COVID-19 Policy

Overview and General Principles

Guided by the Iona University mission and the prioritization of care and concern for the community, all members of the Iona University community are expected to abide by and take part in enforcement of campus COVID-19 related policies and protocols for reopening. 

Each student is responsible for adhering to the COVID-19 policy and reopening plans. Failure to do so will be considered to be a violation of the student code of conduct and will result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or termination of privileges to be permitted in residential sponsored facilities or elsewhere on campus, including academic buildings, participation in activities or suspension of a student organization. Students separated from the University or from University Housing for disciplinary action are not entitled to any refunds or credits. 

Minimizing risk of infection, and creating a safe, healthy, and supportive environment, is a shared responsibility for all students and members of the Iona community. 
All members of the Iona Community must comply with Iona policies and instructions, including those related to the operations of campus and creating a safe environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Reopening plan and COVID-19 related procedures were established by the Iona University Task Force, with input from faculty, staff, students and parents. Plans and procedures are developed in accordance with New York State public health guidelines and founded in concern for fulfilling the educational mission of Iona University and the academic integrity of Iona’s educational offerings. Policies and procedures are subject to change as the situation evolves. All individuals are expected to monitor the Iona University website and Iona University e-mail communications. 

For a comprehensive list of COVID-19 related information and expectations visit the Return to Campus Information & Protocols.

All students are expected to comply with Iona University Student Code of Conduct, policies, procedures, and protocols both on and off-campus.

Mask Policy

• Masks are highly recommended but optional in most indoor spaces, including classrooms.
• Masks are required at Health Services.

Sanctions and Repercussions

• In the instances where students are documented for incidents including Failure to Comply, violations of the Return to Campus Information & Protocols, and/or violations of University Policies, the following methods may be used to address the behavior:
  • Sanctions for COVID-19 related policy violations will be increased, especially for violations that put the campus and community at additional risk. Such violations may include violation of isolation and/or quarantine regulations, failure to comply with Iona University mask regulations, failure to comply with surveillance testing, social “drinking” type games similar to beer pong, failing to abide by social distancing and space occupancy limits, hosting large parties, guest violations, etc.
  • Students who do not comply with the COVID-19 Policy could have immediate interim imposition of sanctions including but not limited to those listed below at the discretion of the University based on the severity of the incident.
  • Actions and sanctions may include:
    • interim restrictions
    • verbal warning
    • written warning
    • conduct hearing waiver letter which may include fine and/or educational sanction
    • parental notification
    • formal student conduct hearing with potential sanctions including but not limited to:
      • disciplinary warning
      • disciplinary probation
      • deferred suspension
      • suspension and/or removal from the residence halls
      • suspension of student organization
      • restrictions on co-curricular involvement
      • loss of eligibility to attend in-person classes, or events

The COVID-19 Policy and the Return to Campus Information & Protocols remains effective as of January 13, 2023, until otherwise noted by the University. The University reserves the right to update and modify these documents to remain consistent with healthcare guidelines to protect the health and safety of the Iona University community as well as to ensure compliance with local, state, and national public health agencies and government officials.