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To our first-year students, welcome to Syracuse! Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Central New York or just making it your temporary home for the next four years, we hope you’ll come to agree that there is something undeniably magical about the fall semester on campus. There are also certain rites of passage that are undeniably Orange. By the time December rolls around, you’ll likely have experienced all or most of the things on this list. If not, there is always next fall!

1. Football game in the JMA Wireless Dome

Grab your friends and get loud because fall Saturdays in Syracuse are synonymous with cheering on the Orange football team. The home opener is Saturday, Aug. 31, when we take on Ohio University at 3:30 p.m. Join Otto’s Army, the official student section, and snag your student season pass—which also includes tickets to every home men’s basketball game and complimentary admission to all home women’s basketball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey, ice hockey, volleyball, tennis and softball competitions!

2. Involvement fair on the Shaw Quad

Every semester, Student Engagement hosts an involvement fair to connect students with opportunities to get… well, involved, with recognized student organizations (RSOs). This year’s fair spans three days: Monday, Sept. 9, will highlight RSOs in the cultural, performing or special interest category; Tuesday, Sept. 10, will include those dedicated to public service, publications, club sports, sports interest and esports; and Wednesday, Sept. 11, will feature Honors, religious and fraternity/sorority-related RSOs. Festivities are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each of the three days on the Quad (rain location is Goldstein Auditorium in the Schine Student Center).

3. A visit to the Barnes Center at The Arch

Whether the purpose of your visit is to get a workout in, receive a flu vaccine, participate in a counseling session or take advantage of one of the facility’s many other services, it’s only a matter of time before the Barnes Center becomes a staple of your life on campus. The center provides integrated wellness services and programs that support a holistic and inclusive student-centered experience promoting lifelong growth and development—which thankfully, includes pet therapy.

4. Apple and pumpkin picking

A fall field trip to a local pumpkin patch or apple orchard is a must during your time in Syracuse. Abbott Farms in Baldwinsville, Beak & Skiff in Lafayette and Navarino Orchard in Syracuse (among many others!) all offer apple picking. Later in the season, Tim’s Pumpkin Patch in Marietta and The Pumpkin Hollow in Syracuse are two favorites for pumpkins and fall fun. All of these destinations are within a 30-minute drive from campus, but if you’re lacking transportation check the Community Calendar for upcoming outings to such places, which are sometimes sponsored and coordinated by the University.

5. The season’s first snow

If you grew up nearby, this will be about as exciting to you as an all-nighter in Bird—but if you’re one of the many students who come to Syracuse from warmer climates, perhaps you’ll be experiencing your first-ever snowfall later in the fall semester. When it happens, put on your favorite scarf, get a mocha java from People’s Place and prepare to wow your friends and family back home with your snaps of our beautiful campus covered in the season’s first snow. And then get used to it—because it will be here until April!

Diane Schenandoah ’11, Honwadiyenawa’sek (“One who helps them”) will host a Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle on Monday, Aug. 26, from 4 to 5 p.m.

The Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering is an event held on campus to welcome all incoming and returning students, faculty and staff for the 2024-25 academic year, and for all to show respect for the Indigenous people on whose ancestral lands Syracuse University now stands. Schenandoah is a citizen of the Oneida Nation and a Wolf Clan Faithkeeper, as well as staff member in the Barnes Center. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy is comprised of Six Nations: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora.

This year’s featured speaker, Wakerahkáhtste Louise McDonald Herne, is a Bear Clan Mother for the Mohawk Nation Council. Wakerahkáhtste presented at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and lectures regularly at universities throughout Canada and the United States on Ratinonhsón:ni philosophies and self-determination regarding the rights of women. Wakerahkáhtste has been the Distinguished Scholar in Indigenous Learning at McMaster University Institute for Innovation and Excellence in Teaching and Learning (MIIETL) and received an honorary doctorate from State University of New York at Canton. Her most recent work includes a feature in the award-winning documentary film, “Without a Whisper: Konnon:kwe” about the Ratinonhsón:ni women’s influence on the women’s rights movement.

“This land is sacred. We welcome visitors to be part of this sacred place. Part of our teaching is that no one can own the land, so it’s important to remember that Syracuse University is part of a much bigger picture,” says Schenandoah. “It’s important to acknowledge and recognize that there are Indigenous peoples still here and we are standing in the capital of the Haudenosaunee territory.

