It’s on ALL of Us to Keep Our Community Safe

Dear Students:

After sacrificing so much the last 18 months, I recognize and appreciate your excitement being back on campus.  We cannot however disregard our community standards and resort to behavior that challenges the health and well-being of our campus community and our neighbors. Here are just a few ways you can help keep yourself and those around you safe and healthy.

Masking While in COVID Level RED

As directed by the University, you must follow the masking framework in accordance with the University’s COVID level. The campus is currently in COVID level RED, meaning masks must be worn indoors at all times, and outdoors when in the presence of others, no matter your vaccination status. Remember, proper masking means covering your nose and mouth. While we were delighted to see 5,000-plus student fans in the stadium during last weekend’s football game, mask wearing was minimal at best. Please be advised, the stadium staff will be taking action at the upcoming game to enforce mask wearing.

Concerning Behavior Off Campus

We have received too many reports of disrespectful conduct occurring in the off-campus neighborhoods. The actions that take place in the off-campus neighborhood impact your fellow students, professors, staff members, children and families living in the area. Being a part of a community means acting respectfully and responsibly, by:

• Reviewing the City of Syracuse noise ordinance. Share your phone number with your neighbor so they can contact you if things get too loud.
• Staying on your own lawn and in your own driveway. Do not gather on a neighbor’s property or block their driveway.
• Picking up any trash or recycling and properly disposing of it.

Remember, any violation of the Code of Student Conduct, including those that occur off campus, can be referred to the Office of Community Standards.

Consequences for Removing Public Health Signage

Signage displaying public health information that is critical to the health and safety of our community has repeatedly gone missing since the start of the academic year. Stealing or vandalizing University property, including public health signage, is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Several community members have sent us video from various social media channels showing students carrying or dragging these signs back to their residence halls. We have referred these videos and reports to the Office of Community Standards. Please know, the presence of clear and directive signage is critical to keeping not only our campus community, but also visitors, informed about what action (i.e., mask wearing) they must take when on our campus.

Maintaining Good Health Practices

There are general health practices that you can take to minimize COVID risk and prevent the spread of other illnesses, which is important as we approach flu and cold season.

• Get a flu shot! (As a reminder, a flu shot is required prior to the start of the Spring 2022 semester.)
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing (a mask is always a great preventative measure).
• Socialize in small groups and outdoors when you can. If you are indoors, open windows and use fans to circulate air.
• Avoid sharing food, drinks or smoking devices.
• Don’t be afraid to ask people how they are feeling. “Not feeling well? Let’s reschedule.”
• If you are exhibiting COVID-like symptoms, stay home and call the Barnes Center at 315.443.8000.

With a semester of robust activity planned, safely socializing and adhering to our public health measures are paramount. Please do your part, and encourage others to do so as well.

Thank you,

Robert D. Hradsky
Vice President for the Student Experience and Dean of Students