Hello, Colgate Community,
Rainfall isn’t the only thing that’s fluid about life on campus right now. Our masking guidelines are developed in accordance with federal, state, and local guidance, and are subject to change based on COVID-19 conditions in our area. So are the event guidelines that we have posted in anticipation of a return to more normal University operations.
The Task Force, EOC, and Executive Group are constantly reviewing these documents in light of developments and science. Please keep an eye on colgate.edu/colgatetogether and digest messages for updates — and thank you again for your patience as we begin a new year together on campus.
If you visit the website today, you will see that we have updated our Commitment to Community Health for the fall 2021 semester. Again, in keeping with our shift from enforcement to engagement, we know that you will accept these commitments as a condition of employment or enrollment. There will be no need to sign a document; your presence and your participation in this community serve as your endorsement.
We will waste no time putting our commitments and our guidelines into practice. Women’s soccer and volleyball games taking place this week will follow event guidelines. Masking for attendees will be strongly recommended where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Students in the middle of our arrival testing protocol are expected to wear masks in Cotterell Court, and masks are required for all unvaccinated individuals.
For all those faculty members and students who have yet to arrive on campus, I can confirm that the quiet energy of summer is giving way to the thrum of the academic year. We can’t wait to see you all back again next week.
And I’ll talk to you then.
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Acting Chief Diversity Officer
Take Note
Incoming students, the ITS service desk will be staffed on arrival day, Aug. 22, from 8 a.m. to noon. You can find information on how to get connected to our networks on our website. If you have trouble, please reach out to itshelp@colgate.edu or call 315-228-7111.
Students who need transportation from the airport, train station, or the Syracuse or Utica bus station may arrange for pickup via First Transit’s on-demand shuttle service. Contact Trevor.Stoddard@firstgroup.com with any questions or concerns. Please note that face coverings are required on public transportation. Safe travels.
As outlined in Colgate’s Pandemic Travel Policy, the University will provide optional testing when it is recommended in support of University-sponsored travel or following medium- or high-risk personal travel. This testing will be available on Tuesdays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and can be scheduled online.
Required annual reregistration of student organizations that are sponsored by the ALANA Cultural Center, Office of the Chaplains, CLSI, COVE, LGBTQ+ Initiatives, or the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Advising runs Aug. 23–Sept. 30 through Get Involved. Students may also create new organizations during this time. Complete the process as soon as possible — prior to Sept. 1 if your organization wishes to participate in the Sept. 2 Student Involvement Fair. Note: this process only occurs in the fall semester. If you have questions or technical issues, please contact clsi@colgate.edu.
In anticipation of the upcoming drop/add period beginning on Wednesday, Aug. 25, the ALANA Affairs Committee would like to share a list of fall 2021 courses with a focus on race, class, gender, or social justice. We encourage all students to consider taking one of these courses. The course offerings span a range of academic disciplines and will provide opportunities to further your knowledge on these topics as you learn about historical and contemporary issues and reflect on your own identity and experiences. Please consult with your academic adviser as you finalize your fall course schedule.