Coronavirus Information

Update: May 20, 2020, 8:00 a.m.

I would like to thank the members of the Fall 2020 Scenario Planning Team for their work and contributions over the past two weeks. The group met between May 1 and May 15 to brainstorm, evaluate, and recommend three robust scenario plans for the fall 2020 semester—all of which ensure that our safe, supportive, and flexible academic and campus operations are preserved depending on the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A detailed report of the planning team’s recommendations was submitted to President Conway-Turner on Monday, May 18, for her review. The president will be discussing the options with the cabinet over the next two weeks. Campus plans must also be reviewed and approved by SUNY System Administration and done in concert with Governor Cuomo’s New York Forward Reopening Advisory Board and the Western New York regional reopening team. Once approved, we will share our anticipated plans for fall 2020 with the campus community.

In the meantime, I am directing all deans, department chairs, and faculty members to begin preparing all fall courses for either hybrid or remote instruction. While this directive should not be interpreted as a signal for our anticipated scenario, we must recognize that our fall semester academic offerings must be flexible and able to shift if circumstances change. Again, this directive does not mean we are ruling out in-person instruction this fall, but it is prudent for us to begin preparations for hybrid or remote instruction now as the impacts of COVID-19 remain unpredictable.

Faculty members are encouraged to review the varied professional development opportunities offered by Instructional Design and Training, the Professional Development Center, and the Teaching and Learning Center this summer. As a reminder, Temporary Work Location/Flexible Work Schedule Agreements have been extended through July 17, 2020. Buffalo State employees working remotely should continue to do so and should await word from their supervisors about next steps. Details about the college’s phased return-to-work plan will be forthcoming.