Hello, Colgate Community.
Before we charge ahead into the weekend, I would like to walk something back. Here’s a correction to yesterday’s message: only employees (NOT students), need to fill out the health screening form every day. Students should monitor their symptoms and temperature, but there is no form to submit. Contact Student Health Services if you experience symptoms consistent w/COVID-19.
Out of results returned as of 11:59 p.m. yesterday on 2,728 tests, there were a total of 22 positive student tests for an infection rate of 0.8%. This reinforces the importance of multiple rounds of testing. Again, Colgate’s plans acknowledge that we will see positive tests, and we are taking appropriate steps in keeping with state guidance.
Our second round of student testing will be held Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. Students who received a reminder message from AVP Dan Gough today, please sign up for your test time.
Your good work, patience in quarantine, and adherence to the community commitment have so far prevented a large number of close contacts associated with these test results. Keeping close contacts low is a key to success.
Unfortunately, on a related note, I must report that four students in private off-campus housing have been found to be in violation of the commitment to community health and will complete the semester remotely. They have forfeited their right to on-campus access. We have to hold ourselves and each other accountable if we want to be successful in keeping infection rates low.
New rules issued yesterday by Governor Cuomo state that, if a college experiences 100 student cases of COVID or an outbreak equal to 5% of its population (whichever is less) — that college MUST go to remote learning for two weeks while the situation is evaluated. This guidance is developing, and we will be watching closely to ensure that we are in compliance.
I guess that means you’ll see me in your inbox again on Monday.
Talk to you then,
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
CBS This Morning: Saturday will feature interviews with President Casey and Colgate students, filmed during move-in. Tune in at 7:45 a.m. EDT and watch for the segment.
A quick note of thanks: yesterday’s power outage only lasted a few minutes for most members of the Colgate community. But, for staff in facilities, campus safety, ITS, and elsewhere, it meant more than an hour resetting important HVAC systems and alarms across campus. No one has time to spare these days, so we thank them for jumping in and doing the extra work to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
Rep. Antonio Delgado ’99 recently sent a video message to the Class of 2024 as they arrived on campus. His message of welcome, encouragement, and perspective has something for everyone. See it on the University’s YouTube channel.
Under the University’s reclosing plan, students’ personal exits from campus should be outlined now — just in case. Students who would be unable to leave campus within 72 hours of a decision to close need to communicate that information to their administrative dean before Sept. 1. Those whose circumstances would require them to remain on campus in spite of closure may submit an application before Sept. 14.
Did you know? Drug and alcohol use can make universal quarantine more difficult by impacting your sleep routine, mood, and roommate relationships. Consumption can also reduce your capacity or resolve to avoid becoming a close contact. If you decide to consume alcohol anyway, remember that you must be over 21 and adhere to Colgate’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy, the Student Commitment to Community Health, and Gate restrictions. If you decide to consume alcohol, be sure to stay hydrated, limit drink number and serving size, and eat before and while you drink. If substance use or craving is making quarantine more difficult, or if you are using them to cope, you may want to talk to a trusted friend, family member, or a resource in here at Colgate — such as Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor Steve Elfenbein. Call 315- 228-7385 to set up a confidential appointment with Steve or any other counselor. You can find other helpful resources, including a free hotline, through SAMHSA.gov.
A Note From Director of Counseling and Psychological Services Dawn LaFrance, PsyD: The fall semester has begun, and I hope that you are all starting to adjust to the many changes in your lives — whether you are learning from your on-campus residences, your off-campus apartments, or your remote location. While we are thrilled that this time is finally here, we have all been affected differently by the pandemic and the protests against racial injustice that we have seen during the last several months. Please, prioritize your mental health. Self care comes in many different forms, and it is important to find what works for you. There are many resources at Colgate that you can utilize to assist your mental health care, and here are a couple more items to help guide you: Safe and Sane by Harriet Gordon, LPC; Workbook to assist with anxiety by the Wellness Society. Please remember to be kind to one another and sensitive to other’s journeys. We are Colgate Together!
As President Casey and Vice President Hope mentioned in their recent message, a number of library resources are available for remote access by University employees at no cost. Using your Colgate login credentials, you can access the movie streaming service Kanopy. There are links to Avon academic videos and Gale In Context for elementary and middle school kids in the education libguide.
Many of you are going above and beyond your normal duties to deliver meals, staff testing sites, and monitor outdoor time. The biggest needs right now are mail delivery (the mail room is receiving more than 1,600 packages a day) and water delivery. If you are able to help out with these, or other miscellaneous tasks, please take a moment to fill out this form.
A Closing Thought
Even in a pandemic quarantine, it’s still the weekend. Find one moment — even if it is only exactly 60 seconds — to take a deep breath and enjoy it. For many of you, the days might be blurring together. To the hundreds of Colgate employees who are helping make the quarantine a success, thank you. To the students who are keeping that commitment to community health, thank you, too. We are Colgate Together.
Colgate Together Events
Ruha Benjamin: Keynote Speaker for the 13 Days of Education
August 28
7 p.m.
The 13 Days of Education presents our keynote speaker, Ruha Benjamin, professor of African American studies at Princeton University. Check out the full 13 Days of Education schedule on the Colgate Student Coalition website.
An A Cappell-ing Night ft. Kazual
August 29
9 p.m.
Colgate’s a cappella student organizations, the Colgate 13, Swinging ’Gates, Dischords, and Resolutions are hosting the professional a cappella group, Kazual! Join us on Facebook live beginning at 9 p.m.
Virtual Safe Space: Beyond Jacob Blake
August 30
4 p.m.
ALANA Cultural Center, together with the Chaplain Office and Counseling Center are providing a safe space for students who want to share, process and respond to their pain during this difficult time.