SUNY Poly in 2021: Proactive Efforts + Responses to COVID-19

SUNY Poly’s Proactive Efforts & Responses Related to COVID-19

The pandemic continued to impact New York State, the nation, and the globe. SUNY Poly adapted quickly, providing for students’ academic needs via in-person and online educational options, while continuing to prioritize health and safety.

Building a Clear Plan

SUNY Poly continually updated a dedicated COVID-19 information section, as well as the fall 2020 and spring 2021 plan sections, with communications from the Office of the President, as well as important information for parents, students, faculty, and staff that includes COVID-19 potential exposure notices and guidance and directives from health experts, state, and federal officials. Countless hours were spent by planning teams, steering committees, and working groups to develop the spring 2021 plan, which was refined regularly based on changing guidance. Notably, the plan met or exceeded all New York State Reopening Higher Education requirements, which are some of the most stringent in the nation.

Taking Action

Overall, SUNY Poly supported the health of everyone on campus by:

  • Reducing classroom and laboratory density;
  • Adapting dining services to provide service that prioritizes health and safety;
  • Requiring face coverings be worn at all times, including inside all buildings, classrooms, shared laboratory areas, conference rooms, restrooms, elevators, hallways, etc. with exceptions clearly communicated as the spring semester progressed;
  • Adapting the fall 2020 semester calendar, which began with on-campus and online instruction on August 24, and, afterward, moves to online/distance instruction and final exams for the remainder of the semester;
  • Enacting detailed, daily cleaning protocols and upgrading HVAC systems;
  • Employing comprehensive pre-arrival and daily screenings, contact tracing in partnership with local health departments, and testing and quarantine as needed; and
  • Providing telehealth and telemedicine, including mental health resources, among numerous other efforts.

Making a Difference

In response to the pandemic, SUNY Poly not only adapted—its faculty, staff, and students worked to make a difference: