President's update on COVID-19

Dear UAlbany Community,

As has just been announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo, in response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, effective March 23, 2020, all University at Albany courses will be delivered remotely until further notice. We recognize that this decision will have a significant impact on every member of our community, but I want to assure you that we are working extremely hard to make this transition as smooth as possible.

As of now, our three campuses will remain open, including residence halls, offices, and dining services. However, as circumstances surrounding COVID-19 remain very fluid, students are encouraged to bring all academic materials on spring break to be prepared for every possible scenario. Please note that only the Governor can close state offices, agencies and SUNY campuses.

The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has created a high level of uncertainty and anxiety as it continues to spread and impact our communities, locally and globally. However, our University community will continue to monitor and prepare for its impact on UAlbany. We are also working very closely with SUNY administration regarding next steps for campuses across the state.

We ask that you continue to monitor our COVID-19 information web page, which contains all communications sent to our University community, as well as regular updates.

Again, please continue to monitor your email throughout spring break, as additional information will be forthcoming for students, faculty and staff. I can assure you that our COVID-19 Task Force is working around the clock to monitor the situation with guidance from our local and state health departments, as well the Centers for Disease Control. We will be in touch as more details are available. In the meantime, please protect yourself and those around you by following basic safety protocols.

Finally, I want to thank all of you for your patience, diligence and flexibility as we all navigate this complex and evolving situation. Moreover, let’s make sure that all members of our community are treated with the care, dignity and respect that they deserve. As Great Danes, we will get through this together.

Sincerely,

Havidán Rodríguez
President