Fall Updates & Campus News: COVID-19
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
SUNY Plattsburgh COVID-19 Dashboard — Get the latest data
News and updates are placed here regularly. Bookmark plattsburgh.edu/covid-19.
Students, faculty and staff should regularly check email for direct updates.
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Public Health Updates & Cases
Public Health Updates
- Public Health Update | November 23, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 22, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 21, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 20, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 19, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 18, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 17, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 16, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 15, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 14, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 13, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 12, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 11, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 10, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 9, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 8, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 7, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 6, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 5, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 4, 2020
- Public Health Update | November 1, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 30, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 29, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 28, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 27, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 26, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 25, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 24, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 23, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 22, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 21, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 20, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 19, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 18, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 18, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 16, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 15, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 14, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 13, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 12, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 10, 2020
- Public Health Update | October 3, 2020
- Public Health Update | September 26, 2020
- Public Health Update | September 18, 2020
- Public Health Update | September 12, 2020
- Public Health Update | September 4, 2020
- Public Health Update & Notices | August 22, 2020
- Public Health Update & Notices | August 21, 2020
- Public Health Update & Notices | May 15, 2020
- Public Health Update & Notices | May 14, 2020
- Public Health Update & Notices | May 13, 2020
- Public Health Update & Notices | April 2, 2020
- Public Health Update & Notices | March 31, 2020
- Public Health Update & Notices | March 29, 2020
Campus Steps in Event of Positive Notifications
- If advised by the Health Department of a positive test within the local campus community, we inform the campus community accordingly.
- Local health department officials conduct contact tracing, reaching out to individuals who may have been in contact with the person. They are advised of next steps and other precautions.
- When we are notified, campus staff is directed to disinfect areas where the person had been or would have frequented before leaving campus.
- The privacy of the individual is protected.
An institution may satisfy the emergency notification requirements of the Clery Act and § 668.46 as follows: (1) provide students and employees a single notification through the regular means of communicating emergency notifications informing them about COVID-19 and necessary health and safety precautions, as well as encouraging them to obtain information from health care providers, state health authorities, and the CDC’s COVID-19 website; or (2) create a banner at the top of the institution’s homepage containing that same information, including a statement about the global pandemic and a link to the CDC’s website.
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Fall Semester Student Departure
SUNY Plattsburgh's plan for fall departure testing was approved on Friday, Nov. 6. The system directed campuses to complete a mandatory testing plan.
COVID-19 Testing & Exemptions
All students taking at least one in-person class, utilizing services on campus (e.g. residence hall, library, gym, dining), or working on campus must receive a COVID-19 test prior to departing campus. To prevent the possible spread of the virus, students shall not leave campus until they receive a negative test result. A rapid antibody test will not suffice.Students who meet one of the following may be exempt from mandatory testing:
- Non-residential students not taking any classes on campus or utilizing any in-person campus services (e.g. library, gym, dining) — i.e. fully remote students.
- Students providing documentation to the campus of a COVID-19 PCR test result within the 10-day period from Nov. 11 - 21.
- Students providing documentation to the campus of a previous positive COVID-19 diagnostic result.
- Students who have been released from isolation or quarantine by the Clinton County Health Department and will be immediately leaving the campus.
Exemption requests should be submitted to the Student Health and Counseling Center via email [email protected] with proper documentation. Requests should be submitted prior to departing for break. Students receiving an approved exemption will be notified via email. Also, students who have participated in the campus' pooled COVID-19 testing may leave the campus within 10 days of taking a test once they receive notification of a negative test result. The campus maintains a list of those who participated in pooled testing and there is no need to submit documentation. For example:
- Students who participated in pooled COVID-19 testing on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 28 and 29 may leave campus on or before Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7 and 8 respectively provided results were negative.
- Students who participated in pooled COVID-19 testing on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 3 and 4 may leave campus on or before Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13 and 14 respectively provided results were negative.
Non-Compliance
When the campus learns of a student’s failure to follow the above requirements on fall departure testing, their case will be referred to the Student Conduct Office.Testing of Faculty and Staff
It is recommended that Faculty and Staff obtain a COVID-19 PCR test during the departure period pursuant to the testing agreements with UUP, PEF, CSEA, and the PBA. Pooled testing for faculty and staff took place Wednesday, Nov. 18.Isolation During Thanksgiving Break Week (November 22-28)
Students in the campus community who test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19 within 14 days before the fall closing will be required to isolate or quarantine based on the guidance of the Clinton County Health Department.Off-campus students who are required to isolate must do so off campus per department instructions. On-campus students who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate per department instructions and SUNY Plattsburgh Isolation & Quarantine Protocol. Students will be moved to an on-campus isolation room. There are 15 dedicated isolation rooms spread throughout several residence halls.
