HR News

Update on Syracuse University Employee Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccine

Dear Faculty and Staff:

We are writing to share important information related to COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and access. Under current New York State guidelines, most all Syracuse University employees (who live and work in New York State) are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This includes all faculty and staff working in-person on campus, as well as those working remotely because they are not vaccinated but who plan to return to work in-person once vaccinated.

Additionally, both the Onondaga County and New York State Fairgrounds COVID vaccination sites report having available appointments for eligible individuals. The county and state websites update regularly so please check often until you can confirm an appointment.

We strongly encourage any Syracuse University employee who intends to be vaccinated to make an appointment as soon as possible. Like the flu and other communicable diseases, vaccination is the best protection against the spread of COVID-19. A widely vaccinated community safeguards the health, wellness and safety of our students, faculty and staff, and helps the University return to more normal operations.

Vaccination Instructions and Next Steps

Please follow these simple steps to coordinate your COVID vaccine:

  • Make an appointment: Visit the New York State COVID-19 vaccine website or the Onondaga County COVID-19 vaccine website to identify an available time that works for you.
  • Complete the two forms provided in your confirmation email: After you schedule your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email. This email will contain links to two forms: 1) a screening and consent form that will need to be printed and completed and 2) a form attesting to your eligibility status. The attestation form will provide a “Submission ID,” which you can show on your phone when you arrive at the vaccine clinic.
  • Provide proof of eligibility upon arrival: Please bring with you proof of employment, such as your SU I.D. card and paystub. You should also bring with you your driver’s license or government-issued identification card.
  • Bring your insurance card: You will be asked for insurance information, but the vaccine is free and there will never be a charge to you. This information is for administrative use only. You do not need to have insurance to get the vaccine.

Please note: the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines both require a second dose, which will be scheduled during your appointment for the first dose. The Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose.

In addition, we strongly encourage you to closely review all other eligibility categories for your family and dependents who may currently qualify for the vaccine.

We appreciate your ongoing commitment to our community’s health and wish you well as you pursue your COVID-19 vaccination.

Sincerely,

Syracuse University Public Health Team

Fall 2021 Semester Update

Dear Students, Families, Faculty and Staff:

The midpoint of the semester is fast approaching. Saturday was the first day of spring, bringing a sense of renewal and optimism. All of us need that, perhaps now more than ever. This has been an exceptionally challenging academic year. Beyond our campus, the personal losses and suffering have been especially painful. Through all of this, I have found comfort and hope from all of you. Since our return to campus in August of 2020, our Orange family has responded with grit, grace and greatness. That is why we are here today, and why I have great confidence in our future.

Planning for the Fall

Monday, Aug. 30, will be the first day of classes for the Fall 2021 semester. With wide distribution of vaccines and progress toward achieving herd immunity, we are planning for a fully in-person semester this fall. The University will remain vigilant and cautious as always, follow all the best public health guidance and continue to take care of those who remain at risk. We will do everything possible to support our international students in making their way to campus.

The fall semester will provide a robust academic and co-curricular in-person experience for our students, faculty and staff. It’s too soon to know exactly what conditions with COVID-19 will be like six months from now. But with improving conditions around the region and country, and continued optimism among federal, state and local officials, Syracuse University is planning for a return to more normal operations this fall.

Remaining Vigilant Today

Our enthusiasm is tempered by the reality of where we are today. The pandemic isn’t over. Like so many other universities, Syracuse has recently experienced a spike in positive COVID-19 cases. As a result, the Public Health Team has implemented new measures to mitigate the spread beyond what has already occurred. While our numbers remain manageable, and compared to other universities relatively low, we know how quickly things can change. Please remain vigilant, continue to follow the Stay Safe Pledge and adhere to all public health guidance.

Thank you for your continued cooperation, resilience and commitment to each other. Our community has shown what is possible in the face of adversity. Your actions every day remind me of what it means to be Orange.

Sincerely,

Chancellor Kent Syverud

Syracuse University Sponsored Identity Protection Services Available

To help provide peace of mind to our community, the University has engaged IdentityForce, a leader in the identity protection industry, to provide services to faculty and benefits-eligible staff. Beginning March 19, 2021, eligible faculty and staff will have free access to IdentityForce’s UltraSecure Plus identity protection, credit services, and recovery services for the next twelve months. Visit the HR Identity Protection Services webpage for more information and how to enroll. For any questions, contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 or IdentityForce Member Services at 877.694.3367.

Public Health Advisory: New Action Required to Combat Spike in COVID-19 Cases

Dear Students, Families, Faculty and Staff:

A short time ago, the University’s COVID dashboard was updated to reflect the 20 new COVID-19 infections we have confirmed in the past 24 hours. All these new COVID-19 cases are among students. As Vice Chancellor J. Michael Haynie shared in a message earlier today, the Public Health Team is concerned about this emerging cluster of infection, particularly given that most of those who have tested positive over the past week reside in North Campus residence halls.

