Return to Campus Protocols for Syracuse University Students | Spring 2021

• Protocols for students from all states non-contiguous to New York State and international locations
• Protocols for students from New York State and contiguous states

Student Check-In: January 30 through February 8

• All students living off-campus must check in at the Stadium Testing Center, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the period between Saturday, January 30, through Monday, February 8.
• Confirm proof of pre-arrival negative COVID test (via the Patient Portal or hard copy results)
• Verify proof of flu vaccine or exemption (via Patient Portal or hard copy)
• Participate in COVID saliva surveillance testing
• Verify local address
• Affirm Stay Safe Pledge

To speed up the check-in process, students are strongly encouraged to upload the results of their pre-arrival negative COVID test and proof of flu vaccine to the Patient Portal prior to arrival at the check-in center.

Pre-Arrival Testing & Quarantining

• You must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to accessing on-campus facilities, including on-campus housing.
• International travelers should review Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines as it relates to testing requirements and plan accordingly. 
  • Currently, the CDC advises that all international travelers must provide proof of a negative test prior to boarding planes bound for the United States.
• In accordance with the New York State travel advisory, you will be required to comply with quarantine guidelines upon arrival in New York.

Community Messages

• COVID-19 Update: Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions | Jan. 22, 2021

• Action Required: Review and Commit to the Stay Safe Pledge | Jan. 21, 2021

• COVID-19 Update: Vaccination, Testing, Important Reminders, Zoom Sessions | Jan. 15, 2020

• Message to Students from Dean Boise (Welcome Back; Return to Campus Protocols and Requirements) | Jan. 15, 2020

• Students and Families Invited to Participate in Zoom Sessions to Discuss Return to Campus Planning | Jan. 14, 2021

FAQs

• Syracuse University Frequently Asked Questions for Spring 2021

Q: When will syllabi for spring 2021 be posted, including attendance policies?

A: Syllabi will be posted as they are received, before or no later than Jan. 4, 2021. Attendance policies will be incorporated in the syllabi.

Q: How do I know what modality my courses will be taught in?

A: The spring 2021 course schedule is posted and this document notes the modality of each class.

Q: Do students, faculty and staff who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 and are now recovered (prior positive) need to wear masks when they return to campus?

A: Yes. All members of our community are required to wear a mask or face covering when on our campus. There are no exceptions based on prior COVID positive status.

Q: Do all students have to be tested prior to returning to campus?

A: Yes. To protect the health and safety of our campus and community, all students must participate in pre-arrival testing. Students may not move into campus housing without a negative pre-arrival test and students who live in off-campus housing cannot access campus (including classrooms, libraries and fitness centers) without a negative pre-arrival test. Be advised that the pre-arrival testing requirements vary based on the origin of your travel to New York State. Specifically, if you are traveling to New York State from a location subject to the New York State COVID-19 travel advisory, please be sure to review and comply with the pre-arrival testing requirements prescribed by the New York State Department of Health.

Q: I got a COVID-19 test within three days of my arrival in New York State, but I haven’t received the result. What should I do?

A: 

• You should come to campus for your scheduled check-in and present documentation that you have taken a pre-arrival test, administered within three days of your arrival in New York State.
• When you arrive at the check-in center, you will provide a saliva sample.
• If your check-in is before noon on Jan. 30 and 31, your move-in will be delayed until approximately 5 p.m., pending a negative saliva polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result.
• If your check-in is after noon on Jan. 30 or 31, your move-in will be deferred overnight. You will be referred to University-provided temporary housing overnight until your negative saliva PCR test result is received.
• Once moved in, you will join the required travel quarantine.

Q: Do all students have to quarantine when returning to campus?

A: No. New York State requires a a mandatory quarantine period for any individuals traveling from non-contiguous states or international locations. Students from New York or a contiguous state (New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania or Vermont) are exempt from quarantine under the New York State travel advisory.

Q: For individuals traveling from international locations or non-contiguous states, how long is the required quarantine?

A: The duration of the quarantine period is four days. Individuals can conclude their quarantine on the fourth day upon receiving a negative COVID test result. For those completing their quarantine on campus, Syracuse University will provide testing on the fourth day of the quarantine period.