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Dear Students, Families, Faculty and Staff:
Over the past month, members of our campus community have been hard at work planning and preparing for our students to return to campus and start the spring semester. Since the beginning of the pandemic, each semester has presented our community with new and different challenges—and spring 2022 will be no different. At the same time, two aspects of our planning and preparation are unchanged. We remain committed to prioritizing the health and well-being of our community, and to a decision-making process that is informed by the best guidance of public health experts.
There is still much we don’t know about the omicron variant, particularly in the context of planning for a robust, in-person academic and student experience this spring. What we do know is that the omicron variant is highly infectious. At the same time, there is strong evidence to suggest that—for those fully vaccinated (including a booster shot)—the omicron variant poses a much-reduced risk to individual health as compared to prior variants of the virus. It is for this reason that SUNY requires all students to be fully vaccinated, and why we’re cautiously confident in our ability to sustain an in-person, residential learning experience throughout the spring semester.
The purpose of today’s message is to provide our community with important information necessary to inform your planning for the spring semester. This is a necessarily lengthy message. Please read it carefully, and plan accordingly. Specifically, today’s message will address the following:
- Hybrid Schedule Extended for Employees
- Return-to-Campus Testing for Students
- Surveillance Testing
- On-Demand Testing
- Masking Framework
- Isolation and Quarantine Guidance and Space
- Booster Shot Requirement
- Flu Vaccine
Hybrid Schedule Extended for Employees
Last month, employees were encouraged to work a hybrid schedule, as appropriate to their duties and departments. This was originally effective through Friday, Jan. 14.
For employees seeking to continue working on a hybrid schedule, SUNY has extended its Telecommuting program through June 30 for eligible employees. Please be sure to submit a new application if you wish to continue a hybrid schedule beyond Jan. 14.
Employees whose job duties require them to be fully in-person (e.g., Police, Mailroom, Facilities) should report to work.
You can find details about the hybrid work schedule—including the application, work plan, and biweekly progress report—here: Hybrid Work Schedule
Return-to-Campus Testing for Students
All students must participate in testing upon return for the spring semester (regardless of vaccination status). Tests must be performed at the SU Testing Center and a negative result produced within 72 hours of arrival on campus. Testing is available at SU for all asymptomatic members of the ESF community. Visit the SU website for the most current information. Home tests and tests received in other locations will not be accepted for this requirement.
For the safety of others, do not go to the SU Testing Center if you have symptoms. Students who believe they may have been exposed or who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms should stay home, report their symptoms and exposure, and call Crouse Medical Practice at 315-766-1628 for medical evaluation/diagnostic COVID testing.
Faculty and staff experiencing COVID-like symptoms should stay home and call their primary care provider.
If you have recently been infected with COVID, you should still participate in the return-to-campus testing by submitting a sample and answering the questions presented by the SU Testing Site staff.
Surveillance Testing
Testing is one of the most effective COVID mitigation tools we have at our disposal. Given the sharp increase in COVID cases, and the rapid spread of the omicron variant—even among vaccinated and boosted people—SUNY guidance for the Spring 2022 semester requires campuses to implement a surveillance testing program. Each person with a regular presence on campus will be included in ESF’s surveillance testing plan. This plan is currently in development, but is expected to be performed in coordination with the surveillance testing plan at Syracuse University. More details will be provided soon and the College community will be notified via email. Our FAQ document and Spring 2022 Guidance will be updated accordingly.
On-Demand Testing
Testing for the ESF community will continue to be provided by Syracuse University. Testing through Friday, Jan. 14, is available at Kimmel Dining Hall. Testing will resume at the Stadium Testing Center beginning on Sunday, Jan. 16. Please visit the SU website for testing location, hours and availability.
Masking Framework
In accordance with the New York State public health order issued on Dec. 10, 2021, and consistent with the ESF’s masking framework, all members of our campus community must always wear a mask when indoors, and outdoors when in the presence of others. This will remain in place until further notice.
ESF is strongly encouraging double-masking or the use of a well-fitted KN95-type mask while indoors on campus. An example of a well-fitted mask is an N95 or KN95 mask that fits correctly and is worn properly. Unfortunately, they are often difficult to wear for extended periods. Note that these “respirators” impose a significant breathing restriction, and consultation with your healthcare provider in advance of extended use is recommended. Ultimately, the best mask is one that is worn correctly and consistently. ESF’s mask guidance is found here.
Isolation and Quarantine Guidance and Space
The CDC recently issued updated guidance on quarantine and isolation time periods, which was adopted by the Onondaga County Health Department following New York State’s endorsement of the revised CDC policy.
As such, ESF has revised its isolation and quarantine guidelines (for those who test positive and those exposed) for members of the campus community for the spring semester. The most significant change is the reduction in isolation from 10 days to 5 days for individuals who test positive for COVID. Symptomatic individuals may need to isolate for longer, depending on their symptoms.
Similar to last year, ESF is fully prepared to provide isolation housing for students who live on campus, and for those who cannot safely isolate in their off-campus apartments. If needed, transportation can be provided to Shapero Hall at Onondaga Community College, the location of isolation housing.
Booster Shot Requirement
For the Spring 2022 semester, New York State requires all students engaging in in-person activities sponsored by ESF to get a booster shot within 30 days of becoming eligible. This also applies to Management Confidential employees.
SU requires all eligible individuals to receive a booster shot in order to use their facilities.
Students can upload documentation of your vaccination status at your earliest convenience here: Student Vaccination Mid-Year Questionnaire
Flu Vaccine
SU requires all eligible individuals to receive a flu shot in order to use their facilities. Students can update their vaccination status via the Student Vaccination Mid-Year Questionnaire.
We will continue to send you frequent updates with the most current public health guidance and recent actions taken to mitigate transmission. Please visit esf.edu/restart regularly for the latest information about the ESF’s public health strategy.
We look forward to welcoming our community back to campus.
SUNY ESF COVID-19 Response Team
Kimberly Armani
Kelly Berger
Elias Chan
Danielle Gerhart
Brenda Greenfield
Rebecca Hoda-Kearse
Mark Lichtenstein
Anne Lombard
Matthew Millea
David Napolitano
David Newman
Leslie Rutkowski
John Wasiel
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