Dear, Colgate Community.
Although this is an atypical way to start off my first year at Colgate, I am happy to be on campus. As a student from New York City, I spent the majority of the pandemic between walls. My outdoor experience was limited to trips to the grocery store and pictures on the internet. I now have the opportunity to go for a walk, enjoy the nice weather, and interact with people from various backgrounds.
Even though my classes are online, I appreciate having a variety of study spaces available to me. I find it easier to study and complete my assignments on campus because I am surrounded by students who are passionate and hard working. All of my professors have been more than willing to be flexible throughout the semester as well. This added support has made my experience so far worthwhile. I am thrilled to be a member of the Outdoor Education program, and hopefully I can convince more students to try white-water kayaking!
Thank you to everyone who has been following the Commitment to Community Health. Let’s continue to support each other and our community.
Mariama Lemon ’24
Thanks, Lemon.
Now, a few updates from across campus.
Talk to you soon,
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
Colgate faculty and staff: 2021 memberships at Seven Oaks Golf Club, recognized as one of the finest collegiate golf courses in the country, are now available for purchase. Join through the employee store to enjoy unlimited greens fees, discounted cart fees, guest passes, a free GHIN handicap, and discounts in the Pro Shop. If you’re starting a new membership and pay in full today, you can access these benefits for free through the remainder of the 2020 season.
The Trudy Fitness Center is now open Monday–Friday for Colgate students, faculty, and staff. Hours are 6–9 a.m., 11 a.m.–1 p.m., and 3–8 p.m. Lineberry Pool will reopen next week, with open swim Monday–Thursday, noon–1 p.m.; Monday and Wednesday, 7–9 p.m.; Friday, 6–7 a.m.; and Saturday, noon–2 p.m . Masks are required at all times (except while in the pool), and Colgate IDs are required for entry. Visit colgate.edu/RecHours for schedules, policies, and current facility traffic updates.
We know that groups of 10 students or fewer will be looking for places to study and work together during Gate 2. A number of classrooms and other spaces have been designated for this purpose. Starting Oct. 1, they can be reserved for two-hour blocks between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday–Friday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the weekend. Students need to use EMS to book a reservation. In addition, Ho 217 and Alumni 107, 108, and 109 will be available for drop-in use during those hours. To create an EMS reservation, click “Create a Reservation” and choose the “classroom study spaces immediately reservable” template. When choosing a HOST, please pick “Self Booking User.”
New York State guidance states that students must periodically complete a health screening while on campus. Beginning Monday, Oct. 5, students selected for the random weekly testing program should complete the daily health screening Monday–Friday during the week of their test. They will receive a helpful reminder via email at 9 a.m. each morning with a link to the screening questionnaire. If a student answers “yes” to any of the health screening questions, a notification will be sent to Student Health Services.
A helpful cleaning tip from our friends at ITS: Whether you are using a disposable wipe or a soft cloth that has been sprayed with solution, only 70% isopropyl alcohol should be used on electronic devices. Any other type of wipe or solution risks damaging touchscreens, buttons, copier or photocopier glass, and internal components. For additional information, visit colgate.edu/clean or reach out to ITS at 315-228-7111 or itshelp@colgate.edu.
A Closing Thought
Feeling stressed? Exercise helps improve your cognitive function. If you want a great cardio workout that requires little space, try jumping rope. Perform different foot patterns for reps (50–100) or time (30–60 seconds). No jump rope? Use an imaginary one. When building your daily routine, incorporate relaxing breathing techniques — deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth — and total body stretching.
Upcoming Events
This I Believe
Sept. 30
7 p.m.
This I Believe is a storytelling event featuring stories written and shared by Colgate community members. The original This I Believe project was started outside of Colgate in the 1950's and was, more recently, turned into a podcast by NPR.
The Myth of Independence: How Congress Governs the Federal Reserve
Oct. 1
11:30 a.m.
The Lampert Institute hosts Sarah Binder, senior fellow of governance studies, Brookings Institution, author of The Myth of Independence: How Congress Governs the Federal Reserve.
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