January 6, 2022 message from President Kolison

January 6, 2022

Dear Fredonia community:

Happy New Year!  I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. 

You are probably aware that the situation with the Omicron variant remains fluid and very concerning. Hence, I would like to share with you the current plan for the Spring 2022 semester.

Semester Overview

At this point, we still expect to start classes on January 24. Also at this point, our plan is to hold classes in-person as we did last semester.  I will let you know if anything changes.

Pre-Arrival Testing

Residential students: In order to move into your residence halls, you must bring evidence of a negative test (administered within 72 hours prior to your arrival on campus). If you are using a rapid test, you will need to provide a negative result that was taken within 6 hours prior to move-in. If you have tested positive within the previous 90 days of move-in, bring that evidence in lieu of a negative test. Residential students will receive additional information via email from Residence Life. 

Off-campus/commuter students: Submit a negative test administered within 72 hours of your first class or activity on campus. If you are using a rapid test, you will need to provide a negative result that was taken within 6 hours prior to your return to campus. If you have tested positive within the previous 90 days, submit that evidence in place of a negative test. Please send a copy of the test results to health.center@fredonia.edu. 

All students are strongly encouraged to schedule appointments as soon as possible to get a COVID-19 test in time to meet the 72-hour requirement. Visit this NY Department of Health website to find and schedule a COVID-19 test.  

First Week Surveillance Testing 

In addition to the negative results required from students prior to their return to campus, all students, faculty, and staff regardless of vaccination status will participate in pool testing during the first week of classes. Detailed information on pool testing will be sent shortly. 

Pool testing will also be available in the Natatorium lobby on January 11 and again on January 18 between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. for those already on campus. 

Vaccine Boosters

As you are probably aware, the Governor's office has mandated that all SUNY students receive a vaccination booster. Students who are eligible now to receive a booster must send evidence of having received a booster to the Student Health Center by January 31. Students who are not yet eligible will receive separate communication regarding deadlines. To schedule a booster, visit this CDC website. Also, SUNY Fredonia is in communication with the Chautauqua County Health Department to arrange vaccination clinics at SUNY Fredonia so that individuals can receive their vaccinations and boosters right here on campus. However, if you have the opportunity to receive a booster in your community before returning to campus, we highly recommend you do so. 

Employee Information

We are awaiting official guidelines pertaining to vaccinations and boosters from the state regarding employees.  For now, any disclosures of vaccination status are voluntary. Additional requirements may be announced later by the state. Employees may email booster confirmation to Human Resources. Employees should not email vaccination information to the Student Health Center. 

As I have said previously, this virus continues to pose significant health and operational challenges to almost all communities across the country. It is therefore important that all of us do our part in protecting ourselves and others by taking all necessary precautions against becoming infected and/or transmitting the virus. As a community, we want to continue to make SUNY Fredonia a safe place to learn, live, and work during this global pandemic, as we have done for the past two years.  I extend to you my sincere thanks for your understanding, patience, support, and cooperation as we work to ensure that we can have a safe campus. 

Please continue to check your email or refer to the COVID 19 Guidelines webpage for updated information. 

Please remain vigilant and stay well.

Very truly yours,

Dr. K

Stephen H. Kolison Jr., Ph.D.

President and Professor