New York’s state university system released a plan for the return of students for the spring 2021 semester. Unlike the fall semester, SUNY will now take a unified approach for its 64 campuses.
The plan requires that all classes will be remote until February 1st, to reduce the spread of both COVID-19 and the flu.
The spring semester will not include a Spring Break. Schools are allowed to schedule single-day, mid-week “reading days” to provide short breaks, but students are discouraged from leaving their campuses.
All students must complete a COVID-19 test upon returning to campus. Students will also complete a seven-day quarantine prior to returning. Once on campus, regular testing for students, faculty, and staff will be implemented.
Masks will be required at all times on campus, even when six feet of social distancing is possible.
The plan calls for schools to prepare for virtual commencement ceremonies. It is still uncertain whether in-person ceremonies will be allowed.