Hello, Colgate Community.
President Casey is conducting the business of the University and will not appear via video, so I’m feeling the pressure. In his absence, I will report that I have heard good things about the kimchi dumplings served in Merrill House today.
It is frankly a pleasure to say something about anything taking place outside of a residence hall. But, to paraphrase Eleanor Roosevelt, “with greater freedom of movement comes responsibility.” Please remember the requirements of Gate 1 as you begin to travel around our beautiful campus, go to class and the library, eat at new dining venues, and visit the village.
In Monday’s note, I indicated that we would all be coming out of quarantine — and most of us did. But, I want to acknowledge the students who will remain in close-contact quarantine for several more days and recognize their continued sacrifice for the health and wellbeing of the entire campus community. Thank you.
There will come a time when we all celebrate together again. (Perhaps there will be dumplings.) In the meanwhile, keep watching the dashboard, minding the Gate, wearing your mask over your mouth and nose, and emailing covid19@colgate.edu with questions.
Talk to you on Friday,
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
Employees, the University has begun to test a random 6% of the student population and 6% of on-campus faculty and staff for COVID-19. If you have been selected to take a COVID-19 test, you will receive an email with a registration link. If you are not in an on-campus work status, please respond to the message and let us know.
Madison County tells us that, if you are exercising with others, the minimum distance between individuals to avoid a close-contact designation is 12 feet, not 6 feet. This is particularly important when you are running. Please make sure that your mask covers your mouth and your nose at all times — and especially during exercise.
Speaking of covering up, digital Zoom backgrounds are available for download on the website. Backgrounds can provide some school spirit and a bit of privacy. But you might still want to let your roommates know if you’re going to be in class while they’re getting dressed ...
As you have reviewed Gate restrictions, you will have noted that proposals for in-person gatherings should be submitted to the Event Safety Group. Find out more about this group and the ways they will help maintain our commitment to community health in the weeks ahead. The University has developed a number of policies around other aspects of in-person education, too. See details on our COVID-19 pages.
A Closing Thought
This Friday, Judd Chapel (located in the basement of Memorial Chapel) will be reserved for community members who wish to pray, reflect in silence, light a candle, and read the names and bios of Colgate members who died on 9/11. The space can accommodate up to 12 individuals at one time.
Upcoming Events
COVID-19 in New York State and the Policy Response
September 10
11:30 a.m.
The Lampert Institute for Global and Civic Affairs presents Dr. Howard Zucker, New York State commissioner of health.
Virtual ALANAPalooza
September 11
6 p.m.
Join ALANA virtually for their signature ALANAPalooza event. Hear from alumni as well.
Slavery and the Constitution: A Debate in Celebration of Constitution Day
September 17
4:30 p.m.
Sean Wilentz, George Henry Davis 1886 Professor of American history at Princeton University, and David Waldstreicher, distinguished professor of history, Graduate Center at CUNY, debate: “Did the original constitution of the United States enshrine slavery in national law?”
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