Hello, Colgate Community.
Let’s kick the week off with the numbers.
On August 11, we conducted 194 employee PCR tests and found one positive case of COVID-19. Last week, there was one positive result among 696 first-round arrival tests, and there were none among 231 second-round tests. Eighteen students will return to campus a little later as a result of positive pre-arrival tests taken at home. They are in our thoughts, and they deserve our gratitude for demonstrating their commitment to this community even before setting out for Hamilton. We look forward to seeing them here soon.
I want to thank everyone who has taken the strongly encouraged pre-arrival test. While precautionary, these tests could prevent the need to isolate for 10 days on campus or to return home for isolation if you live within 300 miles of the University.
Meanwhile, arrival testing continues, even for students who live off campus in private housing. You must be tested upon arrival and again five days later, just like everyone else. Student Health Services staff would much rather be providing healthcare than tracking down students who have not shown up for testing. Though it’s an interesting plot line for a Netflix Original, don’t make them come looking for you.
You might think that all of this sounds like a message from last semester, so I will note a novelty to change your mind: yesterday, for the first time in two years, new Colgate students arrived on campus and gathered with their families to be greeted by campus leaders. By the next time I email you, all Colgate undergraduates will have returned to the classroom.
Masking and vaccination are making it possible. Masks help to keep you safe, and they help to keep others safe. (Remember that many faculty and staff colleagues have children under age 12, who cannot be vaccinated, and we must consider their wellbeing as we make and carry out our plans on campus.) Vaccines mean that close contacts will not need to quarantine. They will merely be required to take a COVID test three days after exposure. Our small number of unvaccinated community members will be tested weekly, another essential element in our safe reopening.
That’s a lot of information for a Monday, so thanks for taking it all in. I’ll be back, trying again for brevity, on Thursday.
Until then,
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Acting Chief Diversity Officer
Take Note
All students, whether residing on or off campus, are required to check in and be tested, regardless of vaccination status. Check-in is at the Hall of Presidents from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 24 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 25. A second follow-up test is required on Aug. 27 for those who arrived during the weekend and on Aug. 30 for those arriving this week. You will receive a message with a link to make a testing appointment. Masks are expected to be worn indoors until results are received from the second test. Students arriving after hours must check in at campus safety.
In accordance with CDC guidance, fully vaccinated community members identified as a close contact may continue to participate in on-campus activities as long as they are tested within three to five days of exposure and wear a face covering for 14 days following exposure or until receiving a negative test result. Employees whose work responsibilities can be performed remotely may work from home with the approval of their supervisor.
Last night, the Case-Geyer Library transformed into Club Case to welcome the Class of 2025. The reference desk became a DJ station hosted by WRCU 90.1 Colgate University Radio. Students danced with University Librarian Courtney Young. The ITS service desk became a candy store, the Ho Tung Viz-Lab installed an inflatable planetarium dome, and local musician Chris Eves played an extended set on the fifth floor. The Hamilton Public Library set up a Sphero racetrack and signed students up for public library cards. Special Collections and University Archives turned the second floor into a creative lab with a button maker, zine station, and puzzles. Librarians hosted RC car races through the book stacks and students explored every nook and cranny of the five-floor building, searching for gift cards to local businesses (golden tickets) hidden in books and study rooms.