen Hall.
• I agree to follow physical distancing requirements as much as possible, especially by using the specific furniture arrangements and guidelines provided on campus for this purpose.
• I agree to wash my hands regularly throughout the day.
• I agree to use provided cleaning supplies to wipe down desks and shared instruments prior to and after my use.
• I agree to comply with applicable contact tracing protocols of both Manhattan School of Music and the NYC Health and Human Services, or other government health authority.
• I agree to wear a mask that cover my nose and mouth at all times except in my own off-campus apartment or my dorm room in Andersen Hall, alone in a practice room, when eating/drinking and/or when playing a musical instrument that cannot be played with a mask.
• I agree to promptly comply with Manhattan School of Music directives regarding isolation or quarantine. I understand that these directives may require me to be temporarily relocate to an off-campus location chosen by Manhattan School of Music or New York City health authorities.
• I agree to comply with Manhattan School of Music physical distancing procedures, including in classrooms, elevators, common areas of Andersen Hall and the MSM Main Building.Travel, Off-campus expectations and Guests in Campus Buildings
• I agree to adhere to Manhattan School of Music’s most current guidance on travel, which in the fall semester prohibits travel by airplane except under extraordinary circumstances as approved by the MSM Compact Response Team.
• Given the guidelines enforced by New York State and NYC, it is unlikely a request for Limited Leave of Absence will be granted for students in Tracks A and B during the Fall 2020 semester. If a student experiences a personal emergency, and needs to request a Limited Leave of Absence, they should contact the Dean of Students and Provost’s Office for guidance. I understand that Manhattan School of Music may restrict travel and means of travel within New York City for Andersen Hall residents should the School designate the COVID-19 threat level high enough to warrant such restrictions. Commuter students may have non-essential travel within the City restricted, and in an extreme case may even be asked to shelter-at-home rather than come to campus for in- person, on campus instruction for a period of time. I agree to follow the above guidelines regarding physical distancing and masks when off-campus at all times, but especially when utilizing New York City public transportation
• I agree to refrain from allowing visitors, including family members, any access to campus buildings.

The future of COVID-19 is unpredictable and the risks of participating in on campus activities at Manhattan School of Music are not fully foreseeable. I therefore understand that, even with the mitigation strategies employed by Manhattan School of Music and my compliance with the expectations outlined in this Compact and any modification to the expected behaviors outlined here, I may be exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and contract COVID-19. I understand that I can reduce that risk by choosing to participate in online instruction through Track D. By choosing Tracks A, B, or C, and by arriving on campus at MSM for instruction during the 2020-21 academic year, I acknowledge that I will comply with the requirements outlined in this Compact. I acknowledge, further, that my ability to remain on campus is contingent upon adherence to the requirements set forth in this Compact and the Informed Consent and Assumption of Risk.