Hello, Colgate Community.
My name is Lemon, and I am a first-year student. It has been a while since I spoke to you — my last appearance in the digest was all the way back on Sept. 30, 2020. So far, I have had great experiences while on campus, but I must say that last semester was very difficult. Getting accustomed to Colgate academics, campus life, and COVID protocols was overwhelming. Without the support of my friends, classmates, professors, Link, and countless other individuals, I honestly would have been lost.
Born and raised in New York City, I typically stay inside when it snows and the temperature drops below freezing. But getting outside and trying new winter activities has made such a huge difference. While I was snowshoeing, I was actually too warm. Next weekend, I will be camping with Outdoor Education — yet another new adventure. I am nervous about camping in the winter, but at the same time, pretty excited. We are going to build the coziest quinzee Colgate has ever seen, and our snow kitchens will be so dialed!
Even if camping in February doesn’t sound like fun, I encourage you to challenge yourself and find something that you can look forward to. Sign up for PEs or Back Yard Adventures; there are even online opportunities for those of you that want to engage remotely. Faculty and staff members also can rent gear from the Outdoor Equipment Rental Center.
This is what motivates me to get out of bed in the morning, and I hope it helps you, too!
Mariama Lemon ’24
Thanks, Lemon.
Now, a few updates from across campus.
Talk to you soon,
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
Please note that the COVID testing site at 113 Broad Street closes daily for lunch from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. Regular business hours are: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
You are invited to join Colgate physicians Dr. Ellen Larson and Dr. Merrill Miller, Associate Professor of Biology Geoff Holm, and Vice President for Communications Laura H. Jack on Friday, Feb. 26, for a discussion on COVID-19 vaccines. Topics will include vaccine development, overcoming vaccine hesitancy, New York State eligibility requirements, and vaccine availability. Submit your questions in advance and register.
Keelah Dixon ’21 is one of five Colgate representatives to the new Patriot League Anti-Racism Commission, which formed last July to examine areas in which systemic racism is occurring within the Patriot League. The group seeks practical solutions for long-term change. Read the story.
If an employee or a dependent covered by Colgate’s health insurance plan pays out-of-pocket for a COVID test at Dougherty’s, 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.
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.
Following Academic Affairs Board approval last week, “Colgate students may take up to two online courses during the summer of 2021 without those courses counting against the current limit of two total online courses being allowed for transfer, so long as those courses don’t exceed total transfer credit limits.” For the summer of 2021, students may take courses from any regionally accredited U.S. institution, as long as those courses meet Colgate’s other transfer requirements and receive the required approvals. Email questions to transfercredit@colgate.edu.
The Office of Admission is currently accepting applications for the Senior Admission Intern program for the 2021–22 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 résumé and cover letter to Erin Milin at emilin@colgate.edu.
A Closing Thought
“Testing detects — but does not prevent — infection. Continue masking correctly and avoid large gatherings, especially while eating. That’s how you maintain the bubble.”
— Dr. Merrill Miller, University Physician and Director of Student Health Services
Upcoming Events
International Mother Language Day Open Mic Night
Feb. 21
5 p.m.
Mother Language Day is part of a broader initiative to promote the preservation and protection of all languages. Perform a song, poetry, spoken word, or even tell jokes in their native tongues.
Save Indian Farmers
Feb. 22
7:30 p.m.
Join South Asian Cultural Club in a conversation regarding the ongoing farmers' protest in India with Save Indian Farmers. Panelists include Dr. Yashwantrao Yadav, Mr. Anant Chaudhary, and Mr. Hemant Kaka, who have all been working with the nonprofit Save Indian Farmers.
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