Dear members of the campus community,
Thank you for your continued efforts to isolate COVID-19 instances and lessen the spread of the virus. Several measures are in place to assist us, including some new and expanded ones.
Per order of New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, all nonessential state employees will begin working from home effective Tuesday, March 17. To that end, all nonessential employees are directed to prepare a work plan to submit to their supervisors by the end of Tuesday, detailing their work hours and availability by phone, email and other messaging, for how they will continue work from home. A daily report of work should be provided as well. Essential employees should expect to continue reporting to work as scheduled or otherwise directed by their supervisors.
We are also availing ourselves of the opportunity provided by SUNY system to extend our spring break by an additional week. While we were scheduled to resume classes on Monday, March 23, we are now pushing back our date to resume classes to Monday, March 30. This will allow our faculty and staff the necessary time to prepare for this monumental shift in planning and teaching. It will also allow our students to become more familiar with what remote learning means for them, and make the necessary adaptations to finish the academic semester.
Students who are on campus are welcome to stay. Students who are at home or otherwise away from campus are encouraged to stay where they are, if possible. Please communicate with Residence Life about your intentions.
Students who are on campus will still have access to dining. To comply with the Governor’s directives of no more gatherings exceeding 50 people (especially controlling spaces where people eat), meals will be provided for takeout to avoid congregating in groups in dining halls. Additionally, the campus Fitness Center, STUAC gym and Hamilton Hall gym are closed until further notice.
Students who have already left campus for break and wish to return to retrieve their belongings may do so between Monday, March 23, and Wednesday, March 25. We ask them to work with Residence Life to schedule when they will be on campus to do so.
More information will be forthcoming as our plans take further shape. Please watch your email, especially Alerts@morrisville.edu, and regularly check morrisville.edu/coronavirus for updates. The “Communications Archive” in particular will contain all announcements we distribute.
We know this is incredibly disruptive for everyone. We know it is stressful. I am impressed by how well our faculty and staff are adapting so they can continue to serve students. I am encouraged by our students and their resolve to adapt as well. I am appreciative of family and friends and community members supportive of our students and employees in these circumstances.