It is critically important that we act quickly and decisively to undercut further spread of the virus within our residence halls, and more broadly across our campus community. For that reason, effective beginning at 9 p.m. today, the University will implement the following temporary actions to curb further spread of the virus on our campus:

·       Until further notice, all in-person dining on campus, including the Schine Student Center, will move to grab and go service only.

·       Access to public lounges in DellPlain, Shaw and Booth halls is temporarily suspended.

·       The University will distribute a supply of disposal paper masks to all residents of DellPlain, Shaw and Booth halls. Until further notice, any individual living or working in DellPlain, Shaw and Booth halls will be required to adhere to a double-masking policy while in those buildings. The only exception to this policy applies to students when they are in their own rooms.

·       Until further notice, all residents living in North Campus residence halls will be required to participate in COVID-19 testing twice a week. The COVID Program Management Office will contact all impacted students and provide a testing schedule applicable to your specific residence hall.

While we are optimistic these actions will help stem the spread of the virus, additional public health measures may be required if these initial actions prove inadequate to break the current chain of transmission. As soon as the data indicates that the current cluster of on-campus infection is controlled, these measures will be rescinded.

Finally, please hold yourself and those around you accountable. We cannot stress enough the importance of compliance with public health guidelines. If you have questions, concerns or information that could inform the Public Health Team’s response, do not hesitate to contact the COVID Program Management Office at 315.443.6180 or sucovid@syr.edu.

Sincerely,

Syracuse University Public Health Team

2021 Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act Report

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Every year, we release an informational report on drug and alcohol policy and services. This report is required of all universities, in compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act, and to give campus community members information about substance use and abuse, and institutional policies and programs in place to provide intervention and support.

We hope you will take time to review this report because we believe that information, education and personal awareness are powerful tools to ensure your health and safety and that of others on campus.

The 2021 edition of the Syracuse University Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act Report is now available online.

To request a print copy of the Syracuse University Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act Report, please contact Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance at riskadmin@syr.edu or 315.443.4011. Once you submit your request, your print copy will be delivered within 10 days.

Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to make Syracuse University a safe and healthy place for living, learning and working.

Sincerely,

Anthony Callisto Jr.
Senior Vice President and Chief Law Enforcement Officer
Campus Safety and Emergency Services

University to Offer IdentityForce Identity Protection to Faculty and Benefits-Eligible Staff

Dear Faculty and Staff:

As a follow up to the message we shared earlier this week regarding fraudulent unemployment benefit claims filed on behalf of New York State residents, we are writing today to share more information about identity protection services.

To help provide peace of mind to our community, the University has engaged IdentityForce, a leader in the identity protection industry, to provide services to faculty and benefits-eligible staff. Beginning Friday, March 19, eligible faculty and staff will have one year of free access to IdentityForce’s identity protection (including fraud, change of address and dark web monitoring); credit services (including credit freeze and reporting assistance, credit bureau monitoring, and monthly credit reports and scores); and recovery services (including white-glove remediation assistance and up to $1 million of identity theft insurance). Employees will also have free coverage for their children and the option to purchase additional coverage for themselves and one other adult at a reduced price.

Next week, you will receive a welcome email from IdentityForce that includes a link to access its secure portal so you can activate the coverage and begin using its services. Enrolling in these services is optional. When you activate the coverage, you will decide the level of information you wish to provide to IdentityForce. No personally identifiable information will be provided to IdentityForce by Syracuse University. You will also receive a brief survey from the Office of Human Resources that will ask you if you want to elect additional coverage for yourself or another adult. If you complete this survey, the Office of Human Resources will transmit that information to IdentityForce on your behalf.

Please contact HR Shared Services (HRservice@syr.edu or 315.443.4042) with any questions about this new benefit.

Sincerely,

Andrew R. Gordon
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

Steve Bennett
Senior Vice President for Academic Operations and International Programs and Chief of Staff to the Provost

Additional Guidance on Vaccine Eligibility

Dear Members of the Syracuse University Community:

I am writing as a follow up to the message I shared Tuesday regarding New York State’s expansion of vaccine eligibility. We have secured further guidance from the state’s Department of Health related to those who may be newly eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning on Wednesday, March 17. The news is positive for our campus community.

Beginning March 17, all Syracuse University employees who are currently required to perform their job in person and on campus will be eligible for vaccination in the category of: “In-person College Faculty or Essential In-person Staff.” The guidance also extends eligibility to some student workers who have public-facing and in-person roles (i.e., residence hall advisors). At this time, employees who are working fully remotely do not yet qualify as eligible based on this new guidance.

