St. Bonaventure University President Dennis DePerro reports two active COVID-19 cases on campus, though that number could soon be down to one.


What You Need To Know

  • St. Bonaventure University has two active COVID-19 cases
  • 28 students were recently suspended for their role in a large on-campus party at Garden Apartments
  • SBU is working with the Cattaraugus County Health Department for contact tracing

Leaders say a student athlete who initially tested positive has now tested negative, but will remain in isolation until the test results of his quarantined teammates come back next week.

"In general, if you walk around our campus you'll see our students wearing masks. They wear masks everywhere on campus except when they're eating in the dining hall and in their own room. Very responsible. They've signed a student compact," said DePerro.

That compact forbids students to allow visitors on campus or have large gatherings.

University leaders recently suspended 28 students for having a party at Garden Apartments and violating the non-negotiable agreement. 

"For the students to take this type of action, we needed to take swift action," said DePerro.

While the students await a judicial hearing, they're still permitted to learn remotely.

DePerro says the university has ramped up security, and will rely on the campus community to patrol the dorms.

"Safety here in this moment in time is paramount, and we're going to do what we have to do as a university to keep this campus and our community safe," said DePerro.

"Obviously, there's more rules and restrictions," said Ryan Murphy, of Warwick.

Murphy says this academic year looks a lot different than last, and is among those in support of the University disciplining those who don't comply with the compact.

"It's a little disappointing because you know, we're all Bonnies. We're all one big family. You know, you would expect everyone to be able to do their share. That they wouldn't do that," said Murphy.

"I think it was really harsh, but I think it was definitely necessary. And it'll definitely be like a wake-up call to people," said Amberlee Robertson, of Williamsville.

Robertson says the new semester has definitely been an adjustment. 

"And it's kind of strange to have all these different precautions and protocols. But I definitely feel like it’s a lot safer," said Robertson.

"So I think that is a good thing, to set an example to let students know it is very important that they're taking this pandemic very serious and that they should do the same," said Dr. Kevin Watkins, Cattaraugus County public health director.

Dr. Watkins has partnered with the university to do its contact tracing, as well as lead a weekly task force.

"We will continue to be very vigilant and follow that student body very closely to determine whether or not transmission is occurring on campus like it does within our community," said Dr. Watkins.

There have been three total cases at Bonaventure since August 1.