CDC = Centers for Disease Control
VPFM = Buffalo State’s Vice President for Finance and Management
VPSA = Buffalo State’s Vice President for Student Affairs
May 20
Provost announces that fall 2020 scenario options—dependent on the progress of the pandemic—have been submitted to President Conway-Turner for review; directs deans, department chairs, and faculty members to be prepared for either hybrid or remote instruction in unpredictable climate of COVID-19.
May 15
Governor announces NY Forward, a plan outlining the phased reopening of New York State industries; VPFM announces that Buffalo State alternative work arrangements remain in effect.
May 14
President outlines the fiscal shortfalls that Buffalo State will face now and in the months ahead as a result of COVID-19-related economic conditions; outlines best- and worst-case operating budget scenarios for FY 2020-21.
May 5
Chancellor announces SUNY COVID-19 Re-Imagine and Resume Residential Education Task Force addressing a safe and successful resumption of residential education.
May 4
President informs campus community about statewide hiring freeze; advises that the only exceptions are positions that are essential to health or safety; or critical to the continuity of operations and directly supportive of revenue generation.
May 1
President announces that faculty and staff members are preparing for a number of strategic responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, planning for multiple outcomes.
April 30
VPFM and VPSA advise students that they will soon begin to see COVID-19-related adjustments being made to their accounts: Credits will be applied to any outstanding spring 2020 balances and then refunds will be generated based on these adjustments.
April 24
VPFM announces new Buffalo State procedures for spending controls necessary to mitigate the wide-ranging financial impacts of COVID-19.
April 20
Provost announces that all summer 2020 courses will be offered exclusively online.
April 16
In response to the continuing public health emergency caused by COVID-19, Governor Cuomo extends to May 15 his directive that nonessential state employees not report to work.
April 15
Governor issues order requiring everyone in New York State to wear a mask or other mouth and nose covering in public when not social distancing.
April 12
Governor issues order requiring employers to provide essential workers with cloth or surgical masks free-of-charge to wear when directly interacting with the public.
April 6
In response to the continuing public health emergency caused by COVID-19, Governor Cuomo extends to April 29 his directive that nonessential state employees not report to work.
March 30
Buffalo State resumes spring 2020 semester using 100% remote learning
March 29
March 27
VPFM and VPSA advise students and families regarding upcoming pro‐rated financial adjustments for fees, room, board.
Governor halts non-essential construction in New York State. Buffalo State begins to develop campus response plan.
March 26
First positive tests: Three members of Buffalo State community–two students and one staff member–test positive for COVID‐19
March 25
Based on CDC guidance, VPSA directs resident students not to return to campus. Those returning due to extenuating circumstances will be placed into precautionary quarantine.
March 24
Buffalo State postpones its 2020 commencement ceremony, previously scheduled for May 16. New date to be determined.
March 20
March 19
March 18
VPSA strongly encourages resident students to reconsider remaining in/returning to residence halls. Exceptions for international students and students at risk.
March 16
March 15
President advises employees they may request alternate work arrangements (location, flexible schedule)
March 13
March 12
March 11
Classes cancelled March 14‐20; spring break extended from March 14‐29; remote instruction scheduled to begin March 30
March 9
President advises campus regarding return of Study Abroad students: Campus will not provide precautionary quarantine.
March 7
President advises campus regarding return of Study Abroad students: Tentative plan to designate Tower 2 for precautionary quarantine
March 4
NYS Governor suspends SUNY Study Abroad programs in COVID-19‐affected countries
March 3
President advises campus on COVID‐19 preparations
February 28
February 27
President provides an overview—health information, best practices—relating to new novel coronavirus and resulting illness COVID-19
February 26
VPFM activates college Emergency Response Planning Group (ERPG) to accelerate campus preparations
January 23
Campus community advised to follow CDC recommendations regarding travel to China, other Asian countries
