COVID-19 Update: Important Information on Returning to Work on Jan. 4

Dear Faculty and Staff:

As 2020 comes to a close and with Orange Appreciation Days almost complete, many of you are beginning to think about your return to work on Jan. 4. At the same time, the prevalence of COVID-19 continues to increase at a troubling rate around the country and in Onondaga County. Further, public health officials are concerned holiday travel and gatherings will result in additional spread over the next several weeks.

With this in mind, and with our continued focus on the health and well-being of our campus and the broader Central New York communities, the University will continue operating in a similar manner as prior to Orange Appreciation Days. Here is everything you need to know as we begin the first work week of 2021:

• Until directed otherwise, all functions that can be performed remotely should be done remotely. All deans, senior vice presidents and other leaders should continue encouraging their faculty and staff whose job functions do not require a physical presence on campus to continue their work from home. Staff working remotely should have a flexible work arrangement in place that has been approved by the dean or senior vice president of the division.
• Individuals whose job function requires a physical presence on campus should continue reporting per their regular schedule. Personal protective equipment must always be worn, and other precautions will remain in place as guided by public health directives. If you are uncertain whether you should physically report to campus, please contact your supervisor directly to discuss.
• Research and studio work that requires individuals to be physically on campus 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.
• As a reminder, until further notice 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.
• Finally, COVID-19 testing will resume at the University’s Stadium Testing Center on Monday, Jan. 4. Staff, faculty and students should keep the following in mind related to accessing the University’s Testing Center:
  • COVID testing on Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 will be reserved for those employees whose job function requires a physical presence on campus. The Testing Center will coordinate directly with supervisors, to schedule testing for those returning to campus beginning Jan. 4.
  • For those working remotely, the Testing Center will be accessible beginning Jan. 6.
  • Beginning Jan. 6, the hours of the Testing Center will be Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • IMPORTANT: If you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, or you have been directed to quarantine by a public health authority due to possible exposure, do not come to campus for testing. Instead, contact your primary care provider.

Next week, you can expect more details on the spring semester calendar and additional information on our return to campus. We appreciate your continued adherence to public health guidelines. And we wish you and your loved ones good health in the new year.

Sincerely,

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

J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation

John Liu
Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost