Dear Colgate Community,
Laura Jack is out today. I am standing in to provide an update on our current COVID-19 data and forward a message from the Task Force. According to the Health Analytics Team Dashboard, we currently have three active student cases. Positivity rates in Madison County continue to exceed those in central New York, which itself is running higher than the statewide average.
The Task Force has passed along this message.
The Task Force on Reopening met last week, as scheduled, and discussed the recent news of the emergence of the omicron variant of concern, and how it may impact operations at Colgate. Much more will be learned about this variant over the coming weeks. Even so, the Task Force has developed multiple scenarios that can be implemented in response to this emerging scientific information. Given what we know so far, there are no changes to our plans for in-person instruction for the spring term, and at this point there is no cause to implement restrictions on travel or other campus activities.
The Task Force will continue monitoring the epidemiological data about the omicron variant and may decide to implement additional testing or other measures to help ensure the health and safety of the Colgate community. Factors we will assess include: the rates of severe illness and hospitalization due to infection with the omicron variant in both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations; rates of infection and transmission in vaccinated and unvaccinated populations, both nationwide and specifically in central New York; and the overall burden on the health care system, especially at Community Memorial Hospital. We will, of course, continue to follow federal, state, and county policies and regulations.
At this point, vaccination still gives our campus community the best possible health protection from any SARS-CoV-2 variant, and we strongly encourage all employees and students to obtain the vaccine, either for the first time if they have not yet done so, or as a booster, through the clinics that will continue to be scheduled over the coming weeks. We are reassured by our 97.9% vaccination rate among faculty, staff, and students, as well the fact that at least 932 campus members have received a booster through our clinics (and more have obtained the booster from other sources). We look forward to achieving the same high rate of booster administration as we have for the initial vaccine sequence as this will continue to help protect the campus community from disease spread and serious illness. In addition to receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, we also encourage all employees and students to continue to wear masks and to receive their influenza vaccine, if they have not yet done so, as influenza cases have started to be detected in the area. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments at covid19@colgate.edu or through the web form.
On behalf of Vice President Jack, the Task Force, and the EOC, I wish you a productive and safe week.
Sincerely,
Joseph Hernon
Associate Vice President for Emergency Management, Campus Safety, and Environmental Health and Safety
Take Note
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.
Career Services advisers are available during winter break for virtual advising appointments with students. Advisers can introduce you to new industries, help develop compelling application documents, and teach you how to network and prepare for interviews. Use the office's online form to schedule an appointment today.
Colgate On-Demand is providing winter break transportation to the Syracuse airport and train station — which serves Greyhound, Megabus, and Trailways — at a reduced price of $25.
Departures: Friday, Dec. 17 (noon and 4 p.m. ); Saturday, Dec. 18 (8 a.m. and noon)
Returns: Saturday, Jan. 22; and Sunday, Jan. 23. (Airport at noon and 5 p.m.; train at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.)
All other times may be serviced upon request via On-Demand at the normal On-Demand shuttle pricing. Make reservations via Google Form or email colgate.ondemandscheduling@firstgroup.com no later than Thursday, Dec. 9. Reservations made after this date cannot be guaranteed.
Textbook buyback will be held at the bookstore from 9 a.m to 5:30 p.m., Dec. 13–17, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 18. Rented books may be returned to the bookstore at any time to the bookstore before Dec. 17. If you are studying remotely, rented textbooks may be returned:
via U.S. mail to:
Bookstore Rental Returns
Colgate University
13 Oak Drive
Hamilton, NY 13346
or via UPS to:
Bookstore Rental Returns
Colgate Bookstore
3 Utica Street
Hamilton, NY 13346
Rented books not received in the bookstore before Dec. 17 will be charged a non-return fee equal to the retail value of that book.
Hours at Case-Geyer and Cooley libraries during the final weeks of the semester are as follows.
Case-Geyer
12/5–12, 8 a.m.–4 a.m.
12/13–16, 8 a.m.–2 a.m.
12/17, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
12/18–19, CLOSED
Cooley Library
12/5, 9 a.m.–2 a.m.
12/6–10, 8 a.m.–2 a.m.
12/11–12, 9 a.m.–2 a.m.
12/13–16, 8 a.m.–2 a.m.
12/17, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
12/18–19, CLOSED
With more than 50 billion plastic utensils used in the United States alone on an annual basis, it is no secret that plastic waste is a major issue. The Office of Sustainability is launching a pilot program for students to receive a free utensil kit beginning in spring 2022. Use this form to sign up. If you use a reusable water bottle, why not take the next step in adopting a sustainable lifestyle?
The December Grant Advisor is now available. Search the Grant Advisor or view upcoming deadlines in 10 categories. If accessing the Grant Advisor from outside the Colgate campus network, you will be prompted to enter your Colgate network credentials.
Rapid tests will be available to students by appointment only — Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m in the Clark room. Please sign up online.