News and announcements from Skidmore College

Weekly Bulletin

Skidmore News

President Conner briefs College staff

Skidmore College President Marc Conner briefed staff about recent events and important initiatives, including last month’s meeting of the Board of Trustees, ongoing efforts to address sexual and gender-based misconduct (SGBM), COVID-19, and other issues.

Skidmore recognized for teaching, value, and excellence

National rankings continue to showcase Skidmore for excellence, including the College’s commitment to undergraduate teaching and the value of its education.

COVID-19 Updates

Thanksgiving break COVID-19 testing information

Details regarding testing procedures for the Thanksgiving break were shared in an email to all students, faculty, and staff. Highlights include:

Students will test within 72 hours prior to departing campus and leave with a recent negative PCR test result in hand.
Students will pick up an at-home antigen self-test kit before departure.
Students will take a self-test on the day of their planned arrival back to campus.
Students will test at Murray-Aikins Dining Hall (second floor) within 24 hours of being back on campus. Students will test again 72 hours after their first test.
Employees will test during the week following Thanksgiving.

Please review the email communication carefully to help ensure a safe transition to and from campus.

COVID-19 Booster Shots

With increased availability of booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccination, Skidmore College encourages and supports eligible employees in getting a booster shot. As employees of an educational institution, all Skidmore College employees who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccination may get a booster six months after their second shot and may choose from a Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson (J&J) booster. Employees who received the J&J vaccine are eligible for a booster two months after vaccination and may also choose from a Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J booster. COVID-19 boosters are free, and employees may use paid time off for appointments that take place during work hours. For additional information on choosing your COVID-19 booster shot and where to receive your booster shot, please visit the CDC website.

HERO Act Designation Extended

The designation of COVID-19 as a highly contagious communicable disease has been extended until Dec. 15 by the New York State Department of Health. In turn, the College's Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan will remain in effect through Dec. 15, and all employees must continue to complete the Daily Health Certification form at the beginning of each workday. Any employee with symptoms of COVID-19 must contact their healthcare provider and follow their instructions, including referral for a COVID-19 test. Clearance by a healthcare provider or proof of a negative COVID-19 test must be submitted to Human Resources at hr@skidmore.edu before returning to work on campus. Employees who test positive for COVID-19 must notify Human Resources for further instructions.

Fall semester COVID-19 guidelines, testing, and related protocols

The College’s policies are outlined in this fall testing policy for employees and posted to the Campus Planning website. Employees who are well (i.e., have no COVID-19 symptoms) but are concerned that they have been exposed to COVID-19 through work-related activities may contact Human Resources to request to test on campus. As a reminder, effective Oct. 18, the on-campus testing location has been moved to the second floor of Murray-Aikins Dining Hall.

The College’s detailed guidelines for masking, social distancing, visitors, gatherings, and dining are posted to the Campus Planning website , and updates to frequently asked questions are posted as soon as information becomes available. The College is currently at a “yellow” status level, due to a substantial" to "high" COVID-19 transmission rate in Saratoga County, as categorized by the CDC. Therefore, indoor masking is currently required for everyone on campus, regardless of vaccination status.

Dining Services

Please visit the Dining Services website regularly for updates, Spa specials, hours of operation, and other information.

While the College is operating at a “yellow” status level (“substantial” to “high” Saratoga County COVID transmission rate), Murray-Aikins Dining Hall will be open to students only during the fall semester. The Spa, Atrium Café, and Burgess Café remain open to everyone.

Thanksgiving Pie and Dinner Sale

Dining Services is accepting orders for homemade Thanksgiving pies, breads, rolls, and a fully cooked turkey dinner to reheat at home until Wednesday, Nov. 17. An order form is available on the Dining Services website. Pickup is Tuesday, Nov. 23.

Human Resources

Benefits Open Enrollment

Benefits enrollment began on Monday, Nov. 8, and must be completed by the end of Friday, Nov. 19. Additional benefits information will be posted on the Benefits website.

New Open Positions

Human Resources would like to invite interested Skidmore staff to submit their applicant materials for the openings listed below. These are current, approved, budgeted positions that are being filled due to vacancies.

Stablehand (part-time) - Athletics
NP/PA/RN - Health Services

To apply, please access the Okta portal. Click on the tile for “Oracle HCM,” then click “Me,” and then click on “Current Jobs.”

Upcoming New Employee Orientation

Due to the pandemic, Human Resources was unable to host New Employee Orientation in fall 2020 and spring 2021. Employees who have not attended are invited to attend a virtual orientation program from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 19. To register, please visit the HR training website. All registered participants will receive a small token of gratitude on their Skidmore ID card for attending.

You’re Invited: EAP Workshop

Join us for a workshop focused on “Understanding Ourselves: Tools and Support for Self-Care,” provided by Adirondack EAP and presented by EAP Consultant Brenda Reid, LMSW. While our world is not returning to “the more normal” we had hoped for, many are experiencing heightened stress and are noticing that we are feeling more irritable, sad, frustrated, angry, restless, or tired. This one-hour session will provide opportunities to practice self-care and self-compassion as we gear up for the holiday season. This program will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, in the second floor of Murray-Aikins Dining Hall (Room 1). Registration is required on the HR training website.

Skidmore College Non-Union Staff and Faculty Compensation Study Update

Please join Nancy Bruno, assistant director for compensation and HRIS, and Sarah Delaney Vero, interim human resources director, for a virtual community meeting from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, for an update on the College's compensation study. As previously announced, the College is partnering with The Segal Group to analyze current non-union staff and faculty wage and salary structures relative to the market and best practices to remain competitive in the total compensation package offered to employees. This community meeting will include a discussion on the College's pay practice and scope and progress on the compensation study. It will also solicit feedback and questions from staff. Zoom details will follow.

Free one-on-one retirement consultations with Vanguard

Employees can schedule a one-on-one phone consultation with a Vanguard retirement planning counselor on Thursday, Nov. 11, or Monday, Nov. 22. You can sign up for an appointment by going to the Vanguard website and selecting New York/Skidmore College/Saratoga Springs/one-on-one sessions. You can also schedule a phone consultation appointment at your convenience. Visit the Vanguard website and select “Schedule Phone Meeting” to speak with a Vanguard retirement specialist.

Free TIAA-CREF Individual Counseling Session

TIAA is holding one-on-one phone consultations with employees on Thursday, Nov. 18, and Wednesday, Dec. 15. Call 1-800-732-8353 to schedule an appointment or visit the website.

Skidmore Spotlight

Meet Meghan Nicchi

Meghan Nicchi, head athletic trainer in the Athletics Department, is responsible for evaluating, treating, and returning athletes to play from sports injuries. She is also largely responsible for medical clearance requirements and documentation for our more than 400 student-athletes.

Faculty-Staff Achievements

We welcome submissions from faculty and staff related to professional accomplishments and scholarly endeavors.

Yelena Biberman-Ocakli, associate professor of political science, has created a podcast series. Read more>>

Catherine Golden, professor of English, participated in a virtual roundtable presentation. Read more>>

Andrew M. Lindner, associate professor of sociology, published two scholarly articles. Read more>>

Lectures

2021 Frances Steloff Lecture

Psychoanalyst Adam Phillips will discuss “The Trouble With Sanity" at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11. Register online for this virtual event.

2021 Moseley Faculty Lecture

Professor of History Matthew Hockenos will discuss “Then They Came For Me: America and the Making of the Niemöller Myth” at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, in Gannett Auditorium.

Numbers and Networks: Sculpture in the Information Age

Artist Mary Neubauer will speak at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, in Filene Auditorium in this lecture sponsored by the Schick Gallery in conjunction with the exhibition "Parallel Play."

Latin American and Latinx Studies Fall 2021 Speaker Series

Environmental historian Jayson Porter will discuss “An Environmental History of Silence: Rethinking Landscapes of Violence and Resistance in Guerrero” from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18. Register online for this virtual event.

To view all upcoming lectures and for details on how to submit information about upcoming Skidmore academic lectures, named lectures, and faculty panels, visit the Skidmore Lectures webpage.

Announcements

Honoring our veterans

Please join us at 11:45 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at the flagpole near the entrance to campus for a brief ceremony to honor our veterans and acknowledge the debt we owe to those who have served their country in the armed forces. We particularly want to recognize the service of those veterans who are part of our Skidmore community — students, staff, faculty, and retirees.

Presidential Office Hours

President Conner will hold in-person open office hours from 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16. All faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend. To schedule a 10-minute appointment during the hour, please send a request via email to presoff@skidmore.edu by 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12. Requests will be handled in the order that they are received. Due to time limitations, it is possible that not all requests will be granted this time, but additional open office hours will be announced throughout the year.

SGBM information hub, Consentfest

Skidmore has developed a website to serve as a hub of resources related to sexual and gender-based misconduct (SGBM) and Title IX. The website also includes updates about programming, including an update about Consentfest, a College-wide event promoting positive conversations on around consent and safe sex held on Nov. 5.

Skidmore-Saratoga County EOC Thanksgiving Basket Project

The annual Thanksgiving Basket Project helps local neighbors in need of a family holiday meal that they may prepare at home. To make a donation or learn how to help in other ways, visit the Lifeworks (formerly Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council) website. Please indicate that you are affiliated with Skidmore. You may also donate online. Please consider noting “Skidmore” either on your check or on the website.

MDOCS Co-Creation Initiative Community Pitch Session

MDOCS hosts the second Co-Creation Initiative Community Pitch Session, where community organizations, groups, and collectives will share story and project proposals. We hope this gathering sparks new relationships that connect the greater community and Skidmore College through documentary projects. The event will be held via Zoom from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. For more information, visit the MDOCS website. Please register online. Contact Angela Beallor-Press for more information.

Black faculty and staff invited to ‘Un-Representation’ meditation session

The exhibition "Un-Representation" seeks to provide a space of healing for Black communities, with abstract art by Black creators serving as a source of meditative restoration. Self-identifying Black Skidmore faculty and staff are invited to a meditation practice at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12. Led by Maria Staack ’22, the exhibition curator, the session will focus on body awareness as it relates to the artwork “Quizzical Quantum” by Lisa Corinne Davis. Registration required via a Google form.

Be part of International Education Week

Off-Campus Study and Exchanges invites you to be part of International Education Week (IEW), Nov. 15-19. Please consider holding an event during this important week. You can find more information about IEW and how to submit an event to the IEW calendar on the OCSE website or by contacting Kendra Nelson.

Faculty/Staff Info Session – CET Brazil and CET Colombia

Join CET and OCSE staff for an information session to learn more about the Brazil: Social Justice & Inequality program in São Paulo and the Colombia: Race, Ethnicity and Identity program in Cali. The virtual info session will run from 2:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16. Register online. Contact Emily Gaul for more information.

Glittering Gender fashion show

Glittering Gender is a fashion show about the relationship between gender and fashion for trans and non-binary people featuring Skidmore students. There will be two shows on Thursday, Nov. 18, in the Payne Room at the Tang: The 6 p.m. show will be followed by a talkback with participants. The 7:30 p.m. show will be followed by an open runway, and attendees will be invited to walk. Attendees are encouraged to wear gender-affirming outfits and bring gently used clothing to donate to the Skidmore Exchange Closet. Please register in advance on SkidSync. The event is open to all members of the Skidmore community. Contact Roman Cohen for more information.

Skidmore Theater presents Marisela Treviño Orta's “Somewhere: A Primer for the End of Days”

Directed by Lisa Jackson-Schebetta in the JKB Mainstage Theater, this production runs Nov. 19 through 21 and Dec. 3 through 5. Tickets are free and open to the community. Please refer to this website for COVID-19 protocols. Please contact the JKB Box Office for more information.

EMS now open for spring semester room reservations

EMS is now open for the spring semester, through May 21, 2022. Please try to plan all events in advance to the extent possible. Dining Services and Facilities require two weeks’ notice so they can staff accordingly. Helpful how-to documents are listed on the Scheduling Webpage. One-on-one trainings are also available. Contact Megan Bove in the Scheduling Office for more information.

Davis Projects for Peace 2022: $10,000 for Your Project

The annual Davis Projects for Peace prize competition is underway. Because Skidmore is a Davis Scholar partner school, any Skidmore student is eligible to win a $10,000 prize toward a peace/social justice project of their own design, implemented during the summer of 2022 anywhere in the world. Please read these instructions and review the Q&A section of the Davis Projects for Peace website. Applications are due Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. Please contact Chloe Jaleel for more information.

Pack the Rink is back!

The Skidmore College hockey team will host its annual Pack the Rink event at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, when the Thoroughbreds play the nation’s No. 1 team, Norwich University. There will be free T-shirts for a canned food item donation, tricycle races, and other giveaways. A free spectator bus will leave Case Center at 6:30 p.m. and return at the end of the game. Masks must be worn at all times.

Skidmore Shop

Look no further than the Skidmore Shop’s Holiday Gift Guide for all your gift-giving needs. We have many new items that we’re very excited about, from apparel and giftware to drinkware and Apple devices.