The SUNY Oswego Spring 2021 Forward Plan is a document instructing students on how to stay safe at college during this pandemic. It lays out what needs to happen in order for our campus to remain open and some of our classes to remain in-person: wear a mask on campus, wash your hands, fill out the daily screening form, get tested weekly and avoid group gatherings.
There are many more provisions written in the 53 page plan, but these guidelines in particular are the ones that students are familiar with as they affect their everyday lives.
One of the most glaring components of the plan was the increase in testing from last semester, now brought up to once a week, compared to once every three weeks in the fall.
“We…learned from the fall semester that transmission did not occur in class or other campus spaces where strict adherence to social distancing and the wearing of masks was monitored and maintained,” President Deborah Stanley said. “Ongoing surveillance testing is one of the best things we can do to maintain the health of our campus community and have a clear sense of infection rates. As a result, it made sense to increase the amount of testing (at least once each week) for those on and coming to campus.”
Provost Scott Furlong said he hopes to help SUNY Oswego’s students by providing a more engaging educational experience.
“Working with our faculty and staff, we plan to continue to provide an engaging education experience this spring,” Furlong said. “We will strive to increase the engagement our students have with one another this spring and expand the services and support our faculty and staff provide to all members of our campus community in a way that follows health and safety guidelines.”
SUNY Oswego student Caitlin Alicea was pleased with how the college planned to keep students and faculty safe during the Spring 2021 semester.
“With the forward plan, it had me relieved to know that the school knew a better idea of how to protect us from exposure,” Alicea said.
She also said that she appreciates all that has been done by the faculty and staff to keep the students safe. Alicea stayed home during the fall semester, but was happy to be on campus for the spring semester.
“I knew coming to campus this time around would mean paying more for a semester that wouldn’t be what I’d expect,” Alicea said. “But in a way, I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I love my classes, the campus, my friends. I’m appreciative of my new friends who make being here worth it. It’s very comforting being around people who are dealing with the same situation.”
Angie Brown, the director of health services, said the health center focused on what they could do within the plan for students, as well as provided expert input on the health-related aspects of the plan.
She also provided a final message to the students on what our community should be doing to keep each other healthy.
“Wearing a mask, social distancing, [washing] your hands…and being smart,” Brown said. “Not hanging out at parties or going out with friends…We miss our friends and we want to go see everybody…Do the best job you can.”
She also emphasized the importance of alerting the health center if you are beginning to feel sick so they can help slow the spread of the virus.
The Oswegonian file photo from 2020
