Syracuse, N.Y. – Syracuse University students who host off-campus parties could face disciplinary actions.
SU announced today that any student listed as a leaseholder or occupant of an off-campus property where a party is held that violates social gathering rules will be immediately referred to the school’s Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for review and appropriate action. That office handles cases involving violations of SU’s code of student conduct.
The announcement came as SU sees a surge in cases linked to an off-campus party last weekend on Walnut Avenue. SU has reported 36 new positive cases among students in the last two days. The school has said as many as 45 cases have been linked to off-campus gatherings.
“Almost this entire increase in COVID-positive cases can be traced to one off-campus party,” Robert D. Hradsky, an SU vice president, said in an email sent to students late today.
He said SU’s department of public safety is enhancing patrols in university neighborhoods with a shift from education to enforcement. Students who are participating in social gatherings in violation of New York State social gathering directives or the Syracuse University Stay Safe Pledge could also face sanctions.
SU suspended 23 students in August following a large gathering on the campus that attracted hundreds of freshmen.
SU reported 20 new coronavirus cases among students today, the largest number reported in a single day this semester.
SU has 134 students in quarantine, up 72 since Tuesday. Students awaiting test results are quarantined after being potentially exposed to the virus.
In response to the surge in cases, SU has reduced the size of social gatherings allowed on campus to five people. Many in-person student activities, except for classes, have been suspended.
An SU official said Tuesday the school is acting quickly to address the surge in cases so the outbreak does not get out of control.
James T. Mulder covers health and higher education. Have a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com