In just a few days, our campus will be bustling with activity as new and returning students move in and we all make final preparations for the first day of the semester. As of today, 81 percent of our student body is fully vaccinated or is in the process of completing their vaccination series. Although things look different than they have in the past, the same excitement is in the air as we gear up for the start of a new year.
Here are important reminders to ensure we have a safe and successful opening:
Fall plan:
Our Fall 2021 plan is strong, putting the safety of our campus community front and center, while providing the chance to return to some of the things we’ve missed over the past year and a half.
- All students have received detailed information about our pre-arrival COVID screening requirements. We’re requiring students living on campus to have received at least one COVID vaccination dose upon arrival and they must finish their vaccination series as soon as possible. All students will be required to be vaccinated as soon as the FDA fully authorizes one of the current emergency-use vaccines.
- We’ve partnered with the Otsego County Department of Health to offer regular vaccination clinics for students on campus starting Aug. 25. Students can register for these clinics using the links provided in the "Where to Get Vaccinated" section of the fall plan.
- The fall plan has been updated with new information and FAQs. Please review them so that you will be able to assist colleagues and students with any questions they may have.
Masks:
Everyone must wear masks indoors. People who are vaccinated may remove their masks outdoors in all circumstances, and those who are unvaccinated may remove their masks outdoors as long as they can maintain social distancing from others.
Testing:
Weekly testing will continue to be required for all unvaccinated/vaccination status unknown individuals. Beginning Sunday, Aug. 22, vaccinated individuals may also participate in weekly surveillance testing. Please see the "Surveillance and Diagnostic Testing" section of the fall plan for details on the testing center location and hours.
Move-in procedures and parking information:
Students will move into their residence halls Aug. 18 – 22. See the move-in webpage for details on the schedule. If you are driving to campus Wednesday-Friday, remember to print your employee sign and follow the parking guidelines.
Help students feel welcome:
If you encounter students or families who need assistance during move-in Aug. 18 - 20, send them to our Red Dragon HQ tents on the quad from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 23 and 24, the HQ tent will also serve as our “one-stop,” where students can get answers to their questions and book appointments with Academic Advisement, Financial Aid and other student support offices.
Encourage students to attend the many events and activities happening during the first week. Check Campus Connection to find out what’s planned.
Pass Through the Pillars:
Show your excitement and give our returning sophomores and new students a warm welcome at our two Pass Through the Pillars events this weekend! Wear red and bring a mask to the quad at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, (for sophomores) and Sunday Aug. 22, (for new students). Our incoming president, Dr. Alberto Cardelle, will participate in this important campus tradition with our new students on Aug. 22.
Now it’s time for everyone to do their part to make this fall a success. Please support our students and one another as we begin a new semester with in-person work, classes and activities. Thank you for doing your part to create a welcoming atmosphere for students and following the COVID safety guidelines. We are all one community, and together, we can have a safe, fulfilling and successful fall.
Sincerely,
Dennis Craig, Acting President
Julie Piscitello, Vice President for Finance and Administration & COVID Response Team Co-Chair
Richard Lee, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs & COVID Response Team Co-Chair
