[Important Information for Employees] Changes to Masking Policy: Effective Immediately

[Office of the President]

Dear Campus,

Effective today, March 7, 2022, *masks will now be optional* for all
students, faculty, staff and visitors with the following specific
exceptions:


   - Masks *WILL still be required *in the following areas:
      - All classrooms, labs and instructional spaces
      - Student Health Center
      - Student Association Shuttle


   -  Masks *MAY still be required* in the following areas:
      - Faculty offices, as required by individual faculty at their
      discretion
      - Staff offices, as required by individual staff members at their
      discretion
      - Internship sites, in accordance with individual site masking policy
      - Specific on-campus events, at the college's discretion

Those who are not fully vaccinated or boosted are still strongly encouraged
to wear a mask, per CDC data
<https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/social-media/mm7106e1_MaskingEffectiveness_IMAGE_04Feb22_1200x675_1.jpg>
confirming
the effectiveness of one-way masking in protecting the mask-wearer.


*Vaccinations and Testing*


There are NO CHANGES to the campus vaccination and testing requirements at
this time.


   - All students who access any campus facilities in person are
required to provide
   evidence <https://machform.plattsburgh.edu/view.php?id=366894> of being
   fully vaccinated and have a booster (if eligible) or apply for an
   exemption <http://www.plattsburgh.edu/covidexemptions>
   - Mandatory weekly testing
   <https://www.plattsburgh.edu/covid-19/covid-19-testing.html>will
   continue for anyone on campus who is not fully vaccinated, does not have a
   booster and is eligible, or has a campus approved exemption.

The updated masking policy was developed in consultation with the Clinton
County Department of Health and in alignment with current CDC guidelines
<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html>.
The
College will continue to evaluate and inform of updates or changes as data
indicates.



Although the campus-wide survey of students, faculty and staff indicated
that 85% of respondents support lifting our mask mandate, it is important
to recognize and respect that some on campus are not comfortable with this
change and will struggle to be in an unmasked environment. It is necessary
- and expected - that we respect everyone’s personal choice to continue
masking when and where they choose. That means that all on campus will
refrain from criticizing, questioning, mocking and otherwise interfering
with every individual’s right and freedom to make personal decisions about
their health and safety.



Thank you.

*Alexander Enyedi, Ph.D.*

President, SUNY Plattsburgh
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