Dear, Colgate Community.
In a message to members of the village community this week, I noted that 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. I want to repeat that message here for students, faculty, and staff.
The science is clear that measures such as wearing face coverings, maintaining distance, avoiding gatherings, driving solo, washing hands, and disinfecting surfaces each only limit the transmission of SARS-CoV2. Even together, they may not be sufficient to fully prevent transmission. We expected cases and have planned for them. Our goal is to keep the number within a manageable range and prevent chains of transmission in the community.
Therefore, a positive diagnosis by itself does not indicate a failure to keep the commitment. There are students who have been in isolation and quarantine who did everything they could to avoid it. They deserve our sympathy and support — and our thanks for following the guidance that reduces close contacts. These individuals have played an important part in keeping us Colgate Together. We hope to see them in person at a later Gate.
Take care, sign up for a flu shot (see below), and I’ll talk to you on Friday.
Laura H. Jack
Vice President of Communications
Take Note
It’s never been more important to get a flu shot. Student Health Services has arranged a series of flu shot clinics on campus beginning Monday, Sept. 28, and continuing throughout October. There are a variety of dates, times, and locations planned. Participation through Colgate or any other provider can help prevent the flu from spreading through the community while we are addressing the threat of COVID-19. Please remember to wear your face covering and maintain 6 feet of physical distance at all times when you arrive for testing — and anytime you are on campus.
While student vehicle usage restrictions remain in effect, those students who need to use a vehicle for mail services package pickup only may park in one of three specially designated 15-minute spaces in the Gate House lot. Students must add their Colgate parking permit number to their package pickup reservation form — campus safety will be cross-checking permit numbers with scheduled pickup times. Be sure to travel alone, per the Commitment to Community Health. (And be careful crossing the road as you head to the mailroom to retrieve your packages.)
Don’t forget to submit a photograph of yourself on campus wearing a mask. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate. Make sure your image is appropriate, and remember to remain at least 6 feet apart if you have more than one person in the picture. Send your submissions to broadcast@colgate.edu.
The need for staff volunteers continues across campus. Thank you to those who have already volunteered, particularly to the students who responded in such a positive way. Our priority is to staff the testing sites: Monday 3–5 p.m., Tuesday 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Wednesday 8–10 a.m. Due to the training that is involved, we are seeking staff who can be available each week (or most) between now and November 18. And we are moving out of a tent! If you are able to participate, please email lchlad@colgate.edu to be added to the contact list. We understand that your regular responsibilities dictate your availability.
“You can’t do this from home.” Professor Eddie Watkins submitted this picture of Biology 181 students in action — looking at pollinators while keeping their distance.
A Closing Thought
Upcoming Events
Living Writers: Gregory Bottoms
Sept. 24
4:45 p.m.
Join Living Writers for a presentation by Greg Bottoms, author of Lowest White Boy. Bottoms is a memoirist, essayist, and professor of English at the University of Vermont.
NASC Colloquium: "What Can the First Generation of Stars Tell Us About Dark Matter?"
Sept. 25
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Cosmin Ilie, senior lecturer in physics and astronomy, summarizes the status of the various currently established strategies to detect the Dark Matter particle.
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