Hello, Colgate Community.
One year ago today, the New York Times print edition headline was: Markets Spiral as Globe Shudders Over Virus. New York State reported a total of 142 COVID-19 cases. The Wall Street Journal reported on gym-goers continuing their workouts — but maybe not touching the dumbbells.
Closer to home, Colgate sent a message announcing that, “at the conclusion of spring recess, all on-campus courses and labs will move online and/or convert to alternative modes of teaching and learning.” Of course, we set the goal of “returning to in-person instruction, consistent with our mission, by Monday, April 20.” That goal would shift within a few days’ time.
Today’s headlines, however, are about vaccine distribution and stimulus plans. Our athletic teams are vying for championship titles. Learning and research continue. When I compare 3/10/20 to 3/10/21, I can’t help but catch a wave of optimism at our progress — in spite of all the hard work yet to be done. (The sun doesn’t hurt, either.) I hope you will share the ride with me as we head toward a Break Day on Friday. Watch for on-campus vaccination information as it becomes available and enjoy the outdoors with friends.
I will talk to you again soon.
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
This week’s CUdos winners are: Caitlyn Butze ’21, for going the extra mile, providing a great support system for friends, and politely reminding people to wear their masks correctly or social distance; Teagan Mackey ’22, for always texting her friends and making sure they are staying happy and healthy. All Colgate community members (faculty, staff, and students) are encouraged to submit a CUdos nomination. All students, on campus or remote, are eligible. Take a minute to recognize a student or classmate who warrants praise.
The Shaw Wellness Institute is pleased to announce its new peer coaching program in collaboration with the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services and Chapel House. Beginning in fall 2021, students will be able to schedule 1:1 appointments with a peer coach to talk about challenges they're facing or changes they are looking to make. Sessions might include topics such as stress or time management, sleep hygiene, loneliness, or isolation. Students interested in paid peer coach positions this fall must take the peer coaching PE course this spring on Monday nights, 5-6:30 p.m. (Course participation does not guarantee hiring.)
Join Professor of Mathematics and LGBTQ Studies Ken Valente and Head of Special Collections and University Archives Sarah Keen as they discuss a multi-year digital history project focused on the legacy of LGBTQ students and activism at Colgate in this all-new episode of 13.
As of March 17, the state’s vaccination guidance will be updated to include in-person college faculty and public-facing essential workers and public-facing building service workers. The Human Resources Department is preparing letters for staff who fall into these categories and will reach out to impacted departments when they are ready — before the new guidance goes into effect. Note that the state’s Am I Eligible website for scheduling appointments does not yet reflect this update. Appointments can also be scheduled by calling the state’s hotline, 1-833-697-4829.
Colgate continues to encourage eligible employees to make vaccine appointments elsewhere as we await doses on campus. Some vaccine recipients have reported minor reactions including soreness and fatigue following their second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or after the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Colgate will provide one paid sick day off for all employees, if needed, during the 24 hour period following their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine (or following the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine). The University believes that you should not feel pressured to report for work if you are feeling these or other effects after being vaccinated. In the unlikely event you need more than one day to recover, you may draw on your personal sick leave balance.
The University will also provide up to four hours paid time off, if needed, for employees to attend a vaccine appointment and return to work. Employees should discuss this leave time with their supervisor. No special notations are required on the timesheet. If you have already been absent for an appointment or for the 24 hour period following your vaccine, please email humres@colgate.edu with proof of your appointment for reimbursement of leave time.
Blake Penn, information security policy and compliance manager for cyber security at the Georgia Institute of Technology, will become Colgate University’s first chief information security officer and director of information security, beginning March 15, 2021. Read more.
A Closing Thought
Cheer on Colgate Men's Basketball tonight at 7:30 when the Raiders host Bucknell in the Patriot League semifinals. The game will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network.
Upcoming Events
COVID-19, Health and Healing in Africa
March 11
5 p.m.
The New Year has brought crucial developments in the fight against COVID-19. But a globally equitable distribution of vaccines will be an enormously challenging task. The panel features faculty with on-the-ground and scholarly expertise in western and southern Africa as well as students from Colgate's Model African Union.
Celebrating 50 Years of Coeducation at Colgate: Gloria Borger ’74, H’14, P’10 and President Brian W. Casey
March 13
1 p.m. ET
Gloria Borger ’74, H’14, P’10, chief political analyst at CNN, will speak with President Casey about her time as part of Colgate’s first fully coeducational class and her career in journalism.