News and announcements from Skidmore College

Weekly Bulletin

Skidmore News

President Conner meets with students during virtual Q&A forum

The president and Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs Adrian Bautista answer questions during session hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA) Senate.

Skidmore honors veterans

Staff, faculty, and students gathered to recognize the sacrifices and service of members of the armed forces at a campus Veterans Day ceremony.

Skidmore ice hockey goalie achieves dream, inks pro contract

Just two years ago, Brandon Kasel '20 was minding the nets for the Skidmore men’s ice hockey team. Now, he has signed a pro contract as a goalie for the Adirondack Thunder.

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:

 

  1. Students will test within 72 hours prior to departing campus and leave with a recent negative PCR test result in hand.
  2. Students will pick up an at-home antigen self-test kit before departure.
  3. Students will take a self-test on the day of their planned arrival back to campus.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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 through today, Wednesday, Nov. 17. An order form is available on the Dining Services website. Pickup is Tuesday, Nov. 23.

 

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.

Human Resources

Benefits Open Enrollment

Benefits enrollment must be completed by the end of Friday, Nov. 19. Additional benefits information has been posted on the Benefits website.

 

New Open Positions

Human Resources invites 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.

 

  • Assistant Professor – MDOCS/Media and Film Studies
  • MDOCS Program Coordinator - MDOCS/Media and Film Studies

 

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 to 10:30 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, via Zoom. Registration is required on the HR training website.

 

Free one-on-one retirement consultations with Vanguard

Employees can schedule a one-on-one phone consultation with a Vanguard retirement planning counselor on 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 www.TIAA.org/schedulenow.

Skidmore Spotlight

Patrick Ives is a cook in Dining Services and works on a variety of cuisines and all stages of food production for daily service in Murray-Aikins Dining Hall. 

Meet Patrick Ives

Faculty-Staff Achievements

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

Joel Brown, distinguished artist-in-residence of music, won Record of the Year at the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards. Read more>>

 

Joseph P. Cermatori, assistant professor of English, is publishing his first book with Johns Hopkins University Press. Read more>>

 

Chris Vecsey, associate professor of neuroscience, received a major, three-year grant from the National Institutes of Health. Read more>>

 

Marketa Wolfe, associate professor of economics, was interviewed by News10 ABC. Read more>>

Lectures

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."

 

‘Two Truths in One Heart; Two Peoples in One Land’

Shadi Abu Awad and Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger of Roots/Shorahim/Judur will share personal, interconnected stories and present the challenging grassroots work of this unique collaboration of Palestinians and Israelis at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17, in Gannett Auditorium. Students interested in participating in small group meetings with the speakers should contact the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.

 

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

Skidmore Weekly Bulletin Production Schedule

Due to the upcoming Thanksgiving break, next week’s Skidmore Weekly Bulletin will be published Tuesday, Nov. 23. All submissions are due no later than 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 22. Please help reduce bulk emails by posting your announcement in the Bulletin, which reaches all faculty, staff, and students.

 

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.

 

Trans Awareness Week and Transgender Remembrance Day

Join us to raise visibility, awareness and to uplift the voices of the trans and non-binary community. We are taking this time to memorialize victims of transphobic violence, especially against trans and non-binary Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. A vigil is being observed daily at The Center from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. leading up to a Transgender Day of Remembrance event on Saturday, Nov. 20. Details will follow. Please contact June Paul, Department of Social Work, for more information.

 

We Hear You Update

Staff from the Office of the Dean of Students, Health Promotion, and Title IX recently toured the new 8,000-square-foot facility of Wellspring, the domestic violence and sexual assault services resource for Saratoga County residents, in Malta and met with Executive Director Maggie Fronk. The goal of the visit was to discuss how Wellspring and Skidmore College can expand their existing partnership: Wellspring victim advocates currently work with Skidmore students, including on campus. Initial plans include co-sponsored gender violence prevention training. To schedule a time to meet with a Wellspring victim advocate, please call 518-583-0280. For immediate help from Wellspring, please call their 24/7 hotline: 518-584-8188.

 

Save the Date: Campus Master Planning

Please save the date for a one-hour Campus Master Planning update session with planning firm Ayers Saint Gross (ASG) at 11 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 6, via Zoom. ASG will share specific ideas for changes in our campus over the next 10-20 years. Ideas include next buildings, the next dorm, or how we should move offices/departments around to make the most sense for programing. The ideas are exciting, and we need to have, and want, your input. Sessions will be recorded and Zoom information will be forthcoming.

 

Save the date: Skidmore Cares, Dec. 6-10

Please join us in celebrating 16 consecutive years of generously supporting our local community through Skidmore Cares! Employees are encouraged to visit the Skidmore Cares webpage to learn about the community organizations we are supporting and to determine which donation item is assigned to your department. During the week of Dec. 6-10, drive or walk over to the tables that will be set up outside Williamson Sports Center and drop off your donations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies will be served each afternoon. Raffles will be held throughout the week. For students, SAAC and Benef-Action will host "virtual can drives" across campus in the coming weeks. To participate, students can swipe their Skidmore ID to help support local organizations or bring canned goods to donate. If you’d like to volunteer for a one-hour window to help collect donations, please sign up here.

 

Athletics News

Hockey goalie Tate Brandon was the New England Hockey Conference Goaltender of the Week and Austin Rook was named to the NEHC Honor Roll, for their contributions in a 4-4 tie with Norwich and a 4-1 win over New England College. The women’s basketball team beat Williams College 46-42 on the road, behind the play of Julia Blanck and Kate McCarney. Blanck was the Liberty League Rookie of the Week, while McCarney landed on the Honor Roll. Ty Lamport earned a spot on the Liberty League Men’s Basketball Honor Roll after Skidmore beat Stevens 56-51 to open the season. Swimming and diving standouts Rachel Olson and Sophia May were recognized on the Liberty League Honor Roll as both remained unbeaten this season.

 

Skidmore Grants Update

New content has been added to the Skidmore Grants website. This month, the website is highlighting Nurcan Atalan-Helicke, associate professor in the Environmental Studies and Sciences Program, and her award from the Henry David Thoreau Foundation. In addition, upcoming funding announcements and articles of interest have been updated. Visit the Skidmore Grants website for more information.

 

Be part of International Education Week

Join Off-Campus Study and Exchanges to celebrate International Education Week (IEW), Nov. 15-20. Check out the IEW event calendar for a list of events held by Skidmore, the New York Six consortium, and several off-campus study program partners. Don’t forget to share your Global Skidmore story on Friday, Nov. 19, by stopping by the “I am Global Skidmore” open photo shoot from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second floor of Case Center.

 

Library Book Club

On Thursday, Nov. 18, from 7 to 8 p.m., the Library Book Club will be meeting over Zoom. The Scribner Library Book Club is a non-traditional book club that encourages attendees to “show and tell” a book they’ve read with the group. You can check our page for more info.

 

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.

 

Bundle Up With Brass

Listen to Skidmore Brass students performing works of Gwyneth Walker, Eric Ewazen, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Duke Ellington, Scott Joplin, Hoagy Carmichael, and more at a free, informal, socially distanced, outdoor concert under Tent No. 2 (behind Zankel Music Center) at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20. Bring a blanket, scarf, mittens, and maybe even an umbrella, along with your Skidmore ID or proof of vaccination. This concert is free and open to the public. Please contact Patrice Malatestinic for more information.

 

Wlakikan Storytelling Evening

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by listening to Native American stories told by Abenaki storytellers Joseph, James, and Jesse Bruchac of Ndakinna Education Center from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20. The performance will be broadcast via Zoom to our viewing party in Davis Auditorium. Co-sponsored by the Anthropology Department, MDOCS Co-Creation Initiative, and Residential Life Wilmarth Hall. Please contact Siobhan Hart for more information.

 

Theater and Climate Change

The course Theater and Climate Change (TH 334) is hosting a series of performances, games, and actions about climate change from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, in the Arts Quad. Please contact Lisa Jackson-Schebetta for more information.

 

Writing Center

Writing Center tutors will be available for tutoring from noon to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 23, and from 6 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28. The Writing Center will be closed Nov. 24-27. We resume our regular hours on Nov. 29 and will offer tutoring through Skidmore's exam week. Schedule an appointment online.

 

Tang book sale

Mark your calendars for a special two-day book sale Dec. 9 and 10 at the Tang Teaching Museum. All Opener Series catalogues will be $5; all other catalogues will be $10. Prices valid for purchases in the museum only. Supplies are limited. Contact Olivia Cammisa-Frost with any questions.

 

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.

 

Save the date: Annual sportswear sale

The annual sportswear sale will be held in the rec gym (lower level) in the Williamson Sports Center, Monday, Dec. 13, between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Please contact Sherry Ankeny, head equipment manager, for more information.

 

Skidmore Shop

Swing by the Shop from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 22, and Tuesday, Nov. 23, for our “sidewalk” sale. All items will be 40% off the original price.

 

Share news in the Skidmore Weekly Bulletin

Please help reduce bulk emails by posting your announcement in the Bulletin, which reaches all faculty, staff, and students.

Events

Through Dec. 2

Parallel Play: Works in 2-D and 3-D by Four Sculptors

Schick Art Gallery

 

Thursday, Nov. 18

6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Glittering Gender: A Fashion Show

Tang Teaching Museum

 

Friday, Nov. 19

3:30 p.m.

Meditations on Un-Representation: Study for Lapsang and Chinese Sincerity #6 + Gratitude

Tang Teaching Museum

 

Saturday, Nov. 20

10 a.m.

Workshop for Tweens: Dancing Outside the Box

Virtual event

Saturday, Nov. 20

1 p.m.

Workshop for Kids: Emotion Through Movement

Virtual event

 

Saturday, Nov. 20

2 to 4 p.m.

Crochet Circle: Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef

Tang Teaching Museum

 

Sunday, Nov. 21

2 p.m.

Tang Guide Tour

Tang Teaching Museum

 Please send submissions to the Office of Communications and Marketing. 

Skidmore College

 

 815 North Broadway

 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-580-5000