Quarantine During Thanksgiving Break Week (November 22-28)
The health department will conduct contact tracing for COVID-19 positive cases within the county.Off-campus students who need to quarantine will do so per department instruction and oversight. On-campus students who require quarantine will do so per department instruction and SUNY Plattsburgh Isolation & Quarantine Protocol. Per campus protocol, on-campus students who need to be quarantined will be moved to a designated on-campus quarantine room.
Food Service
Campus dining services will be discontinued between Nov. 21-29. An alternative plan has been developed to accommodate food availability for on-campus isolation and quarantine students. A number of off-campus food service venues have been contacted for breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.On-campus students in isolation or quarantine will receive a choice of local restaurants to choose from for dinner and lunch. To allow for diversity of meals, there will be a different option of restaurants for either dinner and/or lunch. Each day, students in isolation and quarantine will receive a paper menu under their door, they will select from that menu and slide the options back outside their door. The person handling deliveries will call in the orders, pay and pick them up. All breakfasts will be picked up and delivered from Dunkin’ Donuts.
Menus of each venue will be provided to the student either through a link or printed copy, along with a schedule on where meals are being offered from. Due to limited food venue options on November 27 (Thanksgiving Day) local grocery stores will be accessed for premade meals.
Upon entering into isolation/quarantine, students will also receive a “grab bag” containing various snacks and water to help supplement their stay in isolation/quarantine. In addition, extra non-perishable snacks and water will be placed in the Banks Hall office for emergency purposes.
Isolation and Quarantine Student Support
Members of the Isolation and Quarantine Team and the Athletics Department will work in the Banks Hall office to support on-campus isolation/quarantined students. There will be shifts each day, centered around meal times. Volunteers will assist with food ordering and deliveries, as well as other needs that isolation/quarantine students may have.On-campus isolation and quarantine students will be able to receive support through the already established group-messaging app (WhatsApp). A WhatsApp group is available for off-campus students in isolation/quarantine as well. Members of the Isolation and Quarantine Team continuously monitor the app and assist students as needed.
In addition, on-campus students placed in isolation or quarantine are assigned a quarantine buddy. Quarantine buddies are campus employee volunteers who are assigned to students in quarantine or isolation to give one to one support for any issue to our students. Quarantine buddies are available to off-campus students upon request.
Campus Contracted Bus Services
It is estimated that 100 students will depart the campus on Nov. 20 via contracted bus services. Students purchasing a bus ticket will be invited to the first day of pooled testing to ensure their result is received prior to departure. Prior to boarding, each student’s name will be verified that they participated in pooled testing and had a COVID-19 test within the last 10 days and that it was negative. Students will also be subject to a health screening. Students who feel ill and/or have a temperature of 100 degrees or more will not be permitted to board the bus and will be encouraged to visit the Student Health Center for an evaluation.Students who do not have documentation of a negative COVID-19 PCR test or are ill will not be allowed to board the bus.
Janitorial
Janitorial will continue to provide support for isolation and quarantine throughout the Thanksgiving break. A cleaning schedule and contact information will be developed and shared with the Isolation and Quarantine Team.Per the SUNY Plattsburgh Isolation and Quarantine Protocol, Janitorial will conduct daily cleaning and disinfecting of the isolation and quarantine buildings and provide cleaning supplies. In addition, Janitorial will place any bagged linens outside an isolation room in the soiled linen room for laundry service pick-up and properly dispose of garbage that has been placed outside of the isolation/quarantine rooms by the student(s) in Isolation/Quarantine
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Test Results & NotificationsPositive Test Results and NotificationsWhen positive COVID-19 test results become known, individuals are typically contacted by the Clinton County Health Department. This could also be the campus health center, University Police or county sheriff's department.If the health department learns first, they will notify the campus health center. If the health center learns first, they will notify the health department. In all cases, the college's health and safety team, which includes emergency management and University Police, is alerted.The health department next begins an interview process for contact tracing purposes. This includes questions about your living situation, classes, close contacts, etc. They are provided other student contact information as needed.At the same time, janitorial will do needed cleaning and the health and safety team assist by pulling academic schedules and related steps. Additionally, Academic Affairs is given information on the student and informs faculty. They also provide the health department with an updated course roster that may be needed for contact tracing.Those testing positive from pooled surveillance testing results will be notified as described. Otherwise, the college shares the whole of testing results to campus after they are provided to us by SUNY Upstate Medical University.For more information on testing, isolation and quarantine, COVID-19 Quarantine Help at [email protected].
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Campus Safety & Reporting
Reporting
Suspected violations of college COVID safety policies can be reported to University Police.You may call the reporting hotline at 518-564-5555 and leave your information.
