Skip to main contentSkip to main navigationSkip to footer content
 

SUNY ESF
What Students Should Know

What Students Should Know: COVID-19 and Returning to Campus

As we return to campus for spring semester 2021, all members of the College of Environmental Science and Forestry community are expected to follow New York State and SUNY guidelines relative to COVID-19. The guidelines have been established to keep our campuses safe and healthy and to ensure we can remain focused on providing a quality education. The best way to maintain the safest environment possible throughout 2021 and beyond is for each of us to take steps to minimize the risks, not only for ourselves, but for all members of the SUNY and ESF communities. This includes:

  • wearing face coverings (masks)
  • hand washing
  • social distancing
  • participating in testing and tracing
  • completing daily screenings
  • being mindful of our surroundings and the impact we have

Any of us alone can spread this disease and cause harm to others. But all of us together can build a community that is safe and healthy, where educational success is possible. Here’s what you need to know and do as ESF students return to campus for spring semester 2021:

Stay Informed
ESF will regularly communicate with our community to provide updates. These will be provided via Campus News, email, and posted to ESF’s social media sites. All updates will also be posted to the College’s Restart/COVID-19 Updates page. Parents/guardians/family members are invited to share their email address to receive important notifications. Additional information may be communicated separately to Centennial Hall residents and their parents/guardians/family members.

Return to Campus Safely -Testing and Isolation Requirements
All pre-screening and testing protocols for the spring semester 2021 apply to all ESF students* meeting one or more of the following criteria:

  1. Any student living on campus (Centennial Hall);
  2. Any student taking at least one class on either the ESF or Syracuse University campus;
  3. Any student utilizing services on either the ESF or Syracuse University campus, including but not limited to:
    a. Dining services, including Syracuse University dining halls, the Trailhead Cafe, Peoples Place, etc.
    b. Libraries and classroom spaces
    c. Recreational facilities including the Barnes Center
    d. In-person meetings with any service office like Student Affairs, Career Services, Financial Aid, the Bursar’s Office, etc.
  4. Any student working on either the ESF or the Syracuse University campus

*Students who are residing at their permanent address AND who have no intention of coming on to the ESF or the Syracuse University campus for the duration of the spring semester 2021 may request an exemption from these requirements by contacting the Division of Student Affairs at covidsa@esf.edu.

The following section outlines the move-in logistics and requirements for Centennial Hall students from New York and contiguous states, for Centennial Hall students from noncontiguous states, and for non-residential students.

Move-In Logistics for Centennial Hall Students Arriving from Noncontiguous States (Students Arriving from States/Locations Other than New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont)

  • Students from states noncontiguous to New York must complete the New York State Traveler Health Form.
  • Students from states noncontiguous to New York State will move directly into Shapero Hall at OCC with their belongings on either Friday, January 29 or Saturday, January 30. Students will also have the option of making personal arrangements for a private quarantine location with documentation provided before move-in at Centennial Hall. All information will be collected from students when they check into Shapero Hall.
    • Participate in daily pre-screening for travel history, COVID-19 history and COVID-19 symptoms for two (2) weeks prior to return using the web-based surveillance system. Complete the daily form.
    • Attest to completing a 7-day precautionary quarantine before arriving on campus.
    • Answer a standard set of questions to disclose any known exposure to COVID-19 positive individuals or any COVID-19 symptoms.
    • Students must obtain a COVID-19 test within 3 days prior to arrival to NYS.
    • Students arriving with a COVID-19 test from within 3 days prior to arrival will conduct the 3 days of required quarantine at OCC.
    • Students arriving without a COVID-19 test from within 3 days prior to arrival will be required to quarantine for 10 days per NYS travel guidance.
    • A single residence room, meal delivery, Wi-Fi and access to laundry provided at OCC to residents at no additional charge.
    • Student Affairs will contact each resident at OCC regularly for health and wellness checks.
    • A mandatory COVID-19 test on day 4 following arrival will be provided by ESF to students at Shapero Hall.
    • Once both COVID-19 negative test results are received, students will be transported to Centennial Hall by charter transportation to move into their designated rooms. If the negative test results are not received, the student must complete a 10-day quarantine from the date of the first positive test.
  • Residents are strongly encouraged to obtain a flu shot before arriving on campus and provide proof at move-in. Any student using any facility at Syracuse University is required to obtain a flu shot.
  • Students must inform the campus of any known contacts with COVID-19 positive individuals, or of any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or of a positive test result for COVID-19 (this notification to campus should not replace reporting to a health care provider or local health department).
  • Review the revised College Commitment, and sign and agree to this.

Move-In Logistics for Centennial Hall Students from New York State or Contiguous States (Students Arriving from States including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont)

  • Students from New York State and states contiguous to New York will arrive in small groups staggered over the period of February 1 - February 6 to achieve social distancing. All information will be collected from students when they check into Centennial Hall.
    • Participate in daily pre-screening for travel history, COVID-19 history and COVID-19 symptoms for two (2) weeks prior to return using the web-based surveillance system. Complete the daily form.
    • Attest to completing a 7-day precautionary quarantine before arriving on campus.
    • Students from New York State and states contiguous to New York must present a negative COVID-19 test result from a sample taken within 5 days prior to arrival AND participate in on-campus COVID-19 testing as soon as possible but no later than five (5) days of returning.
    • Students who arrive at Centennial Hall move in without a negative COVID-19 test result obtained from a sample taken within 5 days prior to arrival, or documentation of a positive diagnostic result from the prior 90-day period will be directed to move into quarantine facility, Shapero Hall at OCC, until negative test results can be produced.
    • Answer a standard set of questions to disclose any known exposure to COVID-19 positive individuals or any COVID-19 symptoms
    • No more than 70 students shall be allowed to register for a single move in day
    • A maximum of  one parent/guardian/guest will be allowed to enter the building to assist with the move in of personal belongings
    • Parents/guardians/guests must leave the building at the end of the assigned 3-hour move in window
    • Emergency contact information and updated health information form verified at move in to ensure we have current parent/guardian contact information and appropriate health information in the event of a health crisis.
    • Students are asked to provide a personal cell phone number for urgent communications at move in
    • Parents/guardians/guests will be provided opportunity to opt into email communications from College/Student Affairs
    • Residents are strongly encouraged to obtain a flu shot before arriving on campus and provide proof at move-in. Any student using any facility at Syracuse University is required to obtain a flu shot.
    • Students must inform the campus of any known contacts with COVID-19 positive individuals, or of any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or of a positive test result for COVID-19 (this notification to campus should not replace reporting to a health care provider or local health department).
    • Review the revised College Commitment, and sign and agree to this.

Return to Campus Requirements for Non-Residential Students

  • All non-residential students must participate in daily pre-screening for travel history, COVID-19 history and COVID-19 symptoms for two (2) weeks prior to return using the web-based surveillance system. Complete the daily form.
  • All students are strongly encouraged to obtain a flu shot before arriving on campus and provide proof. Any student using any facility at Syracuse University is required to obtain a flu shot. Provide documentation of a flu shot here.
  • All students must review the revised College Commitment found here, and sign and agree to this.
  • All students from states noncontiguous to New York must complete the New York State Traveler Health Form and follow the NYS Travel Advisory guidelines outlined below.

For travelers who were out-of-NY state for more than 24 hours:

  • Travelers must obtain a COVID test within three days of departure, prior to arrival in New York. Upload the test results here.
  • The traveler must, upon arrival in New York, quarantine for three days.
  • On day 4 of their quarantine, the traveler must obtain another COVID test. Upload the test results here.
  • If both tests comes back negative, the traveler may exit quarantine early upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test.
  • Students who arrive without having completed the testing required as directed in the NYS Travel Advisory are required to complete a 10-day quarantine.

All Non-residential students may not come to campus until they complete the above steps.
Precautionary Quarantine Requirements for All Students

  • All students must submit an attestation that they have completed a seven (7) day precautionary quarantine prior to returning to campus. Please note: leaving home for virus testing or a medical appointment does not violate your quarantine. Attest to your 7-day precautionary quarantine here.

The following limited exemptions are allowed for the seven (7) day precautionary quarantine stated above:
* Medical School and Health Professions students designated as “essential employees” will not be required to quarantine. Since ESF does not have medical and health profession students, this exemption does not apply to ESF.
* Commuter students who are employed may apply to a campus designee for a limited exemption to allow them to work during the quarantine. Exemption requests will be submitted to the Dean of Students and a form is currently in development. To qualify for the exemption, such students will need to document the COVID-19 safety protocols of their employers. Also, the exemption will only apply to their ability to work. When not working, the students will be expected to quarantine from others. ESF will keep specific information on the number of exemptions approved for the semester and be able to report to SUNY system.

