Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Administrators,

Yesterday, Governor Cuomo announced that New York State will require COVID-19 vaccinations for all in-person students this fall for public colleges and universities in New York. This action demonstrates a commitment to the overall health and safety of our campus communities and should help us take another step forward in restoring full campus activity this fall.

The requirement is contingent on the vaccines moving from the current emergency use authorization to receiving full FDA approval.  Additionally, the SUNY Board of Trustees would have to act to adopt the policy. Per the Governor, certain medical and religious exemptions will be permitted. Faculty and staff are not a part of this vaccine mandate.  

Once all of the policy contingencies are met, SUNY Oswego will reform our Oswego Forward Plan to include the Governor's directive requiring a COVID-19 vaccine for all students participating in-person learning this fall.  We will continue to consult with SUNY on the development of our fall plan, and communicate with our campus community regarding any changes to surveillance testing, social distancing, vaccination mandates and exemptions, and more as we adhere to all health and safety guidelines on our campus.

Regards,

Deborah F. Stanley
President