For those Syracuse University employees eligible beginning March 17, please note the following:

  • You can pursue a vaccination appointment by registering at either the Onondaga County (OnCenter) or New York State (Fairgrounds) vaccination sites.
  • You are not eligible to pursue an appointment prior to March 17. Be advised that if you do register for an appointment prior to March 17, you may be turned away from the vaccination site.
  • In addition to scheduling an appointment online, appointments can be scheduled by calling the state’s hotline at 1.833.697.4829.
  • Employees will be required to show proof of eligible employment, and should bring with them their Syracuse University I.D., insurance card and a pay stub.

We remain in close contact with state, county and local officials and will share any additional updates related to this newly expanded eligibility. Please continue to visit Syracuse.edu/staysafe for the latest information about the University’s COVID-19 response.

Sincerely,

J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation

Message From Chancellor Kent Syverud

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Today you received a message from University Trustees Richard Alexander and Jeffrey Scruggs, co-leads of the Board of Trustees Special Committee on University Climate, Diversity and Inclusion. The committee has completed its comprehensive review and delivered its final report and recommendations [PDF] to advance the University’s goals in diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility.

I appreciate the committee’s work and am most grateful for the students, faculty, staff, alumni and independent experts who shared their experiences, counsel and wisdom. These recommendations are a direct result of our community’s willingness to participate honestly and constructively.

The committee has given us several tangible actions that will serve to position all of our students, faculty and staff for success, regardless of their race, background, religion or life experiences. Implementation of some recommendations is already underway, with the rest to be fulfilled promptly.

The committee’s work is one piece of the University’s larger effort to foster an inclusive and respectful campus environment for everyone. The delivery of this report follows the completion of former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch’s independent review of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and framework for a DPS Community Review Board. Still forthcoming are the results and insights from the campus climate pulse survey that was conducted by Dr. Damon Williams. All this work will inform the creation of a Universitywide strategic plan focused on advancing our goals relative to diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility.

As I shared with our community last week, there is no endpoint to this work. We aspire to be the example of a University that is welcoming to all. I am confident that the commitment and collective efforts of every corner of our community will get us there.

Sincerely,
Chancellor Kent Syverud

Updates Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Availability for Eligible Faculty and Staff

Dear Faculty and Staff:

The University continues to update our campus community about ongoing developments related to the distribution and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine in New York. The state has not yet expanded vaccine eligibility beyond those in Phase 1a and 1b groups and individuals with certain underlying health conditions. However, there are efforts underway to make vaccines more readily available to those who are already eligible. To that end, we have two important updates to share:

Vaccine Hours to Expand at New York State Fairgrounds

Yesterday, it was announced that with approval of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine, the New York State Fairgrounds will begin operating as a 24-hour-a-day vaccination clinic beginning Friday, March 5. Extended hours and expanded vaccine availability will open up thousands of additional appointments, making it easier for those eligible to receive the vaccine. New appointment time slots at the fairgrounds will open at 8 a.m. on Thursday, March 4.

To check your eligibility and make an appointment, visit the New York State eligibility tool website or call the state’s Vaccination Hotline at 1.833.697.4829. Again, the state is currently vaccinating Phase 1a and 1b groups, including those with certain comorbidities and underlying conditions, as outlined in its phased vaccine distribution plan. Only individuals determined to be eligible by the state should pursue an appointment.

Employment Verification Letters No Longer Required at County/State Vaccination Sites

Faculty and staff eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a county or state vaccination site (including the fairgrounds) are not required to bring an employment verification letter to their appointment as previously instructed. Employees should, however, bring the following items to their appointment:

·       Syracuse University I.D.;

·       A pay stub; and

·       Health insurance ID card (there will not be a co-pay or other out-of-pocket expense for the vaccination).

We will continue to keep you informed of any additional updates on vaccine eligibility and availability. As a reminder, New York State—not Syracuse University—makes all determinations related to vaccine eligibility based on a variety of factors, including the risk associated with workplace exposure and the availability of vaccine supplied to New York State by the federal government.

Sincerely,

Andrew R. Gordon
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation

John Liu
Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost

COVID-19 Update: New York State Guidance | Mandatory Testing | Vaccine Eligibility

Dear Students, Families, Faculty and Staff:

The landscape of federal, state and local policy guidance related to the COVID health emergency continues to evolve at a rapid pace. We are following these policy changes and amended public health guidelines very closely, to ensure that our ongoing response to the COVID health emergency is informed by the most current science and public policy.

Today’s message addresses some of the recent health policy changes and prevention protocols announced by New York State and federal authorities and is intended to provide clarity as to how those changes are impacting our efforts to ensure the health and safety of our campus and Central New York communities. In this message I will address:

  • New York State Guidance to Colleges and Universities
  • Mandatory Student Testing
  • Vaccine Eligibility and Requirements
  • Current Travel Guidance
  • Spring Break Travel

Please continue to visit Syracuse.edu/staysafe for the latest news and information, and to review the most up-to-date COVID-19 dashboard.

