As college students came back to campus for the fall semester, a sense of normalcy returned to places like the State University of New York at Fredonia. While extra precautions were put in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, things certainly seemed more normal for the students and staff at the college as the semester heads into its final weeks following the Thanksgiving break.

“It has been encouraging to see and hear the activities of a vibrant campus community return this fall,” said Jeff Woodard, Director of Marketing and Communications. “From academics to extracurricular activities, including athletic, music, and theatre performances, Fredonia students are once again engaging in a full college experience while minimizing the effects of COVID-19.”

The biggest shift from last year is that classes were once again held in person, and while masks were required in the classrooms, compliance with mask wearing was ‘outstanding,’ according to Woodard. Because of this, classrooms had no restrictions as to the number of students who could be in a room.

Additionally, recreational activities like sports and other performances returned without a hitch. Fall sports went back to competing as normal, clubs were able to meet regularly and the musical and theatrical performances that SUNY Fredonia is known for were welcomed back with open arms.

“We were very glad to see the return of live performances throughout Rockefeller Arts Center, again with patrons filling seats in King Concert Hall, and Marvel and Barlett theatres,” said Woodard.

Residence halls were also open, as students were able to return further to normal college life, and the Halls themselves had very few restrictions placed on them. Students were also able to pursue internship opportunities, as experiential learning was also a welcome return.

As to efforts that further prevent the spread of COVID-19, SUNY Fredonia was off to a good start, as 93 percent of the entire campus is vaccinated due to the mandate for SUNY students and high rates from the rest of the faculty and staff. There were also five vaccination clinics held at Steele Hall for members of the campus and other community members to get their first, second or third doses, along with their boosters.

At the end of the day, there were over 10,000 surveillance tests conducted on campus through this point of the semester, and the positivity rate sits at just 0.7 percent. As students return home for the short holiday break, SUNY Fredonia has made a great effort to keep their students and staff safe, while keeping everyone in person for the fall semester.