Hello, Colgate Community.
We begin the week with 58 active student cases of COVID-19. Many have returned home for quarantine, while others are in specially designated student housing. After a spike in cases this weekend, I think it’s important that we ask ourselves: what are our responsibilities as members of this community this year?
Wear a mask. Strep and RSV are present in high rates, so be courteous to classmates and colleagues. If you are contacted by the Department of Health as a COVID close contact, sign up for a test 3–5 days after exposure. (This is the incubation period. If you take a test too soon, it will not be accurate.) Unvaccinated close contacts should reach out to Student Health Services immediately — these individuals are required to quarantine based on CDC guidelines.
Groups, given the Delta surge, please put a hold on large indoor events for the next couple of weeks. Abide by gathering guidelines. Everyone, take advantage of the grab-and-go options at Frank and our other dining locations — and be sure to bring back those carry-out containers. They are thoroughly cleaned (like the plates and cutlery in the dining hall) for reuse.
Follow these simple protocols and you will be doing your part. You will be keeping the Commitment to Community Health. Our Student Health Center staff will thank you. Those who are in our high-risk group and need access to testing resources will thank you.
Please check out our new page of FAQs, provided by the Task Force on Reopening. If you have questions about anything related to Colgate’s COVID response, email covid19@colgate.edu — this address is still monitored.
Please know that, while the weekend’s numbers were significant, the University continues to follow a science-based approach to COVID management, implemented to keep our community as safe as possible.
I’ll talk to you on Thursday.
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Acting Chief Diversity Officer
Take Note
Knowing that questions will arise based on the University’s COVID response, the Task Force on Reopening will hold office hours throughout the semester.
Remember to wear your mask in the dining hall except when seated. We also encourage grab-and-go dining options on campus, including:
- Royal India Grill - Tuesday and Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. and 4:30–7 p.m.
- Ray Brothers BBQ - Thursdays 11 a.m.–2 p.m
- FoJo - Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
In accordance with Colgate’s Document Retention and Destruction Policy, the Purchasing Office has scheduled the Confidata shredding truck to arrive on Tuesday, Sept. 28, between 10 a.m. and noon. If you will be sending material for shredding, please contact Suzie Meres or Molly Ogden in purchasing with the number of copier boxes, banker boxes, bags, etc. Please make arrangements to have all shredding material sent to Central Receiving by Monday, Sept. 27. All efforts will be made to ensure the confidentiality of the material prior to the truck’s arrival.
Applications to enter into the Green Bikes lottery are now open. Fill out this application by Wednesday, Sept. 8, at midnight if you are interested in entering into the fall rental lottery. We encourage students to consider how much they will use the bike and their access to alternate safe, reliable modes of transportation when applying. Contact greenbikes@colgate.edu with any questions or concerns.
Please join the COVE on Friday, Sept. 10, for an afternoon of community service in honor of 9/11. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to work together to serve a variety of local community partners. Please register by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 8, to participate.