FAQ

I am a Union student, faculty, or staff member. As I write my story, I realize that I'm feeling alone or isolated at this time. What should I do?

• Please see SUPPORT SERVICES below. This is a troubling and unprecedented situation and help is available.

Can my submissions be anonymous? Can my submission be restricted from use for a period of time?

• Yes to both. We want all participants to feel comfortable to be honest in their submissions.  Our submission form allows for restrictions. Please contact us if you have questions.

How frequently can I submit my story?

• This is entirely up to you. You can send your submission in installments or all at once.

How long do I have to submit my story?

• Right now, there is no deadline. We will leave the submission form open as long as we can.

I'm not a member of the Union community. Can I still submit my story?

• Yes! We encourage stories from Schenectady and the Capital Region. If you live, work, or visit the area, we would like to hear from you.

Is there a minimum age for submissions?

• Yes. Anyone 18 or older can submit a work to this project. Due to HIPAA regulations, people under 18 cannot legally agree to the Submission Agreement and Personal Health Information Agreement, so they cannot submit a project.

Is there anything I should avoid documenting?

• This is a VERY important question. Since the COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis, it is possible that your submission might include the personal health information of yourself or others. This information is legally protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). At the time of submission you will be asked to agree to a Personal Health Information Agreement, which you can read now on the Submission form. Please note: You must agree not to include personally identifiable health information about another person or persons, or information that could allow a third party to identify other people. Submissions including this type of information will be excluded from this project and not kept by the Archive. Please let us know if you have questions.

Many thanks to the Harvard University Archives' COVID-19 Community Archives Project for their excellent guidelines. 

Important Health and Safety Information from Union College

Support Services

We understand that this situation may be troubling to many in our community. The Counseling Center ((518) 388-6161) is available to students who are looking for support at this time. Faculty and staff can access resources through the employee assistance plan.

This is a rapidly developing situation. We will continue to monitor the status and update campus on any developments. Please continue to take all recommended precautionary measures.

Illness Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).

Students - If you have symptoms please contact Health Services at (518) 388-6120 or your primary care physician. For general questions about the coronavirus please contact the New York State Department of Health.

Employees –If you have symptoms please contact your primary care physician. For general questions about the coronavirus please contact the New York State Department of Health.