News and announcements from Skidmore College

Weekly Bulletin

Skidmore News

Greg Skoric '23 makes a layup in front of fans during basketball game

Skidmore opened the semester with a series of weekend wins, including a pair of comeback victories by the men’s basketball team and strong showings by the women’s basketball team, men's hockey, riding, and swimming and diving teams.

Two Tang employees work together to set up Tang artwork at Albany Airport

The teaching museum features two new exhibitions, “Radical Fiber: Threads Connecting Art and Science” and “Opener 34: Ruby Sky Stiler — New Patterns.”

COVID-19 Updates

The latest messages and information regarding COVID-19 can be found on the Campus Planning Page. Important recent updates include:

 

Testing

  • Any employee who has been approved by Human Resources for an exemption from the vaccination requirement will be subject to weekly testing.
  • Employees with circumstances that result in specific workplace-related concerns prompting them to seek a test within the College’s testing program may contact Human Resources to discuss their unique circumstances and request a test through the College’s testing program. Such requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis and are subject to the availability of testing resources.

 

Masks

  • A KN95 mask (or equivalent mask, i.e., N95 or KF94 mask) is currently required for everyone on campus when indoors in public spaces.
  • Individual departments may have one representative submit a request for additional masks by email and arrange for pickup.
  • KN95 masks and rapid antigen tests are now available for purchase at the Skidmore Shop.

 

COVID-19 Vaccination Submission Form

 

Visitors

  • Effective Monday, Jan. 31, through Friday, Feb. 11, external visitors are permitted on campus but are required to wear a KN95 mask (or equivalent mask, i.e., N95 or KF94) at all times when indoors. Visitors must also show proof of vaccination and booster to the department, program, or office sponsoring the visit.

 

HERO Act Designation Extended

The designation of COVID-19 as a highly contagious communicable disease has been extended until Feb. 15 by the New York State Department of Health. In turn, the College's Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan remains in effect and all employees working on campus must continue to complete the Daily Health Certification form at the beginning of each workday.

Dining Services

Please visit the Dining Services website regularly for updates, 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. The Spa, Atrium Café, and Burgess Café remain open to everyone.

 

This semester, all food from The Spa will be served in ReuseMore containers, and all dining hall customers can use a ReuseMore container to take food to go. ReuseMore containers should be returned at bins in The Spa, Burgess Café, and the dining hall atrium, or in the dining hall dish return. Please email reusemore@skidmore.edu for more information.

 

Spa Rewards Program

Now through the end of the spring semester, The Spa is offering a new loyalty rewards program. Customers who purchase nine meals ($5 or more) will receive their 10th meal free (a $7.99 value). The loyalty cards will be kept on file at the cashier station.

 

Chocolate-dipped strawberries

Submit your order for chocolate-dipped strawberries for Valentine’s Day ($5/half dozen) by emailing John Winnek. All orders must be received by Monday, Feb. 7. A limited supply will be available for sale Friday, Feb. 11, and Monday, Feb. 14, in The Spa.

Human Resources

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.

 

  • Customer Attendant/Short-Order Cook – Dining Services
  • Operations Coordinator – Conferences and Events

 

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

 

Winter Safety Tips: 10 Ways to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

The risk of slipping, tripping, and falling increases dramatically during winter months. To help you stay safe this season, review these 10 winter safety tips to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

 

Free TIAA-CREF Individual Counseling Sessions

Rachel Fiedler, a TIAA retirement planning counselor, is holding one-on-one phone consultations with employees Wednesday, Feb. 9, and Tuesday, March 15. Call 1-800-732-8353 to schedule an appointment or visit the 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 Wednesday, Feb. 16, or Tuesday, March 8. You can sign up for an appointment by going to the website and selecting New York/Skidmore College/Saratoga Springs/one-on-one sessions.

Faculty-Staff Achievements

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

Paul Arciero, professor of health and human physiological sciences, was interviewed by a scientific journal. Read more>>

 

Dennis Schebetta, assistant professor of theater, is publishing a new book. Read more>>

 

Gregory Spinner, teaching professor of religious studies, appeared on the BBC. Read more>>

 

Marketa Halova Wolfe, associate professor of economics, was featured in a news article. Read more>>

Lectures

Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?

Associate Professor of American Studies Beck Krefting and Professor of English Emerita Susan Kress will interview renowned New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10. Registration is required for this virtual event sponsored by the Skidmore Retiree Initiative Planning Group.

 

Richie Hofmann: A Poetry Reading

Poet Richie Hofmann, whose book of poems, “A Hundred Lovers,” is forthcoming from Knopf in 2022, will read from his work at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, in Emerson Auditorium.

 

Spring Research Colloquium

Joseph C. Palamountain Jr. Chair in Government Beau Breslin will consider the famous debate between Jefferson, who favored generational constitutional change, and Madison, who preferred a single enduring Constitution, and imagine a world in which the loser (Jefferson) prevailed at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15.

 

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

Reminder: Inclement Weather Policy

With a winter storm anticipated this week, please take a moment to review the College's Inclement Weather Policy. While the campus mission requires us to be operational 24/7 on a 12-month basis, there are some occasions where the campus will experience a delayed opening, early release or closure impacting non-designated essential personnel due to particularly severe winter weather. Employees are encouraged to read the full Inclement Weather Policy and contact Human Resources with any questions.

 

Monthly Staff Meeting

The monthly staff meeting will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4. A link to the Zoom meeting has been sent by email. The agenda will include updates since the last meeting in December, the status of COVID-19, several campus initiatives including the Strategic Action Agenda and the Racial Justice Initiative, and an overview of the current status of the Campus Master Planning effort.

 

Camp Northwoods registration

Online registration for Camp Northwoods, Skidmore’s summer day camp for children, will open for employees at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10. Skidmore community members receive priority in the registration process and should watch their email for specific instructions the morning of Feb. 10. New this summer: two sessions for rising seventh- and eighth-grade campers!

 

Remembering Samantha Sasenarine ’21

We remember and honor Samantha Sasenarine ’21 this week as we approach the anniversary of her death on Feb. 5, 2021. Open hours at Wilson Chapel and ways of remembering Sam in community will be available soon from student leaders and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. For updates on plans, see listings on SkidSync or contact Parker Diggory, director of religious and spiritual life.

 

Employee Fitness Classes are back

Williamson Sports Center is running a 10-week program that employees can take advantage of for a low cost. The program begins Feb. 4. Employees will pay $50 in advance for the courses. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please complete this payroll deduction form and send it or your check (made out to Skidmore College) by campus mail to Lacey Largeteau in Williamson Sports Center. Due to COVID-19 precautions, only current employees may participate.

 

Scholarly and Creative Endeavors (SCE) Work Group

The Scholarly and Creative Endeavors (SCE) Work Group meets virtually each Monday from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Faculty and staff interested in participating should contact Aarathi Prasad for the Zoom link.

 

Earn a Badge for Your Office with the Sustainable Workplace Operations Program

The new Sustainable Workplace Operations Program is seeking participants for the spring semester. This program is designed to help staff and faculty better explore and implement sustainable workplace practices. For more information, check out the program website and participant interest form.

 

Big Green Scream Returns

The Big Green Scream is back. The Skidmore College men’s and women’s basketball teams host Ithaca College on Feb. 5. The women play at 2 p.m. and the men tip off at 4 p.m. The first 250 fans at each game will receive a commemorative T-shirt. There will be additional giveaways, and one lucky fan will win a smart TV.

 

Fans are once again welcome to attend Thoroughbred athletic events. All spectators are required to wear a KN95 mask or equivalent and show proof of vaccination and booster in order to be admitted. Visit the Skidmore Athletics composite calendar for home game details and other information.

 

Skidmore Shop

COVID-19 rapid tests (Abbot BinaxNOW Antigen Self-Tests) are now available for purchase at the Skidmore Shop. The tests, which are limited to one unit per customer, cost $19.95. Each box contains two tests. Please inquire at the register to purchase.

 

Pacifica Quartet performance

Pacifica Quartet will perform live at Zankel Music Center at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11. Recognized for its virtuosity, exuberant performance style, and often daring repertory choices, the Pacifica Quartet has achieved international recognition as one of the finest chamber ensembles performing today. This event is free and open to the public. Register online.

 

Screening of the film ‘A Love Letter to Brian, Lesley, and Michelle’

A panel discussion with the film's director, Skidmore faculty member Hettie Barnhill, and cast will follow the screening at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11. This event is brought to you by the Dance Department with support from the Black Studies Program and the Office of the Vice President of Strategic Planning and Institutional Diversity. Attendees must show proof of vaccination and wear a KN95 mask or equivalent.

 

‘Disclosure’ screening

MDOCS is excited to host a screening of the award-winning documentary “Disclosure,” an eye-opening look at transgender depictions in film and television. A discussion with the film's director, Skidmore graduate Sam Feder '97, Luna Peralta ’23, and others will follow the screening at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, in Gannett Auditorium.

 

Ensemble Connect

Ensemble Connect, a group of the finest young professional classical musicians based out of Carnegie Hall, celebrates its 15th year at Skidmore with a concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18. This performance will be livestreamed and, if conditions permit, will be open to the public in the Arthur Zankel Music Center. Please check the website for links and updates or email lroutled@skidmore.edu for more information.

 

Writing Center hours

The Skidmore Writing Center hopes to offer appointments both in person and online this semester. Additional details and scheduling information are available online.

 

Red Cross Blood Drive

A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, in the IM/Dance Gym. Please consider donating blood as the Red Cross faces its lowest supply of blood in more than a decade. Please schedule your appointment online.

 

SEFCU branch is now open

The SEFCU (credit union) branch on campus is now open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The branch, which does not close for lunch, is located between the Dining Hall and Jonsson Tower. All students, faculty, and staff associated with Skidmore, and their immediate family members, are eligible to be members of SEFCU and enjoy the wide variety of banking services and benefits associated with membership. Stop by the branch or contact staff by email or telephone at 800-727-3328.

 

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. The deadline for all submissions is noon each Monday.

Events

Sunday, Feb. 6

2 p.m.

Tang Guide Tour

Tang Teaching Museum

Tuesday, Feb. 8

5-6:30 p.m.

Juried Student Exhibition Opening Reception

Schick Art Gallery

 Please send submissions to the Office of Communications and Marketing. 

Skidmore College

 

 815 North Broadway

 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-580-5000