From: President’s Office <president.office@fredonia.edu>
Date: Fri, Mar 13, 2020 at 12:41 PM
March 13, 2019
Dear Campus Community:
Spring Break begins tomorrow and we want you to be safe. A number of students have already asked to stay in the residence halls over the break. As a result, some food service will be provided, including Cranston Marché. To assist students remaining on campus during Spring Break, meal plans will remain active through the Spring Break at no extra cost.
For students considering heading home or elsewhere over the break, Professor of Biology Ted Lee asked that I share the following message with you:
- The COVID-19 outbreak is truly significant and the steps being taken by public health officials are important to mitigate the outbreak (and to save lives).
- You should consider remaining on campus in the residence halls over the break. This approach provides the best option to help mitigate the spread of the virus.
- Students leaving campus for the break (or after the break) should be vigilant about what they do so that they stay healthy and the virus is not spread to others. I strongly recommend students stay at their destination site.
- This is an exceptional situation and the steps you take are important. Your actions can help save the lives of those at risk, including those in your family. Your support of each other at this time is also critical.
Residence Halls/Financial Considerations
Final guidance on this issue has not been received from SUNY. I
understand your concerns about the cost of unused residence halls and
meal plans, and truly wish I had a final answer to share with you. I
apologize for the delay in providing you with clarity on this important
issue.
Please let us know by March 19 whether you will be staying in the
residence hall or participating in distance learning off campus. If you
choose distance learning and are able to retrieve your belongings by
then, please do so. If not, please contact the Office of Residence Life
to make arrangements to collect your belongings at a later date.
Civility
I have received reports in the past 24 hours of two incidents where
Fredonia students from Asia were subjected to verbal abuse because the
Coronavirus originated in China. Tensions are high right now because of
the upheaval and schedules and the uncertainty of the situation, but
please be respectful of the right of all students. No one on this
campus wanted to see the turmoil this situation is causing. And
remember, our international students are thousands of miles from home
while undergoing the same trials and tribulations. Civility and respect
towards everyone is a hallmark of SUNY Fredonia.
Athletics
The SUNY Athletic Conference canceled its spring season for all
sports. The cancellation affects the Blue Devils baseball, softball,
women’s lacrosse, and outdoor track & field regular seasons, as well
as non-traditional seasons for women’s soccer, men’s soccer, women’s
tennis, and women’s volleyball.
I expect to send one more message later today. Again, thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
Dennis L. Hefner, Ph.D.
Interim President