State University of New York at Fredonia

State University of New York at Fredonia President Stephen H. Kolison Jr. announced Wednesday the university’s plans to resume full in-person instruction for the fall 2021 semester.

“I am hopeful as I read about positive cases declining in our region as a whole, more vaccines being approved, more mass vaccination sites like ours being established, and more projections that the majority of Americans will be vaccinated by mid-summer,” Dr. Kolison said in a recent email to the campus community. “I believe it is okay for us to begin imagining a fall semester that allows for more in-person connections. It is my hope that we should be able to return to a more familiar setting of in-person instruction and extracurricular activities this fall.”

Kolison pointed out the challenge involved in predicting just what the status of COVID-19 will be when the Fall 2021 semester begins. “For the most part, the Fredonia community has been impressive this semester in following proper protocols and participating in surveillance testing,” Kolison said. “While some of these protocols may need to continue, we are hopeful that those elements and expanded vaccinations will allow for a healthy and safe campus this fall.”

Kolison said the plan for in-person instruction this fall will also be contingent on updated public health guidance from SUNY, the Chautauqua County Department of Health, the New York State Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Dr. Kolison’s message to campus also included a request to faculty to prepare contingencies that would pivot academic modalities to remote or hybrid models if the need presents itself.

“SUNY Fredonia is looking forward to returning to a dynamic and engaged campus this fall,” Kolison said. “We are excited for the prospect of students returning to the classroom, to clubs and organizations, and to musical, theatre, and athletic events that make Fredonia vibrant and exciting.”