Hello, Colgate Community.
The thaw has revealed final results from our testing backlog, with one positive student among them, producing 15 close contacts. It’s a significant number, though not surprising given the delay. As we know, it takes a few days for the virus to spread. So, next week, the HAT will want to see results from March 1 tests before making a recommendation on moving to Gate 3. We will update you as soon as possible.
In Gate 3, we will test 25% of the on-campus community every week. This plan was set prior to the start of the semester. Should metrics require a return to Gate 2, our testing protocol will revert back to 50% of campus.
Testing is still on our minds every day, but the focus of conversation is on vaccines. As I’ve mentioned before, Colgate is approved by the state to distribute the vaccine to eligible individuals once doses become available. The EOC and Student Health Services have started placing weekly orders, but none have been received so far. The University is ready to open a point of dispensing quickly when the order is filled. Watch for information as it becomes available.
Of course, when you daydream about the days after your second dose, make sure it’s an accurate vision. You should still be wearing a mask and maintaining physical distance. Vaccinated individuals might still spread COVID-19, and studies prove that masks matter. Those who have already been vaccinated will still need to participate in campus testing. (Note: The faster we all are vaccinated, the sooner our masks will become “vintage.”)
Take care, and I’ll talk to you Friday.
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
Please be aware: On-street parking in the Village of Hamilton is prohibited from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. The University has been alerted that cars parked in violation of this ordinance will be towed immediately. This new protocol is already in effect. Questions should be directed to the Village of Hamilton.
Thanks to the Colgate University Libraries, Purchasing Office, and CLSI, all Colgate faculty, students, and staff will have online access to the New York Times starting Friday, Feb. 26. If you have an existing online subscription through Colgate, you will receive an email from the New York Times directly with instructions on how to switch your subscription to the new account. Additional information can be found on the libraries website. If you do not yet have a subscription, use this link to activate your account. Please contact Mark Sandford at msandford@colgate.edu with any questions.
Beginning tomorrow, Frank Dining Hall will stay open an hour later, until 11 p.m., Mon–Thurs. (Closing will still be at 10 p.m., Friday–Sunday.) Do remember that there are multiple additional dining options to serve you.
Employees working on campus, March is just around the corner! Please go to the portal and fill out your on-campus schedule for the month. The HAT uses the on-campus schedule to determine which employees are in the surveillance testing pool. If you know you will be on campus in the coming weeks but are not yet sure of the day, select at least one day of that week and adjust it once you know your schedule.
A Closing Thought
Last week’s CUdos nominations were entered in a weekly drawing. The winners are Jaritza Nuñez ’21, for never hesitating to provide a friendly reminder to maintain social distance, and Johna Joseph ’22, for sharing his truth in an environment of varying power dynamics.
All Colgate community members (faculty, staff, student) are encouraged to submit a CUdos nomination. All students, on campus or remote, are eligible. Take a minute to recognize a student or classmate who warrants praise.
Upcoming Events
Be the Change: Activism and Social Change
7 p.m.
Join us for an engaging discussion moderated by Janiiya Hart ’23 covering alumni paths from an early interest in advocacy and human rights to professional careers in activism. The event will feature Dena Robinson ’12, civil rights division trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, and Gabriella Jones-Casey ’09, organizer, Service Employees International Union. Presented with the COVE and the Common Good Network.
More or Less I Am - Artist Roundtable Discussion
Feb. 25
6 p.m.
A multidisciplinary discussion on transformation, following Colgate’s presentation of Compagnia de’ Colombari’s More or Less I Am. This roundtable discussion will be moderated by April Sweeney and feature Karin Coonrod (director), Kyle Sanna (composer), Michael Potts (actor), and Kyle Bass (playwright).
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