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August 4, 2021
To our Faculty and Staff:
As we approach the start of the fall semester, it is vital we remain in contact with
all members of the FSC community about our plans; this is particularly true in light
of the spread of the Delta variant of COVID.
Since the outset of the public health emergency, we have prioritized the health of
our campus community. We anticipate a return to extensive on-campus instruction this
fall. Thanks to the excellent work of Academic Affairs and the Registrar’s Office,
we are prepared to shift/pivot to an A/B week schedule if circumstances require us
to do so.
Effective Thursday, August 5, the College will return to masking requirements in indoor
public settings for all individuals – students, faculty, and staff. This applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. This aligns the College
with the newest CDC recommendations calling for indoor face coverings in all regions
experiencing high or substantial spread of COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status.
Currently Suffolk County and Nassau County are considered high spread locations. Of
course, any member of the campus community may choose to wear a mask at any time.
We will require residential students and student-athletes to be vaccinated before
the SUNY vaccine requirement takes effect and are considering expanding this requirement
to other students in extracurricular settings. SUNY’s Board of Trustees is requiring
students to be vaccinated once full use authorization of a vaccine is provided by
the FDA. We regularly inform students of our expectations and urge them to receive
one of the vaccines.
We will hold our annual convocation program on Wednesday, August 25. The event will
again be available via livestream. Seating will be available in the Little Theatre,
where the program will originate and, if needed, seating for live-stream viewing will
be available in the Campus Center. However, seating in each venue will be limited
to those who have provided proof of vaccination. Our continental breakfast will be
held prior to the event on the Great Lawn behind Roosevelt Hall.
As you probably know, SUNY requires its employees to get vaccinated against the coronavirus
or undergo weekly tests for COVID-19. Our Health and Wellness Office is preparing
to conduct large-scale testing to meet the mandate for students and staff. Again,
I urge all members of the campus community who have not yet been vaccinated to do
so. If you’ve not yet done so, please upload your proof of vaccination.
For the most up-to-date information, please visit The Hub.
John Nader
President
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