Coronavirus Information

Update: January 8, 2021

Happy New Year, Bengals!

Though we all have had a chance to take a bit of a break over the holidays, we have been busy preparing for the start of the spring semester and your safe return to campus.

The spring semester begins on Monday, February 1, and we are looking forward to having you back at Buffalo State College!

Throughout the fall 2020 semester, the campus community pulled together—keeping our infection rates low and preventing the need to pause or further limit campus operations. I am hopeful that we will all continue to do our part and work together toward a safe and successful spring semester.

In preparation for your arrival, please review the online resources What Students Should Know: COVID-19 and Returning to Campus. Of note, please remember to do the following:

• Complete the attestation form in either your housing portal or your Banner account indicating that you have read and agreed to follow the seven-day precautionary quarantine guidelines and arrival testing requirements.
   
• Two weeks prior to returning to campus and throughout the spring 2021 semester, complete the DAILY COVID-19 Symptom Tracker when attending in-person classes or on-campus activities.
   
• Wear a face mask whenever on campus and in public spaces.
   
• Maintain social distance of at least six feet from others.
   
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
   
• Limit your gatherings to your roommate(s) and/or those with whom you share a household.
   
• Upon your return to campus, you will be required to participate in periodic surveillance testing.* Monitor your campus e-mail this semester for specific dates and locations. *Note: Periodic surveillance testing will be required for students who:

  (1) live on campus, or

  (2) take at least one class on campus, or

  (3) utilize services on campus (e.g., library, gym, dining), or

  (4) work on campus

PPE safety kits will be provided for all new students. Each PPE kit contains an information card, two cloth masks, one “touchless” key tool, disinfection wipes, one forehead thermometer, and two bottles of hand sanitizer. 

New residential students will receive their PPE safety kits when they check into their residence hall. You are encouraged to contact your resident assistant if you do not receive one. 

New commuter students should monitor their campus email for details regarding pickup locations for PPE safety kits.

Returning students received a PPE safety kit during the fall 2020 semester and should be sure to bring them to campus.

Campus life will continue as strongly as ever with many virtual events and programs throughout the semester. You will find the information on the Weeks of Welcome page.

Campus dining information can be accessed using the dine-on campus app or going to the dining services website. Keep in mind that dining formats may change based on Department of Health guidance, which can change rapidly.

Information about picking up your ID card and bus (cram) pass and obtaining library and tutoring services are all located on the Keep Learning website.

We must all recognize that COVID-19 is more prevalent than ever in our community and take necessary precautions. Although campuswide emails will not be issued after each positive test within our community, we encourage you to bookmark coronavirus.buffalostate.edu/covid19-dashboard to stay informed as new cases are identified.

I wish you a safe and successful semester.

Dr. Timothy Gordon
Vice President of Student Affairs
(716) 878-4704
gordontw@buffalostate.edu