In just a few days, our campus will be bustling with activity, as new and returning residential students move in and faculty and staff across campus make their final preparations for the first day of the semester. Although things look different than they have in the past, there’s the same excitement in the air as we gear up for the start of a new year.
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. As of today, 81 percent of our student body is fully vaccinated or is in the process of completing their vaccination series. Thank you for doing your part in the fight against COVID-19. We are ready and excited to see you!
Here are important reminders to ensure we have a safe and successful opening:
Health and safety guidelines:
- Vaccine requirement:
Students living on campus are required to arrive having received at least one COVID vaccination dose and must finish their vaccination series as soon as possible. All students, on or off-campus, 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 – open to all students – on campus starting Aug. 25. You can register for these clinics using the links provided in the "Where to Get Vaccinated" section of the fall plan.
- Please do your part to get vaccinated as soon as possible so we can continue with in-person classes and activities and reduce restrictions. Hear from fellow Red Dragons about why they got vaccinated.
- 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. - 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. - Frequently asked questions:
Please review updated information and FAQs in the fall plan prior to your arrival.
Pre-arrival screening:
All students must complete the pre-arrival screening survey prior to returning to campus. In order to move-in, or before your first day back on campus, you must successfully complete the survey and reach a screen with a green check mark. Please screenshot or print out the page with the green check mark and be prepared to show it upon request during move in or upon arrival to campus, and anytime during the first week. Detailed information about the pre-arrival screening survey was sent to you on Aug. 11.
Move in:
Our move-in process will look a little different this year for those living on campus, but there will be lots of friendly faces to direct and assist you. Remember to follow directions to the central check-in lot at the Alumni Field House upon your arrival to campus.
Red Dragon HQ:
If you have questions or need help after you arrive, head over to our Red Dragon HQ tent on the quad. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 18–20 and Aug. 23-24, you can visit the tent to get answers to your questions, drop off final transcripts and other paperwork, and book appointments with Academic Advisement, Financial Aid and other student support offices.
Welcome Week:
We’ve planned all kinds of fun Welcome Week activities, including an outdoor movie, hypnotist, magician, comedy show and more! Be sure to download the Corq app and check Campus Connection to find out what’s going on.
All of us must do our part to make this fall a success. Follow the safety protocols. Make new students feel welcome and support your friends in making a smooth transition back to in-person classes and activities. Check our fall 2021 web page often for updates, new policies and contingency plans. We are all one community, and together, we can have a safe, fulfilling and successful fall.
Sincerely,
Dennis Craig, Acting President
Dr. Bernadette Tiapo, Interim Vice President for Student Life and Chief Diversity Officer
