Coronavirus Information

Update: September 25, 2020, 4:20 p.m.

Dear Students:

It’s hard to believe that it’s officially autumn and we’re more than three weeks into our fall semester. Although we have seen some positive cases of COVID-19, I continue to be impressed with how hard our community, students, faculty, and staff, have worked to keep our COVID-19 infection rates down.Other campuses within our SUNY family have had concerns with both on- and off-campus behavior that has caused them to either pause in-person operations or completely shift to remote operations.

It’s important that we’re clear on what actions and behaviors we need to embrace. Additionally, clarity on responding to behaviors that are not in compliance with maintaining public health are being provided by SUNY Chancellor James Malatras. The Chancellor has shared guidance about what students are expected to do, and what he expects the campus administration to do should violations occur. 

Here are areas that we would like to highlight:

- Students with positive COVID-19 test results are expected to maintain required isolation until the Erie County Department of Health and Buffalo State College have confirmed isolation is complete. Failure to comply will result in immediate removal, suspension, or dismissal from the institution.

- Students are expected to wear masks in public spaces, keep social distance from others (at least 6 feet), and complete their Daily Symptom tracker. Students who receive follow-up on these items and do not comply may face sanctions that could be as severe as suspension from in-person classes, housing, and permanent dismissal from the institution.

- Students are expected to comply with campus, county, and state health orders if advised to isolate or medically quarantine. Failure to maintain required or recommended isolation or quarantine will result in sanctions including expulsion or suspension from the institution and/or housing for no less than one year. Any student suspended for a positive intentional violation shall be ineligible for admittance to any other SUNY institution.

- The hosting of and attendance at large, on or off campus gatherings (those outlined in the governor’s health order) is prohibited. Hosts may have escalated sanctions but those attending these gatherings will also face sanctions. 

- Athletic teams, student organizations, and student groups should not host large gatherings (as defined by the governor’s health order) and risk removal of their recognition status should they be found to be in violation. Student-athletes, at minimum, will lose eligibility to compete in intercollegiate athletics during this academic year. This may also include permanent loss of eligibility at the institution. Student organization sanctions will include de-registration or de-recognition and a report to a national organizing body. It may also include permanent ineligibility for recognition or registration. 

Our Bengal family will get through this, and I am so proud of how much our community has come together. Stay safe and continue to work hard to complete the fall semester. Additional information regarding the guidance from the SUNY Chancellor can be found online.
 

In good health and with much pride,
 

Katherine Conway-Turner
President, Buffalo State College