Coronavirus Information

Update: October 27, 2020, 1:00 p.m.

Dear Student:

As we enter the month of November and prepare for the switch to remote instruction after Thanksgiving recess, it is important that to note that SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras announced Tuesday that all students who are living on campus, taking at least one in-person course, or utilizing campus facilities (i.e. Butler Library, Student Union, or the Fitness Center) will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before leaving campus at Thanksgiving. This testing requirement must be completed within 10 days prior to leaving campus, therefore we will begin our pool testing regimen the week of November 9, 2020.

You are required to participate in this pool testing session (even if you have completed a COVID-19 test previously) in order to remain in good standing as a student. For resident students, failure to show up at your scheduled time (dates and times TBD) will result in the deactivation of access to your residence hall and room.  For all students, failure to show up for testing (dates and times also TBD) may result in the college imposing sanctions that may prevent course attendance, priority registration, and revocation of participation in extracurricular activities. These and other sanctions are covered by the Chancellor’s COVID-19 Uniform Conduct Policy.

We anticipate that we will schedule testing of residential students based on their residence hall. Commuter students will be scheduled based on the day and time of their on-campus courses (hybrid or fully in-person). If your testing time conflicts with your course schedule, you will be provided a note from the Weigel Health Center excusing your absence or tardiness to class. As a reminder, all resident students and any commuter student with at least one in-person course or that utilizes on-campus facilities are required to participate in this testing.

Any resident student who tests positive during the required exit testing will be required to quarantine and isolate in North Wing before leaving campus, while commuter students who test positive will be required to isolate at their off-campus home under strict quarantine and isolation orders from the Erie County Department of Health.

More information about your test date and location will be shared via e-mail in the coming days.

All students should also expect a similar testing requirement when you return to campus for the spring semester. More information will be shared during the semester break.

To understand what to expect during the pool testing, please watch this brief video: 

Thank you for your cooperation and participation in this important process aimed at supporting the health and safety of our campus and your home communities. If you have questions about the pool testing process, please email doylerd@buffalostate.edu or call (716) 878-6711.

Be well and take care of each other Bengals!

Timothy W. Gordon, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
SUNY Buffalo State College