Hello, Colgate Community.
As promised in my last message, here’s a quick snapshot of our health status. We have run approximately 4,000 tests since last Monday. At this point, we have two students and three employees in isolation with COVID-19. Those numbers hold steady.
Off campus, the picture is a little different, a fact that you will see noted on the HAT dashboard. There are currently 84 active COVID-19 cases in Madison County, up from 66 active cases last Thursday. There are 10 active cases in Hamilton. Nationwide, seven-day rolling daily averages of new cases and deaths are up. Dozens of states are seeing double-digit increases in positive cases.
Meanwhile, vaccine distribution continues — especially here at Colgate, where our point of dispensing is at work again this week. We have new mechanisms for helping transport students to local vaccination sites as well (see below).
So there are reasons for celebration and for vigilance. Finishing strong is the name of the game now, and the reward for victory was released on Monday with recommendations from the Task Force on Reopening the Colgate Campus. If you have not yet read their report, which recommends a return to fully in-person, residential education in August, I encourage you to do so.
Fall will certainly be a new normal. But this is the vision we keep in mind as we wear our masks, avoid large gatherings, continue testing, and seek out the first opportunity to receive a vaccine.
Thank you, and I’ll talk to you on Friday.
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
Beginning tomorrow, April 1, Colgate is providing the free shuttle to the SUNY Morrisville vaccination site from noon to 6.30 p.m. for the duration of the clinic. Sign up for a vaccination appointment here. Receiving vaccinations at SUNY Morrisville after Thursday, 4/1? You will need to sign up for free shuttle service via this new form. The pickup location will be on Lally Lane outside Donovan’s Pub. You will be contacted by First Transit with your pickup time. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance, and masks must be worn on the shuttle.
Students, the Office of Sustainability is accepting Green Bikes applications now through noon tomorrow, April 1. This popular program provides bicycle rentals, helmets, and locks to students for $15 each month through the end of the semester on May 8. Due to high demand, renters will be chosen by a random lottery and notified of results. Complete your application today.
The Office of Sustainability is happy to announce an updated Oak Event Certification Program, complete with a virtual event certification option. This program provides consultation and resources to make events more sustainable and inclusive. Event planners can fill out an Oak Event Certification application up to five days before the event to achieve certification. Please check out our website and celebrate Earth Day by registering your April events today.
Employees working on campus, April 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.
Will a COVID-19 vaccine alter my DNA?
No. The mRNA from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines never enter the nucleus of the cell, where our DNA is kept. J&J uses a modified version of a different, harmless virus to deliver important protection-building instructions in the form of genetic material that does not integrate into a person’s DNA. At the end of either process, our bodies have learned how to protect against future infection from COVID-19 if the real virus enters our bodies. The takeaway: Opt for whatever vaccine is available to you. They’re all safe, effective, and vetted.
SOURCE: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
A Closing Thought
This week’s student CUdos winners are: Leigh Frankel ’23, for gathering more than 1,000 books from Colgate students in a book drive for Stockbridge Elementary school — the kids were so grateful for her effort; and Sowon Kim ’22, the CL for townhouses 3 and 5, for going out of her way these past two semesters to make sure her residents are happy and feeling supported. All Colgate community members (faculty, staff, and students) 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
Open Conversation with Fraternity and Sorority Members
March 31
7 p.m.
This will be a moderated panel discussion regarding the variety of experiences of members in our recognized fraternity and sorority community. The goal of this session is to be transparent and honest about the experiences of being in an organization and how membership has impacts students at Colgate. This event is open to all students. Registration is required, and we encourage you to pre-submit questions.
A Sociology of Second Chances: The Promise, Practice, and Price of Starting Over in Everyday Life
April 1
11:30 a.m.
Featuring David Newman, visiting professor in sociology and anthropology. This talk examines the iconic presence of second chances in everyday life and explores the role of second chances in religion, education, criminal justice, popular culture, intimacy, and health.