New Action Underway to Combat COVID-19 Spread

Dear Faculty and Staff:

The resurgence of the COVID-19 virus around our country is intensifying on the heels of holiday travel and gatherings. Here in Onondaga County, we are experiencing rising infection rates and an uptick in hospitalizations. In response, Syracuse University is taking additional steps to further assist the broader community in combatting the virus while also maintaining healthy and safe academic and business operations.

Here is everything you need to know:

• At this time, all functions that can be performed remotely should be done remotely. This approach will remain in place through the conclusion of Orange Appreciation Days, which begin on Thursday, Dec. 24.
• All deans, senior vice presidents and other leaders have been advised to urge their faculty and staff, whose job functions do not require a physical presence on campus, to conduct their business from home. For staff, everyone who is working remotely should receive approval from their supervisor and have a flexible work agreement that is approved by the dean or senior vice president of the division.
• Individuals who must be on campus to perform their duties, including but not limited to food services, facilities management, public safety, libraries, etc., should continue reporting per their regular schedule. Some staff in the libraries system will continue to work remotely, while others will report in-person. Any questions regarding libraries should be directed to libref@syr.edu. Personal protective equipment must always be worn, and other precautions will remain in place as guided by public health directives. If you are uncertain if your position requires you to be on campus, please contact your supervisor directly to discuss.
• Research that requires faculty, staff and graduate students to be on campus, in the field or in a laboratory may continue. Similarly, studio space and work that cannot be replicated outside the studio may continue with all appropriate public health precautions in place. We urge all researchers, studio personnel and graduate students to take the necessary steps to keep themselves and those around them safe. This includes mask wearing, monitoring for symptoms, hand washing and regular testing.
• COVID-19 testing will continue at the University’s Stadium Testing Center, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To learn more about our testing program, please review this message, which was shared with our community on Thursday, Dec. 3. However, if you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, please do not come to campus for testing. Instead, call your primary care provider.
• At this time, and continuing through the beginning of the spring semester, all faculty and staff must use their SU I.D. to access buildings and facilities. Please keep your identification card on you if you plan to be on campus.

We will continue to communicate regularly with you regarding our operational status. We are grateful for the continued efforts of our faculty and staff colleagues to maintain a safe and healthy living, learning and working environment.

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do. We wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy holiday season.

Sincerely,

John Liu
Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost

Andrew R. Gordon
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer