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March 7, 2024
To: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Subject: Updated COVID Guidelines, and Upcoming Events
Dear Seawolves,
As we approach the middle of the semester, we hope you have been making lots of strong
connections here at Stony Brook and are accessing the many resources available to
support your success. We also hope you are looking forward to some time to relax and
recharge! As noted on the academic calendar, spring break is scheduled from Monday, March 11 to Friday, March 15, so classes will not be in session. This is a good time to destress, travel, have
fun, and spend time with friends and family. If you are traveling by car, please get
a good night’s sleep before getting behind the wheel.
If you currently reside on campus, you are welcome to remain on campus during any
or all of the break. Campus offices will continue to operate during regular business
hours. You can also access the Recreation Center, Union, SAC, Library, and other campus
buildings. Campus dining will also be available as noted in this schedule.
Daylight Saving Time
Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 10. Before you go to bed on Saturday, March 9, move your clocks forward 1 hour. We’ll
lose an hour of sleep, but we’ll gain an extra hour of daylight in the evening.
Updated COVID Guidelines
Recently updated CDC guidance now combines recommendations for COVID with those for other respiratory viruses like
influenza and RSV, and no longer specifies a 5-day isolation period for COVID. If
you test positive for COVID, you are no longer required to self isolate for 5 days. Please
note that this guidance does not apply if you attend any classes at Stony Brook Hospital
or the Health Sciences Center.
What Should I Do if I Get Sick with a Respiratory Illness?
If you feel sick, please monitor your symptoms and refrain from going to in-person
classes, campus events, and public spaces until:
- Your symptoms are improving overall, and
- You’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
Monitor your symptoms’ progress and use your best judgment regarding when to return
to campus activities and classes based on these recommendations. If you are ill due
to COVID or any other respiratory virus, please reach out directly to your professors
to make arrangements if you need to miss class.
When you go back to your normal activities, take added precautions over the next 5
days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, and physical distancing. If you’re feeling ill and would like to receive care during spring break or anytime
during the semester, please visit Student Health Services (SHS) at 1 Stadium Road.
Visit the SHS website for hours of operation and services.
Tips to Stay Healthy
While we have heard so much about the importance of washing our hands frequently over
the past 4 years, this best personal hygiene practice is a vital preventative measure
for many viral and bacterial illnesses. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers/cleaners are
also effective. In addition, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow
when you cough or sneeze and refrain from using your hands, and don’t leave home if
you feel unwell.
TimelyCare Is Here for You: Anywhere, Anytime!
You can access TimelyCare’s free 24/7 virtual medical, mental health care, and health coaching services from anywhere in
the US. If you’re away for spring break and need to connect with a counselor or medical
provider, just go to timelycare.com/stonybrook or download the TimelyCare app (iOS or Android) to use the service.
Fun Upcoming Traditions & Events
We look forward to celebrating lots of Stony Brook traditions with you when you return
from spring break. Here’s a preview of what’s to come …
For undergraduates, stay tuned for more information about the Brookfest concert on Friday, April 5.
For all students, we will be hosting our annual Earthstock celebration during the week of April 15! Stay tuned for more information about this celebration of Earth Day, sustainability,
and environmental conservation.
If you are graduating this year, join us on Wednesday, April 24 for Grad Day at the Shop Red West Outdoor Patio, Melville Library, from 12-2:30pm.
And save the date for everyone’s favorite campus tradition, the 35th Annual Roth Regatta, happening on Friday, April 26 starting at 12 pm at Roth Pond. This year's theme is RegattaUnbound, so get your cardboard, paint, and duct tape ready!
Wishing you a safe and relaxing spring break!
Sincerely,
Rick Gatteau, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs
Marisa Bisiani, DNP, ANP-BC
Associate Vice President
Health, Wellness, and Prevention Services