The following message was sent on behalf of SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum & Provost Mark Prus
We are writing to update you on actions we are taking to protect the SUNY Cortland community and help manage the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19. In response to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s recent announcement related to distance learning, and in consultation with SUNY administration, public health officials, members of the college’s leadership team and our COVID-19 task force, please be aware of the following:
- Instruction is suspended for all faculty and students until March 30.
- Faculty and staff will spend that week finalizing how our distance learning programs will be delivered.
- Faculty and students already involved in distance learning courses will continue uninterrupted.
- Starting March 30, instruction will be delivered to students through distance learning until at least April 13.
- Distance learning could include a variety of different methods. Details on how individual remote classes may work are in a memo sent to faculty and posted on SUNY Cortland’s COVID-19 page.
- Laboratory classes will be taught remotely when possible; exceptions can be allowed by the dean of the school.
- Students should regularly check their SUNY Cortland email. Each instructor will be communicating with students regarding details about the remote continuation of their coursework.
- The campus is not closing. Residence halls, Neubig Dining and other campus facilities and buildings will remain open, although with limited or reduced services.
- Students who can demonstrate that it would be a hardship or potentially unhealthy to return home will not be forced to leave.
- These students must communicate their plans with to Residence Life. A form is available through myRedDragon.
- Students working on campus will receive information regarding their campus employment
- Resident students wishing to return to campus housing assignments during the distance learning period will need to complete a notification form. Additional information will come in a separate communication from Residence Life and Housing.
- All spring athletics are suspended until at least March 22.
- This does not affect winter sports now in postseason competition.
- For updated information regarding athletic events, visit www.cortlandreddragons.com
- With limited exceptions, campus activities and events are cancelled until at least April 13.
- All events hosted by non-SUNY Cortland groups are cancelled until at least May 18.
- When activities resume, events may be subject to restrictions regarding attendance.
- Faculty and staff are expected to report to work as normal.
- Administrators may approve limited employee remote work assignments.
- Staff with health concerns may request a remote work assignment.
- The Open House scheduled for April 4 is postponed. A new date will be announced.
- A decision on Commencement has not yet been made. We will announce it as soon as possible.
- Issues related to the financial implications of COVID-19 to students and families are still being worked out with SUNY administration as part of the university’s overall plan. We will provide information as soon as it is available.
- Instruction is suspended for all faculty and students until March 30.
For more information and updates, continue to regularly visit SUNY Cortland’s COVID-19 webpage.
There are currently no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 on campus. We appreciate your cooperation as we work through this as a community. The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is SUNY Cortland’s top priority.