HR News

The University will operate under its holiday schedule and Orange Appreciation Days format for the Winter Break period from 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, through Friday, Jan. 1, 2021.

During the Holiday/Orange Appreciation Days Period:

• All academic and administrative buildings will be locked or closed.
• Building temperatures will be lowered to 60 degrees, unless prior arrangements have been made.

Request for Building Access:

If you require your building to be open over the Winter Break/Orange Appreciation Days period, please submit a request to your building coordinator, noting the specific dates and times. Requests should be made by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16. (Note that faculty and staff will be able to access all buildings, as usual, by swiping their SU I.D. cards, even when the buildings are locked.)

Request for Adjustments to Temperature and Lighting:

Deans, directors and department heads may submit a detailed request for adjustments to temperature and lighting during the Winter Break/Orange Appreciation Days period. Please review the University’s temperature guidelines. We ask that requests be made using the online form by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16. Requests will be reviewed and approved by either the vice president and chief facilities officer or the provost.

Important: Buildings Not Included in Winter Break Reduced Occupancy Schedule

The following buildings will be excluded from the temperature setback, and will remain on normal access, temperature and lighting settings:

• Heroy Geology Laboratory
• Bowne Hall – Fourth Floor
• Lyman Hall – Fourth Floor
• Sims Hall – Department of Public Safety
• Center for Science and Technology
• Bird Library
• Life Sciences Complex
• Link Hall
• Physics Building
• Ensley Athletic Center
• South Campus Library Facility
• Manley Field House
• Carmelo Anthony Center
• Tennity Ice Rink
• Crouse-Hinds Hall

Additional information regarding Winter Break/Orange Appreciation Days services and resources may be found at the following links:

• University services available during Winter Break/Orange Appreciation Days
• HR Winter Break/Orange Appreciation Days info
• Orange Appreciation Days FAQ
• Sustainability website

Questions on building occupancy can be directed to the Department of Energy Systems and Sustainability Management at 315.443.1535 or energy@syr.edu.

Dear Faculty and Staff:

The resurgence of the COVID-19 virus around our country is intensifying on the heels of holiday travel and gatherings. Here in Onondaga County, we are experiencing rising infection rates and an uptick in hospitalizations. In response, Syracuse University is taking additional steps to further assist the broader community in combatting the virus while also maintaining healthy and safe academic and business operations.

Here is everything you need to know:

• At this time, all functions that can be performed remotely should be done remotely. This approach will remain in place through the conclusion of Orange Appreciation Days, which begin on Thursday, Dec. 24.
• All deans, senior vice presidents and other leaders have been advised to urge their faculty and staff, whose job functions do not require a physical presence on campus, to conduct their business from home. For staff, everyone who is working remotely should receive approval from their supervisor and have a flexible work agreement that is approved by the dean or senior vice president of the division.
• Individuals who must be on campus to perform their duties, including but not limited to food services, facilities management, public safety, libraries, etc., should continue reporting per their regular schedule. Some staff in the libraries system will continue to work remotely, while others will report in-person. Any questions regarding libraries should be directed to libref@syr.edu. Personal protective equipment must always be worn, and other precautions will remain in place as guided by public health directives. If you are uncertain if your position requires you to be on campus, please contact your supervisor directly to discuss.
• Research that requires faculty, staff and graduate students to be on campus, in the field or in a laboratory may continue. Similarly, studio space and work that cannot be replicated outside the studio may continue with all appropriate public health precautions in place. We urge all researchers, studio personnel and graduate students to take the necessary steps to keep themselves and those around them safe. This includes mask wearing, monitoring for symptoms, hand washing and regular testing.
• COVID-19 testing will continue at the University’s Stadium Testing Center, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To learn more about our testing program, please review this message, which was shared with our community on Thursday, Dec. 3. However, if you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, please do not come to campus for testing. Instead, call your primary care provider.
• At this time, and continuing through the beginning of the spring semester, all faculty and staff must use their SU I.D. to access buildings and facilities. Please keep your identification card on you if you plan to be on campus.

We will continue to communicate regularly with you regarding our operational status. We are grateful for the continued efforts of our faculty and staff colleagues to maintain a safe and healthy living, learning and working environment.

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do. We wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy holiday season.

Sincerely,

John Liu
Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost

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

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Families:

I hope you had a healthy and peaceful holiday break and wish you the very best during the final days of this semester. And while the fall academic semester has not yet come to a close, planning is well underway to ensure a safe return to campus in January.

Over the next few weeks you will continue to receive updates from Syracuse University leaders and the Syracuse University Public Health Team related to planning for January and beyond. These updates are intended to provide important details related to planning for the spring semester, updated public health guidance, travel protocols, updates on student programs and other policy and programmatic changes impacting academic and student life in the spring. Please continue to review these messages and visit our website regularly, which can now be found at Syracuse.edu/staysafe.

The important updates provided in this message include:

1. New Information Hub
2. Campus Policy on Masks
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Change to Quarantine Requirement
4. Access to Testing in December
5. Flu Vaccination
6. COVID Community Engagement
7. Thanks for Successful Move-Out

Syracuse.edu/staysafe: As part of our ongoing effort to support clear and direct information sharing, we have transitioned all coronavirus-related content from Syracuse.edu/fall2020, to a new consolidated information site: Syracuse.edu/staysafe. This new site will serve as the hub for information related to campus operations, public health and safety, and COVID testing information, and host the Syracuse University COVID-19 Dashboard. In addition, we will continue to post all campus messages to this site. We hope that you will visit frequently for the latest information for students, faculty, staff and the broader community.

Campus Policy on Masks: Some members of our campus community have inquired about exceptions to Syracuse University’s policy requiring masks on campus, specifically for those individuals who were previously diagnosed and then recovered from COVID-19 illness. Be advised that there are no exceptions to the University requirement that all students, faculty and staff wear a mask at all times on campus, including for those individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. This policy will remain in place for the foreseeable future, and the University will reevaluate its policy only when directed to do so by public health authorities. There is still much to be learned about the transmission of COVID-19 before, during and after infection; the only certainty is the efficacy of masks in the prevention of transmission of the virus.

Updates to CDC Policy on Quarantine: Many of you have also inquired as to the implications for Syracuse University and campus life, in response to the CDC’s recent revision to the 14-day quarantine requirement for those who are suspected of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. This revised policy—announced yesterday by the CDC—would potentially reduce the quarantine requirement from 14 days to either 7 days (with no symptoms and a negative test) or 10 days (with no symptoms and without a test requirement).

Be advised that we are currently awaiting guidance from New York State as to how the CDC’s action will impact the New York State Department of Health’s policy regarding the COVID quarantine requirement. Syracuse University is obligated to adopt and enact the New York State Department of Health directives related to both quarantine and isolation requirements, which currently remain at 14 (quarantine) days and 10 (isolation) days. If New York State takes action to revise its policy to align with this new CDC guidance, Syracuse University will do the same. 

December Testing Hours: As a reminder, the Syracuse University Testing Center remains open and accessible to all members of our campus community throughout most of the winter break. The testing center’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you plan to get tested, please keep in mind the following information:

• Location: Enter the stadium through Gate N and follow the signs to the testing center.
• Appointments: No appointments are necessary; simply bring your SU I.D. and show up at a time that is convenient for you.
• Preparation: Do not eat, drink or brush your teeth for 30 minutes prior to testing.
• Safety Reminder: You must wear a face mask or covering when you arrive at the testing site. If you are experiencing symptoms or suspect you have been exposed to the virus, do not go to the stadium—instead contact the Barnes Center at 315.443.8000.
• Type of Test: The test itself is a saliva swab, and the entire process takes just a few minutes.
• Delivery of Results: You will receive confirmation via email if your surveillance test result indicates no requirement for a subsequent diagnostic test. Individuals whose result indicates the need for provider consultation and a subsequent diagnostic test will be notified by phone.

Flu Vaccination: Remember, all members of the University community, including students, faculty and staff, are expected to get an influenza vaccine to retain campus privileges. Students should provide proof of their flu vaccine to attend in-person classes, participate in on-campus activities and use any on-campus facilities for the spring semester. Faculty and staff are asked to complete a Flu Vaccine Status Attestation Questionnaire to confirm they’ve received a vaccine or to document a medical or religious exemption. To learn more, faculty and staff can visit wellness.syr.edu and students/families can visit the Barnes Center website.

Supporting Our City’s Schools and Families: I remain incredibly thankful for the truly selfless work performed by the Syracuse University Public Health Team over the course of the semester. Many of these professionals cannot count two consecutive days that they have had away from campus, going all the way back to July. That said, when our local schools faced the possibility of extended closure given the lack of capacity to conduct in-school testing, without hesitation our public health and testing team stepped up and offered to support the city’s efforts to reopen our schools and keep kids and teachers in the classroom. With support from University leadership, we were able to assemble an army of volunteers within 48 hours to support COVID-19 testing efforts in schools across Onondaga County. This work is ongoing today and will continue over the next few weeks. I am beyond proud and grateful for so many extraordinary volunteers from the Syracuse University community, who freely and enthusiastically offered their time and talents to our community, at a time when our community needs it most.

Sharing Thanks for a Successful Checkout: Finally, I want to conclude with additional gratitude. As our students and families departed campus, I wish I could have personally thanked each of you for your individual and collective efforts this past semester, in support of a safe and meaningful residential campus experience. While there were certainly bumps along the way, our students stepped up and took responsibility to keep themselves and our community safe and healthy. This accountability was also on display during the move-out process. Our students took exit testing seriously so as to protect their families and the communities they were returning to, and left their living spaces in great condition in preparation for our January return to campus. Thank you.

As to be expected, over the past few months we have learned a lot—and learned together. We will apply that learning to our planning and preparation for the spring semester. As always, please do not hesitate to share any ideas, suggestions or feedback by emailing the COVID-19 Project Management Office at sucovid@syr.edu.

Sincerely,
J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Families:

The vast majority of our students have now departed campus or are in the process of leaving ahead of the Thanksgiving break. Although our campus population will decrease substantially over the next couple months, it is critical that the students who will remain with us over the break—and also our faculty and staff—continue to exercise vigilance and take precaution to safeguard individual and public health. As such, I am writing to remind you of key resources available to you to assist in our individual and collective efforts to combat the COVID-19 virus.

Today, I am going to provide updates on:

• New Testing Hours
• Checklists for Navigating Positive Diagnosis, Suspected Exposure
• Website Transition

New Testing Hours: Many of you have asked that we continue on-campus testing operations through the winter break. Be assured that we plan to do so. The Stadium Testing Center will remain open and accessible to all members of our campus community for the duration of the winter break. However, given that many fewer individuals will routinely access campus after Nov. 24, we have modified the testing center’s hours of operation. Those new hours are as follows:

• Saturday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 22: noon to 3 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 23, through Wednesday, Nov. 25: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving) through Sunday, Nov. 29: Closed
• Beginning Monday, Nov. 30 (winter hours): Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to Thanksgiving holiday lab closures at our testing partner, SUNY Upstate, it is strongly recommended that anyone seeking to ascertain their COVID-19 status prior to Thanksgiving should be tested no later than the end of the day on Monday (Nov. 23) to help ensure a timely result.

Some important reminders about testing include:

• Location: Enter the stadium through Gate N and follow the signs to the testing center.
• Appointments: No appointments are necessary; simply bring your SU I.D. and show up at a time that is convenient for you.
• Preparation: Do not eat, drink or brush your teeth for 30 minutes prior to testing.
• Safety Reminder: You must wear a face mask or covering when you arrive at the testing site. If you are experiencing symptoms or suspect you have been exposed to the virus, do not go the stadium—instead contact the Barnes Center at 315.443.8000 (students) or your primary care doctor (faculty/staff).
• Type of Test: The test itself is a saliva swab, and the entire process only takes a few minutes.
• Delivery of Results: You will receive confirmation of a negative result via email. Individuals who return a positive test result will be notified by phone.

COVID-19 Response Checklists: With the resurgence of the COVID-19 virus nationally and locally, it is important for individuals to know what action to take should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 or suspected potential exposure. As a reminder, the University developed a series of COVID-19 checklists for students, faculty and staff to provide direction in situations where a member of the Syracuse University community has tested positive for or suspects they have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus.

The checklists, including a downloadable and printable PDF, can be found on the Fall 2020 website. The checklists cannot fully address the unique nature of every situation and are intended to provide general guidance related to the most appropriate and required actions in response to positive test results or suspected exposure to the virus. Members of the community should contact the Syracuse University COVID-19 Project Management Office (PMO) at 315.443.6180 or SUcovid@syr.edu with additional questions or concerns or to receive further guidance.

Website Transition: As we wrap up the fall semester, we are already planning for the spring. As part of that transition, next week we will change the web address of the current Fall 2020 site to Syracuse.edu/staysafe. This site will continue to be the hub for information about campus operations, public health and safety, testing information and the Syracuse University COVID-19 Dashboard. We will continue to post all campus messages to this site. We hope that you will visit frequently for the latest information for students, faculty, staff and the broader community.

We will continue to provide frequent updates in the coming weeks, particularly as it relates to testing, spring planning and other important areas of focus. Additionally, if new guidance is issued from the State or County impacting members of our community, we will be sure to update you in a timely manner.

I wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season.

Sincerely,
J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation

Dear Faculty and Staff:

With the holiday season quickly approaching, many of you are likely beginning to plan for travel and family gatherings. Given the significant spike in COVID-19 cases around the country and right here in Central New York, we urge you to be cautious and consider public health guidance when making your plans. Public health officials warn that the anticipated surge in interstate travel, family gatherings and indoor socializing is expected to result in an increased opportunity for exposure and infection, particularly within family groups.

Whether you’re thinking of visiting others or welcoming them to your home, New York State’s Department of Health has instituted travel restrictions and quarantine policies that you should keep in mind as you make your plans. To ensure our community has the most up-to-date information, we offer important updates on:

• Non-Essential Personal Travel
• New York State Travel and Quarantine Advisory
• Travel and Holiday Guidance

Non-Essential Personal Travel: With the ongoing and increased spread of COVID-19, including in our local community, non-essential personal travel could result in the importation of additional virus and further community spread. As such, we are strongly recommending the following guidance for our faculty and staff:

1. Avoid any non-essential personal travel (both for you and for anyone who may want to visit you).
2. Faculty and staff should discuss their travel and quarantine plans with their dean, department chair or supervisor prior to the date of travel to ensure their work can be done remotely should they be required to quarantine.
3. If you must travel, heed all state and local guidance and direction about travel and events in the upcoming holiday season. Please note, guidance is subject and likely to change as circumstances continue to evolve.
4. Please remember that New York State requires anyone traveling out of state or to a noncontiguous state, U.S. territory or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) level 2 or 3 country to be tested and quarantine upon return to New York. This requirement may impact your ability to return to work as you have planned. If you do travel to a noncontiguous state, U.S. territory or CDC level 2 or 3 country, it is your responsibility to plan for the required testing and quarantine.

New York State Travel and Quarantine Advisory: If you do plan to travel, you should be aware of New York State’s guidelines relative to travel and quarantining. Specifically, there is a new “test out” option. If you have not reviewed this guidance, we urge you to do so by visiting the state’s coronavirus travel website. Here are some key points in the state’s new guidance:

• Individuals from New York State who travel to a noncontiguous state, U.S. territory or a CDC level 2 or 3 country are expected to complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine unless they opt to follow the state’s test-out guidance.
• To test out of the 14-day quarantine, the traveler must:
  • Obtain a COVID-19 test within three days of departure, prior to arrival in New York.
  • Quarantine for three days, upon arrival in New York.
  • Obtain another COVID-19 test on day four of their quarantine. If both tests come back negative, the traveler may exit quarantine early upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test.

Also please note:

1. Individuals who travel to and from states that are contiguous with New York or who travel out of state for less than 24 hours are exempt from the above requirements. However, these individuals must still fill out the Traveler Health Form.
2. Be aware that under the requirements of the New York State test-out procedure, your COVID-19 test on quarantine day four must be approved by New York State as a diagnostic test. Syracuse University’s on-campus saliva testing is approved for virus surveillance but does not qualify as a diagnostic test for this purpose. However, any COVID-19 test you would otherwise receive from your primary care physician, an urgent care facility or from any of the Onondaga County testing sites will likely qualify as a diagnostic test for this purpose.

CDC Travel and Holiday Guidance: Anyone who is planning travel should first review current CDC guidance for travel considerations, return policies and preventive measures you should take to protect yourself and those around you. Additionally, the CDC recently released holiday guidance, specific to Thanksgiving travel and gatherings.

