The spring 2021 semester begins on Monday, February 1, with a mix of in-person, hybrid, remote, and online courses.
As we return to campus in spring 2021, Buffalo State College’s first priority is the health and safety of our campus community, including its students, faculty, and staff. 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 Buffalo State community. This includes:
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.
This website will continue to be the clearinghouse of all relevant information related to Buffalo State’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic. It contains information, resources, and frequently asked questions segmented by audience (students, faculty/staff, parents/community, and all) as well as a comprehensive list of related campus e-mail communications.
SUNY maintains a comprehensive dashboard of COVID-19 testing and infection rate status across the system and at each campus.
Buffalo State also maintains a campus-specific COVID-19 case dashboard.
Everyone coming to campus, including students, must complete a daily health screening. Students will have to start the daily symptom checking 14 days prior to returning to Buffalo State.
Buffalo State is committed to regular testing of our campus community as mandated by SUNY. The college is required to conduct regularly scheduled pool tests for all students that attend in-person classes or utilize campus services in-person. You will be contacted via your Buffalo State e-mail when you are to report for pool tests.
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:
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 will include taking classes remotely, and not going to dining halls and other campus facilities.
Students identified for quarantine and isolation (whether residential or non-residential) will have access to certain assistance, such as the delivery of food and medicine. They may also receive psychosocial, academic and/or other supports, as needed.
You are required to 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).
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 Student Conduct Office.
Student conduct is governed by the campus Student Code of Conduct. 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.
We understand that this is an exceptionally challenging time. Buffalo State has resources to help you get the support you need.
New York State Office of Mental Health Crisis Text Line: Text GOT5 to 741741.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, approximately 5 percent of spring classes are scheduled to meet fully face-to-face, 20 percent are hybrid courses, 65 percent are remote/off-campus, and 9 percent are exclusively online. Additional information can be found on the Registrar’s Office website.
Students who wish to disclose covered disabilities and receive reasonable accommodations for their disabilities should contact the Student Accessibility Services Office.
You will be contacted by the Residential Life Office to schedule your return date and time. As long as CDC, state, and local guidelines permit, dining hall and retail dining locations will remain open for the spring semester.
Additional information can be found on the Residence Life and Dining Services websites.
If the campus must switch to a two-week (or longer) pause, the following rules apply.
Faculty members will communicate updated course information directly to students in their courses.
If Buffalo State pivots to remote instruction for more than two weeks and residence hall students move out, students and parents/guardians will be sent information about move out timelines, plans and expectations. We anticipate providing a three-day period for students to move out of the residence halls. Students will be refunded based on the refund policy as listed in the housing license.
Residential students with home insecurities should contact the Residence Life Office at reslife@buffalostate.edu.
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 Buffalo State have to make changes to our standards and rules, including those indicated above. SUNY and Buffalo State 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.
