Dear ESF Community,

Earlier this week, Governor Andrew Cuomo identified the City of Syracuse as a COVID-19 yellow zone. The decision comes after the county set a number of records for new coronavirus cases in a day over the last two weeks.

In addition, on November 9, Syracuse University announced that it would pause in-person student activities. In-person classes are still being held the week of November 9, 2020, although we expect the University will transition to online soon. In addition, on November 10, Syracuse University dining halls suspended in-person dining; all meals will now be served via grab and go. Read the full announcement here.

Although these decisions have implications for the ESF community, please know that we will continue with the current academic modalities. ESF will NOT switch to online education at this time and buildings will remain open. Students are encouraged to continue the following activities:
  • Participate in COVID-19 testing;
  • Seek needed support through programs, services, and resources that are available to students, including counseling services, tutoring, and career advising, among others;
  • Visits to the Barnes Center at The Arch and its satellite indoor and outdoor recreation facilities and services (Hours may be adjusted; call ahead or visit the Wellness Portal.);
  • Use libraries and other academic support spaces to continue studies;
  • Eat at the Trailhead; and
  • Schedule academic and academic support-related appointments (e.g. financial aid counselor, academic advisor).

As a reminder: If you are feeling sick, do not leave your residence. Instead, contact the Crouse Medical Center and complete the appropriate “Student Self-Reporting Forms” (look in the right column). Faculty and staff with cold/flu-like symptoms should call their primary care physician.

The following guidelines will be effective November 16 for the ESF Syracuse campus. These guidelines are introduced to help ensure that the ESF Syracuse campus continues to keep the coronavirus off campus.
·      Centennial Hall residents are encouraged to remain within the boundaries of the ESF Syracuse campus until they leave for Winter break to reduce the possibility of bringing the virus to the ESF community.
  • Off-campus students are encouraged to limit their movements to essential needs only (e.g., seek urgent medical care, access food), again to reduce the chances of contracting the virus before leaving for Winter break.
  • All operations of the College will continue, with essential personnel reporting to serve our students. The pilot telecommuting program remains in place, through January 1, 2021, subject to supervisor discretion. Employees should continue to work as agreed upon in their supervisor-approved work plans. 
  • Exit testing: all students taking at least one class on campus, using services on campus, or working on campus must receive a COVID-19 test prior to the start of Winter break. Additional information about exit testing was sent last week.

Centennial Hall residents are highly discouraged from returning home until they leave campus for Winter break. As has been the case, visitors are not permitted inside Centennial Hall. Once residents leave Centennial Hall for Winter break, they will not be allowed back in Centennial Hall until the Spring semester. No refunds will be issued to residents who chose to leave before an official building closure.

ESF off-campus students are discouraged from hosting people outside of the ESF community, as noted in the College Commitment, for the duration of the Fall 2020 semester.

To date, ESF has done an exemplary job keeping the virus off our campus. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a reality.

Regards,
Dean Lombard
Vice Provost and Dean for Student Affairs