News and announcements from Skidmore College

Weekly Bulletin

Skidmore News

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With several more weeks left in the semester, the Skidmore community will need to remain vigilant as COVID-19 cases rise nationwide. Spring semester planning is well underway, updates were recently provided to the Board of Trustees, Skidmore was honored to host a conversation with Luis Miranda Jr. this week, and Skidmore Cares will return in November.

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Scribner Library

Next week's series of virtual programs will examine the role of social media today and how users can protect themselves and others from abusive practices.

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Luis Miranda Jr.

During a livestreamed event, Miranda shared touching and humorous anecdotes about his career, family and "Siempre, Luis," the new HBO documentary about his life.

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Julianne Jordan '91

This year's online format allowed notable parent and alumni mentors from all over the world to network with students interested in learning more about various careers.

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Students walk on campus

Ahead of an Oct. 24 transfer open house and the Nov. 1 fall transfer application deadline, recent transfer students share their thoughts on coming to Skidmore.

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Dining Services

Bread sale: Order on the Dining Services website by Tuesday, Oct. 27, for pickup on Friday, Oct. 30, between 3 and 5 p.m. in the Atrium Café. Flavors are apple cinnamon, ciabatta, pumpkin chocolate chip, sourdough, vegan banana and a four-pack of Halloween decorated cupcakes.

 

The Spa, the Atrium Café and Burgess Café are open to students and Skidmore employees. Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, including the new Murray-Aikins Dining Hall Express, are open to students only this fall. Hours of operation and Spa specials are available online.

Human Resources

Save the date: Open enrollment

Open enrollment for 2020 benefits will be held Nov. 9-20. The College will host virtual benefits information sessions this year that will provide employees with information about the College's benefits and a chance to ask questions of our vendors. For those employees who do not work in front of a computer, the College will make arrangements for these sessions to be broadcast to small groups with appropriate social distancing measures in place. The HR team is in the process of developing the schedule of sessions and will soon update our website with materials regarding our 2021 benefits options, Frequently Asked Questions, and virtual vendor sessions. Employees will also have the opportunity to schedule meetings (virtually or socially distanced on campus) with Human Resources to provide assistance with the enrollment process.

 

Harassment prevention and minors compliance training

All employees must complete an annual workplace harassment prevention and minors compliance training courses on or before Nov. 16. Instructions for accessing the training portal are posted.

 

Breakfast with HR: Supervisor Roundtable

The next Breakfast with HR will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28. Managers, supervisors, department heads and program directors wishing to attend are strongly encouraged to register via the HR training website. This month's topics will include an open discussion on managing remote teams and conducting effective one-on-one meetings. Supervisors can register for this program here.  

 

Upcoming employee training and development opportunity

Human Resources and LEDS will be partnering to offer a two-part training opportunity for employees in early November to increase your knowledge and presence on Zoom. More details will be forthcoming about this exciting opportunity. 

Oracle Cloud System

Training for upgraded Oracle Cloud system

As announced at the October staff meeting, Skidmore will switch to an upgraded Oracle Cloud system for financial and human resources functions including benefits, payroll, accounts payable, purchasing and recruitment. A variety of training opportunities and materials will be available ahead of the January 2021 rollout of the upgraded system. We are pleased to announce the creation of a new Oracle Cloud training website, which will be updated regularly with user manuals, training videos and a schedule of live training opportunities. Regular updates will continue to be provided through the Skidmore Weekly Bulletin.

 

Finance staff will host a training session on “Login and General Navigation” from 11:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 23, via Zoom (Meeting ID: 987 1490 6906). We hope you will join us for this opportunity to ask questions and understand more about this new, enhanced system. 

Faculty-Staff Achievements

Click here for details about the achievements below.

 

Sarah DiPasquale, assistant professor of dance, co-authored an academic paper. Read more >>

 

Heather Hurst, associate professor of anthropology, co-authored an academic article. Read more >>

 

Stephen Ives, associate professor of health and human physiological sciences, co-authored a research paper. Read more >>

 

Kelly Melekis, associate professor and chair of social work, co-authored an academic article. Read more >>

 

Rodrigo Schneider, assistant professor of economics, will present his research on a virtual panel. Read more >>

Announcements

An Evening with Kevin Young

Kevin Young, author, poet and poetry editor at The New Yorker, will hold a live, hourlong reading and conversation with the Skidmore community at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, as part of a virtual residency with the Black Studies Program and English Department at Skidmore. Young is the editor of the new anthology, "African American Poetry: 250 Years of Struggle and Song," which is scheduled for release on Oct. 20. He has just been named the next director of the National Museum of African American History & Culture. For more information and to register, visit the event website. The event is part of Skidmore's Racial Justice Initiative and sponsors include Skidmore's Arts Administration Program, the Black Studies Program, the English Department and the Office of Alumni Relations & College Events.

 

Tang Live: Diversifying Spaces

Check out the Tang Instagram account at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, for this week’s Tang Live, a Skidmore student-run event. Tang Design Intern Allie Cottingham ’23 explores what it means to be a person of color in predominantly white spaces in short interviews with several Skidmore students. For more information, visit the Tang event webpage.

 

2020 Selected Art Faculty Exhibition

The Schick Gallery is pleased to present the 2020 Selected Art Faculty Exhibition, this year featuring sculpture by John Galt, photographs by Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison and paintings and drawings by Michael Van Winkle, through Nov. 20. A Zoom Artists’ Talk will be held at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. To receive a link to the event, contact Rebecca Shepard. For more information, visit the Schick website.

 

Skidmore Field Hockey vs. Cancer

The annual Skidmore Field Hockey vs. Cancer fundraiser will take place virtually at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, when the team hosts an intersquad scrimmage. Since fans are not allowed to attend, the game will be livestreamed and donations may be made through the Venmo link SCFH_for_cancer. All proceeds will go to MoreThan4 Athletics to benefit the fight against pediatric cancer.

 

One Night, One Hour: Comedy in 2020 with Jaboukie Young-White

Jaboukie Young-White, a comedian from Chicago and correspondent on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” will perform in a virtual event at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. Register in advance to attend. The event is co-sponsored by the Arts Administration Program and the Zankel Music Center.

 

Tang at Home Studio: Get Up and Move!

This week’s Tang at Home Studio: Get Up and Move! at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, will explore “Vanity,” a mixed-media work by artist Tschabalala Self in the exhibition “Never Done: 100 Years of Women in Politics and Beyond.” Self’s work keeps the viewer thinking and rethinking. Take a close look and think about these elements, wear something comfortable to move in and be ready to contribute to this collaborative movement session. For more information, visit the Tang event webpage.

 

Science on Tap

Myla Aronson from Rutgers University will give a presentation titled “Restoring Nature in the Concrete Jungle” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, via Zoom. Registration is required. For more information visit, the Sustainable Saratoga website.

 

Skidmore Encore presents “Porous Borders?”

The popular lecture series Skidmore Encore will be presented live online in two 45-minute webinars each Tuesday from Oct. 13 through Nov. 10. Next week’s theme is “Porous Borders?” On Tuesday, Oct. 27, Senior Teaching Professor of World Languages and Literatures Diana Barnes will consider “The Frontera Effect; Myth and Reality of the Power of the Wall” from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., and Assistant Professor of Computer Science Aarathi Prasad will discuss “Smart 'Evil' Phones: Addressing Smartphone Users’ Concerns About Privacy and Overuse” from noon to 12:45 p.m. The program is free for Skidmore students, faculty, staff and the College’s retirees. Visit the Skidmore Encore webpage to register.

 

Upcoming Electric Vehicle (EV) Webinar Series

National Drive Electric Week wrapped up earlier this month, but Drive Green with National Grid has more events scheduled throughout the end of 2020. Webinar topics range from what you need to know about EV charging to tips for buying a pre-owned EV. Webinar information and registration links can be found here. If you missed National Drive Electric Week, you can find recordings of the webinars here.

 

“SHIFT” online exhibit and artist talks

SHIFT shows how a small group of documentarians adapted and created despite and because of the global challenges of 2020. See first-hand the stunning and diverse works that came from the individuals and teams that made up the first-ever virtual MDOCS Stoytellers’ Institute, as well as works created collaboratively using innovative online tools and some more traditional forms of communication. The exhibit is open online, and the last in a series of artist talks will be hosted via Instagram at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, by Fernanda Espinosa and Raul Ayala of Cooperativa Cultural 19 de enero. For more information, visit the SHIFT website.

 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month programs

Throughout October, students, faculty and staff are invited to attend in-person events centered on education, action and healing. On Monday, Oct. 26, drop by the Garden Tent any time between 4 and 6 p.m. to paint pumpkins purple for domestic violence awareness while a Wellspring advocate discusses relationships and the most important thing we can do to help end domestic violence. Other activities include transforming how we think about relationships through an Escalation Workshop and exploring the mind-body connection with a trauma-sensitive yoga class series. Participation is limited for these events, so check out SkidSync to learn more and RSVP. For more information, contact Gabriela Melillo, Title IX deputy coordinator for student affairs.

 

Global Conversation Series

The Global Conversation Series continues this month with a Zoom conversation about “Mindfulness in Times of Crisis” from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28. Simone Schwank from DIS Stockholm will discuss the neuroscience of mindfulness; Susan Sànchez-Casal will discuss the practical application of mindfulness within the Skidmore in Spain program; and Jennifer Schmid-Fareed from Skidmore’s Mindfulness Program will lead a guided mindfulness meditation. This monthly lecture series brings together faculty and experts from the Skidmore campus and from the College’s international programs and partners with the aim of providing truly global, substantive, faculty-led discussions regarding current issues and challenges.

 

Great Pumpkin Challenge

Scribner Library's annual Great Pumpkin Challenge presents an opportunity to take a break from the middle-of-fall grind to craft or carve your best literary-themed pumpkin. Remote participants are welcome. Entries are due by 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26. To register for the contest, fill out this form.

 

New Salmagundi out now

The new fall-winter issue of Salmagundi magazine is now available. It is a general issue with many different kinds of features, including a new story by Skidmore’s own Pulitzer-prize winning fiction writer Steven Millhauser, a review-essay on Cole Porter by Skidmore Professor Emeritus Regina Janes, and History Professor Jennifer Delton on “Trade is Not a Four-Letter Word.”

 

Skidmore Shop

It’s always Apple-picking season at the Skidmore Shop. With our world going virtual, stay connected with something fresh. Along with the newest devices, the Shop also has some last-chance, incredible deals on Apples.

 

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Accessing College Resources

The following resources and services are currently available to the Skidmore community. Updates and additions to this list will be posted each week in the Skidmore Weekly Bulletin. Please submit updates to this list by email.

 

Skidmore College continues to provide campus-wide fall semester updates here.

 

Academic Advising

At this time, the Office of Academic Advising is best able to serve students, faculty and parents through phone or Zoom meetings. Appointments can be scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Same-day appointments are often available. Visit the office webpage or find more contact information here.

 

Accounts Payable

Staff are working remotely and strongly encourage sending documentation (invoices, check requests, expense reports and other forms) electronically through scanned email attachments to Accounts Payable. Original signatures are not required, and scanned copies will be accepted. If a preparer or approver is unable to physically sign a document, Accounts Payable will accept an email directly from the individual. Please note in the email, "As an authorized signor for my department, I have reviewed and approved the attached payment request." Please note that most vendor payments are now being made by ACH transfer and employee reimbursements are being processed as a check mailed to your home address on file. Please email Accounts Payable if you have any cash deposits, and special arrangements for building access and drop-off will be made with Campus Safety or the Card Office.

 

Career Development Center 

The Career Development Center continues to support all students. Students are invited to schedule an appointment or have their documents reviewed.

 

Center for Leadership, Teaching, and Learning

Scholarly and Creative Endeavors Work Groups (SCE) are taking on a new format this semester. Three groups will be led virtually via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Zoom details were shared via email. Also, due to budget constraints, the CLTL is no longer able to provide lunch tickets. In addition, for health and safety reasons, Weller Room (Library 212) will not be available for faculty and staff to access this fall. Skidmore ID access has been suspended until further notice.

 

Community Service 

The Office of Community Service Programs continues to share ways to give back. Like the Skidmore Office of Community Service Facebook page for weekly updates. Virtual office hours will be held every Monday from 2 to 2:30 p.m. To schedule an individual appointment, email Michelle Hubbs and she will send you a meeting request. If you are looking for voter registration information, please see "How to Register to Vote In Your State."

 

Employee Assistance Program

Employees seeking counseling services may make use of the Employee Assistance Program.

 

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office is open during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and staff are available by email and by phone at 518-580-5750.

 

First-Year Experience

The First-Year Experience office is working remotely for the fall semester. Email is the best way to contact staff, but you can also call 518-580-8111 and leave a voicemail.

 

Health Services and the Counseling Center

Health Services and the Counseling Center are available to support students.

 

Human Resources/Payroll

Human Resources continues to update Faculty/Staff FAQs on a regular basis, including employee testing questions. The HR team is available by phone 518-580-5800 or email.

 

Non-exempt employees with questions concerning time entry should contact Joan Rivers in Payroll.

 

Information Technology

Information Technology asks faculty to email all Help Desk requests to a new Faculty Help Desk to expedite responses. In your email, it is essential that you include a cellphone or landline number so someone from IT can contact you. Calling the Help Desk phone line will not be your quickest means of support. Staff should continue to submit IT support requests by emailing the Help Desk or calling 518-580-5900 from 8:30 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

The IT Help Desk is now offering Live Chat Support. The chat function can be accessed by clicking the Live Support button on the left side of the IT Help Desk webpage. It will be green when support is available. This week, chat support will be available from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Starting Aug. 24, Live Chat Support will be staffed by full-time staff from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and until midnight and on weekends by Help Desk student assistants.

 

Off-Campus Study & Exchanges

OCSE staff continue to hold open advising hours from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday via zoom. Check out their remote advising webpage for the Zoom link or to schedule an appointment. Follow @globalskidmore on Instagram and watch for upcoming events.

 

Opportunity Program

The Opportunity Program remains available to offer support to all OP students, on campus and off. Staff will be working remotely this fall semester to assist with advising, academic support and social support. OP students should feel encouraged to reach out to staff by email and/or schedule video conferencing for any needs that arise.

 

Post Office

The Post Office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Skidmore IDs and departmental purchasing cards are the only form of payment accepted; cash is no longer accepted. Until further notice, distributions and notices are no longer accepted. For more information, email the Skidmore Post Office.

 

Print Services

Print Services is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Until further notice, all finished jobs must be picked up at Print Services; delivery service has been suspended. Skidmore IDs and departmental purchasing cards are the only form of payment accepted; cash is no longer accepted. If you are experiencing a service issue or have a printing question, contact Jim Pfoh. 

 

Purchasing

The Purchasing Office is fully operational and accessible by emailing Anne Petruzzelli or Carol Schnitzer or leaving a voicemail at 518-580-5848 or 518-580-5849.

 

Registrar’s Office

The Registrar’s Office is working remotely for the fall semester. Email is the best way to contact staff, but you can also call and leave a voicemail. Contact information for staff can be found here.

 

Residential Life

The Office of Residential Life is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and available to support students. Staff are working on campus and remotely and can be reached by calling 518-580-5765 or by email.

 

Scheduling Office

The Scheduling Office collaborated with Academic and Student Affairs to ensure students have space for quiet study and extracurricular activities while following health and safety guidelines. Academic building hours are posted. For policies regarding use of space this fall, visit the webpage or check availability in EMS. For more information about policies or how to request a space in EMS, email the Scheduling Office.

 

Scribner Library

Scribner Library is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday with first-, second- and third-floor access only. A valid Skidmore ID is required to enter the building, and students need to present their cleared CoVerified screen. The library is circulating physical books with pickup available at the Circulation Desk. To request materials, fill out the library’s online form. For research help, visit the “Ask Us” page to access FAQs and connect with a librarian through chat, phone or email. Email your subject librarian to make a one-on-one Zoom appointment. Consult the library's welcome packet for additional information about access, resources and help. Please note: there are additional printers for students in Case Center — one on the second floor in the SGA lounge and one next to Print Services.

 

Sponsored Research

The Office of Sponsored Research is working remotely for the fall semester. Email is the best way to contact staff, but you can also call and leave a voicemail. Contact information for staff can be found at the bottom of the Sponsored Research webpage.

 

Student Academic Services

Student Academic Services (SAS) makes professional one-on-one academic support available to all Skidmore students. SAS serves students interested in strengthening their academic performance and offers assistance in developing a wide range of academic skills and practices. Academic counselors are available by appointment

 

Tang Teaching Museum

The Tang is open for scheduled classes and faculty appointments during the week, and for drop-in hours for students, faculty and staff from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, visit the Tang’s COVID response page.

 

Writing Center

At the Philip Boshoff Writing Center, trained student tutors offer one-on-one consultations for writers at every stage of the writing process, from assignment sheet to final revisions. This fall, all appointments will be online. Zoom will be the primary tool for online appointments, but the center will also support tutoring through Google Docs, Skype, FaceTime, WeChat, voice or some other method of communication. Fall 2020 tutoring hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Students may check the schedule for appointment times.

 Please send submissions to the Office of Communications and Marketing. 

Skidmore College

 

 815 North Broadway

 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-580-5000