This spring, Hewitt Hall is expected to shut down in preparation for its renovation to become the new communications department building.  This new space is set to give students more access to the tools they need.

The Chair of the Department of Communication Studies, Jessica Reeher, explains what is planned to be included in this new space.  “The new building is going to house all of communications studies as a department, and as well as the Dean’s office for SCMA and the graphic design faculty component of the art department.”

The Hewitt building is home to many of SUNY Oswego’s departments, including the Department of Sustainability and the Department of Auxiliary Services.  It also currently includes many counseling services, and the health center.

The renovated Hewitt building is expected to be a space for students to utilize 24 hours a day.  Once the renovations are finished, this new space is set to include open areas for students to relax and eat.

There are also plans for team rooms where small groups can get together to work on projects or scripts.  There will also be more studio spaces, more computer labs, and more opportunities for students to get ahold of the technology they need.

Reeher stated, “We envision this as a 24-hour building.  So students can access if you need to get into the editing suite, if you need to get into a studio, you can get access to many of the facilities 24 hours.”

According to Reeher, once the space in Hewitt is up and running for the students, Lanigan hall will then move into a phase of renovation.  All of the renovations happening are being done with the students in mind, so they are able to make the most of their time here at Oswego.

The renovation plans were made pre-COVID so the dates for opening the new building are subject to change.  But, Reeher seems to have high hopes that the project will be completed and that the building will be open for students by spring 2024.

“It’s just a beautiful space, the renditions are, if it looks half as good as the current computer renditions it’s going to be really amazing.” -Jessica Reeher

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BY: TOMAS RODRIGUEZ

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SUNY Oswego will be transitioning all summer courses to distance learning, with some facing possible cancellations. A full updated schedule was made available to students May 1.

As a New York state institution and a member of the SUNY system, Oswego’s campus will have to comply with any mandates issued by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

 “While there are still many unknowns at this time, the leadership team and I are hard at work and vetting several possible plans for SUNY Oswego for the Fall 2020 semester, including face-to-face should government and health guidelines allow,” SUNY Oswego president Deborah Stanley said. “We will also institute all necessary health and safety measures.”

Due to the constant changing nature of the virus, Mary Walker Health Center will maintain its current appointment-only policy until the COVID-19 pandemic comes to a close, allowing for proper screening of students and added safety for both students and personnel. 

Telehealth will also remain available until the current threat is no longer existent.

Students will still be required to complete COVID-19 questionnaires and will be screened by a nurse prior to their appointment.

“There will be a separation of sick and healthy students in the waiting area for those students that are seen face-to-face,” Director of Student Health Services Angie Brown said.

Additional precautions will include requiring students to wear a mask or covering while present at Health Services.

Currently, Oswego Health has made a mobile testing site available, although Health Services may have the ability to test under some circumstances should test kits become more readily available.

Penfield Library has been impacted by the epidemic as well, providing about 95 percent of its services online.

“As we plan for the fall, we will continue to provide all appropriate services to our students, faculty and staff, and adapt library operations and use of the facilities in concert with the guidelines from the Governor on social distancing and limiting human density in our academic buildings,” Provost Scott Furlong said. “As an example, we may need to limit the number of students sitting at individual tables or in small group study rooms.”

Orientation for both first-year and transfer students, which were scheduled to stretch between the months of June and August, will become available online, still requiring incoming students to activate their email and complete their academic and health history information.

Summer orientation has been broken into two different steps. A portion of the information made available during the orientation programs will be moved to the online world, while the remaining information will be delivered face-to-face during the Fall Opening.

“In addition to online summer modules we are building, we are in the process of developing ways to engage new students with Laker Leaders through videoconferencing, social media and other platforms,” college Vice President Jerri Howland said.  

While aiming to build a quality first-year class this fall, the safety and health of the campus community remains the top priority, college officials say.

“Residence Life and Housing will adapt based on how many students are allowed back on campus following future guidelines received from the Governor on social distancing and limiting human density in our residential buildings,” Howland said.

In terms of sanitizing, SUNY Oswego has custodial coverage seven days a week that routinely disinfects residence halls, all rooms, offices and any spaces utilized.

Daily cleaning protocols also include door handles, light switches, faucets and door knobs, among others.

Dining halls will remain take-out or delivery only, pursuant to Gov. Cuomo’s Executive Orders.

Concerning study abroad programs, SUNY has canceled student study abroad for the summer session.

“SUNY Oswego and SUNY leadership are closely monitoring the evolving situation and have not yet made a determination about the Fall,” Furlong said.

When it comes to the Fall semester, SUNY Oswego plans on welcoming new and returning international students.

“We are proceeding as we normally would to recruit, enroll and retain our international student population and will continue to work within any new guidelines received from the state and SUNY,” Associate Provost for International Education and Programs Josh McKeown said. “It’s an uncertain time but staff in the Office of International Education and Programs is prepared, like the rest of the Oswego campus, to be flexible and adjust as the situation demands.”

In the event that SUNY Oswego returns to normalcy in the Fall, the college will have to adhere to CDC guidelines and in some cases those applying to the state of New York to ensure students’ safety.

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