Dear Colgate Community,
Two weeks remain until the end of fall 2020 in-person instruction, and those 10 days will fly. We are so close, it’s tempting to think that things have changed somehow. Unfortunately, they haven’t. This New York Times story, mentioned by President Casey in his video message, talks about the complexities of the current moment. I’ll prove it to you another way, too. Looking back over my messages, I see:
Sept. 2:
“These results [of our testing regimen] reinforce the success of our testing and quarantine plan. They also show the importance of wearing a mask and maintaining 6 feet of distance from anyone who is not in your direct family unit. This is how you minimize the chances you will become a close contact.”
Sept. 11:
“Colgate’s travel policy prohibits student use of cars for trips outside of the local area. Students with personal vehicles are permitted to use their cars to travel to a local business such as the grocery store. However, they may not use the car for daily transportation needs to and from class.”
Sept. 23:
“... the majority of our students have done a remarkable job of maintaining their Commitment to Community Health. Yet, the virulent nature of SARS-CoV2 will challenge even the best of intentions.”
Oct. 3:
“You’re getting high marks right now. Keep it up. Don’t let the fatigue get you down.”
I think of these as the daily digest greatest hits. Keep playing them for the next two weeks, and remember that universities near and far are still experiencing outbreaks and shutdowns. But we can extend our success by staying vigilant. We are Colgate Together.
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
As a quick reminder, all students need to sign up for a departure time slot. You can find the form here. Students must also indicate whether they will be learning remotely or returning to campus for the spring semester. The deadline is Nov. 13. Declare your on-campus status here.
If you are a junior or senior who would like to participate in takeout meals from Colgate Dining Services during the spring universal quarantine, please submit this form by noon on Thursday, Dec. 3. Students who participate will be asked to pick up meals at designated locations during specific times assigned by residence. While we will still prioritize speed of service, this change will allow some customization by providing choices for snacks, beverages, sides, and more.
The Patriot League Council of Presidents has released a plan for this season’s men’s and women’s basketball schedules. The Jan. 2 commencement of competition is contingent on the league and its member institutions being able to do so in ways that protect the health and safety of student-athletes, coaches, staff members, and the community. As part of that commitment to health and safety, Colgate teams are playing an increased number of games against league opponents in closer geographic proximity. See the men’s schedule and women’s schedule for details.
As of last Friday, more than 1,200 students have retrieved a Let’s Get Checked test kit. If you’re not one of them, make an appointment at mail services and pick up your kit, M–F, 8 a.m.–7 p.m., and Sat–Sun, 8 a.m.–noon. Remember: do not use your test kit prior to departing Colgate this semester.
A Closing Thought
This year, we are celebrating 50 years of coeducation. This is what progress looks like.
Upcoming Events
The United States, China, and the Battle for Cyberspace
Nov. 10
4:30 p.m.
Adam Segal, director of the digital and cyberspace policy program at the Council of Foreign Relations and author of The Hacked World Order: How Nations Fight, Trade, Maneuver and Manipulate in the Digital Age, will discuss the battle for cyberspace.
Exploration of the Lived Experiences of the Native American Population During the COVID-19 pandemic
Nov. 10
7–8 p.m.
This event features Sophina Calderon, MD.
MORE