[Important Information for Students] Parties, Rules and Reporting Violations

[Patrick Rascoe]

Dear Students,

You may have seen stories or posts about recent large gatherings and
parties at SUNY Cortland. Last semester, Cortland was among the campuses
that ended its fall semester on a state-mandated pause. Such risky behavior
threatens their semester again, something we all hope doesn't occur.

But their situation is instructive for each of us. We are a similar campus,
with similar students and programs. We are not that different.

You have heard messages about the importance of following public health and
safety from the college, the community and wherever you spent the holidays.
They all have the same point: Stay safe and be caring about protecting
yourself and each other.

University Police is excited to welcome you back to campus and want you to
embrace your responsibilities as a member of the Cardinal community. We
also want you to know the SUNY system has tight rules and tough penalties
for violating these standards.

*Large Social Gatherings and Penalties*
Gatherings of more than 10 people, inside or outside private residences,
are illegal. If we learn of these or other violations of COVID-19 safety
rules, the sanctions can be severe. In addition to fines of up to $2,000
for an arrest, campus sanctions can include electronically deactivated card
access, revoked parking passes, towed vehicles, loss of housing privileges,
suspension from the college, and even dismissal. Clubs, organizations, and
athletic teams can receive reprimands including withdrawal of recognition
or forfeiture of the group status for the entire semester or longer.

We will apply this if we need to. While it is possible a student may slip
through the cracks, we will catch up. We are increasing efforts to prevent
dangerous parties from happening and we will stop them when they occur.
The benefits of attending a party or social gathering is not worth the risk.

But tough penalties aren't the tool we want to apply or should have to. In
the end, this is about 13 weeks of in-person classes that are created for
you -- for your success, for your future and for your friends.

*Campus Health and Safety*
The health and safety of the campus and the Plattsburgh community depends
on you and the decisions you make. Be safe, be smart and abide by the
Cardinal Pledge:

   - *Wear your mask, even when outside.* We require everyone wear face
   coverings at all times, including classrooms, conference rooms, and other
   spaces, even when distancing exists. There are limited exceptions. For
   example, you do not wear a mask while in the shower, eating food, while
   inside your dorm room by yourself or with your roommate, in a cubicle, or
   some other private space by yourself.
   - *Practice social distancing.* Stay six feet apart.
   - *Wash your hands.* Do this regularly and for at least 20 seconds.
   - *Do not host or attend social gatherings or parties.* As noted above,
   large parties or other non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people are
   illegal. If you host or attend such a party or gathering, you can be
   ticketed by police and referred to student conduct for adjudication and the
   penalties mentioned above.
   - *Stay home when sick.* Call the Student Health Center at 518-564-2187
   or see a health care provider.

You should also build health screening and COVID testing into your routine.

   - *Complete the health screening daily. *This is a requirement of New
   York State and SUNY Plattsburgh. Complete your form now by clicking on
   the health screening form here
   <https://www.plattsburgh.edu/about/offices-divisions/administration-finance/human-resources/health-screening-covid-19.html>.
   Remember to complete your form every day.
   - *Attend weekly pooled surveillance testing. *All students, faculty,
   and staff who live on campus and/or plan to be on campus regularly are
   required to participate. Students missing two or more scheduled testing
   appointments will not be permitted to attend in person classes. More
   information about campus pool testing can be found here
   <https://www.plattsburgh.edu/covid-19/index.html>.

*Reporting Violations*
All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to report anyone who does
not abide by the law and campus policies, especially those related to COVID-19.
You can call University Police at 518 564-2022, leave a message at our
hotline 518-564-5555 or report anonymously through the Silent Witness
reporting link on our webpage
<https://www.plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/health-safety/university-police/silent-witness.html>
.

We hope you will take personal responsibility, make good decisions, and
take care of one another, so we can all be safe.

You can do this. These restrictions will not be in place forever.

If you have any questions about the new rules and your required behavior do
not hesitate to contact me directly at universitypolice at plattsburgh.edu.

Patrick Rascoe
Chief of University Police


-- 
PATRICK W. RASCOE
Chief of Police
University Police Department
Health Center Building
45 Rugar Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
(o) 518-564-2022 <+1-518-564-2022>
(f) 518-564-4025 <+1-518-564-4025>
plattsburgh.edu <https://www.plattsburgh.edu/>

[image: State University of New York at Plattsburgh Logo]

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