Hello, Colgate Community.
Surveillance test results continue to roll in. Since we last exchanged emails, we have logged two new positive student cases and two positive employees. Contact tracing is underway.
I believe in stating the obvious on Friday afternoons: pandemics are complicated. You can maintain the Commitment to Community Health, which is based on solid science, and still contract COVID. You can break it and maybe avoid infection for a while.
Rather than roll the dice, we do the right thing because it’s right — whether we’re talking about this or any other aspect of life. The science says wear a mask, maintain distance, avoid gatherings. When we do, we save lives. When we don’t, we risk lives. From this perspective, maybe things aren’t quite so complex.
Earlier today, I had the pleasure of moderating a conversation with Dr. Miller, Dr. Larson, and Prof. Holm. We talked about the science, about vaccines, and the vaccination process. Dr. Larson put the perfect bow on an insightful chat. I asked when everyone thought life would return to normal, and she said, “Longer than we want, but hopefully sooner than we think.”
We are making important progress, and we still have some work to do. But we’re up to the challenge. Keep doing the right thing, and I’ll talk to you on Monday.
(Thanks to Lemon’s advice last week, if the weather holds this weekend, I’m going to try cross country skiing with Colgate Hello and Outdoor Education — I’ll report back.)
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
If you arrive at 113 Broad St. for surveillance testing during the midday and find the door locked, check your watch. The testing site is CLOSED from 12:15–1 p.m. daily for lunch. No testing will occur during that time frame.
The Student Government Association submitted to the Academic Affairs Board a “Resolution to Alter the Currently Established Days Off,” to promote student welfare. After giving careful consideration and attention to the resolution and to the voices of the elected body, including students, the Academic Affairs Board voted to add a third break day to the spring 2021 academic calendar: Tuesday, April 13.
Community Leader (CL) applications close tonight at midnight. As a CL, you have the opportunity to positively impact other students’ residential experiences and provide guidance and support. You will also gain a variety of transferable skills from both training and the experiences in helping others learn about opportunities and challenges in residential living. Submit your application.
External reviewers will assess the Center for Leadership and Student Involvement (CLSI) and the Office of LGBTQ+ Initiatives this spring. Part of the review includes meeting with students. If you are interested in meeting virtually with the reviewers next month, please email Dean of the College Paul J. McLoughlin II. Your feedback, without attribution, will be included in the reviewers’ confidential final report to the Vice President and Dean of the College and will help in the division’s efforts to consistently improve its practice and student support.
Students with Premier Meal Plans, Dining Services is extending the coupon redemption date for pop-up dining venues on campus (Colgate Inn at Merrill House, FoJo at the Coop, Ray Brothers BBQ at the Hall of Presidents, and Royal India Grill in the Case-Geyer parking lot) through Friday, March 19.
All Colgate faculty, staff, and students can now access the New York Times for free. Sign up for your subscription here.
Please join President Brian W. Casey and your colleagues for the spring 2021 All-Staff Meeting and Presentation of the Staff Excellence Awards on Wednesday, March 3, at 10 a.m. Register.
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.
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.
A Closing Thought
It’s National Tell a Fairy Tale Day. You are officially invited and encouraged to tell stories, but “the dog ate my report,” still doesn’t count.
Upcoming Events
Pub Trivia: Hall of Presidents Edition
Feb. 26
7 p.m.
You favorite trivia is back with a twist! Grab some grub from Donovan’s Pub and bring it up to the HOP to play some trivia with friends or join a group when you get up there. Gate Cash prizes will be awarded to winning team members! Masks must be worn at all times when not eating. Teams of 4 or 6 are permitted. Tables and chairs must remain in their current placements.
Colgate University Women’s Ice Hockey at Quinnipiac
Feb. 27
3 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
Streaming Video
Colgate Hello
Say Hello! Employee Meet and Greet
March 5
Noon
In this pandemic, it can be a challenge for us to meet new members of the Colgate community — and potentially a greater challenge for those new members to meet their cross-department colleagues. We invite you to come say “hello” to some of Colgate’s newest faces and colleagues from across campus. Register.
Colgate PRIDE
Sip and Tell
March 4
6 p.m.
Did you learn how to craft a new cocktail during quarantine or are you sticking with an old favorite? Each drink has a story. Come together with other staff and faculty members to imbibe your beverage of choice while we share our stories.
Colgate WoLF
International Women’s Day Virtual Lunch
March 8
Noon
This year, we’re celebrating women supporting women at Colgate. Has someone in the Colgate community inspired, empowered, or otherwise brought you joy in the past year? Give them a shout-out here. Deadline is end of day, Wednesday, March 3.
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