Holding Each Other Accountable to Remain on Campus

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Families:

By now, you are aware that the University is currently experiencing a concerning increase in COVID-19 cases within the campus community. Almost this entire increase in COVID-positive cases can be traced to one off-campus party. This fact, and our current situation, should serve as a clear and visible reminder of just how vulnerable we all are to a small number of individuals not upholding the Stay Safe Pledge.

The vast majority of our community continues to be vigilant, accountable and proactively engaged related to the public health practices necessary and appropriate to sustain our residential campus experience. That said, our primary concern—above even sustaining our residential campus—is to safeguard the health and safety of our campus and Central New York community. For that reason, the events of the past 48 hours have compelled the University to announce the following actions:

1. Effective immediately, any Syracuse University student listed as a leaseholder or occupant for an off-campus property where a party is held in violation of New York State social gathering directives, or in violation of relevant provisions of the Syracuse University Stay Safe Pledge, will be immediately referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR) for review and appropriate action.
2. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is enhancing patrols in university neighborhoods with a shift from education to enforcement. Students who are participating in social gatherings in violation of New York State social gathering directives or the Syracuse University Stay Safe Pledge will be referred to OSRR.

In addition to these new actions, we will continue to reinforce what was announced in a message from Vice Chancellor J. Michael Haynie yesterday, including:

• All in-person student activities, with the exception of classes, associated coursework and intercollegiate athletics, are paused temporarily. To review a list of permissible activities, please read Vice Chancellor Haynie’s message.
• The provision of the Stay Safe Pledge that allows for social gatherings of 25 individuals or less is amended such that, with the exception of classroom activity, social gatherings on- and off-campus may not exceed five individuals who do not live together.
• We are in touch with Greek chapter leadership and have asked them to adopt a “no-visitors” policy (beyond those who reside in those houses), similar to the policy in place for on-campus residence halls.

At this point in the semester, you should know what is and is not permitted under current public health law and guidance, and the University’s expectations for compliance. We are not going to villainize the individuals who have made choices that have jeopardized the health and well-being of our community. We are, however, going to hold those individuals accountable for their actions.

Please: Make the right choices. Think of those around you. And remember, it’s on all of us to successfully finish the semester safely, together and on campus.

Sincerely,

Robert D. Hradsky, Ed.D.
Vice President for the Student Experience

Bobby Maldonado
Chief, Department of Public Safety