August 5, 2021
Hello Bears!
We are reaching out to our unvaccinated students to provide some additional information and let you know what you need to do prior to your return to campus.
Per New York State policy, vaccinations will be required for all SUNY and CUNY students upon full FDA approval of one of the COVID vaccines. In addition, vaccines are required for participation in a number of curricular and co-curricular activities beginning this fall semester. Vaccination is the key to returning to the campus life we love so much! More importantly, with the Delta variant leading to increasing rates of infection across the country, it is critical to protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated.
If you are enrolled or plan to enroll at Potsdam this Fall 2021 and don’t submit proof of vaccination, you will be required to test weekly on campus and will be unable to take part in many academic and campus life activities which involve close interpersonal contact.
Please read these FAQs for more information:
What should I do if I have been fully vaccinated?
If you have received your COVID-19 vaccine, please submit your proof of vaccination to Student Health Services using the secure file upload link here or by fax (315) 267-3260 by August 15, 2021.
I am not vaccinated, or I am only partially vaccinated. How do I complete the Temporary Accommodation Form?
All unvaccinated and partially vaccinated student must complete the Temporary Accommodation Form by midnight on Sunday, August 15, 2021.
Where can I obtain a COVID-19 vaccine?
To find a location near you, visit: https://www.vaccines.gov/search/ or text your ZIP code to 438829. It’s not too late to protect yourself! If you get the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine by August 11 (for new students) or August 15 (for other returning students), you would be fully immunized in time for your arrival to campus. If you start a two-dose vaccine series (Moderna or Pfizer), you will have partial protection for the first several weeks and can receive your second dose locally at one of our nearby pharmacies this fall. If you are not able to get or complete your vaccine series before you arrive on campus, we will offer a free vaccine clinic on a walk-in basis on Friday, September 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Barrington Student Union on the Potsdam campus. (Note that you will be required to obtain a weekly negative COVID-19 test until you are fully vaccinated.)
What should I do if I have been partially vaccinated?
If you have received the first dose of a two-dose vaccine (i.e., Pfizer or Moderna which requires two doses), please submit your proof of vaccination to Student Health Services using the secure file upload link here or by fax at (315) 267-3260 by Sunday, August 15, 2021. Partially vaccinated students will be required to follow masking and social distancing guidelines until you are fully vaccinated. In addition, you will need to:
- Obtain a negative diagnostic PCR COVID-19 test (not a rapid antigen test) between three (3) and five (5) days before you come to campus, so you have time to get your results back. You will need to bring a copy of the negative test result with you. You can find nearby testing providers by searching here. If you do not arrive with a valid test result, you may be required to quarantine.
- You will need to participate in weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing until you are fully vaccinated.
What is required if I do not submit proof of vaccination by August 15, 2021 or are unvaccinated?
If you will be physically on campus (at either the SUNY Potsdam main campus or Watertown extension site) at any point during the fall semester, you are required to follow masking and social distancing guidelines if and until you are fully vaccinated. In addition, you will need to:
- Obtain a negative diagnostic PCR COVID-19 test (not a rapid antigen test) between three (3) and five (5) days before you come to campus, so you have time to get your results back. You will need to bring a copy of the negative test result with you. You can find nearby testing providers by searching here. If you do not arrive to campus with valid test results, you may be required to quarantine.
- You will need to participate in weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing until you are fully vaccinated.
Can I submit a request for an exemption?
Students who have a medical or religious reason for not getting the COVID-19 vaccination can submit an exemption request. The forms are now available online at the Student Health Services site. Medical exemption requests must be signed by a licensed health care provider. Please note that even if your exemption request is approved, it is your responsibility to ensure that you can complete your academic program this semester without having been fully vaccinated, as many activities/academic programs require being fully vaccinated in order to participate. You will also be required to be masked and maintain social distancing at all times indoors, and when outdoors when social distancing is not possible. There will not be an option to study virtually if your classes and activities are in person (as the vast majority are this semester).
Find answers to commonly asked questions and more resources at: https://www.suny.edu/knowyourvax/
Questions about your vaccine status can be sent to: SHS@potsdam.edu
We will have more information about the return to campus check-in and testing process soon.
Sincerely,
Eric Duchscherer
Dean of Students