Colgate Together Digest

Hello, Colgate Community. 

Among the more than 1,500 COVID-19 tests we have conducted this week, we have identified one positive student and two positive employees — as reported on Wednesday. Since we last spoke, however, a student who was in close contact quarantine has also now tested positive using a home test kit. These data are reflected on the HAT dashboard, and we continue to hope for the speedy recovery of the people behind the numbers.

Today, we reported that Colgate began administering Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at its state-approved point of dispensing at the Hall of Presidents. This was done in partnership with Community Memorial Hospital, and we thank them for the collaboration. I also want to thank the students who are helping to administer the vaccine. It has been inspiring to see the plans we have made so carefully come to fruition so successfully with their help.

This clinic — which we expect to be the first of many during the next several months — is an example of the Colgate spirit that will bring us back to normal operations. It’s also a reminder that there is still plenty of work to be done if we are going to finish strong. So, as we head into this weekend and individuals are signing up for vaccination, let’s recommit ourselves to the health of our community, roll up our sleeves, and get to it. (Makes it easier to receive the dose when your chance comes, anyway.)

Be well, and I’ll talk to you on Monday.

Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications

Take Note

Barry R. Baron, associate university chaplain and campus rabbi, will serve as university chaplain, beginning his three-year term on July 1. He will succeed Protestant Campus Minister Corey MacPherson, who has served as university chaplain since 2017. Read more.

Even though we’re in Gate 4, gathering guidance is still in effect, including requirements for physical distancing. All departments and student groups should review these guidelines and apply them appropriately as they consider their plans for the remainder of the semester. In addition to evaluating requests for gatherings, the Event Safety Group continues to offer support and provide recommendations to promote the health and safety of everyone. With many groups trying to plan events for the end of the semester, we also strongly encourage organizers to collaborate with one another to limit the impact on support services, including the Facilities Department and Information Technology Services, which have reduced capacity as they continue to take on extra responsibilities related to both sanitation and remote learning needs. 

Please join us for an exciting virtual speaker series this spring: Antoni Porowski, Nicole Byer, and Jonathan Van Ness are all coming to Colgate. The series will kick off with a live cooking demonstration and Q&A with Antoni Porowski on March 31 at 8 p.m. Check the campus calendar for the link to register and the chance to submit questions.

The Facilities Department will be operating with minimal staffing for the weekend beginning on Good Friday, April 2, in order to provide their staff with a much needed and well deserved break. If your department has any work-order needs for the period April 2–4, please submit your request no later than 4 p.m. on March 29 so we can plan accordingly.

Employees working on campus, April is just around the corner! Please go to the portal and fill out your on-campus schedule for the month. The HAT uses the on-campus schedule to determine which employees are in the surveillance testing pool. If you know you will be on campus in the coming weeks but are not yet sure of the day, select at least one day of that week and adjust it once you know your schedule. 

Virtual Fidelity appointments can be scheduled for March 29 online at fidelity.com or by calling 1-800-642-7131.

In lieu of a week-long, in-person conference in 2021, the Colgate Writers Conference has announced a three-day virtual Porch Symposium, unfolding every evening, June 16–18. The symposium will feature literary readings, master classes, panel discussions, and the kind of conversation that feeds a writer’s mind and soul. Find out more and register.

Is a coronavirus vaccine even necessary?

Effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection vary unpredictably from minor to deadly — even in young people. Our Commitment to Community Health helps to keep spread to a minimum, but SARS-CoV-2 immunity is the key to returning to normal in the fall. “No virus has ever eliminated itself by inducing natural immunity in a large percentage of the population. Only herd immunity induced by vaccination can eliminate viruses, as has now been shown for smallpox and two of the three different types of poliovirus.” SOURCE: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Play Video: Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones. Get the vaccine.