We are grateful to all our faculty and staff who have worked to support our students and each other during the most unusual of circumstances. You have accomplished what many have thought was impossible despite challenges and uncertainty—both at work and in your personal lives. Thank you for all you do. Please stay healthy and safe this holiday season.

Sincerely,

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

John Liu
Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost

Each year, Open Enrollment provides eligible faculty and staff with the opportunity to:

• Reflect on how they can make the most of benefits offered by the University;
• Connect with benefit professionals and resources to get their personal questions answered; and
• Enroll and make decisions that best meet their needs.

The Office of Human Resources encourages eligible individuals to review their benefits on MySlice to ensure their choices are in place for Jan. 1, 2021. This is the one time of year to elect or change coverage for many benefits, unless one experiences a qualifying life event.

Various news items, FAQs and additional information are available on the Open Enrollment website to help answer any questions. If faculty and staff have any additional questions about Open Enrollment or benefits, please contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.

You can save on taxes over the course of a year through effective use of an FSA, and HealthEquity/WageWorks makes reimbursement easy. If you wish to contribute to an FSA during 2021 to help pay for health care and dependent care expenses, you must take action during Open Enrollment to elect the benefit and set your contribution levels.

Learn more on the Open Enrollment website. If you choose to enroll in an FSA, you can update your benefits online by logging into MySlice through Nov. 13.

Questions?

Contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.

Enroll Now

Visit MySlice and enroll today.

Open Enrollment is a time to reflect on the various benefits available to you and make choices that best meet the needs of you and your family. Regardless of what goals you’re striving for or what challenges you may be facing, there are benefits and resources available to assist you.  If you have any benefit questions related to this year’s Open Enrollment, be sure to attend the virtual information session tomorrow at 10 a.m. via Zoom.

Caregiving Resources

In support of the changing needs of families, the University provides several resources, including a free premium membership for Care.com, where you can get help finding child care providers, tutors, elder caregivers, pet sitters, house cleaners and more through the world’s largest network of caregivers.  In addition, the Dependent Care Subsidy Program provides assistance to households with an annual income of less than $150,000. Other resources can be found on Human Resources’ WorkLife Benefits and Resources webpage, including information on Carebridge, the University’s faculty and staff assistance program, which connects faculty and staff with information, resources and referrals for caregiving.

Tuition Benefits

A cornerstone of our benefits program, tuition assistance helps eligible employees and dependents afford the cost of college tuition. If attending college is on the horizon for you or a family member, be sure to review the eligibility policies and submit any necessary paperwork to HR Shared Services.

Wellness

The Syracuse University Wellness Initiative provides learning opportunities, activities, programs and other resources to empower and encourage you to make choices and changes that lead to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Learn about upcoming programs and subscribe to the Wellness email list.

Adoption Assistance

Adopting a child is a joyous occasion, but one that often brings unique financial challenges. In an effort to assist employees who are building families, Syracuse University offers adoption assistance benefits to eligible employees.

Will Preparation Services

Experts recommend that you review your will with your attorney every five to 10 years. If you experience a major life event—such as a birth or death—it is extremely important to review your will to ensure your wishes are carried out. If you are already enrolled in or are considering supplemental life insurance through MetLife, remember that with enrollment, you can take advantage of will preparation at no cost. Don’t forget to submit the completed Statement of Health form directly to MetLife if you are newly enrolling or increasing your insurance amount.

Questions?

Visit the Open Enrollment website or contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042. Make sure to check out the Top Ten: What You Need to Know for 2021 to educate yourself about the benefit program for 2021.

Enroll Now

Visit MySlice and enroll today.

Open Enrollment, the annual period when University employees make their benefit choices for the coming year, continues through Friday, Nov. 13. This is the one time of year when eligible faculty and staff may elect or change their coverage for many benefits, unless they experience a qualifying life event.

There are a variety of resources to support faculty and staff during Open Enrollment:

• Open Enrollment Highlights: What You Need To Know for 2021
• Virtual Information Session on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• Recorded Information Session Available 24/7
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Open Enrollment Website

Faculty and staff must complete their enrollment by Nov. 13 by logging into MySlice. If access to a computer for Open Enrollment purposes is needed, the University has a number of workstations available across campus, or they may contact HR Shared Services by phone or email during normal business hours.

With questions about Open Enrollment or benefits, please contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042. Virtual appointments are available upon request.