At the gathering, speakers and dancers will welcome a new academic year. Hot scones and strawberry drink will be offered. The hot scones are derived from traditional breads and the strawberry drink consists of strawberries, maple syrup and water. “This is significant because strawberries are the leaders of the plants and maples are the leaders of the trees. In this way we honor them,” says Schenandoah.

Schenandoah encourages students, faculty and staff to participate in the Haudenosaunee Welcome Gathering. “We are sharing our culture because the Earth is calling to us to pay attention, we require collective healing, and most importantly, we are inviting our community to live in gratitude,” she says.

For more information on this and other Hendricks Chapel programs and services visit chapel.syracuse.edu.

Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling has received reaccreditation from the International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS) through October 2032. The IACS is the premier leader in setting the standard for the full range of professional counseling services on college and university campuses worldwide.

“IACS standards have long been recognized as the benchmark providing us with best practices and evaluating quality within the field of counseling services,” says Carrie Brown, Ph.D., director of counseling. “Having been successfully reaccredited means a lot to the staff as it reflects the quality of their work and is a stamp of validation that we meet the highest established standards in the field.”

IACS’ rigorous accreditation process involves detailed documentation, a comprehensive site visit evaluation and multiple peer reviews in five areas:

relationships within the University community,
counseling and clinical services,
ethical standards,
personnel and
resources and infrastructure.

Approval by the IACS is also dependent upon evidence of continuing professional development as well as demonstration of excellence of counseling performance. After being evaluated, the IACS found that Barnes Center Counseling offered competent and reliable professional services to the Syracuse University community.

“Having this accreditation illustrates that the staff and services of Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling have been evaluated by external experts in the field and that we meet the highest standards of the profession,” says Brown. “For students, family members and our campus community, it is reassuring to know that we are providing high-quality mental health services and have been determined to meet the gold standards established in the field.”

The Barnes Center offers individual counseling and group counseling to Syracuse University students, which are covered in full through the Health and Wellness Fee. For more information or questions, please visit the Barnes Center at The Arch website or call 315.443.8000.

The Barnes Center at The Arch Health Promotion team was awarded the Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of Prevention for the fourth straight year. Presented by Vector Solutions, the CPN Seal of Prevention is awarded to colleges and universities that have demonstrated leadership in digital prevention programming focused on student safety, well-being and inclusion. Only 10% of colleges and universities in the country achieved this recognition.

The CPN Seal of Prevention represents the highest standard for online prevention education, with a rigorous set of criteria to ensure colleges and universities are taking action to create a safer, more inclusive campus through comprehensive, evidence-based digital prevention education across critical areas, including sexual assault, alcohol misuse, mental health and discrimination. The CPN Seal of Prevention establishes guidelines for discerning quality online prevention education and implementation practices, and positions prevention as central to key institutional outcomes.

“Our Community Wellness Requirements for incoming first-year and transfer undergraduate students are directly related to this award,” says Veronica Whalen Jones, director of Barnes Center at The Arch Health Promotion. To fulfill the University’s Community Wellness Requirements, incoming students are required to take three online training modules on alcohol education, sexual assault prevention and diversity, inclusion and belonging prior to arriving on campus for their first semester.

These required education modules help positively impact the campus community and help students thrive. “The programs that make up the Community Wellness Requirements are focused on equipping students with knowledge to create a safer, supportive and inclusive community for students to live and learn,” says Whalen Jones.

Expanding on education for returning sophomores, juniors and seniors, the Barnes Center Health Promotion team helped to implement the Continuing Community Wellness Requirements last summer. This is an annual sexual and relationship violence prevention training requirement that builds upon the Community Wellness Requirements.

To learn more or with questions, please visit the Barnes Center at The Arch Community Wellness Requirements webpage, call Barnes Center at The Arch Health Promotion at 315.443.8000 or email communitywellness@syr.edu.

Every June, a group of incoming first-year students arrives on campus to participate in SummerStart, an initiative of Retention and Student Success. The six-week program gives participating students an opportunity to build a strong foundation for a successful Syracuse University experience.

This year’s SummerStart cohort, which arrived on June 29, includes 121 students from all of the University’s schools and colleges. As participants in the program, the students will earn 7-9 credits toward their degree, learn about and access campus resources, make connections with faculty and classmates, and experience a sense of community, says Kal Srinivas, director of retention and student success. The initiative brings together various University departments, demonstrating the power of teamwork in fostering a supportive and enriching environment for incoming students, she says.

