Coronavirus Update 5.12.20: Returning Faculty and Staff to Campus

Dear Faculty and Staff:

On April 18, we notified the campus community that, consistent with Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s “New York State on PAUSE” Executive Order, faculty and staff would continue to work remotely through at least Friday, May 15. Only employees designated as essential would continue to report to campus.
I am writing today because there is some speculation and media reporting related to an impending “reopening” of Central New York that has led to some faculty and staff asking what this means for our current remote work policy. At this time, the majority of our faculty and staff should plan to continue remote work until further notice.

We are working closely with local, state and federal officials, guided by public health authorities to—gradually and safely—reopen our campus to more faculty and staff. There is also work underway to ensure that new health, safety and environmental protocols are in place before additional faculty and staff return. We will continue to communicate with our community about the return to campus once public health officials have advised us that it is appropriate to proceed with a phased reactivation of campus life.

We appreciate that the uncertainty related to who is returning to campus, when, and what it will look like is difficult for all of us. We ask for your continued understanding and patience. Please know that the safety and well-being of those who call our campus home will always be the top priority.

Sincerely,

J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation