Weekly Note to the Community
February 21, 2022
Good Morning,
In the last week we have seen a small number of positive COVID-19 cases mostly related to the same direct contact. We believe this cluster of cases has now been contained and are optimistic that the number of cases will decrease in the next few days as these students complete isolation protocols. We continue to closely watch the COVID-19 transmission rates here on campus, regionally and at other colleges and universities, and are in close contact with officials from Ontario County Public Health about our numbers and plans. What we are experiencing is not dissimilar to what many other colleges and universities are seeing, although the number of cases here at Hobart and William Smith this semester remain low in comparison to our peers.
As a reminder, vaccinated individuals (inclusive of a booster if eligible) are not required to wear masks on campus, although faculty and staff can determine whether masks are required in their classes and offices. Students who are not fully vaccinated are required to be tested weekly and remain masked while indoors. The COVID-19 Resource and Testing Center is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
There is a great deal of activity happening on campus with art shows at the Davis Gallery, lectures, discussion groups, career chats, and multiple athletic contests during which our student athletes and their coaches continue to bring great pride to the Colleges. We were thrilled to kick off the Bicentennial Celebration a week ago at Trinity Church Wall Street and encourage you to watch the livestream recording. You should also stop in to the Warren Hunting Smith Library to see the Hobart Bicentennial exhibit curated by Archivist and Special Collections Librarian Tricia McEldowney, the highlight of which is the restored permanent charter of Hobart College.
With best wishes for a safe and healthy week,
Sarah Kirk
Provost and Dean of Faculty
Becca B. Barile
Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students