Dear Students, Families, Faculty and Staff:
I write to you today to share important information regarding the Spring 2022 semester. Given the sharp increase in COVID cases, the rapid spread of the omicron variant and warnings from public health officials that the first three weeks of January will be the most challenging of this surge, the University will delay the start of the spring semester by one week. In-person classes will now begin on Jan. 24. Spring break will remain as previously scheduled: March 13-20.
I am optimistic for the spring semester because we have done this before. Syracuse University has safely and successfully held three in-person semesters of instruction in the midst of the pandemic. Each semester, the circumstances have been different. Each semester, the resilience of our Orange community has remained the same. Each semester, we have made decisions based on science and the best public health guidance. I am confident in our ability to do it again.
What is different for this upcoming semester is that we have booster shots that are proven to be both safe and effective. Vaccinations were key to our ability to enjoy a robust in-person fall semester. Booster shots will be critical to maintaining that same experience for the spring semester. As we announced earlier this month, booster shots will be required by the start of the new semester, or as soon as you are eligible to do so. We know that breakthrough cases of COVID will continue to occur. But individuals who have received a booster of mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) have significantly more antibodies than those who haven’t yet been boosted. These increased antibody levels result in greater efficacy and a significantly reduced risk of serious illness. This means our students, faculty and staff can be back on our campus. This means we can enjoy the traditions and activities we cherish. This means the University can continue to support the Central New York community in its efforts to combat the spread of COVID.
In the coming days and weeks, you will receive communications from University leaders with information and resources to return to campus and begin the spring semester. Please continue to visit Syracuse.edu/staysafe for the most up-to-date public health guidance.
I wish you a safe and healthy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Chancellor Kent Syverud
Welcome back from spring break! Welcome to the sprint to Commencement. It’s going to be a fast one I know for all of us. I have just two minutes of updates. First, I have been reviewing suggestions for changes to…
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) is offering staff members the opportunity to further elevate diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility on campus through a new fellowship position. The ODI Administrative Fellowship promotes leadership and professional development of University employees…
Leinster Rugby, widely considered one of the most successful rugby organizations in the world, is partnering with Syracuse University to provide world class rugby coaching and training expertise to the University’s men’s and women’s rugby club sport programs. As part…
As Take Back The Night 2023 approaches, it brings with it the importance of continuing to stand together against and to end sexual, relationship and other forms of violence—not just for a night but for a lifetime. “Standing with survivors…
Join us in making history on March 23, 2023, as we Boost the ‘Cuse during Syracuse University’s most significant giving day yet. Forever Orange Week will showcase the best of our beloved institution, and we invite our global Orange community…
If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.
