Summer Planning Update
Dear Members of the Skidmore Community,
As we eagerly look forward to the return of warmer days, I would like to provide an update regarding the College’s summer planning. Although there remains much to determine about summer programming, my hope is that Skidmore can offer as much robust programming as is safely possible, in accordance with guidelines set forth by state and local authorities.
Various departments and programs on campus, including our COVID-19 logistics team, have been working diligently to assess what is and may be possible in the coming months based on what we know right now and what we continue to learn about the evolving COVID situation.
In keeping with our top priority of supporting the academic endeavors of our students, I am pleased to report that summer session classes, collaborative research and student employment will all be offered on campus and in person this summer. Skidmore students may now register for in-person courses, as well as hybrid and online classes. Summer student housing will be available to students taking classes, participating in research, working on campus, or enrolled in a Skidmore-sponsored internship or Skidmore Independent Study for credit. Housing applications open on April 1. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as housing will be limited. Non-Skidmore students will be permitted to register for online courses only, beginning April 1. The Opportunity Program Summer Academic Institute for incoming first-year students will be held in person as well.
Providing programs that support our faculty and staff is another priority. We are planning to operate sports camps. We continue to explore the feasibility of running the Camp Northwoods program, which is governed by New York State Department of Health guidelines and may require modifications from previous years. More information will be shared when available.
We understand that there remain many questions about other programs and operations that may be able to resume this summer, including whether we will return to in-person work over the summer. Answers to all of these questions are highly dependent upon a variety of factors, including testing capacity, vaccination levels, virus transmission data, regulatory requirements and operational needs. However, a gradual reopening in the coming months is anticipated, with an on-campus presence for the fall. Essential employees or those whose work requires them to be present for in-person classes, programs, services or projects should expect to work on campus this summer.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced that domestic travelers will no longer be required to quarantine after entering New York from another state starting April 1. It is likely that many COVID-19 mitigation protocols, especially masking, will remain in place on campus during summer 2021. Students living on campus should also anticipate that on-campus and in-person academic, clinical and other services and supports will be more limited during the summer months.
The College plans to continue its partnership with the Broad Institute for testing during the summer for various groups. Details on who will be required to be tested and how often have yet to be determined, but this information will be shared as soon as it is available.
Given the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and uncertainties related to infection levels and vaccine availability, as well as ever-evolving local, state and national health and safety requirements, Skidmore’s summer plans could be subject to change in the weeks and months ahead. Changes and updates will be clearly communicated to the entire Skidmore community.
Summer Planning FAQs have been added to the Campus Planning website and information will be updated as it becomes available.
Thank you for your patience as we work to make these decisions. I know we are all eager to return to the unique activities and opportunities that make a summer in Saratoga Springs and at Skidmore such a special and enriching experience. We will continue to do all we can to make this possible this summer.
Sincerely,
Marc C. Conner
President