COVID-19 Update: Departure Testing | Support for Students | Online Instruction

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Families:

Today, the rate of new COVID-19 infections across the United States and in Central New York reached record levels. Syracuse University is experiencing what public health experts predicted—a resurgence of the virus in late fall and throughout the winter months. In the past 24 hours alone, we have confirmed 50 new COVID-19 cases among our students.

This news is neither welcome nor comforting. We are all anxious about what is to come for our region and for our campus, and for the communities our students call home. As such, the University is moving with urgency to provide enhanced support to our students, faculty, staff and the broader community by taking the following actions:

1. Departure Testing for Students Electing to Leave Early: As shared in yesterday’s campus message, we have become aware that for a variety of reasons, some students are planning to depart campus prior to the scheduled end of classes on Nov. 24. To support those students, we have accelerated our departure testing program. Students are strongly encouraged to be tested before departing campus for the semester. Departure testing is available at the Stadium Testing Center and open to all students.
2. Ongoing Support for Students in Quarantine or Isolation: Be assured that we will continue to support our students in quarantine or isolation, to include through the holiday break if necessary. Any student directed into isolation or quarantine by Onondaga County health officials will remain in University housing if isolation or quarantine orders extend beyond Nov. 24. We will accommodate all these students, for whatever time period required, so that our students can complete their directed isolation or quarantine safely and in compliance with public health directives.
3. Accelerating the Transition to Online Instruction: Given the increasing prevalence of COVID-19 in our community and on campus, it is possible that New York State will require Syracuse University to transition to online learning sooner than previously announced. Faculty and students should be prepared for an accelerated transition. Related to this issue, we will keep the campus community updated as new information becomes available over the next few days from local and New York officials.

As this resurgence of COVID-19 continues, we fully expect this situation to remain fluid. It is likely public health guidance may evolve quickly and regularly. We will continue to communicate frequently to ensure our students and their families, faculty and staff have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions.

Sincerely,

J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation