A Message from the President

Author
David E. Rogers
Published date
10:55 a.m.
News Type
Coronavirus

Dear students,

Governor Cuomo has now signed the New York State on PAUSE Executive Order, taking the strongest actions to date to contain the growing spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Madison County announced its first three positive cases this weekend.

Specifically, the Governor announced that the State will enforce:

  • A ban on non-essential gatherings of individuals, for any reason, and of any size.
  • Social distancing rules in essential businesses (such as grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and college campuses).
  • Limiting the use of public transportation to travel that is absolutely necessary, and social distancing rules of at least 6 feet during essential travel.

These drastic actions are being taken to protect the health of all people and save lives. COVID-19 is spreading across the state, and we have to reduce density to help slow its spread. This is vitally important in order to prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed.

In compliance with the new regulations, SUNY Morrisville reminds all students:

  • Only residential students who have been approved for a hardship exemption are allowed to be on campus or in the residence halls, beginning Sunday, March 29, at 8 p.m.
  • All other students will have their campus swipe card access disabled after that time.
  • Anyone who is not approved to be on campus will be sent home immediately, at their own expense.
  • No visitors of any kind will be allowed in the residence halls, and there will be a ban on non-essential gatherings for the foreseeable future, including in the residence halls and the remaining accessible areas on campus.
  • Violations can result in sanctions, up to and including being sent home. Off-campus gatherings in violation of these rules can also result in civil fines.
  • Social distancing and hygiene guidelines must be followed and will be enforced in the remaining open campus facilities, such as our grab-and-go dining location.

Remote Learning Period Permission to Stay Rules and Regulations

Please be patient as we navigate this unprecedented occurrence. You are being granted the opportunity to reside on campus when one or more of the following applies:

  1. you have hardship considerations, defined as
    1. Lack of housing security
    2. Lack of food security
    3. Threat to physical safety
  2. you are an international student
  3. you do not have access to the internet or necessary technology to complete remote learning

If you have not submitted a request yet, you must now do so through Web for Students, before Wednesday, March 25. Confirmation of the decision will be sent by Friday, March 27, to your campus e-mail. If your request is approved, you will receive a code of conduct and housing license addendum, which you must electronically affirm and follow to remain on campus.

While you reside on campus, you are expected to abide by all federal and New York State laws, SUNY Morrisville policies, the Student Code of Conduct and Residence Life policies (Housing Agreement).

Guests and visitors are always strictly prohibited.

Social gatherings of any kind or size are prohibited.

Violations may result in removal from the residence hall system.

Staffing

You will notice that Residence Life and custodial services will be altered. Please be very thoughtful and attentive to social distancing, hygiene and sanitation while you are on campus. We all need to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19. Students allowed to continue as residents are responsible for cleaning bedrooms and restrooms to assist in this effort. The cleaning protocol is here: morrisville.edu/coronavirus/cleaning

In-person Resident Assistant programming will not take place, but we will create ways to engage with you. Our professional Residence Life staff is here but will also be limiting in-person interaction. Their contact information is posted in your Residence Hall.

Food service and health services will be available, but limited. We are evaluating how they will be delivered as the changing circumstances dictate. In-person interaction is not likely. As information and plans are finalized, we will communicate them.

Student Conduct and Community Standards

Any student(s) found to be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and housing license or the amendments imposed during the remote learning period, will be subject to serious student conduct sanctions and may be required to leave the residence hall for the duration of the semester. A form to be signed electronically is forthcoming and will be provided.

Student Code of Conduct and housing license or the amendments imposed during the remote learning period include:

  1. You must maintain a space of six feet from others at all times, even in shared spaces.
  2. You must remain on campus, only leaving for walks on campus by yourself, or to pick up food and essentials.
  3. You may not host overnight guests under any circumstances. Visitors are not approved in the Residence Halls during Remote Learning Period (remainder of spring 2020 semester). Only approved residents are able to be in the Residence Halls.
  4. You may not have another person in your bedroom. This includes students from other residence halls.
  5. You may not consume alcohol (except as permitted in Morrisville Commons) or host gatherings where alcohol is served, even if you are of age during the Remote Learning Period. If you are found to be consuming alcohol, you will be removed from on-campus housing.
  6. You may not take part in or host social gatherings. This includes hanging out in lounges or common areas.
  7. If you are found in violation of the code of conduct, housing license or amendments listed above, you may be removed from on-campus housing.

Other Items of Importance

  1. During the Remote Learning Period, you will see a reduction in Dining Services. Meals will be available for takeout only, and they will be from a limited menu.
  2. During the Remote Learning Period, no clubs, events, intramurals or other gatherings will take place.

Stay Healthy!

Practice social distancing, wash your hands and, if you do not feel well, stay in bed and seek medical attention if appropriate (remember to call or message, rather than show up in person). Be considerate of others.

  1. What can you do to stay well? Get sleep, wash your hands, limit your interactions with others, practice social distancing, study, read, go for a walk in nature, eat healthy foods, and watch TV.
    • Clean up after yourself in your shared bathrooms and use a shower caddy to transport your toiletries
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
    • Clean AND disinfect frequently-touched surfaces daily such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, faucets and sinks
    • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, preferably using your sleeve (shoulder or elbow)
  2. What if you don't feel well? Stay in your room and contact the Student Health Center.

Alternatives to Social Gatherings

  1. Please be reminded for your and our health and well-being, in-person social gatherings are not allowed. This includes no clubs, events, intramurals, in-person RA programming or other gatherings.
  2. So how can you stay connected? Use technology! Connect via text, audio or video using Office.com, Zoom, Group Me, Google Meet, Facetime, etc.
  3. Check and read your e-mail throughout the day, every day. As circumstances change, our communication will be updated by e-mail.

Consolidation and Reassigned Living Spaces

One last thing, in consideration of health and safety, we are only allowing students with a desperate need to stay on campus. Because of that, we will need to consolidate all residents into specific locations. This will happen in the future and you will receive notice beforehand. We will share details as they become available.

To reduce the number of students in close proximity to each other, you may be reassigned to an alternate living space. Wherever possible, we will assign you to a single bedroom to ensure social distancing guidelines and safety protocols. If you are assigned a new room, you are expected to completely vacate your existing space and move your belongings to the new space within 24 hours. If you decline moving, you will be required to leave campus housing immediately and find alternate housing arrangements.

The college reserves the right (using established procedures) to reassign or withdraw accommodations for reasons that may include health and safety, non-payment of bills, student conduct (disciplinary) action, consolidation of space and administrative needs.

Limited Resources and Amenities

The Student Activities Center (STUAC), including the Fitness Center, Smooth Jazzy Joz and all recreational space, is closed. Only Mustang Alley will remain open for takeout meals during designated times.

The library will be closed until further notice.

There will be no transportation services.

The Student Health Center will be available for approved appointments only. Students must call the office and speak to the triage nurse before visiting the facility.

Counseling Services have been suspended until further notice.

Important Contact Information

Watch the COVID-19 (coronavirus) webpage for updates and important information.