CHLOE KOWALYK
News Editor
In just seven weeks, SUNY Fredonia’s students will be returning to campus for the upcoming fall semester.
On Tuesday, June 29, students received an email on behalf of President Kolison detailing the updated COVID-19 guidelines for returning to the college in the fall.
The guidelines are in compliance with SUNY and the CDC, and will be effective immediately.
Fully vaccinated individuals will not need to partake in social distancing, while unvaccinated individuals will still need to observe a six foot distance between themselves and others.
As for distancing in classrooms and lecture halls, more guidance will be provided before returning in the fall, based on the college’s vaccination status and updated CDC guidelines.
Fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks indoors or outdoors, while unvaccinated individuals need to wear masks in accordance with the most recent CDC guidelines.
Unvaccinated individuals may remove their masks indoors while physically distanced or while seated and eating or drinking.
Unvaccinated people may also take off their masks when they are outdoors, unless they are at a crowded event where they are unable to socially distance themselves.
The daily health screening students and staff were required to participate in is now discontinued, but Kolison urges those on campus to “continue to self-monitor and ensure you are following recommended health and safety protocols.”
Visitor logs are also no longer going to be required, however, there will be signs placed outside of the buildings on campus reminding unvaccinated individuals that they still need to wear a mask before entering.
In his email, Kolison states, “as masking requirements for vaccinated people phase out, we want to remind our community that students, faculty, staff and campus visitors may continue wearing masks for many reasons. No one should be ridiculed or made uncomfortable because they choose to continue to wear masks.”
Many students are looking forward to a more “normal” college experience.
Rising sophomore Hunter Halterman is one of the many students who have yet to experience college in a more normal setting, and came into college during the pandemic.
“It will be new,” Halterman says. “So far, college has only been COVID-restricted.”
Kolison will likely send out another email detailing updated guidelines for staying safe next semester before students return in August.