Education & Enforcement
Our University Police is working in close alignment with Plattsburgh City Police and the sheriff's office. This work began long before classes resumed and is a part of the restart plan developed over the summer with the health department and so many others.Education and conversations are a regular part of outreach as off-campus students return. This has included personal, door-to-door visits by college leaders. All members of the campus community are expected to abide by our policies and should anticipate the college actively enforcing them. The Student Code of Conduct may be utilized for those who violate campus policy, including off campus students and student organizations.
Violations of the guidelines will result in a referral to student conduct to consider dismissal. We expect students will be leaders and model good behavior.
Regular Screening
Daily health screens have been implemented through paper and online forms that comply with state requirements.Students, faculty and staff self screen daily. If the answer to any of the screening questions is “yes,” a message will appear stating that the individual must not report to class or any other activity outside of their residence and must notify the Student Health and Counseling Center immediately.
Testing and Tracing
The college is using pooled surveillance testing for students and employees. Other COVID tests are given as needed.Active case finding, meaning a focused effort to find the virus before it spreads, is our priority. The process of active case finding may include regular temperature monitoring in addition to the use of screening questions. The target will be on testing symptomatic students and at-risk cases, adopting a tracing system to facilitate rapid contact mapping of infected individuals and then aggressively testing all contacts and hotspots.
Student contact tracing will occur in collaboration with the Clinton County Health Department. The electronic medical records system vendor is currently creating an interface to assist with COVID-19 tracing and identifying hotspots on campus and in the community. The use of apps and other screening devices are being explored.
In the event that a student tests positive for COVID-19, the student will immediately be isolated either on campus, in a designated space, or safely off campus per state health department isolation guidelines.
Community Standards
Among the highest priorities to ensure student, faculty and staff safety and to minimize the spread of COVID-19 is community-wide participation in our social distancing and face covering policy and enforcement of the policy. All on-campus students sign an addendum to our housing contract that clearly outlines required behavior. Student conduct policies are also a vital component to ensuring the safety and health of our campus community.PPE
In conjunction with the campus’ social distancing and face covering policy, face coverings will be made available to faculty, staff and students upon request. Employees who are unable to wear face coverings due to a medical or other health condition should consult with Human Resource Services to discuss reasonable accommodations. Students who are unable to wear face coverings due to a medical or other health condition should wear some form of covering to protect those around them. This covering can be a loosely worn scarf or bandana.Cleaning
We are following safe and proper cleaning practices across campus. Bathrooms and common areas are cleaned daily. Routine cleaning for infrequently touched areas and areas unoccupied for seven or more days will continue.Our cleaning and disinfection methods are well managed. Procedures have been implemented to avoid duplicative cleaning of spaces across campus. Self-cleaning supplies are available across campus.
Details to date are in the Fall 2020 Restart Plan online here.
For specific questions, contact the Operational Continuity, Health and Safety Team at [email protected].
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Isolation & QuarantineIsolation and Precautionary IsolationOn campus students are given instructions on the isolation process and provided an isolation room. You may be provided a rolling bin or hand cart to go to your room for movement of personal items you want to bring with you. You will also be given details about how you will order and receive food.You should contact your faculty member (as usual in the case of illness) to follow up with them, the LITS helpdesk (564-4433) if you need any loaner technology or technology assistance, and your advisor if you have any concerns about your academics. You will hear about any changes to your courses from either your faculty member, department chair, or dean via email. Every effort will be made to ensure that you are able to continue with your classes.Support is also provided through faculty and staff serving as quarantine buddies. A list of activities while isolating is included here.Some students can show signs similar to COVID-19 but may have the flu or common cold. Students in this category are given a rapid test to screen. In some cases, this may require precautionary isolation while awaiting back-up results of a PCR test.If they are positive, the isolation process applies. If they are negative, they can be released from quarantine. While in precautionary isolation, food is delivered.Quarantine | On and Off CampusDecisions on quarantine are made by the health department based on an assessment of potential exposure. This is done to help prevent possible spread of the virus. The health department calls the campus with names of students who will require on-campus quarantine.On campus students are given instructions on the quarantine process. For students who had direct contact with a positive student as deemed by the assessment, the student is relocated to quarantine and must stay in the assigned room with food delivered.Most quarantine cases are relocated but some, based on exposure or risk level, can remain in a room as long as it is a single. These less restricted students can pick up their own food and use the bathroom. Other than that they must stay in their room.Off campus students are also directed by the health department and should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from the health department.Support is also provided through faculty and staff serving as quarantine buddies. A list of activities while isolating is included here.When contacted by the health department and before a final decision is made on quarantining, students who are aware of a potential contact should go into precautionary quarantine until the interview/contact tracing process is completed.Information for FacultyIf a student in your face-to-face class tests positive for COVID-19, your initial notification will likely come from Academic Affairs and go both to you and the relevant dean. It could come first from the student or other students or even the health department.The health department will likely reach out to discuss details like classroom set up, activities, and attendance. Based on this information, they will decide on further steps, whether quarantine for the whole class (or subset of the class), quarantine for the faculty member, or no further actions.
Faculty members should work with affected students to minimize the disruption to academic progress. If the class and/or faculty member need quarantine or testing, college staff will follow up with instructions. Faculty members have agency to change the modality of the class away from face-to-face and notify students. They should work with their department chair when making changes.If the faculty member is ill or they need to isolate or quarantine themselves, the chair will step in as the faculty member’s surrogate and arrange for class coverage. They also must contact Human Resource Services.
For more information on testing, isolation and quarantine, COVID-19 Quarantine Help at [email protected]. -
Pooled Surveillance Testing
SUNY Plattsburgh is using pooled surveillance testing for COVID-19, an innovative method where numerous samples can be run as part of one test. SUNY's pooled testing approach was developed and validated by Upstate Medical's laboratory and Quadrant Biosciences using saliva samples. The first round of tests will be focused to on-campus students.
Pooled testing will be done periodically in large groups. It allows for 10 to 25 people to be screened in one test. Individuals administer the tests themselves, swabbing their mouths for 10 or 15 seconds each, then provide the saliva samples to medical personnel.
The pooled testing simplifies sample collection processes, making it feasible to collect samples on a large scale and during a short period of time. It also reduces the total number of tests needed and accelerates turn-around time from specimen collection to testing results.
Academics, Housing & Operations
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Academics & Spring Semester
Academic Affairs COVID-19 details are online here.
Fall Semester & Classes
We will cease all on-campus classes on Friday, Nov. 20, the week before Thanksgiving. The final two weeks of the semester will continue remotely.Courses delivered with a face-to-face component for the first 13 weeks will be remotely delivered for the final two weeks.
Spring Semester
Starting remotely, no spring break and ending a week earlier are highlights of our revised spring semester schedule. The adjusted framework is designed to focus on-campus classes to a more concentrated timeframe for public health and safety as has been done with the fall semester, as well as increased pooled surveillance testing for COVID-19. It also accounts for isolation and quarantine requirements that may be needed for some students as they return in January.More is online here.
For specific questions, contact the Office of the Provost at [email protected]. -
Campus Housing & Community Living
On-campus housing is available only for approved students between semesters. Students who wish to stay during a break period must request break housing and be approved by the Campus Housing and Community Living office.
More details and answers to common questions are online here.
Behavior and Safety Standards
Among the highest priorities to ensure student, faculty and staff safety and to minimize the spread of COVID-10 are community wide participation in our social distancing and face covering policy and enforcement of the policy.All on-campus students sign an addendum to our housing contract that clearly outlines required behavior. Student conduct policies are also a vital component to ensuring the safety and health of our campus community. Individual responsibility, accountability and enforcement of social distancing and public health laws are essential to everyone’s health, safety and educational opportunity.
The social distancing and face masking policy applies to all students. It will be enforced by staff, University Police and especially peer-to-peer. The approach is one of encouragement and positive messaging first with sanctions developed for repeat offenses. Food delivery for sick on-campus students, and external support for care, will also be available.
For specific questions, contact Campus Housing and Community Living at [email protected].
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College Operations
College Operations
Due to changes to the academic calendar for the end of the fall semester and the start of the spring semester, the college is shifting to a remote work model for the winter break for those positions that are not required to report to campus. The exact dates allowed will vary by department, but may include the time period between Monday, Nov. 23, 2020 and Friday, Feb. 5, 2021.The college will be open for business during this time and provide continuity of operations but will be done remotely for many areas. By shifting to remote work, this allows for greater social distancing as we navigate COVID during the cold and flu season. To learn more, contact Human Resource Services at (518) 564-5062 or [email protected].
Additional Operational Changes
Mail delivery and building access will be limited from Monday, Nov. 23 - Friday, Feb. 5.Learn more at the Administration & Finance COVID019 Information page here.
Gatherings and Visitors
College-sponsored events, both on and off campus, are suspended from Monday, Nov. 23 - Friday, Feb. 5. Learn more about spring event planning here, under Events and Gatherings.At this time, the campus is not receiving visitors who are not invited by a specific campus community member/department. Read the Visitors On-Campus Guidelines for more information. Vendors and contractors with an active contract are allowed to come to campus if certain criteria is met and they complete the Visitor Screening Form. Learn more about this criteria here, under Vendors & Visitors.
