Dear Panthers,
It has come to my attention that more than 20 Adelphi students were present at a recent off-campus event that appeared to contradict New York state health guidelines and our University’s social distancing protocols and Pledge to Protect. The University takes this matter seriously and the issue is now being investigated.
Since that time, five of these students have tested positive for COVID-19 and 16 others were quarantined.
Let me be blunt: while this incident has been brought under control, it should serve as a warning to all who think they do not need to adhere to the rules or who believe that this virus cannot reach them. It can, and it will, if we do not respect the guidelines created to allow us to return to campus this fall.
We have all seen news of colleges and universities that have been required to take drastic action in response to outbreaks on their campuses–including closures for the fall semester. With great confidence I say that none of us want this to happen at Adelphi.
I want each of you to maximize your college experience this year, but this reckless behavior will jeopardize that very opportunity.
It took months of intense work to get where we are, and it will take the cooperation of each of us to keep our campus community safe. Quite simply, it is not fair that the careless and selfish actions of a few have the ability to undo what we have all worked so hard to achieve.
With each of your actions, I urge you to consider your fellow classmates, professors and all of us in the Adelphi community who are rooting for this year to be a successful and healthy one. Whether you are on campus or off, as a member of this community you are expected to protect it.
As a reminder, to keep yourself and our Adelphi family healthy and safe, please follow these guidelines:
- Limit unnecessary gatherings and avoid large groups.
- Use proper hygiene and wash your hands frequently.
- Wear a mask or face covering in public, indoors or in close quarters.
- Stay home if you are feeling unwell.Monitor yourself for signs of COVID-19 and immediately inform Health Services if you experience any symptoms.
Thank you for hearing this message, and for understanding the gravity of this situation. Adelphi is a special place, and we want nothing more than for each of you to enjoy it as fully as possible. Please take this pandemic seriously, and together we will get through it.
Sincerely,
R. Sentwali Bakari, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students