CLASSES SUSPENDED
Skidmore College extends spring break due to coronavirus crisis
Skidmore College classes have been suspended due to the coronavirus crisis.
Students, who are currently on spring break, have been instructed to return to campus on March 22, a week later than previously scheduled.
In a letter to members of the Skidmore community, Skidmore College President Philip Glotzbach said, “The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 continues to spread in the United States and across the world. As serious as this situation is globally and nationally, it is important to note that the risk to most individuals in the United States remains low.
“As always, the health and safety of all members of our community are our highest priorities. We strive to make decisions that are informed by science, public health principles, and compassion, along with a commitment to access and equity for all members of our community.”
Glotzbach stated that there are no known cases of COVID-19 on Skidmore College’s campus, but shared that two cases have recently been confirmed in Saratoga County.
“In response to this developing situation, the College has activated our Emergency Management Team, and we have augmented it to create a more focused COVID-19 Working Group that is meeting daily,” he said in the letter. “We are prepared to imple
"As always, the health and safety of all members of our community are our highest priorities." — Skidmore College President Philip Glotzbach
ment appropriate responses and take proactive steps, based on guidance and recommendations from city, state, and federal officials.
“Because this virus is spreading rapidly, we know that now is the best time to put policies in place before it reaches our campus.”
The decision to suspend classes next week and delay students’ return was made “out of an abundance of caution,” Glotzbach continued, adding that the school is exploring alternatives to in-person classroom instruction.
During this time students may not return to campus, the letter said, providing information for the Office of Residential Life for students with questions regarding their specific housing situation.
The letter also included a list of additional measures the college is implementing, such as suspended self-service in the dining hall, a phone triage system for students seeking health services, placement of more hand-sanitizer stations in selected high-traffic areas on campus and deep cleaning in common and hightouch areas.
Furthermore, all nonSkidmore visitors are prohibited from visiting residence halls, all college-sponsored travel on common carriers (trains, planes, buses, etc.) or to events with more than 50 people in the U.S. and abroad has been suspended, all collegiate athletic practices and competitions are suspended and all on-campus and off-campus college events (except classes and course-related activities) that involve large gatherings with more than 50 people are suspended.
These measures will remain in place until further notice, and the school will provide additional updates as more information becomes available, the letter said.
Based on official guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone returning from China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea is instructed to stay home for a period of 14 days and take the steps recommended by the CDC to monitor their health and practice social distancing, the letter continued. Those individuals will not be allowed to return to work or classes and must stay home until the 14day period has elapsed.
“This situation and related developments may be troubling to many in our community,” Glotzbach said in the letter, encouraging those who are feeling anxious or worried because of the news about COVID-19 to use college resources such as the Counseling Center or Employee Assistance Program.
Skidmore College’s website has a dedicated COVID-19 Information page, where updates will be posted.
Further guidance is being developed, the letter said, noting that the next scheduled update will be issued on Thursday, March 12.
“Skidmore College is committed to maintaining an environment of respect and support for all members of our community,” Glotzbach concluded. “I encourage everyone to support one another and demonstrate the generosity of spirit that characterizes the Skidmore community at its best. We can all do our part to promote an effective, educated, and compassionate response to this global crisis.”