COVID-19 - Houghton College

Houghton College’s Response to COVID-19

Houghton continues to act in consultation with county and state health officials and takes into consideration the infection rate, testing capabilities, and other societal issues as we prepare our campus to welcome students for in-person learning this year.

We will continue to share the best information available to students, families, and community members below.

Latest COVID-19 Data Download Houghton's Current COVID-19 Protocols

Vaccination

Houghton College strongly encourages all students, staff and faculty to be vaccinated. Vaccination will not be required except for those in off-campus academic programs (to be fully vaccinated, a person must have received a booster shot or their second dose of the Pfizer/Moderna vaccine less than six months ago, or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine less than two months ago). Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 90-days can follow guidance below for vaccinated individuals.

Masking

In accordance with CDC guidelines, because Allegany and Erie Counties are designated as areas of substantial community transmission of COVID-19 by the CDC, masks must be worn by all individuals regardless of vaccination status inside campus buildings. Masks are not required in one’s private office or residence hall room.

COVID-19 Data – Spring 2022

Last updated: 1/10/2022

Houghton, NY

New Positive Cases

Active	Recovered
22	14

Buffalo, NY

New Positive Cases

Active	Recovered
0	0

What does this mean for…?

These new procedures will inspire many questions. As we await final guidance from New York State, Houghton will continue to provide the best information available concerning those treasured aspects of the Houghton Experience that are impacted by the COVID-19 virus.

Off-Campus Experiences

We are excited to be able to offer more off-campus study opportunities in the coming year, including our Highlander Wilderness Adventure program this fall and our East Africa and London Honors programs in the spring. While we anticipate fewer challenges in running these programs, we are requiring that students in off-campus academic programs be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition to anticipating this being a requirement of all international travel, we are requiring it for domestic travel for academic programs due to the significant impact contracting COVID-19 can have on a student’s academic progress in these programs and the lack of adequate quarantine and isolation resources in these programs.

Last updated 6/4/2021

Athletics

Return to Competition and COVID-19 Q&A

Fan Attendance Policies and Updates

We expect to return to full seasons of athletic competition this fall and are working in collaboration with institutions in our Empire 8 Conference, the NCAA, and our local and state Departments of Health. We will be in communication with student athletes and their families about these developments throughout the summer regarding testing, masking, and vaccination requirements and are excited to offer even more opportunities for athletic participation in the upcoming year.

Last updated 4/16/2021

Student Activities

With NYS updating its guidance removing social distancing requirements, we are excited to announce that student activities will return to pre-pandemic expectations. While unvaccinated individuals will still need to mask when inside at activities, social distancing and gathering number restrictions have been lifted. We’re excited to return to a full, in-person co-curricular experience for our students!

Last updated 6/24/2021

Spiritual Life

We are excited to announce that the recent changes from NYS regarding gatherings will allow for us to return to worship together in Wesley Chapel for regular chapel services this fall! The pandemic has showed us how invaluable gathering together in-person for singing, prayer, and preaching is to a vibrant faith and we are anxious to be together again in one space to worship together in community.

Last updated 6/24/2021

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