Dear Terrier family -

Welcome to spring 2021! We're excited to begin a new semester with you on January 20.

For students and employees joining us for the first time, we're thrilled to have you here. For those who are returning, we're happy to have you back.

The Back to Brooklyn plan launched for fall 2020 remains in effect this spring. That plan outlines modifications to SFC's protocols and procedures put in place to contend with the COVID-19 pandemic.

We remain committed to delivering a stellar Franciscan education while mitigating risk of the virus' transmission. SFC's campus is open, but access to its buildings and facilities continues to be limited.

Some important information as we kick off the new semester:

• All courses will be taught entirely remotely January 20 to 22. On-campus instruction – for those courses that include it – will begin on or after January 25, as scheduled by course instructors.
• The Virtual Student Support Hub is open January 20 to 22 from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and staff members there can address students' questions and concerns about spring 2021. No appointment needed. Drop in here.
• Center for Student Success' virtual "front desk" is open weekdays January 19 to 26, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (except the 22nd, when it closes at 5 p.m.), for any continuing student who needs academic advising. No appointment needed to connect with an advisor there. Drop in here.
• The Academic Enhancement Center's virtual "front desk" is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning January 19, for any student who needs help scheduling tutoring or other academic support sessions. Drop in here.
• In-person student support and ID pick up is available on campus January 25 to 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in room 2000.
• The Student Support Hub (room 2000) is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning the week of February 1. Students can drop by and speak in person with staff members there concerning any questions or problems they have.
• The Navigate app allows students to schedule a phone or online meeting with an administrative office – including financial aid, bursar or Center for Student Success – as well as the SFC Counseling and Wellness Center at any time.
• Computers are available on campus for students to use for course-related work. The computer labs are open weekdays when campus is open. Through January 22, those hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning January 25, hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• The library is open each Tuesday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., to pick up and drop off materials only. The library provides many other services and resources online.
• Students, faculty and staff can receive free COVID-19 tests on campus on January 25, January 28 and February 3, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each of those days. You received a separate email with registration instructions.

As was the case for fall 2020, you should plan to be on campus this spring only when you have an approved reason to be there. For students, this includes attending a class, lab, or participating in an athletic team practice or competition; or using a computer lab, the Student Support Hub or the library.

Faculty and staff should continue to work remotely unless they must be on campus to instruct a class or lab or do other work as approved by a supervisor.

When visiting campus this spring, please continue to adhere to rules in place there. These include but are not limited to:

• Completing a health screening form before arriving on campus.
• Submitting to a temperature check upon campus entry.
• Wearing a face covering at all times inside campus buildings.
• Maintaining social distance (six feet separation) with other people whenever possible.
• Complying with instructions on signs posted throughout campus buildings.

Those who have traveled out of New York State recently – or plan to do so –must abide by the state's COVID-19 Travel Advisory. Specifically, if you travel out of New York to a state other than a border state (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont), you must quarantine for 10 days once back in New York unless you: (1) obtain a COVID-19 test within 3 days prior to departure to New York; (2) upon arrival in New York, quarantine for 3 days; and (3) obtain another COVID-19 test on day 4 of quarantine. If both tests come back negative, you may exit quarantine early upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test.

All travelers must continue to fill out the traveler form upon arrival into New York State from anywhere other than border states. See here for further instructions.

Please do not come to campus if you are under quarantine. As always, if you do not feel well, please stay home and contact your medical provider.

Finally, we have many plans in the works to make our spring semester rewarding and fulfilling. Please stay tuned for more information about special wellness programming during spring break (March 7 to 11).

We will continue to update you on developments related to course instruction, special events and campus access throughout the semester. We will welcome everyone back to campus as soon as it is determined safe to do so. Please stay tuned to your SFC email for details.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions. You can email [email protected] or any administrative office.

Best of luck in spring 2021!

Sincerely,

Back to Brooklyn Taskforce:

Richard Grasso, Executive Director of Human Resources
Matt Hogan, Executive Director of IT Operations and Client Services
Jennifer Lancaster, Ph.D., VP of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean
Chase Licata, Deputy Athletic Director
Monica Michalski, Associate Dean of Student Success
Kevin O'Rourke, VP of Facilities Management and Capital Projects,
Tearanny Street, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
Linda Werbel, VP of Government and Community Relations