University Commons on a lovely spring night.
Campus preparing for in-person instruction and extracurricular activities in August
With the prospects of better days ahead, State University of New York at Fredonia President Stephen H. Kolison Jr. announced the university's plans to resume full in-person instruction in the Fall 2021 semester.
“I am hopeful as I read about positive cases declining in our region as a whole, more vaccines being approved, more mass vaccination sites like ours being established, and more projections that the majority of Americans will be vaccinated by mid-summer,” Dr. Kolison said in a recent email to the campus community. “I believe it is okay for us to begin imagining a fall semester that allows for more in-person connections. It is my hope that we should be able to return to a more familiar setting of in-person instruction and extracurricular activities this fall.”
Dr. Kolison pointed out the challenge involved in predicting just what the status of COVID-19 will be when the Fall 2021 semester begins. “For the most part, the Fredonia community has been impressive this semester in following proper protocols and participating in surveillance testing,” Dr. Kolison said. “While some of these protocols may need to continue, we are hopeful that those elements and expanded vaccinations will allow for a healthy and safe campus this fall.”
Dr. Kolison said the plan for in-person instruction this fall will also be contingent on updated public health guidance from SUNY, the Chautauqua County Department of Health, the New York State Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Dr. Kolison’s message to campus also included a request to faculty to prepare contingencies that would pivot academic modalities to remote or hybrid models if the need presents itself.
“SUNY Fredonia is looking forward to returning to a dynamic and engaged campus this fall,” Dr. Kolison said. “We are excited for the prospect of students returning to the classroom, to clubs and organizations, and to musical, theatre, and athletic events that make Fredonia vibrant and exciting.”
Founded in 1826, Fredonia is among the most storied in the State University of New York system. It is home to the world-renowned School of Music and over 80 degree programs in the theatre and visual arts, natural and social sciences, education, business, and liberal arts. The university is known for its strong academic programs, attractive architecture and grounds, rich campus life, and commitment to student engagement and success. Fredonia is focused on ensuring that all students, utilizing knowledge developed through a broad range of intellectual experiences, will be: skilled, connected, creative and responsible global citizens and professionals.
