St. Patrick's Day Message

March 12, 2021

Dear Students:

I want to start by thanking everyone for the steps you have taken to keep each other safe during this challenging time. I know it hasn’t been easy and it’s not the same being here with all the safety protocols we have in place. 

We that said, we know that St. Patrick’s Day is a treasured day of having fun with your friends. Generally you would not be here at this time, but classes are continuing during what would be your traditional Spring Break.

We know that COVID-19 can spread through high-risk activities, such as parties, large gatherings, and when people do not physically distance or wear protective masks.

Taken together, traditional celebrations of St. Patty’s Day this year have the risk of spreading the virus, and we cannot let our guard down just because it is March 17th..

We have all worked so hard to protect our community, and we must continue to take precautions for special events like St. Patrick’s Day. As a result, the College has decided to suspend all non-college facilitated events from today, March 12 through Sunday, March 21. Hence, all Greek Life, student club/organization, and other events not hosted or approved by the College are suspended. Club meetings can still take place, if approved by Student Life; see the approval process here.

We must remain vigilant in adhering to the public health guidelines and College COVID-19 directives – especially during the days surrounding St. Patrick’s Day and as we begin to experience warmer weather. Social gatherings and non-compliance will dramatically set us back. With new COVID variants spreading in our community, losing our resolve for even a day or two would be disastrous. It’s that serious.

Here are some important reminders:

  • Do not attend and/or host social gatherings. The College will enforce its regulations governing off-campus gatherings, which limits attendees, including residents of the dwelling, to double the current residential population of the specific dwelling, up to a maximum of 10 persons. This includes both indoor and outdoor gatherings. Not only will the host be held accountable, but the attendees as well. If you need clarification see: https://www.geneseo.edu/handbook/campus-policies-and-expectations-during-covid-19-pandemic

  • Adhere to the visitation, guest, and/or event regulations

  • Wear a face mask

  • Maintain six feet of distance from others at all times

The sanctions for violating our COVID-19 expectations are serious. As previously communicated, Geneseo has implemented SUNY’s system-wide comprehensive sanctions for violations of COVID-19 safety protocols. Students who violate protocols and expectations face conduct suspension, removal from residence halls and/or a campus restriction, as well as possible dismissal (expulsion). These outcomes will remove a student from campus, housing and/or academics, and hold them financially accountable for the semester. Student organizations and athletes who violate COVID-19 protocols and expectations face additional sanctions. (see https://www.geneseo.edu/handbook/suny-geneseo-covid-19-violations-mandatory-sanctioning)

Remember, our safety begins with you. Please do your part to keep yourself and the community safe.

Sincerely,

Dean Sancilio