Dear Members of the Hamilton Community,
I write with further updates from campus, where we have just begun our third week of in-classroom instruction this semester.
As I mentioned in my last message, Colgate’s Task Force on Reopening has developed a series of Gates, similar to New York State’s phases of reopening. These Gates gradually increase our capacity for social interaction and are based on a careful evaluation of numerous metrics found on our public dashboard.
Each week, we conduct randomized testing of 6% of students and employees, and we are keeping a close eye on our wastewater testing results. Because our regimen is so robust, and because we use a very sensitive COVID-19 test, we expect to find new cases during each round. Last week’s testing revealed three new cases among our student population and none among employees. We have plans and resources for addressing new cases as they are identified, in keeping with county and state guidance.
The University originally intended to progress to Gate 2 tomorrow; however, based on the number of close contacts connected with our new positive cases, the campus will remain at Gate 1 until at least September 29.
The majority of our students have done a remarkable job in maintaining their commitment. But because the nature of this virus will challenge even the best of intentions, we must take the necessary precautions to prevent its spread. In this case, that means keeping our social interactions limited to the greatest extent possible so as to avoid the number of close contacts associated with each new positive case. Unfortunately, we also must send a small number of students home once it is safe for them to leave the area, due to recent commitment violations.
Our Colgate Together messages to campus have made it clear that Gates can open, close, or remain static. Please visit our website for more information on our Gates of reopening. If you see a violation, we encourage you to politely and firmly address it yourself or fill out our report form if you believe you have witnessed a violation of our Commitment to Community Health you are unable to address.
This week, Colgate also announced that it could continue its annual flu shot clinic for members of the campus community. We encourage you to get your shot as well through your preferred provider. It is more important than ever to reduce pressure on our healthcare workers and facilities this flu season as they manage the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I want to thank you for your responses to our messages, for asking questions, and for letting us know how you are feeling as we go through this extraordinary time together. The University is committed to protecting the health and well-being of the Hamilton community even as we pursue our academic mission. Together we will emerge as a stronger community, as stronger individuals, and as a stronger Colgate.
Sincerely,
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications