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Classroom Mask Update

April 8, 2022 

Dear students and colleagues: 

In response to updated New York State guidance released last month and with input from our community and local health partners, SUNY Potsdam has made the decision to relax our mask requirements for indoor academic instruction. 

Effective on Monday, April 11, we are updating our campus policy to make masks optional in classrooms, labs, and studios. 

Please remember that masks are still required on public transportation and in some healthcare settings under New York State health policy, including the following:  

  • Student Health Services 

  • College Counseling Center 

  • Community Testing Site  

  • Bear Shuttle 

For those with approved exemptions or who are eligible for boosters, we strongly encourage you to keep wearing masks indoors, for your safety and the safety of your peers. 

In compliance with New York State isolation requirements, anyone who is within six to ten days of recovering from testing positive for COVID or who has symptoms is still required to continue to be masked around others.  

In keeping with our Potsdam Pledge and out of care for one another, we will fully support those members of our campus community who may choose to continue to wear a face covering in these settings. Any faculty or staff who have concerns about this change may work with Human Resources to request accommodations due to a documented medical condition. 

Please note that some classes may be asked to continue masking, to help protect a participant with a documented underlying condition. Campus constituents are asked to continue carrying a mask with you at all times. As a Potsdam Bear, we are committed to care for one another. 

Aprintable sign remains availableto post on your door for those who wish to request that guests wear a mask. We must be courteous and understanding when people are wearing masks or ask you to wear one. 

We will continue to monitor the data, and stand ready to adjust this policy as needed, should conditions change. Thank you for all that you have done to support each other through this changing pandemic.

Sincerely,  

Phil 
Dr. Phil Neisser ’79 

Officer in Charge, SUNY Potsdam