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Dear Students and Families:

Every Thursday, I share a message with our students and families about safe, fun and rewarding activities scheduled for the upcoming weekend. I have been pleased to see such an overwhelming number of our students participating in these events. It’s a testament to our students’ judgment that they are seeking out safe and healthy ways to enjoy the spring semester.

As I’ve said before, I am fully aware this semester is not typical. But, thanks to so many people in our community, there are many opportunities to experience what our campus and neighboring communities have to offer. Before I share this weekend’s activities, I want to take a moment to reiterate Vice Chancellor Mike Haynie’s message about the importance of getting vaccinated.

We all want nothing more than a return to normalcy. In addition to adhering to public health guidelines, we know that a broadly vaccinated community is key to mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Here’s what you can do to pursue a vaccination:

• Don’t Wait, Get Vaccinated When It’s Your Turn: As of Tuesday, April 6, all students (16 and older) are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Please visit the or the  to schedule your appointment. Important reminder: Many of you are likely already eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination due to other factors, such as preexisting conditions. Please review  to determine if you can schedule your appointment ahead of the April 6 vaccination expansion.
• Sign Up on the Vaccination Waitlist: Onondaga County occasionally has extra doses available during their clinic days. The county created a waitlist for individuals to sign up to be notified on short notice, if/when extra vaccine is available. Those who sign up on the waitlist will receive an email notifying them of extra doses and allowing them to register for an appointment. If you are interested in being included on the county’s vaccine waitlist, visit the .
• Participate in an On-Campus Clinic When Scheduled: The University is currently working with the state on the possibility of hosting on-campus vaccination clinics. We are hoping to have more information soon. In the meantime, you will receive an email from the Barnes Center later today encouraging you to pre-register for a vaccination appointment should this opportunity become available soon. Please seize the opportunity and pre-register immediately.

Weekend Activities: April 1-4

Below, I am including a sampling of activities, events and programming scheduled for this weekend. For a complete listing of events, .

Thursday, April 1

Friday, April 2

Saturday, April 3

Sunday, April 4

Remain Vigilant

I know the vast majority of our students continue to do the right things. Unfortunately, as we have learned, it requires the commitment of everyone in our community to reduce the risk of exposure to and spread of COVID-19. I urge you to remain vigilant and participate in events that adhere to public health directives. While the easiest and best way to protect yourself is to avoid attending large gatherings, here are the other steps you can take to stay healthy:

• Wear your mask always, even if you’re vaccinated.
• Keep your distance.
• Do not gather in groups larger than 10.
• Avoid travel outside of Central New York.
• Monitor your symptoms and stay home if you feel ill.
• Participate in testing and contact tracing procedures immediately and honestly.
• Adhere to all directives from state and local authorities and the University.

The spring semester is moving quickly; Commencement is only 52 days away. Let’s continue to work together to make sure all the activities we look forward to in May can indeed happen. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Please, keep doing your part!

Sincerely,

Robert D. Hradsky, Ed.D.
Vice President for the Student Experience