This is it! One more week. You can do it. We’re going to produce one more issue of In the Know for the semester, but we wanted to take a minute to congratulate you on making it through. It hasn’t been easy, and we know it. But you’ve stayed strong in a pandemic, and we’re incredibly proud of you and glad you’re our student.
What’s Poppin’
New COVID-19 testing requirement for students for Spring 2021: If you haven’t already, please see Friday’s note from Dr. Shai Butler, vice president for student development, where she details the requirements for returning to campus for the Spring 2021 semester. Classes start January 19, and every student who will be coming to campus for any reason – whether it’s a class or just to use the library – will have to submit a negative COVID-19 test before the start of classes. Read Dr. Butler’s note, but if you prefer a visual, you can see this chart for guidance. The precautions we took for the fall semester helped to protect our community and keep COVID-19 rates low. As we’re surging again, and experts say it may be a tough winter, we’re taking this extra precaution for our return to campus. The restart website has also been updated for spring.
Last day for course evaluations (unless it’s an education class): Course evaluations may be submitted through December 7, 2020. Look for the link in your email. Student responses are kept confidential at all times. Results are reported anonymously and released to faculty only after grades have been submitted. So, share your thoughts honestly. It’s how we improve. And if you have something great to say, it will make a faculty member’s day, too. One quick note: Thelma P. Lally School of Education evaluations will run from November 28 through December 11 to accommodate graduate students.
Ways to help: If you’re looking to do some good (and you’re nearby), we have a few options shared with us recently by members of our campus community.
• We know so many of you have been our heroes and inspiration through all you have done for our pajama drive for Homeless and Travelers Aid Society (HATAS). We were contacted this week by Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless asking if we might try to collect as many coats for adults as we can to assist in the work they also do for those living on the streets in our city. If you have any coats (used or new) you are able to donate would you please drop them off at the Interfaith Sanctuary by December 15, and we will deliver them to our community partners at IPH.
• Equinox, which provides services to domestic violence survivors, has an Amazon wish list of items they need for their clients. You can also learn more in this flier.
• St. Peter’s Crime Victim Services is also hosting a clothing drive and has an Amazon wish list. See the list of items needed for those who may have their clothing collected from them at the hospital as evidence.
The Campus Store has provided the following textbook rental return information: Students must return their rental books on or before the rental due date which is December 11, 2020. Students who are unable to return their books in person must mail their books back to the address below before the rental due date. Mail books to: The College of Saint Rose Campus Store, 432 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203.
But what if you want to sell those bad boys? Students wishing to sell their books back can visit the Campus Store or can do so online by selecting the “sell your textbooks” option on saintroseshop.com. Questions? Select the “contact us” section on their website, email bookstore@strose.edu, or call 518.454.5245.
Don’t forget to register for spring! While the pandemic has taught us to enjoy life day by day, there are some instances in which we have to plan ahead, like registering for your spring classes. If you haven’t registered yet, now’s the time. Consult with your advisor if you have questions about staying on track. Concerned about finances? Reach out to financial aid at finaid@strose.edu.
Why winter session? Winter session is a good time for undergraduate students to get ahead in their degree progress or make-up for lost ground. All winter session courses are offered fully online, and the session runs December 14 through January 8. There’s also a 25% discount on winter session undergraduate courses (final price: $446 per credit), so score yourself a deal. Questions? It’s a good thing to talk to your advisor about, and if you have questions about cost, feel free to reach out to Financial Aid at finaid@strose.edu. Also, check out the seven reasons you should consider taking a winter session course on this information page.
Health and wellness
The weekly COVID-19 update from Health Services will be back on Friday: In the meantime, check out our COVID-19 dashboard if you want to keep up with the current COVID-19 rates.
Visiting the Counseling Center: Due to COVID-19 precautions, appointments are virtual. Students should call 518.454.5200 or email counseling@strose.edu for assistance and appointments. Hours of operation are Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday/Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Need Health Services?: Due to COVID-19 precautions, student walk-ins are not allowed at Health Services, and we students won’t wait for appointments in the waiting room. Students will call 518.454.5244 or email healthservices@strose.edu for assistance, and their cases will be triaged by our LPN or nurse practitioner. Based on the presenting concerns, the triage outcome may lead to a telehealth appointment with the nurse practitioner. Our new expanded hours in Health Services are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. And don’t forget to contact Health Services if you need COVID-19 testing.
Tech stuff
You really are running out of time to fill out the technology survey: The College would like to get your input to help make appropriate and informed decisions regarding technology on campus. You pay a Technology Fee, so it is important that you have an opportunity to provide guidance into how that money is allocated. Please take a few minutes and complete this short survey by December 14. Individual responses will be kept confidential; results will only be reported in aggregate. The survey is being administered by Educause, a nonprofit association that helps higher education elevate the impact of technology. If you have comments, concerns, or suggestions regarding technology that are not addressed in the survey, please email John Ellis at ellisj@strose.edu.