“From the moment they step onto campus, SummerStart students are met with a comprehensive network of support designed to address both their academic and personal needs,” Srinivas says.

SummerStart students also benefit from tutoring services in math and writing and resources like the Summer Start Guide to the Libraries. They also participate in social activities like Department of Public Safety (DPS) game nights, ropes course challenges, a resource fair and other group activities. DPS also conducts safety workshops and the Barnes Center at The Arch offers the Together We Thrive initiative to cultivate a culture of compassion, connection and well-being.

First-year student Tae Callam arrived at Syracuse from Cleveland. The biomedical engineering major in the College of Engineering and Computer Science says the SummerStart experience has already helped her acclimate to campus life and meet new people. And her coursework, particularly in writing, has helped her develop her language skills as a non-native English speaker, she says.

“I am so glad that I have this opportunity to participate in SummerStart,” Callam says. “Even in the first week of SummerStart, I have become familiar with the campus, got a head start on my academics and made friends. What more could anyone ask for?”

Srinivas emphasizes the collaborative nature of SummerStart, which also involves Student Experience, Hendricks Chapel, Auxiliary Services and other administrative units.

“SummerStart is not just a program; it is a testament to what can be achieved when an entire institution works together with a common goal,” she says. “By combining resources, expertise and a shared commitment to student success, Syracuse University has created a nurturing environment that prepares students for both academic and personal growth.”

Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness (IE) presented awards to several faculty and staff members, students, offices and programs during the One University Assessment Celebration on April 26, in the School of Education, Education Commons.

In her opening remarks, Lois Agnew, associate provost for Academic Programs, highlighted the importance of celebrating the various ways faculty, staff and students have engaged in assessment practices, illuminating our strengths but also reinforcing a commitment to continuous improvement. Awards were given in five categories:

Assessment Champion: Recognizing campus community members who advocate for meaningful assessment to enrich the student experience and who have made outstanding contributions to the University’s culture of improvement.
Outstanding Assessment: Recognizing a distinguished academic, co-curricular and functional area for overall robust assessment.
Best Engagement Strategies: Recognizing programs/units for engaging faculty, staff and students to participate and contribute to the assessment process.
Best Use of Results: Recognizing an academic, co-curricular and functional area for how assessment results are used in making decisions.
Collaborative Inquiry and Action: A new award recognizing a unit that collaborates with others outside of their primary school, college or division to use assessment methods and data, resulting in actions to improve student learning and campus operations.

This year’s recipients included:

Assessment Champion | Academic: Blythe Bennett, program manager, School of Information Studies
Assessment Champion | Co-Curricular/Functional: Jessica Newsom, assistant director, Living Learning Communities
Assessment Champion | Shared Competencies: Maureen Thompson, undergraduate director and associate professor, Department of Public Health, Falk College
Outstanding Assessment | Academic Programs: Forensic Science Undergraduate and Graduate Programs, Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute, College of Arts and Sciences (A&S)
Outstanding Assessment | Co-Curricular: Student Outreach and Support, Student Experience
Outstanding Assessment | Functional: Future Professoriate Program, Graduate School
Best Faculty Engagement Strategies: Human Development and Family Science program, Department of Human Development and Family Science, Falk College
Best Staff Engagement Strategies: College of Professional Studies Dean’s Office
Best Student Engagement Strategies: Living Learning Communities, Student Experience
Best Use of Results | Academic: Film program, Department of Film and Media Arts, College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA)
Best Use of Results | Co-Curricular: Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (The SOURCE)
Best Use of Results | Functional: Retention and Student Success
Collaborative Inquiry and Action: Barnes Center at The Arch

After the awards, 2023 Assessment Leadership Institute participants were recognized for their poster presentations detailing assessment activities over the past year:

Keonte Coleman, director of assessment and program review and assistant professor, Newhouse School of Public Communications
Nadeem Ghani, assistant teaching professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS)
Dimitar Gueorguiev, Chinese studies program director and associate professor, Political Science, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
Jody Nyboer, associate professor, School of Design, VPA
Kathleen Roland-Silverstein, associate professor, presenting with Isabel Hampton ’24 and Katie Weber ’24, Sentor School of Music, VPA
Darwin Tsen, Chinese language minor coordinator and assistant teaching professor, Languages, Literatures and Linguistics, A&S
Andrea Willis, director of academic programs, College of Professional Studies

