Important update on COVID protocols, Monkeypox, health and wellness

Welcome back Lakers!

As we launch the fall 2022 semester together, we wish you a fun, productive and enlightening experience ahead -- both inside and outside the classroom. We also remind all members of our campus community to remain vigilant regarding your safety and the safety of others on our campus and in the community. Please read the information noted below and remember to visit our Oswego Forward website throughout the semester so that you’re up to date about COVID protocols and the recent emergence of Monkeypox.

COVID Vaccine and Booster
The SUNY Student COVID-19 Vaccine Policy remains in effect. All students who have any physical presence on campus (both main campus and the Syracuse campus) are required to complete a full vaccine series. If you haven’t yet submitted your proof of vaccination, please visit the Medicat Patient Portal. Should you need assistance, visit How to submit your COVID-19 vaccine records for step-by-step instructions.

All students are strongly encouraged to stay up to date on their vaccinations as defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including obtaining any booster authorized by the FDA and recommended by the CDC for their age group. We strongly recommend that you obtain a COVID booster once you become eligible and upload it to the Medicat Patient Portal. Visit our Vaccination Policy and/or Vaccination/Booster Clinics web pages for more information.

COVID Surveillance Testing
Vaccinated students are no longer required to participate in surveillance testing. Students with an approved exemption or in the process of completing their vaccine series, however, will be required to test once per month.

Visit Get Tested for more information and refer to the COVID Testing Center web page for days and hours of operation; the acceptable ways to test and provide results; and for information on surveillance testing at the Syracuse campus.

What to Do if You are Not Feeling Well During the Semester
If you’re sick, do not attend in-person classes or come to campus, and avoid being around people.

If at any point in the semester you feel sick, contact the Mary Walker Health Center. Please note that Walker Health Services has resumed self-scheduling on the Patient Portal, but if you have any questions or cannot find a suitable appointment online, please call 315.312.4100. For hours of operation, visit the Walker Health Services website.

If you test positive for COVID, with or without symptoms, you will need to isolate for a minimum of 5 days. Visit our Quarantine & Isolation web page for more information.

Monkeypox
As you may have heard, the United States is currently tracking an outbreak of Monkeypox. This is a rare, viral infection that spreads through close, intimate, physical contact between people. While Monkeypox has spread throughout the country, the current risk to the general public in Central New York still remains low. At SUNY Oswego, we will closely monitor this health matter and continue to follow all protocols and recommendations from the Department of Health.

For more information, visit the CDC web page on Signs and Symptoms of Monkeypox.

Health and Wellness
SUNY Oswego is committed to the well-being of our students, faculty and staff. The university offers support services, activities and programs that promote health (physical and mental), wellness and fitness to meet the dynamic needs of our students and the entire Laker community. Learn more about our culture of care by visiting the Health and Wellness website.

On behalf of the SUNY Oswego faculty, staff and administrators, who are committed to student success (your success!), we wish you a healthy and safe semester ahead.

Sincerely,

Kathleen G. Kerr
Vice President for Student Affairs

Victoria L. Furlong
Vice President for Administration and Finance

Angie Brown, MSN, FNP-BC
Director of Student Health Services