Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The College has updated the Skidmore community about cases within our community. Skidmore’s Health Services and Saratoga County Public Health Services are in regular contact and they both do outreach to individuals identified as close contacts with those who test positive. Employees who have tested positive must remain off-campus and isolated until they have been cleared by health officials. Out of respect for employee privacy and in line with federal laws relating to health information, we cannot identify individuals. 

Skidmore has made the decision to move to remote learning after the extended spring break, effective Monday, March 23, and continuing throughout the remainder of the spring semester. Given the continued and rapid spread of the disease to communities within the United States and around the world, and the need to mitigate the spread of the virus among our campus community, we are taking these extraordinary steps. 

In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order on March 20 that requires all non-essential workers to stay home, beginning at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 22. Governor Cuomo has since directed schools and nonessential businesses to stay closed through May 15.. In compliance with the order, except for certain functions, all Skidmore employees will be required to work remotely, if possible, for the duration of the order.

In addition, the College is implementing the following measures on campus:  

• The dining hall has moved to a take-out food service only model until further notice. 
• Signs are posted throughout campus that remind anyone on campus that: Individuals must avoid gathering anywhere on campus and must observe social distancing at all times; Access to campus buildings is restricted to Skidmore students living on campus and individuals on authorized Skidmore business; The dining hall provides meals only to Skidmore students living on campus and Skidmore staff working on campus.
• Specialized cleaning crews may be seen on campus wearing protective gear because of the material they are using for deep cleaning.
  
• Phone triage system: Students seeking services from Health Services, the Counseling Center, and Campus Safety must call first.   
• Additional hand-sanitizer stations have been placed in selected areas on campus.  
• Facilities staff will be conducting deep cleaning in common and high-touch areas.  
• All non-Skidmore visitors are prohibited from visiting residence halls.
• All college-sponsored travel on common carriers (trains, planes, buses, etc.) or to events in the U.S. and abroad has been suspended.  
• All on-campus and off-campus college events are suspended.  
• All collegiate athletic practices and competitions are cancelled and Williamson Athletics Center is closed. 
• The College has suspended all Admissions campus visit events, including information sessions, campus tours and open house programs. 

These measures will remain in place until further notice, with the understanding that we will provide additional updates, as more information becomes available. 

Governor Cuomo announced the end of the New York “PAUSE” effective May 15, 2020 and a gradual reopening plan called “New York Forward.” The plan allows New York to reopen on a regional basis, in phases, as each region meets certain criteria. In turn, the College has begun preparations for a phased reopening, return to the workplace and return to campus for students – at still to be determined dates – based on health guidance provided by local and state authorities. The cornerstone of the College’s reopening plan is the health and safety of students, employees and other community members. 

The College will provide information about the phased reopening of campus when available.

Employees should contact Janet Wood (518) 580-5803 or Laura Goodwin (518) 580-5808 in Human Resources or, Patty Bosen in Health Services (518) 580-5550. Human Resources needs this information to ensure proper administration of medical and leave benefits. Health Services utilizes this information to coordinate with local public health authorities. Human Resources and Health Services will maintain the confidentiality of this information in accordance with applicable privacy laws including, but not limited to, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).   

Students should contact Health Services at (518)580-5550 or if after hours, Campus Safety at (518)580-5567 so that appropriate steps, as recommended by public health experts, may be taken to protect you, as well as the health and well-being of our community.  

Employees shouldcontact Janet Wood (518) 580-5803 or Laura Goodwin (518) 580-5808 in Human Resources or Patty Bosen in Health Services (518)580-5550.  

Students should contact Health Services at (518) 580-5550 or if after hours, Campus Safety at (518)580-5567 so that appropriate steps, as recommended by public health experts, may be taken to protect you, as well as the health and well-being of our community. 

The privacy and security of personal information for all members of the Skidmore College community is of utmost importance. Out of respect for the employee’s privacy and in line with federal laws related to health information, we will not identify the individual.   

Yes. All on-campus and off-campus college events are suspended.

