Hello, Colgate Community.
Last night, Governor Hochul extended the expiration date of the HERO Act until December 15. We are, therefore, obligated to continue masking indoors and following our Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan. At this point it seems clear that the HERO Act will not lapse until all of New York State experiences a significant decline in the rate of new infections — the Health Analytics Team dashboard notes that infection rates in our county and our region are higher than the statewide average.
Those in search of more heartening news should check out Colgate’s own infection rate. The dashboard shows no active student cases of COVID-19 at this time. By continuing to follow testing protocols and state masking guidance, we can help to keep that number low as we begin the drive toward Thanksgiving break and finals week.
Meanwhile, campus life continues. Students are registering for courses and employees for health care benefit adjustments. Daylight savings time is coming to an end, and I’m wondering where I put my Colgate-branded fleece. Dogs everywhere are beginning to weigh whether it’s worth going outside. First-year students from California and Florida are sniffing the cold air for snow like gazelles on the Serengeti. Yes, winter is coming for us all.
Word pictures are fun to paint, but this one has a practical purpose: Life continues, with masks for now, but a reevaluation of protocols will be here before we know it. The world will spin on, and we will continue to be Colgate Together. Stay strong, and good luck with the week ahead.
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
Employees and students, tomorrow is election day, and many local and state offices have elections and ballot initiatives. Visit vote.org to check your registration status, locate your polling place, and find ballot information.
Students, want to help your classmates and assist with food insecurity on campus? Donate meal swipes by clicking on “Donate a Meal,” located at the bottom of the GET app. Select either guest meals (premier plans) or a meal from your block plan — enter the number you wish to give, and then click “Donate.” Meals will be distributed to students experiencing unforeseen or challenging circumstances while long-term solutions are secured. Need meals? Apply for emergency support.
Beginning Nov. 1, students may enroll in Uber’s Student U4B University Program. Set up a university profile on Uber to request flexible on-demand rides, Thursday–Saturday as available, using private payment options. ’Gate Cards are not accepted at this time. For technical/support related questions contact business-support@uber.com or tsorice@uber.com. For any other questions contact Courtney Jasper (cjasper@colgate.edu) or Molly Ogden (purchasing@colgate.edu).
Free shuttles to Destiny USA Mall will depart on Nov. 6 and Nov. 13 from Donovan’s Pub at noon and 3 p.m. (returning at 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.). Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Questions? Contact First Transit Colgate.OnDemandScheduling@firstgroup.com.
Register for Nov. 6 shuttle | Register for Nov. 13 shuttle
As a reminder, My Bus Home is offering three destinations for Thanksgiving break student travel: White Plains, N.Y.; Newton, Mass.; and Plymouth Meeting, Pa., to serve those heading to the Philadelphia/Southern N.J. region.
Last chance! Participate in the National Assessment of Collegiate Campus Climate before tomorrow. Colgate joins all other members of the Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance in inviting students to complete this survey. The data gathered will be used to help foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive Colgate. Check for an email from helpdesk@nacccsurvey.org for your link to the survey.