Get Tested Regularly
COVID-19 Testing Requirements for All Students

All ESF students will be required to participate in testing throughout the spring semester 2021 at least once per week at the Stadium (formerly known as the Dome) on the Syracuse University campus:

  1. Location: Enter at Stadium Gate N
  2. Time: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 2 PM, no appointment needed
  3. Method: PCR analysis of pooled saliva that can be reflex tested to identify the positive individual(s). Identified positive individuals will be directed to receive a clinical diagnostic test for confirmation through specific instructions provided to the identified individual(s).
  4. Notifications: Negative results will be provided by email. Positive results will prompt a direct phone call by contact tracers.

Students must inform the campus of any known contacts with COVID-19 positive individuals, or of any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or of a positive test result for COVID-19 (this notification to campus should not replace reporting to a health care provider or local health department).

The SUNY ESF campus has intensified its previously approved and conducted surveillance testing plan as soon as students return to campus. All students, faculty and staff who live on campus and/or plan to be on campus regularly (including instruction, co-curricular activities, and meetings) will be tested weekly according to the new plan.
In cases of possible exposure to COVID-19 on campus, ESF will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance Testing, Screening, and Outbreak Response for Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), specifically the section “Tiered approach and inclusion criteria for SARS-CoV-2 testing of persons with possible exposure in IHE setting in the context of an outbreak”.

Students, faculty, and staff who have traveled to/from restricted states/regions or to/from international locations as defined by New York State will be required to follow the New York State Travel Advisory - whether living on- or off-campus—and attest that they have submitted the New York Traveler Health form and will follow the guidance of the governing local health department related to mandatory testing, quarantine/isolation, and timing of returning to campus. Proof of the traveler health form will be obtained by a screenshot of the last page submitted to their supervisor, or the Dean for Student Affairs.

Any student, faculty, or staff testing positive for COVID-19 must isolate and follow the New York State Department of Health Order on isolation and the guidance of the governing local health department on length of said isolation and timing of return to campus. Isolation orders are issued by the Onondaga County Health Department in coordination with Dr. Brian Leydet (ESF employee).

SUNY ESF maintains an agreement with Onondaga Community College for access to a dormitory reserved for isolation/quarantine with 200 available beds. This space is available for residential and off- campus students.

Check the COVID-19 Dashboard
SUNY maintains a comprehensive dashboard of COVID-19 testing and infection rate status across the system and at each campus. ESF maintains and regularly updates a dashboard of COVID-19 testing and infection rates status for the ESF community.

Be Responsible - It’s Easy to Do Your Part
Each of us can take small steps to protect ourselves and the campus community. Because COVID-19 is highly contagious, these simple measures apply both on- and off-campus:

  • Wear face coverings (masks) at all times on campus, including in classrooms, conference rooms, and other public spaces, even when you are able to maintain six feet of social distancing.

-Exceptions to this requirement include when students are (1) in their private residential or personal space, (2) eating meals on-campus while seated and socially distanced, or (3) by themselves in a lightly trafficked location where no other persons are present. Faculty and staff are likewise exempt when alone in their office or other private spaces.

  • Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and use hand sanitizer where soap and water are not available.
  • Stay home when you are sick or have potentially been exposed to COVID-19.
  • Practice social distancing at all times to reduce transmission.

If Exposed, Complete Mandatory Quarantine and Isolation
Students who test positive for COVID-19, have been exposed to individuals who tested positive for COVID-19, or are informed by a state or local health department, or medical or campus official that they are “at risk” for having COVID-19 may be required to quarantine or isolate. This may include taking classes remotely and not going to dining halls and other campus facilities. Students who are experiencing symptoms, who have been exposed to COVID-19, who have received a positive test result, and/or who have been directed to quarantine/isolate are expected to self-report to the College here (under the Student Self-Reporting link on the right toward the bottom).

