An in-person fall experience: Update on our planning for next semester

SUNY New Paltz is planning to provide a traditional, safe, in-person experience for students in fall 2021, consistent with continued progress against COVID-19 in New York State.

We intend to offer more than 90% of fall 2021 courses fully or partially in person, including more than 1,500 on-campus classes.

We’re also planning to provide a rich and lively on-campus experience for students, with an expected return to full residence hall capacity, more student organization activities and events, and expanded dining options as compared to the last year.

As we look forward to easing pandemic-era restrictions, the safety of our students, faculty and staff will remain our top priority.

We will be guided by the same “We Not Me” philosophy that made it possible to sustain activities in and out of the classroom, with low rates of COVID-19 infection and no interruptions during the 2020-21 academic year.

Some of the ways we’re planning to keep our community safe and healthy in fall 2021 include:

Free, on-campus COVID-19 testing will continue to be available. Any testing will likely be conducted less frequently than our current weekly requirement.

Campus-based contact tracing will continue, but people who have been vaccinated will not be required to quarantine if they have been exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19.

The College also plans to offer free, on-campus vaccination to students in the fall. Students who are vaccinated may have more privileges on campus in areas like residence life and athletics, wellness and recreation.

Any decision to require a COVID-19 vaccine will be made by SUNY and/or New York State, not by our campus. No such policy has been announced as of April 23, 2021.

More information for students, faculty, staff and families can be found in SUNY’s current guidance for fall 2021. Please note that SUNY campuses must be flexible in their planning, as this guidance may change based on pandemic conditions.