Classes will begin as scheduled on Monday, August 31.
In-person instruction will conclude before the Thanksgiving holiday and the final three weeks of the fall semester (including final exams) will be held exclusively online.
Fall recess is canceled.
August move-in will include density controls such as assigned move-in times, guest restrictions, and mask-wearing requirements.
All general-purpose classrooms and shared spaces will utilize new seating plans to facilitate proper social distancing for instructors and students while they are seated. Classrooms and shared spaces with built-in furniture will be properly marked to prevent seating that does not comply with social distancing guidelines.
The college intends to prioritize on-campus instruction for courses, labs, studios, and practicums where in-person interactions and hands-on experiences are critical to student learning.
Core and signature experience courses will also be targeted and prioritized for in-person instruction, while other classes may be offered in a true hybrid format—online with supplemental in-person instruction in smaller groups.
Many classes that can be effectively delivered 100 percent online will remain remote to help reduce density on campus.
Masks
Throughout the fall semester and until further notice, all members of the campus community will be required to wear face masks when adequate physical distancing is not feasible.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Social Distancing
Indoor common areas—including performance spaces, reservable spaces on campus and residential common spaces—will contain signage with instruction regarding traffic patterns, wearing masks, reducing density, and social distancing.
Screening and Testing
Buffalo State is developing a comprehensive testing strategy for students and is supporting campus testing with system-level procurement of testing supplies as needed.
Two weeks prior to arrival or the start of the semester, students will be expected to complete an online questionnaire relating to symptoms and possible exposure to COVID-19. All students will be required to respond before returning to campus.
No one should be allowed on campus who is symptomatic or who answers yes to any of the questions on the online questionnaire/app. Students will be asked to complete a health monitoring survey and perform temperature checks daily or at any time they feel febrile. Students in isolation or quarantine will be given daily appointments to speak with a health services nurse or clinician by phone, to review health and temperature survey responses.
The Weigel Health Center will conduct contact tracing for any student who tests positive and quarantine that individual. After arrival, and throughout the semester, the health center will continue use of a daily symptom survey, and students will be required to call the health center about any positive screening questions with guidance from the Erie County Health Department.
Information about online tools for daily symptom monitoring.
Health ambassadors will be stationed at four locations across campus Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Example services:
Vulnerable Populations
Students who report health, safety, or child care concerns when considering returning to a face-to-face classroom will be referred to, and assisted by the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students will assist with contacting the appropriate departments to address student concerns on a one-to-one basis. Students with accessibility concerns will continue to be accommodated on a case-by-case basis by Student Accessibility Services Office.
The campus has available for students, at a reduced rate, child care resources if this is of primary concern.
Students will be required to affirmatively indicate that they have read and reviewed the Covid-19 safety protocols and expectations.
For undergraduate and graduate students who commute to campus, this will be done by electronically signing a document located on their Banner portal page (available approximately 1 week before classes begin).
Residential students are providing this information via their My Housing portal and related housing license.
To help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, Buffalo State is following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding mechanical ventilation systems. While ventilation cannot address most aspects of infection control, modifications to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can help to some extent.
The campus has ordered high-performance MERV-13 filters which will be installed in all air handling systems. Filters and systems will be monitored and maintained to assure proper operation.
In addition, the ventilation systems will be operated for longer hours, with more outdoor air being supplied to indoor spaces where possible. Ventilation systems in all student housing facilities and all restrooms will be operated continuously.
There may be areas of the campus that are warmer or cooler than usual as a result of these changes. Individuals are asked to please accommodate these minor inconveniences and dress appropriately, so that the whole community can benefit from these ventilation changes.
Learn more about Residence Hall safety measures, move-in and move-out dates, and more.
Buffalo State College will host its Commencement Ceremonies for the class of 2020 virtually on September 26, 2020.
Buffalo State and the members of the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) are suspending all fall sports competition. In addition, the winter conference and non-conference schedules will be delayed until January 1, 2021.
The Keep Learning website is your one-stop shop for the remote instruction learning tools that Buffalo State provides and some ideas for internet access and information about software options.
Stay connected at Buffalo State! Ask questions and find answers about common technology questions:
Visit: itportal.buffalostate.edu
Call: (716) 878-HELP (4357)
Email: ithelpdesk@buffalostate.edu