Recipients of the inaugural “Student Engagement in Assessment” grant were also acknowledged for their poster presentations showcasing the collaborative experiences of students, faculty and staff:

Biomedical and Chemical Engineering: Tessa DeCicco ’25, Kerrin O’Grady ’25, Jade Carter ’24, Carly Ward ’24, Natalie Petryk ’21, Bridget Sides ’25, Mia Paynton ’25 and Doug Yung, associate teaching professor, Biomedical Engineering undergraduate program director, ECS
Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS): Student Success Advisory Council, which includes Eadin Block ’26; Margot MacKechnie ’26; Gary Shteyman ’26; Karen Toole, coordinator of academic support, Center for Disability Resources; Tasha Terzini, advisor, A&S; Kate Bussell, assistant director of academic expectations CLASS; and George Athanas, associate director, CLASS
New Student Programs: Winnie Naggar ’24 and Butch Hallmark, interim director, New Student Programs
Retention and Student Success: Prabin Raj Shrestha ’24 and Hope Smalling, functional business analyst, Retention and Student Success

Jerry Edmonds, senior assistant provost, shared final remarks. He noted that Syracuse University achieved “two important milestones this year. It is the fifth annual celebration highlighting the dedicated efforts of faculty, staff and students to assess and improve, as well as 10 years since the University embarked on a campus-wide initiative of systematically collecting evidence to inform decision-making across our campus.” He concluded with thanks and appreciation for everyone’s continued efforts.

Visit the IE website for event photos, presentation materials highlighting recipients’ achievements and posters.

Story by Laura Harrington, associate director, Institutional Effectiveness 

Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed?

With the last day of classes just under a week away, on Monday, April 29, and during Stress Awareness Month, now is the time to remind yourself what stress looks like for you personally, how you can combat it and where to find assistance.

Shannon Hefti, associate director for health promotion at the Barnes Center at The Arch, offers tips to stay grounded during this extra hectic time: know thyself, connect and get moving.

According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIH), stress is the physical or mental response to an external cause, such as having a lot of work to complete at the end of the semester or having an illness. A stressor may be a one-time or short-term occurrence, or it can happen repeatedly over a long time.

Advice From Health Promotions

SU News spoke with Hefti, who oversees the strategic direction of the University’s mental wellness initiatives, to find out how to best combat stress during this time of year.

What is your advice for students who are feeling stressed and overwhelmed as the semester wraps up?

Regularly check-in with themselves and their bodies. We know that this time is stressful due to finals and many students packing up to move so it cannot be avoided. But they can do a self-check-in to see how they are managing the stress by listening to their body and the alarms it raises when it is feeling overwhelmed. In those moments, I know it can seem counterproductive to slow down and engage with a de-stressing activity, but it ultimately will help the body to be able to sustain balance during a time we know has several high stressors.

Is there anything students should avoid that could add undue stress during this time?

As I mentioned, we know this is already a time with stressors that cannot be changed, so it can be helpful for students to be aware of what other things cause them stress. Then they can do their best to avoid those activities, thoughts or people during this time. Those other stressors might not be able to be removed from their lives, but if they have the ability to avoid them while the semester concludes it can help to keep the stress levels manageable.

What are your favorite things to do to help combat stress?

Lean into the people, places and things that provide them with positive sensations existing in their lives currently! De-stressing activities can vary from person to person; the most important thing is that it brings the student a positive sensation and is a safe, healthy activity. Common activities that people engage in to de-stress that are accessible and convenient include reading a book for recreational purposes, exercising, listening to music, drawing/painting, meditation, going for a walk outside and talking with a friend or family member, etc.

What are some of the resources available to students to combat stress?

The first resource I would recommend is Headspace—as the premium membership is free to Syracuse University students so they are able to access mindfulness, meditation and other wellness tools right through their phone. Pet Therapy is a great option for those students who want a good cuddle with a dog or the Crowley Family MindSpa if they wanted to utilize the massage chairs, zen gardens, light therapy boxes and more. Using any of the many options on the recreation side of Barnes is a great way to de-stress whether that is a quick workout on the fitness floors, trying the climbing wall, taking a fitness class or checking out the esports gaming room. Booking a fitness class and an appointment for the MindSpa can be done through the Wellness Portal. I also encourage students to connect with their existing social circles, clubs or organizations to lean on each other for support. It is a stressful time for most people, but they do not have to do it alone—connection with one another even if it is just to study is a great way to mitigate stress.

