Hello, Colgate Community.
As I write this, and as you watch President Casey’s video, several of our health metrics are headed in the wrong direction: student positive cases, employee positive cases, county positive cases, and SHS bandwidth.
Let’s get as far into the science as I go: We have been told that the viral load on recent positive student cases is higher than the control. That means, for all the talk of a Colgate bubble, our capacity to contract and spread this virus at remarkable levels is a reality. The world outside — where COVID is spreading rapidly and people continue to become ill while waiting for their vaccination — isn’t actually outside. It’s right here.
So, keep wearing masks and maintaining distance. Most importantly, whether you are a student or an employee, avoid large gatherings.
It might be counterintuitive, but our ability to have an important, traditional gathering for the Class of 2021 depends on it. As President Casey mentioned in his video, New York State guidelines will not currently allow for guests at commencement, but we are submitting a request for a waiver. Dashboard metrics are important in making our case, so we must do what we can to keep the blocks that beautiful dark green (or restore it).
That doesn’t mean you have to sit locked in your room between now and May. Among other activities, some in-person performances are now possible, if we follow careful guidelines — including limited capacity, HEPA filters, masking, and distancing. Read the full guidance on the Colgate Together website and watch the calendar.
The pandemic didn’t start with 31 million cases in the United States. It started with one. Of course, at that point, we didn’t know what we didn’t know. We have no excuse now. Let’s resolve to finish strong, and I will be back on Friday with further updates.
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
All members of the Colgate community are encouraged to attend suicide prevention training, which will be hosted by the counseling center on April 16 at noon. Suicide is the leading cause of death among college students. It is important that we all learn how to respond to someone in distress and how to help save the life of someone who is depressed or suicidal. Register here.
The 13 Days of Green will begin with a kickoff celebration on Saturday, April 10, followed by numerous events leading up to Earth Day on April 22. This year’s programming will occur in a hybrid format, including a variety of events and activities for the Colgate community. We are excited to celebrate the 13th annual 13 Days of Green with you all. View the full schedule of events.
Students, please fill out the mail forwarding card that is in your mailbox. Your mail and packages will be returned to sender if you choose not to fill out your forwarding card. If you did not find one there, please stop by the stamp window in the COOP Mail Center or ask to fill one out when you pick up your packages. Class of 2021: We will forward your mail for a year after graduation. We will change your address on any mail that requests it. If your address changes within the year, you can reach us at mailservices@colgate.edu. International Students: We can forward your first-class mail to you, but not packages. If you would rather keep your mail here, please write that on your card. Classes of ’22,’23 and ’24: We will start forwarding your mail after May 9 and stop the first week of August. If you plan to stay on campus, please put your name on the list located in the COOP Mail Center or on your forwarding card.
Does it really take two weeks after a final shot to achieve full vaccination?
Yes. You might want to celebrate after receiving a dose of vaccine, but do it with your mask on, maintain physical distance, and avoiding large gatherings. According to the CDC, “Our immune system uses several tools to fight infection. Blood contains red cells, which carry oxygen to tissues and organs, and white or immune cells, which fight infection.” It can take weeks for your body to make all of those ingredients in response to the vaccine.
A Closing Thought
Migrating songbirds are once again on the move and will soon be returning to central New York and Colgate University. But what do we really know about their incredible life history? Each year millions of birds migrate thousands of miles across continents and over oceans in what is arguably the greatest event in the natural world. How do they do it and where do they go? Find out more with Director of Sustainability John Pumilio on April 19.
Upcoming Events
Heretics Club with Rodney Agnant
April 8
Noon
There are few things in the world that are more vast and infinite than human potential.
In this intimate talk, Rodney J. Agnant ’14 will share his journey with healing as he navigates his relationship to blackness, human potential, and abiding rage, especially since the events of May and June 2020. All are invited to join.
Join OASIS for a poster-making event at ALANA
April 9
4–6 p.m.
The posters will be for an anti-Asian hate awareness event later this month. The first ten people to sign up for each 30-minute slot and complete a poster will be treated to a meal from Royal Indian Grill. This event will be in-person for on-campus students, staff, and faculty members. Learn more about ways to support Asian/Asian American communities.
More