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