Dear Colgate Community,
I know that many of you have signed up to receive New York State’s daily COVID update messages, so I hope you will forgive me if you have already seen this illustration. But it was so compelling, given the conversations we have been having on campus recently, I wanted to share it in this message.
Here, we can see the consequences of one gathering — prior to this fall’s surge, in a state that has had relatively low COVID rates.
When stories like this appear in the news, it’s tempting to think that they’re aberrations, and that’s what makes them worth reporting. But, unfortunately, these stories are simply science, and they’re common. Why am I telling you this now when in-person instruction ends on Friday? Because, even though I won’t be in your inbox every other day, I’ll still be hoping that — wherever you are — you are making safe choices that protect you, your family, and your community.
If our holidays are small this year, we can just look back on them as “that time we had to give thanks over Zoom.”
Talk to you on Wednesday.
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
FREE nasal swab testing ends tomorrow (Tuesday) for students who want to know their COVID status before break starts. With supplies received from the New York State Department of Health, SHS is able to do this testing and provide results on the same day. Sign up via this form to take advantage of this last chance for pre-departure testing.
Students, ITS reminds you to review this tech checklist as you pack for your return home and give some thought to your computing needs for remote instruction during the final days of the semester. Browse borrow.colgate.edu for equipment options, including hotspots, or contact ITS (315-228-7111, itshelp@colgate.edu) to discuss. ITS also offers free installation of Microsoft Office, SPSS, Stata, Adobe Creative Cloud, and more.
A limited shuttle is available to take students to the airport, with times Friday, Nov. 20–Monday, Nov. 23. Students must register and receive confirmation for the shuttle in advance, with priority to those who sign up first. Register here by midnight tonight. Shuttles are free. However, if students want to pay for transportation at a specific time, the On-Demand Shuttle is an option as well.
Before you head off for Thanksgiving break, be sure to shop Colgate Athletics’ pop-up store, featuring Under Armour T-shirts, pullovers, hoodies, and hats with the University’s new athletics identity. The store closes on Wednesday, so place your order today.
Family members coming from out of state to pick up their students should refer to the New York State Travel Advisory guidelines regarding filling out the traveler form, testing, and quarantine; the guidelines have changed as of November 4, 2020.
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. Participants will 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.
Employees, the Madison County Department of Health is conducting free indoor walk-thru COVID-19 testing Nov. 19 and Dec. 3, 4–8 p.m., in the Madison County Office Building, 138 North Court Street, Building 4 Lobby (DMV building) in Wampsville, N.Y. Anyone who would like to be tested should call 315-464-2582 and select option 0 to set up an appointment. High call volumes may result in long hold times.
The bookstore will accept textbooks for buyback Nov. 16–19 in person by appointment and online. Schedule an appointment through this form. If you will need your textbooks between now and the end of the semester, you may also return them after quarantine in February.
A Closing Thought
See the best imagery and illustrations from the Autumn 2020 issue of Colgate Magazine.
Upcoming Events
Building Multicultural Solidarity
Nov. 17
3 p.m.
Have some snacks and drinks nearby. Join OASIS+, SACC, LASO, and Tea Club for a chat about minority/POC representation, building multicultural solidarity, and resources.
Museum Conversations: Digital Exhibitions
Nov. 18
11:30 a.m.
Join staff members from Colgate’s University Museums, and invited speakers, for a virtual conversation on “Digital Exhibitions.” Everyone is welcome.
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