Dear Colgate Community,
We have received 214 results from 281 random tests this week, identifying one positive student case and no positive cases among employees. Our isolation/quarantine capacity is ample according to the HAT dashboard. That is all great news — well done.
As this week comes to an end, we look forward to the possibility of opening Gate 3 next Tuesday. We have come a long way together, and it hasn’t been easy. Your energy, discipline, and determination are paying off.
Recently, I’ve seen stories in the media about pandemic fatigue, and they got me thinking: A Colgate degree typically takes four years to complete. Make the dean’s list your first semester, and you will be praised. Decide that the effort was sufficient — that you can sleep in for the next seven semesters — and you will never shake President Casey’s hand at commencement, regardless of physical distancing rules.
This pandemic is a long, challenging education that we are receiving together. It is teaching us all about biology, psychology, sociology, economics, technology, the arts, and more. You’re getting high marks right now. Keep it up. Don’t let the fatigue get you down. Learn what you can from this horrible class that no one will ever recommend. (Rate My Professor: “COVID is mean, sarcastic, and constantly changing the syllabus. Too many tests.”)
Let’s see if we can achieve Gate 3 in a few days’ time.
Talk to you on Monday,
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
With the approach of mid-semester, Colgate Libraries have extended their hours. Visit their website for details.
Per the governor’s office, October 9 is the last day New Yorkers can register to vote for the 2020 Election. You must be a U.S. citizen; a resident of the state and the county, city, or village in which you are registering for at least 30 days before the election; and be at least 18 years old on or by November 3. Learn how you can register to vote or check to make sure you are registered.
You'd think we were offering free tickets to a Taylor Swift concert the way flu shot clinics are filling up. Our local pharmacy partner, Dougherty’s, has kindly added two more clinics for us in October. If you click this registration link and do not see any slots available, that means they’ve already booked up. But don’t despair — SHS is working assiduously to set up additional clinics in November, and a dose received then will still see you through the season.
Staff members in the Shaw Wellness Institute and across the Dean of the College division have worked to create a safer, more inclusive campus through comprehensive, evidence-based digital prevention education on issues such as sexual assault, alcohol misuse, mental health, and discrimination. Their efforts have been recognized by the online education company Everfi, which awarded Colgate an inaugural Campus Prevention Network Seal of Prevention this week.
Add multi-factor authentication to your Colgate accounts by enrolling in both Duo and Google 2-Step Verification. Once enrolled, your accounts are protected even if your password is compromised.
As your employer, Colgate University does not dictate the nature of your personal travel. However, as part of the commitment you have made to the health of the campus community, and with an understanding that your choices about personal travel and the resulting potential need to quarantine may impact your ability to perform your job duties, Colgate encourages employees to take the following steps when planning personal travel.
Finance and Administration staff and their campus colleagues have created Colgate Unimarket. This simple application collects multiple sites into one ordering portal that integrates with Banner Finance. Colgate Unimarket is active and ready to receive orders at colgate.unimarket.com, and full functionality will launch in December. Watch for announcements regarding demos and buyer training events. Email Brittany Plumley, Simon Fritz, Lora Valentine, or Molly Ogden with questions or concerns at purchasing@colgate.edu.
The Colgate Pride employee resource group (ERG) serves as a visible, accessible resource for LBGTQ+ identified employees, staff, and their allies. We provide LBGTQ+ focused networking and educational and social opportunities for the Colgate community. The Pride ERG is open to all currently employed members of Colgate's faculty and staff. Check out our upcoming events and sign up for our newsletter on the Colgate website.
Need a break from studying for midterms? Get outside and join in one of these in-person events around campus this weekend.
Students, sign up for access to the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times free of charge. The WSJ is brought to you by the Alan Greene ’51 Investment Studies Program, and the Times is covered by your student government and CLSI. Sign up today and find out “How to be happy” or read up on Mack’s new electric trash truck. (It’s a sexy beast, apparently.)
A Closing Thought
In a normal year, the University has been known to host events at which you can relieve stress by petting rescue dogs. YouTube is no substitute, but who can resist a video full of cute puppies? Happy Friday.
Upcoming Events
50 Years of Coeducation: A Discussion on Athletics
Oct. 13
7 p.m.
As part of the yearlong celebration of 50 years of coeducation, join us for a panel discussion of the history of women's athletics at Colgate.
LASO Fall 2020 Keynote Speaker: Dolores Huerta
Oct. 14
9 p.m.
Join the Latin American Student Organization in welcoming their fall 2020 keynote speaker, Dolores Huerta.
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