An update on SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccine policy

04/13/2023 

Dear campus community,

Earlier this week, SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. announced that the SUNY system will no longer require a COVID-19 vaccine for students, effective for the start of Summer Session I. This announcement coincides with President Biden ending the national public health emergency for COVID-19 on Monday, April 10.

As a result, SUNY Cortland, which has strictly enforced SUNY’s vaccine policy, will strongly recommend students become vaccinated against COVID-19, but the vaccine will not be a requirement. 

The chancellor’s decision was made with input from officials from the state Health Department and SUNY’s Public Health Expert Advisory Committee, which includes experts in infectious disease, public health and neuroscience.

SUNY will continue to examine COVID-19 data and may update its policy based on local conditions or in response to requirements imposed by federal, state or local authorities.

What does this change mean for the SUNY Cortland community? Please note:

• Students will still be required to be immunized for measles, mumps, rubella and meningitis.
• Students enrolled in an internship or other program at a third-party location must continue to comply with all health and safety guidelines imposed by that location.
• Those who feel unwell are encouraged to stay home, test for COVID-19 and isolate according to CDC guidelines if they test positive.

Updates are being made to the university’s COVID-19 Safety Information page. If you have questions, please use the COVID concerns form.

I thank you for your tireless commitment to the health and safety of our community throughout the pandemic.

All the best,

Erik J. Bitterbaum

President