SUNY Oneonta’s Fall 2021 campus operation and safety plan is now available online. This guidance provides policies and procedures for the fall that were established after monitoring the evolution of the pandemic locally and nationally throughout the summer. You will see that vaccination is the key to fully participating in the college experience. Some important highlights are:
- After thorough evaluation of the current status of vaccination rates among students and increasing COVID positivity rates across the state and the country, the college will implement a new policy requiring all students living on campus to begin the process of getting vaccinated prior to arrival for the fall semester. This means that residential students must receive at least one dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine,or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine before moving in. Proof of either the first dose or full vaccination must be provided at least three days before arrival on campus. Exemptions will be limited and must be approved in advance.
- Vaccine guidance for international students is available in the fall plan.
- Beginning Monday, Aug. 9, masks will be required to be worn by all students, employees and visitors while indoors, regardless of vaccination status (except when eating or drinking while seated, when socially distanced and working at workstations, or when in one’s personal residence hall room). This will remain our policy until the vaccination data of our campus community and other circumstances support taking a more relaxed approach.
- Once the SUNY vaccine mandate goes into effect (upon the FDA’s full authorization of any vaccine, which they have estimated will happen by the end of September), all students who access campus facilities for any reason will be required to be vaccinated. FDA authorization is imminent.
- We encourage off-campus students to get vaccinated as soon as possible to be exempt from regular testing, avoid any potential disruptions to their semester, and protect themselves, their friends and our community. Exemptions will be limited and must be approved in advance.
- All partially vaccinated or unvaccinated (have not submitted proof of vaccination) individuals must participate in weekly testing. Fully vaccinated individuals with approved proof of vaccination on record are not required to test regularly at this time.
- Students will be required to participate in pre-arrival screening. Requirements vary based on vaccination status. Details can be found in the fall plan.
A town hall will be held for returning students and your families on Thursday, Aug. 5, at 5 p.m. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us. Full details on how to participate will be provided in a follow-up email.
A strong safety plan and vaccination policy is the key to a successful semester and return to in-person classes and activities. We will continue to adapt our procedures as changing circumstances dictate, so please check your email and review the plan and FAQs regularly for updates. Each of us must play an active role in the college having a healthy and engaging semester, and we thank you for your support in putting the well-being of our entire community first.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
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