Yum
Want to know what’s up with the d-hall at Strose? Follow on IG: The new food service partner, Sodexo, was selected by a committee of Saint Rose students and employees, has 17 university partnerships in New York, including the University at Albany, Marist, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. They’ll be taking over in the spring semester. With a focus on culinary creativity, sustainability, health and wellness, and diversity and inclusion, Sodexo also seeks to increase students’ input in food service operations. Want to suggest a name for the electric food truck that will be coming in late spring 2021? Follow on Instagram @saintroseeats. That’s where you’ll also get updates on what’s ahead.
Things to do
Check the online calendar for the latest club and organization meetings.
Want to know more about what’s happening on campus? Check out The Chronicle, the student newspaper at Saint Rose (and maybe even join the staff).
Anytime
Saint Rose Rocks: Saint Rose Rocks returns for a limited run, bringing the music for the Golden Knights by the Golden Knights! Subscribe to the Saint Rose Rocks YouTube Channel, or follow on Student Association’s Facebook page.
As 2020 comes to a close and people have had time to reflect upon this year, musical guests offer introspective interviews and get vulnerable as artists and as individuals navigating a new world.
The lineup:
Music Industry Senior Kayla Carpenter: Carpenter showcases her single “Growing” while also performing an acoustic rendition of her yet-to-be-released song “Simple.” She gets personal about how her incredibly talented and musical family has inspired her and opens up about the pros and cons she faced from the pandemic. Also, get the inside scoop on her upcoming senior project.
Music Industry Senior Kyla Silk: Silk offers a recorded live performance (pre-pandemic) of her song “Gone,” along with a viewing of her latest lyric video for her newest single, “Inspiration.” Going in line with the latter song, Silk and host Conor Walsh talk about how inspiration is around every corner, and despite any obstacle, it’s still there to be found. Hear about Silk’s relationship with her father, what it felt like breaking her normal routine to return home last semester, and where she has come now with projects like her upcoming EP.
Music Industry Junior Ria Carval: Carval is a Colombian singer/songwriter who is proud of her roots while blossoming into her own through her experiences at Saint Rose. Listen and watch as she provides a lyric video to her song “Reflections,” and a dance performance video of her single “Meant to Be.” Tune in to learn about her early days in a music academy back in Colombia and how she realized she wanted to come to the states. Also, Carval gives tips on how to market and promote music and what to keep in mind for future projects.
2018 Music Industry graduate Sydney Schizzano (to be released December 11): Schizzano gets real about the struggles and emotions felt after graduating college and entering the real world and provides an inside look at the world of an up-and-coming musician. Listen to her single “(Not) Ready,” along with a sneak peek of a song still in the works for her upcoming album. Listen as we go back in time to her days at Saint Rose and how that was part of a metamorphosis into the person and performer she is now.
What other musicians do you want to see on the show? Are you someone who wants to get their story out there? Email stroserocks@gmail.com, or reach out to anyone with Student Association (sa@strose.edu), Student Life (mcclellc@strose.edu), or Conor Walsh (walshc907@strose.edu).
Service to the dear neighbor: We wouldn’t be Saint Rose if we didn’t commemorate our 100th birthday with a 100 Hours of Service challenge. Well, it’s officially called a 100 Hours of Service initiative, but we’re challenging you to get involved. From being a club leader or a student-athlete to babysitting for family, to social-justice work, you are already giving back. For the 100 Hours of Service challenge, just do 2.5 to 3 hours of community service each week from now until May to hit the 100-hour goal. Employees of the College, alums, and some of your families have already joined in, too. Watch our video to learn the why. Then click on this link to learn the how and sign up.
Thursday, December 10
Virtual mindfulness meditation to deal with the stress of finals this week with Joan Horgan from the Office of Spiritual Life
7 p.m. via Zoom
When is it open?
The Writing Center has updated its hours for the rest of the fall semester:
Post-Thanksgiving hours:
Sunday: 2 to 7 p.m.
Monday: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tutoring: Tutoring hours can be found on the Tutoring Center website. Please note all appointments until further notice will be held virtually. On-site tutoring hours have shifted availability to Virtual Meeting locations on Navigate. Please follow the directions below for how to sign up for an online tutoring appointment:
1. Log into Navigate
2. Select Appointments and then Schedule an Appointment
3. Choose Academic Support
4. Choose the subject you’d like
5. Choose Virtual Meeting. You will then see which tutors are available at times you’re available. Once you make the appointment, the tutor will send you a link to use for their meeting.
Bookstore and mailroom hours:
Mailroom hours:
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon
Package Pickup:
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon
Mailboxes are available 24-7.
For more information: Mail_room@strose.edu or 518.458.5443
Bookstore hours:
See the website for the most current hours.
For more information: bookstore@strose.edu or 518.454.5245
