College community,

I hope this note finds you in good health and adapting to the realities we will be facing in the coming months as we jointly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With all that has happened locally and nationally regarding social distancing and isolation as we attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, I feel we were fortunate that we were scheduled for Spring Break this week. It has allowed us a more deliberate pace to pivot toward a thoughtful and detailed plan for the immediate future of SUNY Orange.

I recognize that for each of you personally, the rapidly changing and evolving nature of this outbreak has undoubtedly been stressful for you in ways I, and others, may never know. Please realize that you all have been in my thoughts over the past several weeks. SUNY Orange’s greatness has always been its people … the students and employees who together have built a vibrant teaching and learning environment for nearly 70 years.

College leadership continues to initiate a cooperative framework for the "re-launch" of our Spring 2020 semester. Please be attentive to email communications tomorrow and Friday as we firm up plans regarding a modified return to College operations on March 23, as well as ramping up academic instruction, student support, and other activities at a distance on March 30.

My pledge to you is that, moving forward, we will be focusing on two tasks: protecting the health and safety of our College community and completing the academic programs of the Spring 2020 semester with academic integrity.

I appreciate your commitment to SUNY Orange and your patience during these challenging times.

Regards,

Kris