Dear Fredonia community:
Happy Thursday evening. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I am sure you have noticed how close we are to the end of the semester and to the end of the 2021 calendar year. I think the semester and the year have gone by very quickly. When I was a teenager, I used to think that the year went by slowly. Now, I think the days just speed on.
COVID-19 Cases
As of this morning, there are 8 active cases among students. This is about the number we had for students before we headed for Thanksgiving. Also, if you are keeping an eye on SUNY’s COVID-19 tracker, you may have also noticed an increase in the number of cases involving employees. For the month of November, there were 19 new cases among employees. As of this morning, there are 6 active cases among employees. One week prior, that number was 13.
As I have said, while any number above zero is concerning, our total rate is still a much lower rate than the surrounding community. Nevertheless, let’s continue to do everything we can (proper mask wearing, vaccinations, social distancing, enhanced hygiene practices, etc.) to keep infections low and everyone safe from COVID-19 and its variants.
Vaccine Boosters
As you know, boosters are also important for providing additional protection against COVID-19, especially for those 50 or over and those with underlying conditions. If you received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago and you’re 18 or over, you are eligible for your COVID-19 booster dose. If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago and you’re 18 or over, you are eligible for a booster. You can sign up for a booster no matter where you live in New York by going to ny.gov/booster.
Mask Wearing in Buildings
I was informed this week that a few people are becoming more lax when it comes to wearing masks. I understand the fatigue being caused by this virus and the constant mask-wearing inside buildings, at performances, and at sporting events. I understand and empathize. Notwithstanding, I want to encourage everyone to please stay the course of remaining vigilant. Let’s not give up as we approach the finish line.
A Tribute to our International Students, Faculty, and Staff
About a couple of weeks ago, I decided to drop by the Registrar’s Office and make my way up to the fourth floor of the library to the staff of Tutoring Services and Academic Advising. As I made my way to the elevator, I came across an array of flags of many nations (see below). Although this was not my first time seeing these flags, this time I stopped to observe more closely.
I saw the flag of the United States of America at the end towards my left as my eyes surveyed all the flags. As I stood there and my eyes feasting on the flags of many nations, I thought about our students, faculty, and staff that have come here to SUNY Fredonia from many of the countries whose flags hang high up in our wonderful library. I thought about the choice they made to come to SUNY Fredonia. I tried to imagine what the first moment for each of them was like upon arriving on our campus. As I stood there, I also thought about how they have come to embrace SUNY Fredonia as their home and have become Fredonians. I thought about the knowledge, experiences, talents, and the culture that they have brought to this campus. I thought about how they have enriched the culture of this place we love – SUNY Fredonia. Truly wonderful! And so, to our international students, faculty, and staff, I want to say thank you for choosing SUNY Fredonia as a place to further your education and /or pursue your processional or career goals. Should you have the opportunity to travel back to your home countries for any reason, I hope you will feel fully empowered to serve as great ambassadors or envoys of SUNY Fredonia, telling people about the wonderful things at this university, and about our mission to “educate, challenge, inspire students to become skilled, connected, and responsible global citizens and professionals”.
To all our faculty and staff who support international students and the many global learning opportunities - thank you. Internationalization is a part of what many of us do on a day-to-day basis, and I'm delighted for the students, faculty, and staff who ensure Fredonia's global representation.
Final Exams
Students, I am sure the pressure is on as you approach the final exams week, the week of December 13. Please know that I am wishing you the very best.
I will have a final update for this semester and this calendar year for you next week. Nevertheless, let me say this to you now. It has been a tremendous privilege and pleasure connecting with you each Thursday. I appreciate the time you have taken to read them, and I hope you have found them helpful in any way. Thank you for the privilege.
Very truly yours,
Dr. K
Stephen H. Kolison Jr., Ph.D.
President and Professor