Hello, Colgate Community.
We have conducted nearly 5,000 tests for COVID-19 so far, identifying five positive student cases and four employees. To everyone in isolation, we send our best wishes for a speedy return to health. We want to see you back among us soon.
We have become proficient at testing, but no amount of experience can make it easier for Student Health Services. On behalf of the entire community, I thank them again for keeping us as safe as possible as we head back into the classroom, extracurricular activities, and athletic competition.
Among the many questions I’ve received, employees have been asking if the University can provide them with diagnostic testing. Unfortunately, while surveillance testing programs are allowed, legalities prevent us from conducting diagnostic testing for employees. Thankfully, however, testing is now widely available if you contact your medical provider or check the state website for a location near you.
Arrival testing for students was a requirement. As we’ve noted before, we have shifted from enforcement to encouragement around many of our other guidelines. Case in point: community members are expected to wear masks at the reasonable request of any other individual. We hold ourselves accountable for meeting expectations. So, if someone asks, put on your mask. It’s so easy and commonplace now anyway.
COVID is with us for the long haul, I’m afraid. Social norms are developing around right behavior, and our guidelines give those norms a boost until they become second nature. In the meanwhile, as President Casey says, be kind to each other. Take care of each other.
And Happy Thursday.
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Acting Chief Diversity Officer
Take Note
The Huntington Cage, Trudy Fitness Center, and Lineberry Pool will be expanding hours for the fall 2021 semester. Trudy Fitness Center will have expanded hours starting today. Lineberry Pool hours will be posted within the coming week. Exact times will be subject to change based on staffing. Up-to-date hours of operation for all recreation facilities can be found on the website or on the Colgate Mobile App.
’Gate Fitness and Employee Focus on Fitness classes will begin Sept. 6. Look for the full schedule coming soon. Intramural sports are also back! Register on IMLeagues.com for IM tennis by Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. and IM soccer by Sept. 10 at 5 p.m.
Throughout the semester, vaccinated close contacts should resume masking, self monitor, and test 3–5 days after exposure. If you use an at-home COVID-19 test kit and receive a positive result, please be sure to contact HR (employees) or Student Health Services (students). Information will be considered confidential, per HIPAA guidelines.
This year, the fall fraternity and sorority recruitment process, planned by the Panhellenic Association and Inter-Fraternity Council, will be held Sept. 8–Sept 12. Please register by Sept. 6 for fraternity or sorority recruitment. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Advising at ofsa@colgate.edu.
Starting Sunday, Aug. 29, COACH USA bus service to and from New York City will run on Fridays and Sundays only. Pick-up is at James C. Colgate Hall outside Donovan’s Pub at 2:20 p.m. The bus from New York City to Colgate will depart at 12:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at megabus.com.