March 21, 2020
Dear students,
Governor Cuomo has now signed the New York State on PAUSE Executive Order, taking the strongest actions to date to contain the growing spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
Specifically, the Governor announced that the State will enforce:
- A ban on non-essential gatherings of individuals, for any reason, and of any size.
- Social distancing rules in essential businesses (such as grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and college campuses).
- Limiting the use of public transportation to travel that is absolutely necessary, and social distancing rules of at least 6 feet during essential travel.
These drastic actions are being taken to protect the health of our citizens and save lives. COVID-19 is spreading across the state, and we have to reduce density to help slow its spread. This is vitally important in order to prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed.
In compliance with the new regulations, SUNY Potsdam would like to remind all students:
- Only residential students who have been approved for a hardship exemption are allowed to be on campus or in the residence halls, beginning on Sunday, March 22 at 8 p.m.
- All other students will have their campus swipe card access disabled after that time.
- Anyone who is not approved to be on campus will be sent home immediately, at their own expense.
- No visitors of any kind will be allowed in the residence halls, and there will be a ban on non-essential gatherings for the foreseeable future, including in the residence halls and the remaining accessible areas on campus.
- Violations can result in sanctions, up to and including being sent home.
- Social distancing and hygiene guidelines must be followed and will be enforced in the remaining open campus facilities, such as our grab-and-go dining location.
These are very serious times. We must all do our part to protect and uphold each other’s health—especially for the most vulnerable among us. Thank you for being responsible. I wish you, your families and your loved ones the best of health.
Sincerely,
Kristin G. Esterberg, Ph.D.
President
SUNY Potsdam