Fall planning update from President Conner
Dear Skidmore Community,
With less than three weeks to go before the start of the fall semester, some of our
returning and incoming students will begin arriving in Saratoga Springs this Friday
to begin the quarantine required by the state. Students who will be on campus in the
fall but are not required to quarantine will be tested upon arrival and are being
sent specific instructions about the move-in process, which will be staggered and
will follow practices of masking and social distancing. Facilities Services is currently
in the process of distributing cleaning and sanitizing products to various locations
on campus, including residential spaces, classrooms and labs and common areas.
In reflecting on the hard work of the past few months and all the careful planning,
thorough preparation and innovative problem-solving that have gone into creating as
safe and academically fulfilling an environment as possible for our students, we have
much to be proud of as a community. I have personally been so impressed by the incredible
effort our staff and faculty have shown this summer. Now, as we welcome our students
back to campus, we must sustain that momentum, stay focused on our mission and remember
our commitment to one another — as I have said recently, this is an “all-in” moment
for Skidmore College. There will be challenges to overcome and adjustments to be made,
but we will respond with the same dedication, flexibility and teamwork that have sustained
us so far.
As we continue to persevere through the pandemic and engage in critical conversations
about racial justice and anti-racism in our society, I urge us again to be firm in
our commitment to each other and to all members of our community. We must steer a
course that emphasizes tolerance, peaceful forms of expression and hopefully the gathering
together of very different people and persuasions into a place of understanding and
trust. I look forward to our efforts to work with everyone to bring people together,
find common ground, eliminate distrust and anger, and replace vengeance with peace.
This too is an “all-in” effort, and I am confident we can build a community of trust
together.
As I noted in my message earlier his week, following last week’s unsettling events
in downtown Saratoga Springs, we are in conversation with the mayor’s office about
the establishment of a team to review and improve policing in Saratoga Springs, in
which our students, staff and faculty would work alongside local law enforcement and
civic leaders in such a policy effort. More information about this "New York State
Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative" will soon be available on the City Council
website, including its membership and charge. These efforts can help us bring about
meaningful and lasting social change while further strengthening the relationship
between Skidmore and the surrounding community.
During the five weeks that I have been officially at Skidmore, I have marveled at
the determination, resilience, commitment and, yes, creative thought that this community
has shown in the face of unprecedented challenges. I am confident that we will keep
moving forward together, and as the new academic year approaches, I look forward to
taking this journey with you. Thank you for all that you do.
Sincerely,
Marc C. Conner
President