Important Public Health Reminder for Off-Campus Students

Dear Off-Campus Students:

We are aware that many of you are beginning to or making plans to return to your off-campus housing. At the same time, we are experiencing a concerning surge in COVID-19 infections, deaths and hospitalizations in Central New York, including here in Onondaga County. Based on the current public health conditions, we strongly encourage you to return to your off-campus housing as close to the start (Feb. 8) of the spring semester as possible.

If you must return sooner or have already done so, please keep in mind the following:

• You are expected to adhere to all public health directives from national, state and local authorities. This includes following New York State travel advisory and quarantine requirements for students traveling from non-contiguous states and other countries.
• You must follow all guidance outlined in the Stay Safe Pledge and complete the acknowledgement to demonstrate your recommitment to keeping the community safe. This includes:
  • Always wearing a mask
  • Keeping your distance
  • Limiting gatherings
  • Monitoring for COVID-19-like symptoms
  • Participating in regular COVID-19 testing
  • Staying in Central New York, as clarified in the Stay Safe Pledge
• You will see University staff, including from Student Experience and the Department of Public Safety, regularly patrolling the off-campus neighborhoods. They will be monitoring for violations of the Stay Safe Pledge and the Code of Student Conduct, both of which you are expected to uphold.

We are all part of the Central New York community, many of whom have experienced the toll of the virus firsthand. Please, act in a way that protects yourself, your friends and neighbors.

We appreciate your commitment and cooperation in keeping yourself and others safe.

Thank you,

Robert D. Hradsky
Vice President for the Student Experience

Peter A. Vanable
Dean, Graduate School