Hello, Colgate Community.
At the conclusion of move-in today, the majority of Colgate’s student body has returned for on-campus instruction.
Results of tests taken by more than 750 first-year students should be posted to their portals in the next 24–48 hours. Testing continues for those who arrived yesterday and today. Watch for the aggregate impact of this work — and other extensive efforts — on the HAT dashboard.
Scheduled outdoor time has begun, and we’re reminding students to remain 6 feet apart out there, even from members of your direct or indirect family unit. Also, stay within your outdoor time location, and avoid shaking hands. Outdoor time is important but we need to do it safely — there could be asymptomatic individuals on campus. Students and employees can find the outdoor locations on the campus map.
Reopening relies on unfailing adherence to the Commitment to Community Health. Unfortunately, we had to send several students home today for violating that commitment. We needed to make this very difficult decision so that we can continue in-person instruction this semester. We are doing this together so we can be together.
New York State continues to control the virus with plenty of testing, lots of masks, and a good deal of physical distance. Colgate will both follow and set a great example.
Talk to you tomorrow,
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
After moving belongings into residences yesterday, employees also delivered 3,615 meals from one end of campus to another. Only 75,520 left to go before quarantine ends at 7 a.m. on Sept. 8.
Mail services is delivering nearly 1,600 letters and packages to students in quarantine each day. High volume prevents staff from making daily visits to EVERY building. So, if you are expecting important first-class mail, contact them to expedite delivery. Employees, please note that departmental deliveries are suspended through Sept. 8. Please, drop off and pick up at mail services or reach out to make other arrangements. Thank you.
The Department of Physical Education, Recreation, and Athletics has you covered with fitness classes during quarantine. Check out the wellness tab on the Colgate Together events page to see when and where your residence is gathering at a distance. Can’t wait? Work out in your room.
ITS would like to remind you to take appropriate measures to prevent Zoombombing this semester. Yes, it’s still a thing. Keep logging your new events in the campus calendar, but be sure that only authorized users access your meeting, and reserve screen sharing for the host.
Beginning next week, the University will begin the next phase of its robust testing protocol. An algorithm designed by ITS staff will randomly choose 6% of the resident student body and 6% of employees working on campus to receive a COVID-19 test. You will receive an email with details on testing times and location if you're selected.
The university libraries have a restart plan intended to meet campus needs while prioritizing health and safety. To find the latest on course reserves, book returns, online help and more, visit the Colgate Libraries’ homepage for current information and an FAQ.
A Closing Thought
We will get through the pandemic one day at a time. Speaking of small bites, why not read some classic literature the same way? DailyLit will email you brief installments of great books on a schedule you choose. By this time next year, you could say you read Dickens’ Oliver Twist.
Colgate Together Events
COVE's Quarantine Acts of Kindness Challenge
Wednesday, August 26
Noon
Join the COVE with a daily acts of kindness challenge during quarantine.
Alumni Council Table for 13: Who is the Alumni Council?
Wednesday, August 26
6–7 p.m.
Students engage in small group conversations with members of the Alumni Council. This event features Chris Johnson ’02, President of the Alumni Council, along with Bruce Ferguson ’91 and Lauri Hadobas ’77.