Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) — After the college announced suspending all in-person classes this fall semester, thousands of students at SUNY Cortland packed their things as they headed home. The disclosure of a departure plan came soon after which includes students being able to leave as long as they test negative for the coronavirus.
Although many are sad to see the cancellation of in-person instruction, some students, like sophomore Bobby Jackson, know just how crucial this exit plan is.
“Well, right now, I’m actually currently doing a 10-day quarantine, because recently I wanted to go home and visit my family since we got that option now. And I actually tested positive for the coronavirus,” Jackson said.
“But I’m really glad that the school made sure that we tested everybody that I wouldn’t go home and expose, know family and friends and loved ones back at home to the virus,” Jackson said.
Students who did request going home must do so within two days of receiving a negative test for the virus. Students who tested positive and have gone through the ten-day isolation period are welcomed to go home and remain at home for the rest of the semester.
Since Oct. 7, the college had conducted all its courses online due to a spike in coronavirus cases in the area. The suspension was supposed to take place for two weeks in hopes of returning in person as cases decreased. That, unfortunately, hasn’t been the case as they continued with remote instruction.
Some students at Cortland, like senior Ami Sanogo, are not as ready and willing to leave campus.
“It’s so hard being a student right now and trying to focus on if I want to stay or go home,” Sanogo said. “I think it’s really stressful. In my house, there’s a lot of people. That’s not really an environment for a college student.”
The dormitories will remain open during the suspension of this semester so students who can’t leave right away maintain the option to stay.
