From the Dean: COVID-Related Updates and Reminders

October 7, 2020

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

I write with three COVID-related updates and reminders. 

First, we received news earlier today that a student who has not been on campus this week tested positive for the virus causing COVID-19.  The student was in close contact with other law students off campus last Friday.  Those students were notified and tested for COVID-19.  All have tested negative.  Out of an abundance of caution, the law school is requiring these students to remain off campus and attend classes remotely for an extended period.

Second, with another off-campus activity potentially jeopardizing our successful on-campus safety measures, I want to remind everyone that we need your cooperation in keeping all of our faculty, students, and staff safe in these last final weeks before Thanksgiving and our return to all-remote classes.  If you intend to come on campus, it is important that you wear your masks and maintain social distance both on and off campus, whenever you are with people outside your immediate household.  Avoid large groups, and choose outdoor activities when possible.  Your actions in abiding these public health measures protect the rest of us, and allow us to continue to keep the law school open for in-person activities.

Third, and importantly, please be aware that there are active hotspots within New York State.  The affected zip codes are listed here:  https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-updates-new-yorkers-states-progress-during-covid-19-pandemic-42.  Anyone who travels to one of these zip codes is encouraged to notify the law school and go online for two weeks upon return to the Capital Region.  In addition, we advise against all unnecessary travel as we enter the home stretch of the semester.

Thank you all for your commitment to the safety of our community.  Your support for one another is overwhelming and much appreciated.

I will be available to answer your questions at tomorrow's 6:30 town hall.  I hope to see you there.

Alicia Ouellette
President and Dean