Colgate Together Digest

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Hello, Colgate Community.

The calendar reads September, but the sky suggests June. I know I’m going to wish I could say something similar in February, but I will let the future worry about itself and focus on today. As of this morning, we dropped to 52 positive student cases of COVID-19. Seven of those individuals will come out of isolation in time for class tomorrow. Our latest round of tests were all negative.

This is the result of your commitment. Thank you. As we celebrate this news, we watch for further improvement and send our best to those in isolation.

Masks continue to be required in all public indoor locations on campus. Grab-and-go dining is still strongly encouraged. While this weather holds, please take advantage of it and gather outdoors. Reaching for my own mask before venturing out of my office for lunch, I was thinking about those improving case numbers and the progress we are making — and the related benefits. As the Task Force’s FAQs say, scientific research shows that face coverings are very effective at reducing the transmission of COVID and any other respiratory-transmitted diseases that you might carry. So stem the strep. Restrict the RSV.

If only masks could alleviate alliteration. Talk to you on Thursday.

Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Acting Chief Diversity Officer

Take Note

Knowing that questions will arise based on the University’s COVID response, the Task Force on Reopening will hold office hours throughout the semester. Follow the links to join upcoming conversations:

Tuesday, Sept. 14       8:30–9:30 a.m.
Friday, Sept. 17           Noon–1 p.m.

The new Colgate Best Practices Site is now published. While this site was originally developed for academic AAs to assist them with performing their tasks more efficiently,  it has become a valuable resource for other departments/offices. Anyone at Colgate can view the site. 

Tomorrow, the Merrill House dining room will reopen under new management. Doug Speer and his team from Seven Oaks Clubhouse will operate Merrill House for the 2021–22  academic year, and many clubhouse favorites will be on the menu. The Clubhouse at Merrill will be open to faculty and staff members, Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. For reservations or takeout, call x7500. Walk-ins are welcome. Faculty and staff members who purchased meal plans prior to Sept. 13 can use their swipes for entrees (sides, drinks, and desserts are extra). Budget codes are also still accepted.