Important Alert Level Update

Dear Skidmore Community, 

I write to inform you that effective immediately, Skidmore will move from COVID safety Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3.  

We are taking this step out of an abundance of caution in response to what is currently a handful of positive COVID-19 test results received this week, a number that could potentially increase as more test results come in through the weekend. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide an update no later than Monday.  

In the meantime, it is critical at this moment that we continue to exercise caution, get tested as scheduled, wear our masks and social distance, and avoid any gatherings or travel.

I encourage everyone to visit the Campus Planning website to carefully review detailed information about the alert levels and each level’s impact on key services, operations, activities and expectations.  

With that in mind, I want to highlight some of the key changes to be aware of that take effect in Level 3:

• Dining Services is now to-go only. Meal pick-up will occur at Murray-Aikins Dining Hall. Additional information will be provided as it develops.
• Additional testing is required for affected students, faculty and staff. Those affected will be contacted directly.
• Classes will continue to be held as scheduled. However, faculty may opt to go remote. 
• Informal gatherings are suspended.
• Visits of any kind are not permitted in campus housing. Students may not visit others in residence halls or apartments. Students living off campus may not be in campus housing. Students in campus housing may not visit off-campus residences.
• Athletic competition is paused. 
• Travel is restricted to emergency or essential only. If traveling outside New York state, students must test negative and submit proof of the negative test result prior to returning to campus.  
  The Scribner Library building is closed. However, unaffected classes meeting in the library will be held as scheduled, curbside pick-up will be available and resources will be available virtually.
• Mail and package pick-up times will be assigned. 
• Any additional changes to the alert levels or scenarios necessitating decreasing on-campus activities and operations, or closing the campus, will be communicated to all faculty, staff, students and parents by email as well as via the Skidmore Urgent Notification System (SUNS), Skidmore Weekly Bulletin and the Planning website.

This change in alert levels is a reminder that we are still very much in the midst of this pandemic and circumstances can change quickly. This is especially true as we chart the variants that are circulating. Each of us must do all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on campus and in our community to ensure we can continue with the engaging, in-person spring semester I know we all want to have.   

Sincerely, 
Marc Conner
President