Syracuse University is preparing to go mask-optional in all settings for the fall semester and will end its color-coded COVID masking framework on Aug. 15.
The optional masking will apply to everyone, regardless of their individual vaccination status. The exception will be if there are masking requirements by the State Department of Health, such as campus health care facilities and while riding on public transportation.
Incoming students, faculty and staff should have at least one initial course of a vaccine plus at least one booster, if eligible. There are exceptions for approved medical or religious exemptions. Incoming students are required to provide their vaccination records.
The deadline for the records was July 1, and forms are still required to the Barnes Center if they have not been submitted. SU doesn’t plan to re-open its testing center and expects to discontinue its mandatory COVID-19 surveillance testing; however, testing for asymptomatic students will still be offered at the Barnes Center. COVID-19 self-test kits will be available from vending machines on campus.