Welcome back to Skidmore
This website outlines Skidmore’s guidelines and plans in relation to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
Skidmore looks forward to returning to a fully in-person, residential learning experience on campus this fall — and to more of the normal practices we enjoyed before the pandemic — while continuing to prioritize our community’s health and safety.
Daily Health Certification now required for all employees
Effective Sept. 6, 2021, New York state has designated COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease under the NYS HERO Act. As a result, all employees must now complete the Daily Health Certification form at the beginning of every work day, using the Skidmore College web portal (link below) or by completing a hard copy of the form provided by their supervisor. Any employee with symptoms of COVID-19 must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to Human Resources at hr@skidmore.edu before returning to work on campus.
Plans are consistent with guidance issued by the American College Health Association, Centers for Disease Control and state and local health departments. They are subject to change at any time. As we navigate this together, our efforts are guided by two key principles:
- Protecting the health and safety of our community of students, faculty and staff, and the greater Saratoga Springs community
- Providing access to a residential, excellent liberal arts education
Latest information
We are currently in a yellow status
The College has set forth two status levels for the fall: green for a “low to moderate” county transmission rate, and yellow for a “substantial to high” county transmission rate.
Students: All students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before arriving on campus for the fall unless exempted from this requirement as a reasonable accommodation of a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. Learn more
Faculty and Staff: All faculty and staff (union and non-union) are required to be fully vaccinated by Sept. 3, 2021, unless exempted from this requirement as a reasonable accommodation of a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. Learn more
Visitors: Vaccines are not required to visit campus; however, vaccination status may affect how you participate, or your ability to participate, in various activities. Review Visitor guidelines.
Students: Skidmore will be conducting surveillance PCR testing for all Skidmore students at the start of the semester. Learn more about arrival testing
Skidmore will decide about ongoing surveillance testing protocols for the fall semester based on county COVID transmission levels and campus testing positivity rates.
Employees:Currently, unvaccinated individuals are being tested regularly. Surveillance testing for the fall is under discussion. More information will be released soon.
Per yellow status guidelines, all individuals are asked to wear masks indoors. Guidelines for outdoor masking and in private spaces vary based on vaccination status and other factors. Guidelines for visitors are unique.
Skidmore’s fall semester classes will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 8, and end on Friday, Dec. 10, with the semester officially coming to a close on Dec. 18. A typical Thanksgiving break of Nov. 24-28 is built into the academic calendar.
See the 2021-22 academic calendar for additional dates and deadlines.
The College's planning process is focused on complying with health and safety guidance from New York state, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other public health organizations.
Guidance
- Skidmore Health Services
- Saratoga County Public Health
- NYS Department of Health
- Centers for Disease Control
- U.S. State Department
Statistics
Latest Messages
In partnership with a local pharmacy, Skidmore will hold a COVID-19 vaccination and booster clinic on campus next Tuesday, Dec. 7, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Intramural Gym in Wiliamson Sports Center.- Students may have one masked visitor each in residence hall rooms or apartments; updates to dining operations
- Grab-and-go will continue with adjustments, including tent seating and socially-distanced seating
- Visitors are not permitted in residence halls, rooms, or apartments; dining to move to grab-and-go
- With Thanksgiving break — Wednesday, Nov. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 28 (for students) — fast approaching, we write to share important information regarding testing procedures for students, faculty, and staff that will help ensure a safe transition to and from break.