Dear ESF Community,
As we near the end of our second week, I want to applaud the efforts of our campus community to maintain a safe and healthy environment. We are tracking the number of COVID-19 tests administered on the dashboard (which can be found at www.esf.edu/restart), along with several other metrics, and are proud of ESF faculty, staff, and students who are consistently wearing masks and socially distancing.
I urge each of you to maintain this vigilance. Other institutions have not been as fortunate, as evidenced by the following statements from SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras.
“I spoke with TC3 President Montague who, out of an abundance of caution, decided to go to fully remote learning for the remainder of this week. Currently, six of TC3’s students have tested positive for COVID-19 and the college is investigating whether the students violated the college’s code of conduct. President Montague implemented a robust testing protocol as part of TC3’s reopening plan, and as a result of these cases will continue surveillance testing by using Upstate Medical University’s innovative new pool testing to monitor and contain any spread of COVID-19. I applaud President Montague and her team for developing a comprehensive response plan, their quick and decisive action, and expanding surveillance testing in order to keep the entire college community safe.” (9/2/2020)
“Unfortunately, 13 SUNY Fredonia students have been suspended who clearly ignored COVID-19 safety protocols. Again, this is a small number of students—but their actions have a broader impact on the entire college community. I commend President Kolison on his immediate action. Most of our students understand the responsibility they have to their classmates, teachers, and the community at large. We will continue to send a collective message across SUNY that we will do everything in our power to stop a small fraction of students from ruining the fall semester for everyone else. And, with an aggressive pooled surveillance testing regimen developed at Upstate Medical University now being utilized at SUNY Fredonia, we will monitor the situation on campus and be prepared to take further actions if they are needed to keep the campus safe and contain this virus.” (9/1/2020)
Please continue to monitor your email, social media accounts, and www.esf.edu/restart for real-time information about ESF's operating plans.
Sincerely,
Joseph L. Rufo
Officer-in-Charge
CFO and Vice President for Administration
