Hello, Colgate Community.
It’s always challenging to follow up on a “we’re moving to a new Gate” message, but I’ll try.
Surveillance testing begins next week. Testing is a pillar of our efforts to be Colgate Together. It allowed us to move safely to Gate 1, with its greater opportunities for movement, interaction, and in-person instruction. It’s also our ticket to Gate 2, so when you receive your email alert, sign up for your time and keep your appointment. We saw the consequences of late tests this week.
Another pillar of our program is physical distancing. Avoid becoming a close contact by staying 6 feet away from others (12 if exercising), wearing your mask properly, and following Gate 1 guidance.
Last night, MLK keynote speaker Angela Davis said, “Community is more important than the individual.” That couldn’t be more true right now. I completely understand the individual desire to go back to the old normal. I’d love to hear the happy, deafening chatter of a room filled with friends and strangers. But for the sake of our community, we have committed to setting aside those individual wishes. Just for now.
Having noted the importance of community, I still want to note one individual: Alexandra Curtin ’22. We met during testing, and it’s her birthday today. I hope it’s a happy one, and I’m glad you can eat your cake in Gate 1.
Happy Friday, and I’ll talk to you all on Monday.
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
Scammers pretending to be from Colgate ITS, local internet providers, or other IT services are convincing Colgate community members that there is a problem with their computer. Scammers ask for remote access to fix the problem. Once they gain access, they steal files, data, and passwords, and they often demand a ransom. Colgate ITS will never ask for your password. Please always be suspicious of unexpected emails, phone calls, or messages. Trust your instincts. Confirm legitimacy of communications by hanging up and contacting ITS at ITShelp@colgate.edu or 315-228-7111.
Beginning Feb. 8, surveillance testing will take place for 50% of the on-campus community each week. Those community members selected for next week have already received an email with sign-up instructions. The remaining 50% will receive a message in the days ahead. Thank you for keeping your appointment.
Safe Zone Training provides an educational environment to learn about and discuss sexuality, gender, and LGBTQ+ topics. Attendees should come with an open mind and a willingness to engage with their privilege and oppressed identities to expand not only individual understanding of systemic oppression but how we as a community can work to dismantle it. All trainings will be online through Zoom from 4–6 p.m. Register here.
The Summer Reading Selection Committee invites you to submit suggestions for the 2021 summer reading. Want to share and discuss your summer reading nominations? Register to participate in the Brown Commons Summer Book Selection Event. Stay tuned for more commons-sponsored summer reading events.
Instructional Designer Sharon Trerise and Professional Development Trainer Robin Bridson are offering a full slate of workshops this month. Learn how to transcribe your Zoom sessions using Otter.ai, catch up on your professional development with LinkedIn Learning, learn the basics of Qualtrics surveys, and more. Check out the ITS development workshop calendar.
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. All efforts will be made to ensure the confidentiality of the material prior to the truck’s arrival.
Remember that, per updated New York State guidelines, all salaried employees must log any sick time on the portal; this includes time dedicated to doctors’ appointments. You can find the link under the HR section labeled: Leave Scheduler for Salaried Employees.
The Shaw Wellness Institute Book Club will read Me and White Supremacy, by Layla Saad. Journaling prompts will help guide deep discussions about white supremacy and privilege. We will look at our biases as we explore how whiteness has played a significant role in history as well as present-day culture. All registrants will receive a free copy of the book. The group will meet on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. To register, email Shaw Wellness Program Coordinator Vicki Coates at vcoates@colgate.edu or Dean Sarah Jones at shjones@colgate.edu. A collaboration with Counseling Services and Administrative Advising.
A Closing Thought
Throughout the weekend: Explore, Create, and Compete. Enter the Snow Sculpture Competition, explore the Harry H. Lang Cross Country Course and trails behind Chapel House, rent equipment from the Outdoor Education Basecamp, or enter the Winter Wonderland Photo Contest.
Upcoming Events
Congress to Campus Community Forum
Feb. 8
7 p.m.
Join the Colgate Vote Project as we welcome former House of Representatives members Bill Enyart and Peter Smith for a bipartisan discussion about their time in Congress, their experiences campaigning and navigating partisanship, and their insights on current issues facing our nation.
ALANA and Mosaic Present: A Look into Lunar New Year
Feb. 8
7:30 p.m.
In anticipation of the upcoming holiday, join students, faculty, and alumni as they share stories and reflections on how they celebrate Lunar New Year with their families and communities. All are welcome.
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