December 17, 2021
Dear Fredonia community:
I am writing to you this afternoon because of a sudden uptick in COVID-19 infections. As of Thursday evening (December 16, 2021), SUNY Fredonia has 53 active COVID-19 cases among its students. We are working with those students to make sure their academic and health needs are being met. Residential students who remain on campus for their isolation or quarantine period are supported by a team which includes a Response and Support Coordinator who resides in the quarantine and isolation hall.
If you are following the national news on COVID-19 cases and new infections, the next few months are expected to be very precarious. Some large universities have experienced very high infections and have therefore moved their learning remotely. Hence, I cannot overstate the importance of remaining vigilant and keeping our guards up during the winter break. I remain optimistic that we will be open next semester for face-to-face instruction. However, that will be possible only if we continue to take the necessary steps to keep ourselves and others safe from COVID-19: testing, vaccinations, boosters, proper mask wearing, good hygiene practices, and social distancing. Another important way to protect oneself and others from COVID-19 is to remain informed about the virus, its variants, and their virulence and transmissibility. I recommend this CDC site for such information.
Regarding the vaccine booster, if you received the 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 Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago and you’re 16 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 in New York or anywhere in the United States. I encourage everyone to visit the CDC website to learn more about the booster and its importance.
The COVID-19 steering committee and other key staff members have been meeting this semester to discuss what needs to be done for spring. Those meetings will continue through the break and into January. To ensure that you are aware of new developments and what to expect when you return, I will keep you updated as much as necessary over the winter break. In the meantime, should you test positive for COVID-19, students should contact the Student Health Center at health.center@fredonia.edu or 716-673-3131; employees should contact Human Resources at human.resources@fredonia.edu or 716-673-3434.
I wish you and your families an enjoyable and safe holiday season.
Very truly yours,
Dr. K
Stephen H. Kolison Jr., Ph.D.
President and Professor