March 11 message from President Kolison

Dear Fredonia Community:

I hope this Thursday message finds you well.  This message may be slightly longer since I have some items that I think that you should have ample notification about before they occur.

Testing and Results

Since the beginning of this semester, we have conducted 13,160 surveillance tests.  To date, we have had a total of four on-campus positive results.  Out of these positive results, only one person is currently in quarantine or isolation on campus. You can view more information on the SUNY COVID-19 dashboard. 

New Surveillance Testing Procedures

In our continuing efforts to run a successful and efficient surveillance testing system, we are making the following changes:

  • The surveillance testing schedule for the week of March 15 remains the same. 

  • As you exit the testing site on your assigned day next week, you will be given a new, unopened test kit and instructions on how to self-administer the test.  

  • You will self-administer that test on the following Monday or Tuesday (March 22 or 23).

  • After you self-administer on 3/22 or 3/23, please take the test kit to the Steele Hall Fieldhouse anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (the same place you’ve been going for testing).

  • At the Fieldhouse, please scan your FREDcard, verify that your barcode was properly entered, and that your name and date of birth appear on the test.  Then deposit your test.

  • After you turn in your self-administered test, a new test kit will be given to you for the following week.

  • Please repeat the process the following Monday or Tuesday.

Hence, going forward after the week of March 15, everyone will be able to self-administer their test on the Monday or Tuesday of each week. As we prepare for this new way of testing, here are a few things to remember:

  • Please follow the rules regarding brushing, eating, etc., before self-administering the test. 

  • You can self-administer your test any time on the day on which you are going to drop the kit off (so long as you can deliver the test to Steele Hall Fieldhouse by 4 pm).

  • Don’t deliver someone else’s test kit for them.  Sorry.  Everyone must bring their individual test kit to Steele Hall Fieldhouse.

  • Penalties for noncompliance remain in effect.  Please do not lose the test kits as that will only increase our expenses.

We are excited to offer you this new and more efficient way of testing.

We must continue to practice the things we have done so well to minimize risks and keep our campus safe.  Students, please do not let down your guard.  I am receiving complaints that some of you are not being careful enough, especially outside of campus.  We have come too far to fail at this time. Please remain vigilant.  I am grateful for your continued support and cooperation.

Employee Vaccination Update

SUNY Chancellor Malatras emailed all campus presidents this week with good news. New York State guidance has been updated so that, effective immediately, all in-person, essential staff at colleges and universities are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at any vaccine site operated by New York State or by a local health department. This is the latest, important step to protect the health of campus employees. 

Let me add, even as vaccinations become available to more and more people, we must continue to wear masks and keep appropriate physical distance for the rest of the semester.

2021 Commencement Update

The Class of 2021 received an email this week notifying them that a traditional Commencement ceremony will not be held; however, graduates can participate in a Commencement stage walk in King Concert Hall where they will receive their diploma cover, have their name and Latin honors read, and have professional photos taken in their academic regalia.  We will incorporate the stage walks into a Commencement video that will be released the morning of May 15. We have scheduled April 7, 9, 10, and 14 for the recording of the stage walks.  Class of 2021, please check your email frequently for information about the Commencement stage walks as well as additional information.  I am very appreciative of your kind understanding of this decision which was not arrived at lightly.

Bradley Brown (left) and President Kolison (Right)
Bradley Brown (left) and President Kolison (Right)

The Lanford Award

Among the many things I enjoy about my role as President is having the opportunity to chat with students about their experience and journey here at Fredonia. I am always inspired. One such example is my conversation this week with Bradley Brown, recipient of the 2021 Lanford Presidential Prize (the highest award granted to a student at Fredonia). If you haven’t met Bradley, I encourage you to read about his many accomplishments in The Fredonia Campus Report. Bradley will pursue an MD at SUNY Upstate Medical University in the fall. We wish Bradley continued success.

Thank you for reading this message. I hope you were able to get out and enjoy the warm weather this week. Have a great weekend. 

Very truly yours,
Dr. K.

Stephen H. Kolison, Jr., Ph.D.
President