Spring semester planning update

Dear Skidmore Community, 

We are now more than halfway through the fall semester and our collegewide efforts to comply with weekly testing protocols, follow all health and safety guidelines, and make responsible choices continue to put us in a strong position to manage and contain COVID-19 cases on campus. With just over five more weeks remaining in the semester, we are now looking ahead to the spring semester with cause for continued optimism, confidence in the measures we have in place, and trust in our community’s commitment. 
 
Consequently, I am pleased to confirm that we anticipate inviting all students back to campus for the spring semester and continuing with the mix of in-person and online instruction we have offered this semester. We will proceed with the assumption that the spring semester will be very similar to the current one in terms of safety conditions, health procedures and guidelines (including weekly testing), learning options and residential arrangements. Of course, as we learned throughout the fall planning process, circumstances may evolve and our plans might shift. We will continue to keep the Skidmore community informed with regular, transparent communications throughout the spring planning process. 
 
I write to you at this midpoint of the fall with great pride in what our community has accomplished so far. The numbers speak for themselves: Out of a total of approximately 20,000 COVID tests conducted since Aug. 16, only six have come back positive. Of those six, two are current, active cases and have resulted in appropriate isolation, quarantine and contact-tracing measures. As always, all of this information is updated regularly and made available through the College’s COVID-19 Dashboard. 
 
I must also stress the possibility that these conditions may change in the days ahead. As the weather turns colder and we spend more of our time indoors, please remember to wear a mask at all times, maintain at least six feet of distance and wash your hands frequently. COVID cases have been on the rise again in parts of New York state as well as throughout the nation and the world, so we must remain vigilant and smart. 
 
It’s clear that our community knows what to do and has the tools to do it. So let’s continue to keep each other safe and healthy and carry on with the residential learning experience we so value. Let’s stay the course and stay strong all the way through the end of classes on Nov. 20 and final exams following Thanksgiving, and then prepare for another good semester in the spring. We are a remarkable college community proving what is possible through hard work, creativity and kindness. 
 
Sincerely, 
Marc C. Conner 
President