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Employment & Hiring Information
Hiring Changes
In response to COVID-19, the college has implemented steps to reduce spending. These include a new hiring and salary program for reviewing non-teaching positions in advance of recruitment, pausing recruitment and hiring, suspending non-critical purchases, and requiring a requisition for all purchases. More details are online here.Student Employment
Students can learn more here under the Student Employment tab.
Resources, Accessibility & Support
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Library, IT Resources & Bookstore
Feinberg Library hours are online here.
Helpdesk
The Computer Helpdesk in Feinberg Library is limiting face-to-face interactions as much as possible. We ask those needing service and support to contact us in advance (when possible) to troubleshoot issues or to arrange a scheduled time to stop in. Scheduling allows us to provide the safest and quickest service possible.
Phone numbers are 518-564-4433 and 800-787-8773. Email is [email protected].
Hours for phone support are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Remote Computer Lab
A 200-seat remote computer lab is available 24/7. It can be securely accessed using campus login credentials. This web-based lab provides remote access to software that is currently available in our physical computer labs. Software titles include Adobe, Microsoft Office, SOSS, ArcGIS, Maple, Mathematica, AVID Pro, Vega Movie Studio, VmWare Workstation, Visio and more.There is no client software to download. Login at https://remotelab.plattsburgh.edu and click on the lab with the software you would like to use.
Special Collections
Special Collections will be open by appointment only beginning Monday, Aug. 10. Students and faculty who need assistance or access to collections are
asked to contact Debra Kimok at [email protected] or 518-564-5206.Phones and Telecommunications
Using Voice MailContacts
Emails and phone numbers for key offices include:- Helpdesk, [email protected],518-564-4433 or 800-787-8773
- Main Library Circulation Desk, [email protected],518-564-5199
- Main Computer Lab Service Desk, [email protected],518-564-2222
- Technology Enhanced Learning, [email protected]
plattsburgh.edu , 518-564-4537 or 800-787-8773 - Telecommunications, [email protected],518-564-7975
- Reference, [email protected]
Other Resources
LITS is making new technology tools and services available. Some links are here:- Remote Working / Teaching and Learning Tools
- A Guide to Videoconferencing Courses
- Zoom Video Conferencing
- Resources for Teaching and Learning
College Bookstore
Details are available online here. -
Academic Advising, Student Support & Accessibility Services
Academic Advising
A remote course advisement web page with resources is online. It includes foundational information and answers. Details are online here.Student Support Services
We are able to connect with students through multiple online platforms. We ask that students reach out as much as possible through electronic communications methods. Students who must see a staff member in person should call ahead.You may contact any staff member directly through their email. If you have a general question, please contact Ashley Durocher at [email protected] or Michele Carpentier at [email protected].
Student Accessibility Services
Student Accessibility Services staff are available to assist. Student accommodations remain in place.Students experiencing any any barriers in courses should reach out directly as we want to ensure that you feel supported. Our office remains open on campus if you need to see a staff member. We are able to connect with you through alternate online platforms and will be available the same hours of operation.
Please feel free to reach out to Jenn Curry (for general questions) at [email protected], Laura Cronk (testing services) at [email protected], or Sandi Layhee (notetaking services) at [email protected]. You can reach the office by phone at 518-564-2810.
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Educational Opportunity Program
Contact Information
Please email or call the main office with general concerns or questions.
Email: [email protected]
Office phone: 518-564-2263
Fax will be checked periodically in the event that faxing information is necessary. The office fax number is 518-564-2295.List the phone number you would like for us to call you on in the details section of your appointment when you schedule online. Direct office phone numbers and emails are:
Cassie: 518-564-2293 or [email protected]
Amy: 518-564-2290 or [email protected]
Levi: 518-564-3262 or [email protected]
Jess: 518-564-3267 or [email protected] -
Global Education Office & Study Abroad
International Students
Please see this link for email addresses, appointment scheduling, and availability.For questions concerning immigration, health insurance and more, please read this link for frequently asked questions and answers. For more information, please contact the office at 518-564-3287 or [email protected].
Study Abroad
The SUNY Office of Global Affairs will continue to consult with the Office of the Provost, General Counsel, and others to assess when study abroad programs may resume.For questions, GEO can be reached at 518-564-3287 or [email protected].
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Title IX
The Title IX remote office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reach them at 518-564-3281 or [email protected].
If you have an emergency, please call 911 or University Police at 518-564-2022. Separately, you may report the incident(s) to any law enforcement agency near you. The campus process and criminal process are separate, so you may report to both and receive support through law enforcement and the Title IX office.
Reports will continue to be taken in the three ways required by both state law (129-B) and federal regulations under Title IX:
Report Anonymously
Use this link to report.Report Confidentially
- Health & Counseling Center staff at 518-564-2187 (Option 3)
- Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York, Inc. Sexual Assault Services at 877-212-2323
- Mason Dierich, Enough is Enough coordinator, at 518-891-0046
- BHSN STOP Domestic Violence at 518-563-6904 and [email protected]. Staff will provide counseling and support services remotely.
Report Officially
- Title IX Coordinator: [email protected]
- University Police: 518-564-2022
- Emergency 911
We will provide the option for students to connect via Zoom or other video chat options, if they are not on campus and/or do not want to come to the office during the remainder of the semester. Title IX provides support to students, faculty, and staff regardless of where they were at the time they experienced discrimination, harassment, or violence.
Academics and Accommodations
Title IX will work with professors for academic accommodations even though classes are remote.Emergency housing is available. If this need arises after business hours, please go directly to University Police and they will get you set up overnight or over the weekend in a guest room on campus. If it is not at a time of emergency or outside of office hours, please reach out to the Title IX Coordinator at 518-564-3281 or [email protected].
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Concern for Chinese and Asian-Descent Members of Our Community
In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, it is important to share concerns with the SUNY Plattsburgh community and our region.
We stand with our Chinese students, faculty and staff, and others of Asian descent. We see you, you are valued, and your experiences related to COVID-19. We at SUNY Plattsburgh have no tolerance for racial or ethnic discrimination.
The college’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is committed to working with other members of the college community to keep those in our community safe and informed.
Concern for Well-Being
As we continue to hear updates on COVID-19 and are affected on local, state and global levels, there are heightened levels of uneasiness, uncertainty and general concern for the well-being of ourselves, friends and family.These levels of uneasiness and uncertainty have caused an increase in broad generalizations, assumptions, and acts of bias as it relates to individuals from China, other Asian countries, and people of Asian descent. We’d like to share an earlier statement from The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) made on February 7:
“While the coronavirus represents a legitimate public health concern, it is not a green light to target Asian Americans and Asian immigrants with racism and hate. We are concerned with the growing xenophobic rhetoric that harkens back to the dehumanizing, anti-Asian trope of the “yellow peril,” that was used during the 19th century. We have consistently stood against efforts to cast our community as “perpetual foreigners,” and sadly, we find ourselves having to do so again. We call on news outlets and social media platforms to do more to curb racist and inaccurate content in addition to removing misinformation on the coronavirus alone.”
Valued Members of Our Community
Making broad generalizations that people of Asian descent are dangerous or sick, or making assumptions about a person’s nationality based on their physical features perpetuates long-standing histories of xenophobia and racism, whether intentional or not.Our Asian students, faculty and staff are valued members of the SUNY Plattsburgh community. We want to emphasize and highlight the following:
- If you or someone you know has experienced bias or discrimination please report incidents of bias on the bias reporting form and connect with someone you trust for social support.
- Seek assistance from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. It is a campus resource.
- Recognize that acts of bias can negatively affect your physical and mental health. Know it is okay to seek medical and mental health care as needed and seek the Student Health and Counseling Center if you are a student and our EAP resource if you are an employee.
Exercise Empathy, Compassion
If you find that you are maintaining distance from or worried about interacting with people of Asian descent we urge you to strongly consider the following:- Avoid the inclination to make broad stereotypes about people of Asian descent, and explore the root cause of your fears and disdain.
- Exercise empathy, compassion and a sense of community.
- Educate and maintain perspective
We continue to urge and advise you to take care of yourself and each other. Treat each other with care and compassion and demonstrate the Cardinal Spirit by making our community members all feel safe and that they belong.
Events & Programs
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Cardinal Athletics
Cardinal Athletics teams will not take part in fall or winter sports seasons.
SUNYAC presidents, in consultation with athletic directors at the 10 member institutions, suspended this athletic competition.
The decision, as with all of our plans related to the fall semester and restart, is based on the health and safety of participants. The SUNYAC conference will continue to explore all options for a safe return to intercollegiate athletics.
More details for student-athletes and others are online here.
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Campus Events & Community Programs
Campus Events
Large campus events have been cancelled or postponed.Other planned events, including space reserved by external groups, are cancelled or postponed. The college will communicate directly to organizations about their events.
Admissions
We are welcoming visitors back to campus and offering admissions events with COVID-19 guidelines in place. Details are online here.The Office of Admissions is hosting virtual presentations, campus tours, and appointments.
Community Programs
For specific public and consumer services based at the college, please reach out directly to the service provider to determine their status. -
Travel Restrictions & Off-Campus Events
Travel Restrictions
Learn more by reviewing our COVID-19 State Travel Guidelines.Off-Campus Events
Restrictions on travel have affected many planned events, including admissions recruiting trips both regionally and across the state.In all cases, we continue to monitor health advisories and guidance from SUNY and public health officials.
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Alumni & Plattsburgh College Foundation
Alumni and Plattsburgh College Foundation travel and in-person events have been cancelled or postponed. Details are online here.
Homecoming 2020 was celebrated October 15-17, 2020 in a virtual format.
Emergency Response Fund, Medical Guidance, Town Halls & Past Updates
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Emergency Response Fund
The Plattsburgh College Foundation has created a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to support SUNY Plattsburgh students. Resources will mitigate the negative impacts COVID-19 and the delivery of college services to students.
Understanding this is a global pandemic affecting vast numbers of people, we invite you — if you find yourself in a position to do so — to make a gift to the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.
About the Fund
The fund’s priority is to ensure students are able to continue their educational experience with as little disruption as possible during this challenging time. The fund may provide:- Emergency grants to students who are facing unexpected financial needs directly related to COVID-19.
- The Student Health and Counseling Center to care for students directly affected by COVID-19 and to assist in decreasing its spread.
- Immediate support for the development and implementation of new student advising, coaching and mentoring programs, previously offered on campus through in-person activities, to provide necessary support to students who have been thrust unexpectedly into a distance-learning experience.
- Other critical needs that will emerge as the crisis evolves.
Information for Students
To be eligible or a grant, students must have demonstrated financial need.Students interested in accessing emergency funds, please contact Dr. Michele Carpentier at [email protected].
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Medical Guidance and Protocols for Students, Faculty & Staff
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported — ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. These symptoms ness may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
Students
If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms listed below, you may have been exposed. You should self-isolate and contact your health care professional or the Student Health and Counseling Center at 518-564-2187.- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste
The center is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. during the summer for nursing advice and administrative assistance. If you need medical attention in the evening or on the weekend, please contact one of the local health care facilities.
VIEW LIST OF HEALTH CARE FACILITIES TO VISIT WHEN THE HEALTH CENTER IS CLOSED
Faculty and Staff
Faculty and staff who feel sick with a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or had a potential exposure, should self-isolate and contact your health care professional for further guidance.Employees should notify their supervisor if there are elevated concerns, and they should in turn notify those above them in their divisional hierarchy.
Caring for Yourself
Management of Early Respiratory SymptomsHealth Department Guidance on Isolation
Memorandum -
Stress Management, Assistance & Caring for Our Community
Stress Management
Our top priorities remain doing no harm, being flexible and serving all students and the campus community well.It is also critical to be aware of news reports that demonstrate unjust targeting of the global Asian community is on the rise. This rhetoric is wrong and your kindness and special care toward these members of our campus community is important now.
- Coping with Stress
- Manage Anxiety & Stress
- Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
- Helping Children Cope with Disasters and Traumatic Events
- Taking Care of Your Emotional Health
- How to Look After Your Mental Health During a Pandemic
Employee Assistance
The New York State Employee Assistance Program is our worksite-based program designed to help employees, retirees, and their families deal with the everyday issues involved in balancing work and life, as well as more serious problems that may impact work performance.For assistance, call 518-564-3277 or 518-564-5187. Learn more online here.
Prevention
Practice good prevention tactics, which are useful in any case:- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty
- Staff ramped up disinfecting beginning in January
- High traffic areas of focus
- Ensuring soap dispensers are filled, areas of push/pull/latches cleaned
- Maintaining/stocking related supplies
- Good hygiene promoted through posters, other media
Resources
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Fall Restart Plan & Process
Planning and Preparation
SUNY approved our fall restart plan and ensured it meets all safety requirements detailed by Gov. Cuomo and the state Department of Health. The plan describes our approach to return students, faculty and staff to campus safely for the fall within the constraints presented by COVID-19 and with the flexibility to adjust as conditions warrant.The safe restart of on-campus operations included a phased-in return of employees, modifications of physical spaces to ensure social distancing, increased cleaning and hygiene, daily staff health screening, and clear signage to support our social distancing and face covering policy.
We are driven by guiding principles of safety, student access to higher education, efficiency, agility and a focus on our student-centered mission. We are following CDC, New York Forward, Department of Health and other applicable reopening guidelines in our planning process.
Remote Learning as a Contingency
We are providing the residential, on-campus experience that sets SUNY Plattsburgh apart as a regional comprehensive college of excellence. Restarting accordingly in a safe, careful manner has been a focus of these planning efforts.At the same time, we are prepared for a fully remote learning approach should that be necessary as it was for the second half of the spring semester. New information on COVID cases, clusters and pathways for infections has routinely guided the response of this campus and the state. These contingency plans will be relied upon if needed.
While this report and its appendices are directed toward restarting campus operations with students, faculty and staff on campus to the extent possible, the plans are subject to change based on new information, guidance and/or direction from the state and public health officials.
Details to date are in the Fall 2020 Restart Plan online here.
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Campus Updates & Virtual Town Halls
Campus Updates
- Campus Update | November 23, 2020
- Campus Update | November 22, 2020
- Campus Update | November 21, 2020
- Campus Update | November 20, 2020
- Campus Update | November 19, 2020
- Campus Update | November 18, 2020
- Campus Update | November 17, 2020
- Campus Update | November 16, 2020
- Campus Update | November 15, 2020
- Campus Update | November 14, 2020
- Campus Update | November 13, 2020
- Campus Update | November 12, 2020
- Campus Update | November 11, 2020
- Campus Update | November 10, 2020
- Campus Update | November 9, 2020
- Campus Update | November 8, 2020
- Campus Update | November 7, 2020
- Campus Update | November 6, 2020
- Campus Update | November 5, 2020
- Campus Update | November 4, 2020
- Campus Update | November 1, 2020
- Campus Update | October 30, 2020
- Campus Update | October 29, 2020
- Campus Update | October 28, 2020
- Campus Update | October 27, 2020
- Campus Update | October 26, 2020
- Campus Update | October 25, 2020
- Campus Update | October 24, 2020
- Campus Update | October 23, 2020
- Campus Update | October 22, 2020
- Campus Update | October 21, 2020
- Campus Update | October 20, 2020
- Campus Update | October 19, 2020
- Campus Update | October 18, 2020
- Campus Update | October 18, 2020
- Campus Update | October 16, 2020
- Campus Update | October 15, 2020
- Campus Update | October 14, 2020
- Campus Update | October 13, 2020
- Campus Update | October 12, 2020
- Campus Update | October 10, 2020
- Campus Update | October 3, 2020
- Campus Update | September 26, 2020
- Campus Update | September 21, 2020
- Campus Update | September 20 2020
- Campus Update| September 18, 2020
- Campus Update | September 12, 2020
- Campus Update | September 4, 2020
- Campus Update | September 4, 2020
- Campus Update for Faculty & Staff | September 1, 2020
- Campus Update for Students | September 1, 2020
- Campus Update | August 29, 2020
- Campus Update for Faculty & Staff | August 26, 2020
- Campus Update for Students | August 26, 2020
- Campus Update | August 25, 2020
- Campus Update for Faculty & Staff | August 21, 2020
- Campus Update for Students | August 21, 2020
- Campus Update for Faculty & Staff | August 19, 2020
- Campus Update for Students | July 29, 2020
- Campus Update for Students | July 24, 2020
- Campus Update | July 10, 2020
- Campus Update | July 6, 2020
- Campus Update for Faculty & Staff | June 22, 2020
- Campus Update for Students | June 22, 2020
- Campus Update | June 12, 2020
- Campus Update for Faculty & Staff | June 8, 2020
- Campus Update for Students | June 8, 2020
- Campus Update | May 29, 2020
- Campus Update | May 15, 2020
- Campus Update | April 24, 2020
- Campus Update | April 17, 2020
- Campus Update | April 10, 2020
- Campus Update for Faculty & Staff | April 6, 2020
- Campus Update for Students | April 6, 2020
- Campus Update | April 2, 2020
- Campus Update | March 31, 2020
- Campus Update | March 29, 2020
- Campus Update for Teaching Faculty | March 27, 2020
- Campus Update for Students | March 27, 2020
- Campus Update for On-Campus Students | March 25, 2020
- Campus Update for Faculty & Staff | March 23, 2020
- Campus Update for Students | March 23, 2020
- Campus Update for On-Campus Students | March 22, 2020
- Campus Update for Faculty & Staff | March 20, 2020
- Campus Update for Parents | March 20, 2020
- Campus Update for Students | March 20, 2020
- Campus Update for Teaching Faculty | March 19, 2020
- Campus Update for On-Campus Students | March 18, 2020
- Campus Update for Faculty & Staff | March 17, 2020
- Campus Update for Parents | March 17, 2020
- Campus Update for Students | March 17, 2020
- Campus Update for Faculty & Staff | March 16, 2020
- Campus Update for Parents | March 16, 2020
- Campus Update for Students | March 16, 2020
- Campus Update | March 13, 2020
- Campus Update | March 12, 2020
- Campus Update | March 11, 2020
- Campus Update | March 6, 2020
- Campus Update | March 4, 2020
- Campus Update | March 2, 2020
Virtual Town Halls
- Virtual Town Hall | October 16, 2020
- Virtual Town Hall for Faculty & Staff | July 23, 2020
with Questions and Answers from the session - Virtual Town Hall for Students & Parents | July 23, 2020
with Questions and Answers from the session - Virtual Town Hall for Faculty & Staff | March 17, 2020
- Virtual Town Hall for Students & Parents | March 17, 2020
Map of Global Coronavirus Cases
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