Clarity on New York State Guidance: New guidance from New York State related to the conditions that would require a “pause” to in-person learning and student activities has generated a lot of news, chatter and word-of-mouth on college and university campuses. I want to provide clarity on how the new guidance impacts us.

On Friday, Feb. 19, New York State updated its guidance for when colleges and universities must go “on-pause” because of COVID infections on campus. Previously, if our campus experienced 100 positive COVID test results over a fixed two-week period, New York State would require that we pause in-person learning and student activities for 14 days. Under the revised guidance, the threshold for the number of positive test results that would result in a mandatory pause is now set at 5 percent of the total on-campus population (over a 14-day period). At Syracuse University, this equates to a threshold of 880 positive test results over a rolling 14-day period. Under New York State guidelines, this new standard applies only to colleges and universities conducting surveillance testing of a minimum of 25 percent of the on-campus population weekly. Currently, the University is testing approximately 75 percent of our on-campus population weekly and will do so for the entire semester.

Though we are grateful for relief from the prior and somewhat arbitrary standard of 100 positive tests, it is important that all members of our community understand that what this change in policy really does is afford the University enhanced discretion to enact public health policies and measures that best align with our unique circumstance. In other words, it is important not to interpret the 880-positive test metric as the single standard by which the University may decide—even absent a mandate from the state—to pause in-person learning given an outbreak of COVID infection on our campus. Instead, moving forward, that threshold will be informed by our own public health experts and the unique situation on campus. Be assured that the Syracuse University Public Health Team will continue to proactively monitor the public health situation on campus and if necessary, those experts may act in advance of a mandate from New York State to introduce restrictions or limitations deemed necessary to protect the safety and well-being of our community.

Testing Is Mandatory for any Student Accessing Campus: Any student who is accessing campus—for whatever reason and regardless of how infrequently—must comply with the weekly testing regimen. This includes those students whose classes are solely online this semester but visit campus to use the dining facilities, fitness centers or other campus resources. Individuals, whether remote students or students who live off campus, are prohibited from accessing campus buildings and facilities without participating in the COVID surveillance testing program. Failure to be tested as required will result in consequences, as previously communicated. To learn more about our testing surveillance program, please review this message from the Public Health Team that was shared on Friday, Feb. 19.

Vaccine Eligibility and Requirements: We continue to receive questions about the state’s vaccination distribution process. There is nothing we want more than for every individual who wants to be vaccinated to get vaccinated. However, as a reminder, New York State—not Syracuse University—makes all determinations related to vaccine eligibility. Eligibility determinations are assigned based on a variety of factors, including the risk associated with workplace exposure and as a function of the availability of vaccine supplied to New York State by the federal government.

Recently, New York State announced that those with certain underlying medical conditions are now eligible. The full list of qualifying comorbidities and underlying conditions is available on the New York State website. For those who may qualify, you can confirm your eligibility, review frequently asked questions and register for the vaccination (when appointments are available) on the New York State eligibility tool website.

At the moment, only New York State, county health departments, pharmacies and hospitals are distributing the vaccine. Syracuse University has applied to the state to be an employer point of distribution in the event that vaccine supplies improve and eligibility for the vaccine is expanded. The New York State vaccination plan is evolving as vaccines become more available. The Syracuse University Public Health Team will continue to share new information as we receive it, including updates and changes impacting the vaccine eligibility and the availability of vaccination resources in our community.

Current Travel Guidance: Travel for University purposes remains limited to essential purposes only. Personal travel is also strongly discouraged to limit the risk of importing contagion into the Central New York community. In all cases, New York State guidance for traveler quarantine must be observed. Requests to travel for essential research purposes may be made to the vice president for research on the Return to Campus Research webpage. Students are prohibited from traveling outside of Central New York except as noted in the provisions of the Stay Safe Pledge. Travel for other essential reasons may be considered by relevant vice presidents or deans. Potential travelers are encouraged to contact the Office of Global Safety and Support at satucker@syr.edu or 315.443.1968 to discuss options. In all cases, those traveling for University purposes or students traveling for essential personal reasons should register their travel on the Syracuse University Travel Registry website.

Spring Break Travel: With the above guidance in mind and given the suspension of spring break this year, I want to remind our students to avoid making travel plans out of state. We are aware that some travel companies are already marketing travel packages to students. Per the Stay Safe Pledge, you are advised to remain here in Central New York; those who violate this provision may compromise the health and wellness of our students, faculty, staff and neighbors—and you may also face disciplinary sanctions for violating the Stay Safe Pledge.

I want to once again express my gratitude to those of you who are working hard to ensure that we all experience a safe and meaningful academic semester. We cannot let our guard down—not for even a single moment. It is everyone’s job to keep our campus community and neighbors safe, healthy and well.

Sincerely,

J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation