Hello, Colgate Community.
The digest is back in your inbox today so that I can pass along information from the Task Force on Reopening. The following recommendation was submitted for Executive Group approval, and it addresses a key question about University operations heading into this summer and the 2022–23 academic year.
The Task Force recommends that the University continue to follow the current CDC definition of “up to date” as a vaccine requirement for members of the campus community. Currently, the CDC defines “up to date” as a person having received all recommended doses in a primary series of COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses, when eligible. Because the CDC requires a minimum five-day isolation period for close-contact individuals who have not yet received a booster shot, continuing to require all faculty, staff, and students to be up to date with their vaccinations will allow them to avoid isolation if they are identified as close contacts.
A growing body of data and ever-larger sample sizes underscore the fact that an initial booster is effective at reducing hospitalization and serious illness. Avoiding serious illness and reducing the need for isolation for individuals who are identified as close contacts will help to ensure continued operation of in-person classes for students.
Even as I look forward to the year to come, I send you best wishes for the week ahead.
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Take Note
The University has several test kits that will expire soon. We will offer PCR and antigen testing this week for all faculty and staff members, in addition to students, to utilize these testing supplies. This testing will take place at the existing worried and well testing clinics on Wednesday and Friday. Schedule your test. If you test positive using an at-home test, you are required to report your result to the University. Students, please call Student Health Services at 315-228-7750 during normal operating hours (M–F, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sat., noon–4 p.m.) or call Campus Safety at 315-228-7333 after hours. Employees, please contact HR.
Central receiving and the facilities main office will be closed at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 15, in observance of Good Friday. Facilities will have reduced staffing to cover essential/critical operations. If there is a maintenance emergency, call the Heating Plant at x7468.
Colgate University is enhancing its safety network by launching the Colgate Guardian app, a new method for community members to communicate with campus safety and access emergency resources. For installation and frequently asked questions, please visit the Colgate Guardian web page.
Approximately 2,000 graduates and friends of Colgate will return for reunion weekend, June 9–11, and many of them will be bringing young children. If you or someone you know is experienced and interested in babysitting during that weekend, please complete this form, and you will be added to the alumni office’s referral list for potential work. Please contact Vicky Stone at vstone@colgate.edu or 315-228-7433 with questions.
Every Friday in April, a new food truck will be at the corner of College and Broad Street from 10 p.m. until midnight. Free meals are available for students on a first-come, first-served basis.
4/15: Byblos Street Grill
4/22: Rio Grande
4/29: Cafe Jarosz