Free Bus Transportation | Departure Testing Reminder | Residence Hall Checkout

Dear Students and Families:

With residential instruction now complete and all in-person, on-campus student activities paused, we are aware that many of our students have either already left campus or are planning to leave soon. We have already seen the influx of parents and families arriving on campus to pick up their students. For those who do plan to depart early, we’re doing everything we can to help make your departure safe and seamless.

As a reminder: parents, family members and friends are not permitted in the residence halls; they must remain near their vehicles. Students who require assistance in removing belongings should contact their residence director.

Free Bus Transportation to Major Cities

To assist students in departing campus in a safe and convenient way, the University is organizing a no-cost bus service from Syracuse University to major cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C. In accordance with public health guidelines, buses are limited in capacity. As a reminder, you should NOT use public transportation if you have reason to believe you have been exposed to someone with a positive test result or if you are required to quarantine or isolate.

To reserve your spot, please complete the registration form for the city you will be traveling to:

• New York Registration (Bryant Park)
• Philadelphia Registration (Pennsylvania Convention Center)
• Boston Registration (South Station)
• Washington, D.C., Registration (Union Station)

All buses will depart at 10 a.m. outside of Schine Student Center (on Waverly Avenue) on the following days:

• Saturday, Nov. 14
• Sunday, Nov. 15
• Tuesday, Nov. 17
• Thursday, Nov. 19
• Saturday, Nov. 21
• Sunday, Nov. 22
• Monday, Nov. 23

I encourage you to reserve your spot as soon as possible if you would like to take advantage of this resource.

On-demand Transportation Available

In addition to our organized bus services, the University is providing transportation to the airport and to the Regional Transportation Center. To arrange transportation, call Parking and Transit Services from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 315.706.5060. 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.

Departure Testing

Before leaving campus, students are instructed to undergo COVID-19 testing. As a reminder:

• The Stadium Testing Center is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; no appointment is necessary. Go at your convenience.
• You are encouraged to test three days prior to departure. You will receive confirmation of your COVID status via email to your Syracuse University account. Individuals who return a positive test result will be notified by phone.
• While we recommend that you wait for your test result before traveling, those departing before their COVID status is confirmed must take these precautions when they travel and once they arrive home:
  • 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.

Residential Checkout

With so many students choosing to leave campus this week, please remember to follow all checkout procedures as described below.

• Our checkout procedures have been updated to be contactless.
• You no longer need to meet in person with a staff member to review room condition before leaving.
• After rooms are cleared, University staff will conduct routine health and safety checks. To avoid incurring charges for damages, please be sure your room is in good condition.

• 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.

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

We will continue to evaluate our offerings and extend additional options for support as needed. If you have any specific questions about your campus departure, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at dos@syr.edu or 315.443.HELP.

Stay well,

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