Colgate Together Digest

Hello, Colgate Community. 

Among the results received from surveillance testing earlier this week, we have no cases of COVID-19. That’s great news, and I want to thank everyone who showed up. That said, about 10–15% of students skipped their testing appointments, so we will be missing crucial data when we do a complete review of this week’s numbers. And, as we know, data drive our progress through the Gates.

We are taking swift steps to address these violations of the Commitment to Community Health because we want to stay safe and move to Gate 2 — that decision must be made based on the science. In this case, you are the science. Just one unidentified case can cause significant spread and quickly overwhelm our resources.

I know there is an understandable desire to move quickly. But we don’t want to undo the great, hard work you’ve put in so far. We intend to move as quickly as possible. There will be more concrete data available early next week, and we will test the second half of our on-campus population in keeping with our surveillance protocol. I will keep you posted on our progress.

In the meanwhile, remember that there is plenty to do on campus and around the village this weekend. Students, reread Dean McLoughlin’s email from yesterday, outlining various activities. And everyone can keep an eye on the campus calendar.

Have a great weekend, and I’ll talk to you on Monday.

Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications

Take Note

The Office of Admission is currently accepting applications for the Senior Admission Intern program for the 2021–2022 academic year. Senior interns have an important impact in supporting admissions and shaping the future classes of the University. Current Colgate juniors are encouraged to apply. Previous experience in admission is not required. Applications are due by 5 p.m. EST on Monday, Feb. 22. To apply, please fill out an application on the student employment portal and send a resume and cover letter to Erin Milin at emilin@colgate.edu

Finance recruiting accelerates during sophomore spring. Don’t miss this special recruiting kick-off event, Feb. 18, 7:30–9 p.m. Alumni across five investment bank areas will share what their work entails, the necessary skills, and how they connect with other divisions. All students are welcome to attend and encouraged to explore upcoming Colgate Premier events on Handshake. Learn how to find Colgate Premier on Handshake.

If this semester feels particularly challenging, be sure to reach out to friends, family members, or mentors for connection and support. The Counseling Center and Haven are also here for you. Social support can be extremely valuable and help our psychological flexibility. It’s a factor that researchers say is beneficial in coping with the pandemic.

If an employee or a dependent, covered by Colgate’s health insurance plan, pays out-of-pocket for a COVID test at Dougherty Pharmacy, send a copy of the paid receipt and a signed claim form to benefits@colgate.edu to begin the reimbursement process. For service dates of Nov. 1, 2020, to Jan. 31, 2021, the completed claim form and paid receipt must be submitted by Feb. 28. Please email questions to benefits@colgate.edu or call ext. 7565.

Join Fidelity for a complimentary web workshop, Turn Your Savings Into Retirement Income, and live Q&A session with dedicated retirement planner Ken Woods, on March 2 at noon. You can view other Fidelity events or book a private consultation online.

The deadline for summer 2021 Colgate Camp registration is March 1. Operations will be guided by the University’s current safety policies. Daily rates for 2021 include lodging, meals, and use of all recreational activities: adults, $83; youth 6–11 years of age, $45; and children 1–5 years of age, $40. Tax, gratuity, and incidentals are extra. Questions may be addressed to sdrex19@gmail.com. Registration Form. 

The purchasing office has scheduled the Confidata shredding truck to arrive on Tuesday, Feb. 16. If you will be sending material for shredding, please contact Molly Ogden or Suzie Meres 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, Feb. 15.

A Closing Thought

Michael Zhang ’23, studying remotely in China, shares his thoughts on the Lunar New Year with the Colgate Community.