Dear Centennial Hall residents,

Despite the challenges we faced with the pandemic, ESF students showed tremendous wisdom and leadership throughout the Fall semester. Because you believed in the science and adhered to the health and safety guidelines, we were able to keep the virus beyond the borders of our campus. ESF finished the Fall 2020 semester with fewer than 10 positive cases among the ESF community. Because of your cooperation and dedication to the health and safety guidelines, our campus remained safe and open. Thank you for being role models for many others in higher education.

I also write to share what we know about the Spring 2021 semester.

Current Expectations
At this time, we expect the following:
  • Spring 2021 classes will begin on the Syracuse campus on January 25, 2021.
  • Centennial Hall will open in accordance with anticipated guidelines from SUNY and/or the State regarding quarantining and testing. The official "move-in date" is still to be determined.
  • Any student needing to quarantine may do so at Onondaga Community College, following the same procedures as were used during the Fall 2020 semester.
  • All Centennial Hall residents for the 2020-2021 academic year, including those who opted-out of Centennial Hall residency for the Fall 2020 semester, are expected to live in Centennial Hall for the Spring 2021 semester.
  • Course-work from January 25, 2021, through January 31, 2021, will be via distance education.
  • Beginning February 1, 2021, courses will be offered using the pedagogy indicated in MySlice.
  • ESF is following the same academic calendar that Syracuse University is planning for its campus for Spring 2021.
  • Syracuse University is also planning to welcome students back to campus in January.
  • Syracuse University requires a flu vaccination for ESF students to access any facilities or services on its campus. All students are strongly urged to get a flu vaccination before the start of the Spring 2021 semester.

Dynamic Situation
We do understand that this situation is ever-changing and we may need to revise these expectations based on the most current guidance, but it is important that you understand the current situation. We look forward to welcoming all students back to campus for the Spring 2021 semester, including those who opted-out of on-campus living for the Fall 2020 semester.
  • We will continue to prioritize health and safety.
  • We will continue to align expectations with the best practices offered by experts in epidemiology and public health.
  • We will continue to provide a quality education and meaningful residential experience with support systems that position every ESF student for success -- at ESF and after graduation.

Registration
As a reminder, registration for the Spring 2021 semester begins today. If you have questions, please connect with your advisor or your academic department chairperson.
 
Please know that we will continue to monitor the situation, continue to adopt best practices, and -- most importantly -- we are excited to see Stumpies back on campus in January.
 
Regards,
Dean Lombard
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Anne E. Lombard, Ph.D. (She/Her/Hers)
Vice Provost and Dean for Student Affairs