Dear Students, Families, Faculty and Staff:

We hope you’re having a restful and healthy much-deserved Winter Break.

On Dec. 31, New York state Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a Winter Surge Plan 2.0 that includes new requirements impacting all SUNY campuses. Some important information is provided below.

As a reminder, our Spring Semester has been delayed by one week and will begin on Jan. 24. To coincide with the new academic calendar, Centennial Hall will reopen for returning students on Friday, Jan. 21. New students will move into Centennial Hall on Jan. 20 to allow for participation in orientation activities.

Booster Shots Required for Students, Effective Jan. 15: COVID-19 vaccine boosters are required for all eligible students, effective Jan. 15, to engage in in-person activities sponsored by ESF, including classes, labs, extracurricular activities, and sports. Students who recently received their COVID-19 vaccine can typically get their booster six months after their second dose or two months after the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Consultation with a medical professional may be appropriate to determine eligibility based on specific factors within an individual’s medical history. Stay tuned for more information and instructions.

Use of Syracuse University Facilities: Syracuse University requires eligible individuals to receive a booster in order to use its facilities, including, but not limited to, classrooms, labs, libraries, dining facilities, and recreational facilities. Individuals using these facilities must also receive the flu shot this academic year.

Faculty Vaccinations: Within the Governor’s plan, all faculty members are to be vaccinated for COVID-19, with the implementation of such requirements to be negotiated, and submit proof of verification online here. (Management Confidential employees are also required to be vaccinated.) Booster shots are encouraged for those faculty and staff who are eligible. Appointments are available here.

Return-to-Campus Testing: Students must provide a negative result from a test performed at the SU testing site. Tests must be performed between Jan. 24 and Feb. 4, but preferably within 72 hours of arrival on campus. Visit the SU website for the most current information on testing for asymptomatic members of the ESF community.

Randomized Surveillance Testing: ESF is implementing a randomized surveillance testing program for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students. Testing is available at the SU testing site for all asymptomatic members of the ESF community.

Additionally, ESF will remain at the RED COVID alert level, requiring indoor mask use for everyone at all times, regardless of vaccination status, and the ESF community must continue to follow CDC guidelines for quarantine and isolation.

Access FAQs about the Spring 2022 return to campus online here.  

Please visit esf.edu/restart and continue to watch your email for the most current information.

SUNY ESF COVID Response Team