August 7, 2020
Dear Neighbor,
Normally at this time of year I provide information on upcoming events at the College, but this fall we will be operating differently as a result of COVID-19.
While we are excited to be welcoming our faculty and students back to campus, I want to assure our neighbors and community members that we are doing so following, and in many cases exceeding, CDC, NYS Education Department, and local and state health agency requirements and guidelines. The College has invested a great deal of time and energy in planning for the return to campus with precautions in place to protect the health of our faculty, staff, students, and community members like you.
Some of these precautions include:
- A revised academic calendar that includes an early start to the semester and cancellation of the traditional fall break, allowing us to avoid sending students home during the semester or requiring their return after Thanksgiving.
- A staggered move in process to reduce density and allow for distancing. Students will be arriving according to their assigned time slot August 14 through 17. Classes start August 18.
- All students are required to have a negative COVID test prior to arrival.
- Upon arrival, students and families will check-in at Athletic Center parking lot for a health screening before proceeding to campus to move into their residence.
- All employees are also required to have COVID testing within two weeks of the start of the semester.
- All employees are also required to complete a daily health screening before starting work.
- We will be conducting random testing of students and employees throughout the semester.
- Arrangements are in place for quarantine and isolation housing of students if needed.
- Masks are required for students and staff while inside of all campus buildings.
- Classrooms and other common spaces have been altered to ensure proper physical distancing.
- An aggressive communications plan will remind students of the importance of following health and safety protocols on campus and in the community.
- We will not host large events on campus through the fall semester.
- We are greatly limiting the number of visitors to our campus and requiring a health screening for those that are authorized to be on campus.
The College has met many challenges over its nearly two centuries in existence and this is yet another. As we operate in this complex and challenging environment, the health and safety of our campus and surrounding community remains our top priority. We will continue to consult with and monitor the guidance from local and state government and health authorities and respond accordingly, if warranted.
I look forward to having our students back on campus and they are looking forward to being here. Cazenovia provides students with a safe and caring environment to learn and grow. On behalf of our faculty, staff and students, we appreciate your being a part of this supportive community.
Sincerely,
Ron Chesbrough, Ph.D.
President