Stress-Busting University Events

Various groups on campus, including Student Experience, Syracuse University Libraries and Hendricks Chapel, are hosting events on campus for students to partake in as they prepare for finals including:

Monday, April 29: Orange After Dark: Syrup-Cuse Midnight Pancake Breakfast
Monday, April 29: Finals Lock-In
Tuesday, April 30: Reiki Chair Sessions
Tuesday, April 30: Donuts with the Libraries’ Dean
Tuesday, April 30: Pet Therapy
Tuesday, April 30: Destress with DPS
Wednesday, May 1: What’s Brewing with the Chaplains?
Wednesday, May 1: Pet Therapy 12-1:30 p.m. and 5:15-6:45 p.m.
Thursday, May 2: Pet Therapy
Friday, May 3: Pet Therapy
Friday, May 3: Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion: Open Skate
Sunday, May 5: Blessing of Students
Tuesday, May 7: Reiki Chair Sessions

Other Recommendations

The NIH recommends the following to help combat stress:

Keep a journal.
Download an app that provides relaxation exercises (such as deep breathing or visualization) or tips for practicing mindfulness, which is a psychological process of actively paying attention to the present moment.
Exercise, and make sure you are eating healthy, regular meals.
Stick to a sleep routine, and make sure you are getting enough sleep.
Avoid drinking excess caffeine, such as soda, coffee or energy drinks.
Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
Reach out to your friends or family members who help you cope in a positive way.

Hitting another record milestone, the Barnes Center at The Arch welcomed its 2 millionth visitor to the recreation and fitness area during the first few weeks of 2024. Opening in fall 2019, the Barnes Center remains a campus staple for students and the Orange community.

The Barnes Center Drives Student Wellness

As the hub for student wellness, the Barnes Center features programs, services and offerings that promote holistic health and well-being, all in one accessible, centralized space on campus. The health and wellness team encompasses health care, counseling, health promotion and recreation.

“We’re very excited to have reached our 2 millionth visitor milestone. Our health and wellness team is dedicated to providing an unsurpassed student experience that prioritizes integrated care within a welcoming, inclusive, respectful and supportive environment. In all spaces we promote learning, connecting and thriving,” shares Matthew Hackett, Barnes Center at The Arch director of recreation. “Hosting 2 million visitors is a physical representation of our staff’s dedication to supporting student health and wellness.”

Offering a variety of student-focused health and wellness resources, services and programs, at the Barnes Center all are encouraged and empowered to “Be Well” in their own unique, ever-evolving wellness journey. This holistic wellness approach encompasses mind, body, spirit and community.

Exploring Recreation and Fitness Opportunities

From very experienced to no experience, the Barnes Center recreation and fitness spaces offer countless offerings fitting for unique preferences, wellness goals and schedules. Fitness classes like Vinyasa Flow, The Strength Zone and Cycle50 foster a fun group environment guided by professionals and at no additional cost for students. The climbing wall supports unique challenges for those seeking to reach new heights. There is even an esports gaming room and outdoor adventure trips each semester.

“We understand that when looking to try out new spaces or activities, individuals may be hesitant or unsure about where to begin or how to get started,” explains Hackett. “From fitness floor staff, group fitness instructors, personal trainers, outdoor adventure guides and more, students with questions about how to begin tackling their goals are encouraged to connect with our dedicated team in-person, by calling or emailing the Barnes Center. We’re here to answer any questions and support each unique wellness journey.”

Additional highlights include spaces to study and connect with friends, in addition to the student-named cafe, Otto’s Juice Box, providing delicious smoothies and snacks to replenish the mind and body.

Student Experience Highlights

The Barnes Center’s 2 millionth visitor to the recreation and fitness center is a testament to its importance on campus. The space will undoubtedly continue to attract new and returning visitors alike. In celebration of the 2 millionth visitor milestone, students partaking in the recreation and fitness spaces were asked to share their experiences:

“It lets me stay fit while I’m in college,” says Gabbie McCafferty ’26. “There are lots of opportunities for classes to stay fit even if you don’t know what you want to do.”

