News

After successfully navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic during the fall 2020 semester, and with the spring semester off to a good start, Le Moyne College is planning on a return to in-person undergraduate classes for the fall 2021 semester that will offer a range of on-campus activities and events.

“While this plan depends upon public health conditions later in 2021, we are hopeful that the fall semester will mark a return to the Le Moyne we know and love,” said Le Moyne President Linda LeMura. “The College’s response to the pandemic over the past year has been amazing. This past fall we were one of the very few colleges and universities in New York state that was able to stay open without interruption or pausing our operations. This spring semester, we are following a similar path, which includes comprehensive public health interventions and a strict testing protocol. We are grateful that we have had a very low positivity rate.”

As of March 16, Le Moyne has performed nearly 17,000 student COVID tests since the spring semester started, with only 21 positive cases, a current seven-day rolling positivity rate of 0.03 percent. President LeMura commended Le Moyne students for taking a careful and responsible approach to health and safety. “Our Jesuit values call upon us to be women and men for and with others, and our students are living this value every day of this pandemic.”

If public health conditions and regulations permit, Le Moyne plans to offer a more traditional student experience that includes in-person undergraduate classes, lectures, performances, student and club activities, and sporting events. Graduate classes will continue to be offered in a range of formats depending upon on the degree program.

Le Moyne will follow all COVID-related protocols and mandates that may be in place for the fall semester. These could include regular student testing, following recommended interventions, such as wearing face coverings and physical distancing, and other precautions.

Since the pandemic was identified in March 2020, Le Moyne has worked closely with Onondaga County and New York State on ensuring compliance with all health and safety mandates. The College’s COVID Office will continue to closely watch trends and the spread of the virus and its variants. Recognizing the fluid nature of the situation, a more detailed plan for fall 2021 will be provided over the summer for all new and returning students. As has been true for the past year, the College will be prepared to adapt to evolving conditions in order to provide for the safety of all members of its community.

President LeMura thanked the students, faculty, staff and administrators who have worked hard to keep Le Moyne and the neighboring community safe and health. “We have risen above the many challenges brought on by the pandemic in a way that makes me extremely proud. I am optimistic that we will be able to welcome our students this fall with a vibrant academic and on-campus experience for which Le Moyne is known.”