We know Commencement represents an important culmination of four years of hard work by our seniors — and significant investments by their families. At this time, The College has assembled a Commencement Planning Working Group, which is comprised of representatives from the senior class and members of the administration. This Working Group has been charged to devise plans for at least two moments when Skidmore will recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2020. The first moment will be a virtual event to be held on a date in May 2020 to be determined. The second moment will be an in-person (physical) Commencement ceremony that will include the elements of a traditional Skidmore College Commencement. The date for this in-person Commencement will also be determined shortly. More information will be communicated to members of the senior class via email and the Commencement web page when plans for both events have been finalized. 

After careful consideration of current projections surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, Skidmore has made the difficult decision to cancel all on-campus summer institutes, camps, conferences, events, and academic programs, including all Summer Session courses and the Pre-College Program. All advance registration and program fees for summer programming will be refunded. 

No. Visitors and guests are not permitted in living spaces. A visitor or guest is someone who is not assigned to your living space. 

Effective Friday, April 10 all dining operations will be moved from The SPA to the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. The Dining Hall is only available to Skidmore students living on campus and Skidmore employees working on campus.

Please check the dining services website for updates and information. 

SEFCU’s Leadership team has decided to temporarily close certain branches, which includes the branch at Skidmore College, effective close of business Friday, March 13.

 The following support channels will continue to be available for students and employees who need account assistance:

• ATM – We are asking members to utilize the ATM for cash needs and remote deposit via their phone
• Member Solutions Center – As of Monday, 3/16 our call center will temporarily extend hours to accommodate more members by phone. Extended hours will be Monday through Friday, 7am – 7pm and Saturday 8am – 2pm and we can be reached by calling 800-727-3328.
• Alternate branch locations (subject to change) – The following nearby branches remain open at this time: Wilton / Exit 15

For the foreseeable future, the library building is closed. Entry is restricted to essential building employees. But Scribner Library is still here to help! Our usual online resources are still available and we're adding more content as we are able.

More information regarding books and operations is available here and will be updated as new information is available.

No. Consistent with New York’s new uniform standards, the sports center will be closed effective Monday, March 16 at 8 p.m. until further notice. 

The Tang Museum is closed for the foreseeable future. All events and programs are currently canceled.

Museum staff are available to work with Skidmore faculty to make remote teaching from a Tang exhibition possible.

More information for students, faculty, staff and community members is available here.

Yes. Based on official recommendations, students, faculty or staff returning from China, Iran, Italy and South Korea are instructed to stay home for a period of 14 days. Those individuals will not be allowed to return to campus and must stay home. 

Individuals should take these steps recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionto monitor their health and practice social distancing: 

1. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing. 
2. Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work. 
3. Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing. 
4. Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public. 
5. Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters). 

Students who develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath should call Health Services at 518-580-5550. Faculty and staff should call their primary care providers for medical advice on the next steps to take. 

Students, faculty and staff who have traveled internationally or to a high-risk area in the United States should monitor themselves for fever by taking their temperature twice a day and remaining alert for coughs or difficulty breathing. 

The New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to those areas, should call ahead to their health care provider before seeking treatment in person. 

Individuals who feel feverish or develop a fever, cough or have difficulty breathing during the self-monitoring period, should self-isolate, limit contact with others and seek advice by telephone from a health care provider or their local health department to determine if medical evaluation is necessary. 

Students on campus should call Health Services at 518-580-5550.

All college-sponsored travel has been suspended. 

If a trip has already been booked, please contact your department head or vice president to confirm next steps. 

No. Consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, students returning from their study abroad programs in affected areas must return and stay home for a period of 14 days and practice social distancing.  

There are no plans to have students return to the Skidmore campus for the remainder of the semester.

Everyday preventive actions can help slow the spread of germs that cause many different illnesses. We recommend these precautions: 

• Wash hands frequently with soap and hot water. 
• Wipe down frequently touched or shared surfaces (such as doorknobs, tables, counters, faucets, etc.) after each use with a disinfectant wipe. 
• Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing using your sleeve (the crook of your elbow) or a tissue, not your hands. 
• Avoid sharing food and drinks, cups, utensils, water bottles, etc.
• Practice social distancing. If you share living spaces, try to stay at least 6 feet away from others to prevent exposure.

Students, faculty and staff who develop symptoms (feel feverish or develop a fever, cough or have difficulty breathing) should self-isolate, limit contact with others and seek advice by telephone from a health care provider or their local health department to determine if medical evaluation is necessary. Given the rapid spread of the coronavirus, and widespread flu activity in most of the United States: 

• Anyone with flu-like symptoms should stay home and limit contact with others who are not sick.  
• Those with flu-like symptoms should not return to campus or work until they no longer have a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. 

Skidmore is now operating on a phone triage system. This means students on campus should call Health Services at 518-580-5550 first, before visiting in person, unless it is an emergency.

Shaking hands or hugging can easily spread germs. Most people would understand if offered an alternative greeting style, such a wave of the hand or verbal greeting.

We understand that this situation may be troubling to many in our community. If you are feeling anxious or worried about because of the news about the coronavirus, we encourage you to use College resources. Students may contact the Counseling Center. Employees may make use of the Employee Assistance Program. 

The Counseling Center has provided guidance on managine stress and anxiety in challenging times.

Skidmore is now operating on a phone triage system. This means students on campus should call the Counseling Center at 518-580-5555 first, before visiting in person, unless it is an emergency.

Campus Safety continues to have a 24/7 presence on campus provide responses to emergency medical issues, fire alarms and other emergencies. You should continue to report emergencies and other situations to Campus Safety by phone at 518-580-5566, as you would normally.

For non-emergency questions or concerns, Campus Safety is now operating on a phone-triage system. Please call Campus Safety at 518-580-5567 before coming into the office. This allows us to maintain the recommended social distancing. If you must come to the office we ask that you use the hand sanitizing station outside the office door and be aware you will be speaking through a closed glass window. 

Campus Safety will continue to provide non-urgent transportation to students approved to be on campus, for injuries such as sprains, strains and lacerations. Campus Safety will not be providing non-urgent transportation for students who are ill (see next FAQ for important information).

When you call Health Services (during business hours) or Campus Safety (after hours) to request medical care for an illness, you will be connected by telephone with a Health Services employee. They will evaluate your symptoms and advise you on proper medical care. If they determine you should be seen by an off-campus provider (E.R. or Urgent Care), they will discuss transportation options. If you are able, you may drive yourself. If you are unable to drive yourself, we will likely request an ambulance for a non-urgent medical transport. 

Campus Safety provides “welfare checks” for students approved to live on campus.  We will typically perform these checks via telephone, text, or email to maintain social distancing. In some circumstances we will visit the student’s residence but will generally require them to come to the door, rather than enter the apartment.  If you are concerned about the mental health of a student on campus please consider discussing your concerns with the Counseling Center who can advise you on appropriate ways to support the student you are concerned about. 

Students are asked to be extra vigilant concerning safety within the residence halls and apartments during this period. If cooking or re-heating food, continually monitor the food. Many of the unnecessary fire alarms generated throughout the year are caused by cooking. False fire alarms put a tremendous strain on limited campus and City of Saratoga Springs emergency service resources.

We also ask that you keep your student ID with you at all times. This will reduce occurrences of lockouts. 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has declared a state of emergency to help New York more quickly and effectively contain the spread of the virus. The state of emergency declaration allows, among other things: 

• Expedited procurement of cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer and other essential resources 
• Allowing qualified professionals other than doctors and nurses to conduct testing 
• Expedited procurement of testing supplies and equipment 
• Expedited personnel onboarding 
• Expedited leasing of lab space 
• Allowing EMS personnel to transport patients to quarantine locations other than just hospitals 
• Providing clear basis for price gouging and enforcement investigation   

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is a dependable source of information. We encourage everyone to support each other, and play their part in fighting social stigma by understanding and communicating the facts about COVID-19. 

The New York State Department of Health’s website as well as the World Health Organization’s website are also resources.