“It’s so open and so big. I feel like I can really do whatever I want, whatever workout I’m into and there’s so many options for what I can do here,” says Abby Cohen ’27. “It’s an inclusive environment and I don’t feel like I’m being judged by anybody here.”

“I like coming because I like to play basketball. When I want some mini-nutrition, I come to Otto’s Juice Box,” says Ariel Lewis ’25.

The campus community is encouraged to explore a variety of recreation offerings on the Barnes Center at The Arch website and Wellness Portal, by calling 315.443.8000, emailing BarnesCenter@syr.edu and visiting the Guest Services Desk in-person.

This story was written by Student Experience communications intern Madison Manczko ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

 

 

On March 25, the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence launched the Sexual and Relationship Violence Survey. The Office of Institutional Research administers this anonymous survey to a random group of undergraduate, graduate and law students every two years.

Survey results will inform services, programs and awareness efforts to help prevent and respond to sexual and relationship violence. Students who receive this anonymous survey in their Syracuse University emails (@syr.edu) are encouraged to complete it and by doing so, help the University gain a comprehensive understanding of the student experience.

“Regardless of their experience, when students take the 10-15 minutes to answer the survey, it allows the University to better understand the scope and prevalence of sexual and relationship violence at Syracuse University and respond with relevant resources,” shares Rebecca R. Ortiz, Ph.D., co-chair of the survey assessment committee, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications professor and Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health senior research associate. “Participating in this survey is one way that Syracuse University students can help, and in my experience, this is an issue that students care deeply about addressing and doing what they can to help.”

Supporting the Orange Community

The Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence is comprised of dedicated students, faculty, staff and more, that work to bolster the University’s efforts in sexual violence prevention, education and advocacy services. By allowing students to anonymously share feedback, the Sexual and Relationship Violence Survey further supports these efforts through the representation of student voices.

“It is important for the task force to hear different voices and use the survey findings to make decisions about campus resource allocation and service provision,” shares Qingyi Yu, Ph.D., Barnes Center at The Arch assistant director of health analytics and survey assessment committee member. “We urge everyone who receives the email to participate and contribute to its lasting positive impacts.”

Results of the survey will continue to be used across the campus community to strengthen student experiences, improve campus climate and enhance programs and services.

For more information on the Sexual and Relationship Violence Survey, contact healthpromotion@syr.edu.

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

I am writing today to provide an important update on new guidance issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and subsequently adopted by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). The new guidance, as outlined below, revises response protocols for when an individual tests positive for COVID-19.

New Guidance

Continue to stay home if sick: If you test positive for COVID-19, you are encouraged to stay home if you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, cough and other known respiratory virus symptoms.
No longer mandated to isolate: Those with COVID-19 are no longer required to isolate for five days. Instead, according to the NYSDOH, “individuals can go back to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both of the following are true:

symptoms are getting better overall, and
they no longer have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medication.”

No longer required to report a positive test: Students and faculty and staff who test positive for COVID-19 are no longer required to report that positive test to the Barnes Center and Human Resources, respectively.

How to keep yourself and those around you healthy!

Although isolation and vaccination are no longer required, COVID-19 continues to be present and causes varying degrees of illness. There are several ways you can keep yourself and those around you healthy, including:

Get vaccinated: We encourage our community to consider vaccinations against common communicable illnesses, including COVID-19. Students, faculty and staff can search locations offering COVID-19 vaccinations using the Vaccine Finder website. The COVID-19 vaccine is available in the pharmacy at the Barnes Center. Please use the patient portal to make an appointment.
Monitor for COVID-like symptoms: If you’re a student, contact the Barnes Center at 315.443.8000 if you are concerned about your symptoms. Barnes Center staff will direct you on what actions to take next. Faculty and staff should contact their primary care provider.
Stay home: If you’re experiencing COVID-like symptoms, including a fever, stay home.
Wear a mask: If you are feeling under the weather, consider wearing a mask to limit the spread of your symptoms. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask is welcome to do so and should be supported.
Exercise good hygiene habits: Cover your cough and sneezes. Wash your hands often. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently, especially your residence hall rooms.

The University appreciates your continued cooperation and commitment to a safe and healthy environment for all members of our community. To learn more about public health guidance, please visit the CDC website.

Wishing you a successful end to the spring semester.

Sincerely,

Ramesh Raina
Professor, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences