Colgate strives to be an open, safe, and welcoming learning environment for all students, faculty, staff, and others in our extended community. Learn more about our initiatives and support resources.
- Equity and Diversity at Colgate
- Diversity and Anti-racism Initiatives
- Resources, Organizations, and Support
- The Plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Emergency Email Communications
During a campus emergency, the University’s primary concern is life safety, so communications are directed first to those on campus: students, faculty, and staff.
In the event of an emergency, please understand that the Emergency Response Team must first secure life safety and physical safety. Colgate must direct communications to the campus community first, focusing its resources on managing the emergency and keeping the community safe. Colgate will email parents and family members with information as appropriate and when possible. Your patience and understanding will be appreciated.
It is important to remember that in the event of an emergency, telephones (both landlines and cell phones) will be critical tools for emergency managers. Please refrain from calling Colgate for information; instead, look for information on colgate.edu and in emails.
Every effort will be made to keep parents and family members well informed in ways that help them to support their students’ continued well-being and growth at the University. In extended situations where the scope of an incident and those who are affected changes over time, Colgate will adjust the notification recipient lists accordingly.
Family Emergencies
If you have a family emergency and can’t reach your student, call Campus Safety at 1-315-228-7333.
Colgate has a legal responsibility to protect students’ privacy at the same time that we fulfill our educational commitment of supporting their transition to independent adulthood. Just as they are now responsible for managing their daily schedule, making their own dietary choices, and learning to live and study with people who have experiences, ideas, and backgrounds different from theirs, students are also responsible for deciding when and with whom they share personal information. Federal law protects that right.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), passed by the U.S. Congress in 1974 and sometimes called the Buckley Amendment, prevents colleges from sharing personally identifiable information or education records without students’ express consent.
Personally identifiable information includes, but is not limited to: Social Security Number, student identification number, residency status (citizen, permanent resident, non-resident alien, etc.), gender, race/ethnicity, religious preference, and passwords.
Education records include, but are not limited to: grades/GPA, academic transcripts, class schedule, test scores, academic standing (e.g., on academic warning), number of currently enrolled course credits, completed or outstanding graduation requirements, financial aid status or account information, and other matters such as petitions, leave requests, disciplinary information, health records, and residence hall.
What does this mean? At the college level, parents (who under FERPA are considered a “third party”) have no inherent right to the above kinds of information. As the U.S. Department of Education states in its FERPA Guidance for Parents, “When a student reaches 18 years of age or attends a postsecondary institution, he or she becomes an ‘eligible student,’ and all rights under FERPA transfer from the parent to the student.”
Therefore, staff and faculty members can not discuss a student’s academic standing or record with a parent without the consent and signature of the student. Observing the law also supports the notion that students should make contact with campus departments themselves when they need assistance or encounter an issue.
Of course, you can certainly ask your student to share their progress and concerns with you. And we encourage you to talk with your student — to ask helpful guiding questions and provide experienced support — throughout their college years.
U.S. Department of Education FERPA Guidance for Parents
Billing and Payments
- About paying tuition
- Student instructions for establishing an authorized payer
- Authorized payer: sign in to pay tuition
- Tuition payment plans
- Tax information
Financial Aid
’Gate Card
Overview of Health, Safety, and Wellness
- Student Health Services
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Shaw Wellness Institute
- Emergency Management
- Handbook: Talking with College Students About Alcohol
Insurance
- Enroll in or waive Colgate student health insurance
- Off-campus study health insurance and emergencies
Local Hospital
Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton is located at 150 Broad St in Hamilton, adjacent to Colgate's Student Health Services. Services include:
- Primary Care
- Emergency Services
- Laboratory Testing
- Medical Imaging
- Urgent Care
- Wellness Center
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Orthopedics/Physical Therapy
- Radiology
- Rehabilitation Services
- Respiratory Care
- Primary Care
- Pulmonology
- Urology
Knowing what to do and who to reach out to can give our students a sense of empowerment and agency:
- Review Colgate’s Safety Preparedness Guide.
- Be sure they are registered for Colgate Alert Texts (In the portal).
- Have the Colgate Guardian app on their phone; they can contact Campus Safety through it.
- Have Campus Safety ‘s number (315-228-7333) in their cell phone. In on-campus emergencies, calling campus safety directly is the best option for police, fire, and medical assistance. From a classroom phone, dialing 911 will reach campus safety.
- Remind them that all community members are partners in safety and security.
- Keep their residential buildings and spaces locked, whether occupied or unoccupied.
- If they see something, say something. Immediately report potentially dangerous conditions, safety hazards/risks, and unusual or suspicious activity or behavior.
- What to do If they see /sense danger
- Remove themselves from danger.
- Do not approach the person.
- Be prepared to give a full description of the individual, as well as his or her location.
- Transportation (regional and state travel)
- Colgate Shuttle (on campus and in Hamilton)
- On-Demand Shuttle (to airport, bus stations)
- Bus Transportation for Breaks
- Maps & Travel