Centennial Hall students who need to quarantine or isolate will do so at Onondaga Community College (OCC), at no additional cost. A dorm room, meals, WiFi, and laundry access will be provided at OCC. Off-campus students who are able to safely meet the quarantine/isolation guidelines outlined here can do so at their own residence. For off-campus students who cannot safely quarantine/isolate at their own residence, arrangements can be made for them to do so at OCC as well, at no additional cost. Students can contact the Division of Student Affairs (studenthelp@esf.edu, 315-470-6660) if they need assistance with this. Students may also receive counseling, academic, and/or other supports as needed.

Follow the Rules or Face Disciplinary Action
When the campus learns of a violation of the rules associated with COVID-19 safety, students may lose access to campus facilities and/or campus housing. Other disciplinary actions may be taken by the Division of Student Affairs and/or Human Resources Offices. Student conduct is governed by the ESF Code of Student Conduct, found in the ESF Student Handbook on page 30. Minimum sanctions are outlined in the Uniform Sanctioning in Response to COVID-19 Student Violations. Consistent with SUNY policy, students who are partially or completely removed from the institution due to a violation are not eligible for refunds.

Take Care of Yourself - Physically and Mentally
We understand that this is an exceptionally challenging time. Both SUNY and ESF have resources to help you get the support you need.
ESF Resources:
Division of Student Affairs, studenthelp@esf.edu, 315-470-6660
Counseling Service, call 315-470-6660 to schedule an appointment; the crisis line is answered 24/7/365 at 315-470-4716

SUNY and Other Resources:

Understand What’s Being Offered On-Campus and Online
Barring unforeseen circumstances, ESF plans to offer almost 30% of course sections in an in-person format. This includes courses that will be taught face-to-face and blended/flex courses that have some component of work on campus. In addition, almost 100 additional sections will be taught in a blended/flex format with a fully online option. Almost 54% of spring semester 2021 classes will be offered fully online (asynchronous, synchronous, or a combination).

Get Instructional and Technology Help
Students in need of technological and instructional assistance should contact Computing and Network Services. The Help Desk can be contacted at helpdesk@esf.edu or by calling 315-470-6861.

A limited number of SUNY-provided computers remain available for students to borrow. To inquire about their availability and to request one, contact the Division of Student Affairs at covidsa@esf.edu.

Request Accommodations for Disabilities
ESF works closely with Syracuse University in providing assistance for students requiring academic accommodations. Students who wish to disclose covered disabilities and receive reasonable accommodations for their disabilities should contact the Center for Disability Resources (CDR) at Syracuse University via their student portal to begin this process. Students will be connected with an access counselor to discuss specific academic adjustments.

Follow Housing and Dining Updates
Updates about Centennial Hall and the Trailhead Cafe in Gateway Center may be provided via Campus News, email, and will be posted to ESF’s social media sites. All updates will also be posted to the College’s Restart/COVID-19 Updates page. Additional information may be communicated separately to Centennial Hall residents’ parents/guardians/family members.

Information about Syracuse University dining facilities are communicated separately and by Syracuse University. Syracuse University COVID-19 updates and information can be found here.

If We Have to PAUSE, Follow These Rules
If ESF must switch to a two-week (or longer) PAUSE from residential instruction, all students, both those living in Centennial Hall and those living off-campus, will be expected to shelter in place at their residence. Centennial Hall will remain open and students will be able to access their meal plans as directed by Syracuse University. Students will not be permitted to vacate Centennial Hall without the approval of the Onondaga County health department. If a student leaves Centennial Hall without proper authorization, they will not be permitted to return to Centennial Hall, and no refunds will be issued for any remaining portion of the semester.

All classes, including labs, will move to a fully online format for the duration of the PAUSE.

If We Have to Pivot to Remote Instruction, Follow This Plan
If ESF is closed to residential occupancy due to a New York State Order, students living in Centennial Hall will be refunded a prorated amount for their housing fees as outlined in the Centennial Hall Move-in Guidelines sent to all Centennial Hall residents and guarantors. For off-campus students, the decision as to where to locate will be up to them, but the campus will be closed.

Changes and Updates: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic creates a fluid situation that may require unexpected changes in our response. Updates to scientific knowledge, public health guidance, or laws and regulations may mean SUNY and ESF have to make changes to our standards and rules, including those indicated above. SUNY and ESF will try to minimize these changes and their impact. We will keep you informed of new developments.

Thank you in advance for everything you are doing and will do to make 2021 safe for you, your fellow students, and the campus community and beyond.