Important Information for Students Choosing to Leave Campus Earlier Than Planned

Dear Students and Families:

As shared a short time ago in a message from Chancellor Kent Syverud, the University will transition to online instruction effective Thursday, Nov. 12. Whether you’re electing to depart early or remain on campus as planned, I want to share some important things to keep in mind.

Departure Testing

All students are instructed to participate in COVID-19 testing prior to departing campus for the semester. This is an important effort to return our students to their homes virus-free. It is the right thing to do for yourself, your family and the community you call home.

• The Stadium Testing Center is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• You should test three days prior to departure and receive your result before heading home.

We strongly encourage you not to depart campus until you receive notification of your result. If, however, you choose to depart before receiving your test results, we urge you take the following health precautions:

• While traveling, wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
• Avoid all close contact by staying at least 6 feet apart (about two arms’ length) from anyone who is not from your household.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60 percent alcohol) and avoid contact with anyone who is sick or has a compromised immune system.
• Stay in your room in your residence unless you need to visit a health care provider. Utilize your own bedroom and bathroom.
• Wear a cloth face covering or mask while in your home, in the presence of others, indoors and outdoors.
• Do not entertain outside visitors and stay at least 6 feet away from others at all times, including family members.

You will receive confirmation of a negative result via email to your Syracuse University account. Individuals who return a positive test result will be notified by phone. You may resume normal activities once you receive your negative test result, though we ask that you please continue to follow all public health guidance and updates.

Residential Checkout

If you have decided to leave campus early, it is critical you follow all checkout procedures as described below.

• We have transitioned our checkout procedures to be contactless.
• You no longer need to meet in person with a staff member to review your room condition before leaving.
• Your keys must be returned to your residence hall main desk or the South Campus Housing Office.
• After all roommates have left, University staff will conduct routine health and safety checks. To avoid incurring charges for damages, please be sure your room is in good condition.

As a reminder, follow all checkout procedures prior to your departure, including:

• Take all items of sentimental or significant value with you when you depart campus.
• Pack your remaining loose belongings neatly and leave them on or near your bed. Label the boxes, as well as large belongings or wall hangings that are left in your room, with your full name.
• Clean and defrost your microfridge. Dispose of all perishable items. Remember, you will be away from campus for two months.
• Take a picture of your room before you turn in your key.
• Turn in your key! Students living in residence halls should return their keys to their main desk or the mail drop-off box (afterhours) in the pre-printed envelope provided. Students living on South Campus should return their keys (bedroom, apartment and mailbox) to Goldstein Student Center Room 210 or to the key drop box located outside the building. If you do not turn in your key before you leave, you will be charged a lock core change fee.

To maintain health and safety protocols as students depart residence halls, parents, family members and friends are not permitted in the residence halls to assist with removing students’ belongings. All visitors must remain near their vehicles. Students who require assistance in removing belongings should contact their residence director.

If you have additional questions about checkout, please consult our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Health and Wellness Resources Available

The Barnes Center at The Arch remains available for health care and counseling services during this time by calling 315.443.8000. The Barnes Center will also continue to provide testing to students who are close contacts of a positive case, based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended testing timeframe after exposure, and those who are symptomatic. In addition, the Barnes Center will continue to provide 24/7 confidential services for those seeking support for mental health emergencies, sexual and relationship violence, and medical consultation through the end of the semester and during the winter break.

On-demand Transportation Available

University-provided transportation to the airport or to the Regional Transportation Center is available to all students. To arrange transportation, call Parking and Transit Services from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 315.706.5060. It is important to note that students who have reason to believe they have been exposed to someone with a positive test result or those who are required to quarantine should NOT use public transportation, including the University-provided transportation.

We should all be proud of the work we have done to maintain a safer, healthier community during such an unprecedented time. Let us continue to keep the health and well-being of each and every member of our campus community, the Syracuse community and your home communities at the forefront. Please be sure to take part in departure testing, adhere to all public health guidelines, and continue to follow good health practices.

Stay well,

Robert D. Hradsky, Ed.D.
Vice President for the Student Experience
Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience