We’re back for the spring semester – although remotely for a couple of weeks – and we’re looking forward to happier and healthier days ahead. In the Know is back, too, and we hope you’ll make time to read it every Monday, so you can keep up with Saint Rose news and events.
And as we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today, we consider his words from “The Purpose of Education,” an article he wrote in 1947 for the student newspaper at Morehouse College: “We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
This is so important we put it at the top
COVID-19 testing: We are requiring all students who plan to come to campus for any reason this semester to submit a negative COVID-19 test result to covidresults@strose.edu before they come to campus. Students who already have headed back to the residence halls, did their part. Now it’s time for everyone who will be on campus when we move to hybrid and in-person instruction (even if it’s not to take classes but to do things like use the computer labs or visit the library) should plan to get their testing done. If you don’t, you will not have card access to campus. Cold? No. Just safe.
Test results are due to covidresults@strose.edu by January 29, and you can start scheduling your off-site testing for on or after January 23 (assuming you’re from New York State or an area not named on the NYS Travel Advisory. Check out the chart if you aren’t). Find more about testing in the restart plan. Side note: College employees are being tested before returning to campus, too.
Students who live in housing off-campus but are from areas on the New York State Travel Advisory List: We are providing COVID-19 testing to students who live in off-campus housing but are from areas on the NYS Travel Advisory List. If you’ve taken your first test before heading to Albany and need a second one, we are offering testing for you on January 19. You have to sign up online for the test (and we’ll check to be sure you’re eligible).
Sign up for RAVE: The RAVE we’re talking about doesn’t have a room full of bubbles or a light show, but it could save you in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, the College will issue alerts through a system called RAVE that sends texts and emails with instructions for what to do. Don’t start the semester without watching this video on how to go into Banner and make sure you’re signed up.
Put it on repeat: We’ll be following all the same COVID-19 prevention practices we did last semester. Need a review? Check the restart plan.
Academics
Schedule reminder: We flipped the restart script a couple of times thanks to our old friend COVID-19, so just a reminder that the Spring 2021 semester starts on Tuesday, January 19, with all classes delivered remotely for the first two weeks of the semester. In-person and hybrid delivery will start on February 1. Spring break, scheduled for March 1 to 5, will be canceled, and classes will be held that week.
Get your books: There are a couple ways to get your textbooks during the remote learning period.
1. Through the mail: If students are not planning to be on campus until January 30, they can get their books shipped to them by sending an email to bookstore@strose.edu. They will need to provide name, mailing address, and phone number, and there will be a reduced rate of $4 to ship UPS.
2. Curbside pickup: Curbside pickup will also be available January 14 through January 21 from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The location will be the Lally School of Education Parking Lot, P1. The procedure for curbside pickup is:
• Contact the bookstore at 518.454.5245 or email bookstore@strose.edu to request the date and time for pick up – must have two hours advance notice.
• Provide your email, phone number, name, and your online order number.
• The order will be prepared and a confirmation email will be sent to the customer. This email will confirm the details of their pickup as well as giving them a code to show when receiving the order.
• When you arrive at Lally, pull into one of the three designated curbside spots and call the number on the sign to notify them you are here, what parking spot you are in, confirm your name and order number, as well as the color and make of your vehicle.
• The customer will keep their windows and doors shut unless instructed to open them by the associate. The bookstore associate will meet them at their car with the order, confirm their order, and will place the items in the trunk. Customers will open and close their trunk to maintain social distance.
Study stops are back: If you’re commuting to campus and need a place to take a class or study between on-campus classes, we’ve once again designated rooms throughout campus as Study Stops. Just be sure to follow social distancing measures and use headphones if you’re taking a class.
Lima Computer Lab sign-ups: Want to use the Lima Computer Lab? You’ve got to sign up online first. Up to 10 students can sign up to be in the lab at a time, and spots are available in two-hour blocks. Students should have submitted a negative COVID-19 test result to the College at the beginning of the semester before using the lab. Students are asked to wipe down the equipment before and after they use it. Supplies are provided.
Tips for academic success this semester: Earlier this month, Dr. Margaret McLane, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, sent a message to students offering tips and reminders for the spring semester. Here’s a recap:
• If you want to make a change in your schedule, you should work with your advisor to do so. The add/drop deadline is 4:30 p.m. January 25.
• Communication is critical to online learning success. Please communicate frequently with your professors when you have questions or concerns while giving them a reasonable amount of time to respond.
• Online Learning Services has a host of resources, including video, to help you with remote learning. Please take a look at those resources on the website.
• The Navigate app should be your new best friend. The College implemented this tool in order to help students stay on track to graduation and provide access to resources, including appointment scheduling with professors and College offices, literally at their fingertips. If you were struggling in a course last semester, you would have received alerts along the way with suggested interventions. Also, students are required to have the app in order to complete their Daily Health Survey as part of our COVID-19 prevention practices. If you do not have Navigate yet, please download it at www.strose.edu/navigate. If you’re having trouble, please email navigate@strose.edu.
• The Writing Center and Tutoring both saw heavy usage last semester, and they offer in-person and online services. These services are covered by your Saint Rose tuition, and we urge you to utilize them. Anyone looking to improve can be well served by the Writing Center and Tutoring. The Writing Center can help you improve your skills and give you feedback on your papers. If you’re looking to make connections with other students and improve your performance in a class, Tutoring also offers study clusters.
Safety
Stay safe this week: Last week, Dr. Shai Butler, vice president for student development, and Steven Stella, director of safety and security, sent students and employees an email about staying safe during the week of the Presidential inauguration (which is this week). Read the entire safety message here. Short version: Authorities are preparing for the possibility of violent protests at state Capitol buildings throughout the country this week. Students and employees are encouraged to avoid the Capitol and around Empire State Plaza. The Capitol building is located approximately two miles away from Saint Rose, so it is unlikely any violence would extend to our campus, but you should subscribe to the College’s RAVE Alert system, which would text and/or email you with instructions in an emergency situation.
Hate crimes: Hate speech will not be tolerated at Saint Rose. Anyone who finds themselves the victim of a hate crime should reach out to the College’s Office of Safety and Security at 518.454.5187 and file a bias report online.
Diversity and inclusion
Reinforcing our values as an inclusive community: On Friday, students and employees came together via Zoom for a community conversation focused on the violence earlier this month at the U.S. Capitol and how we can remain a safe and inclusive campus community in the weeks and years to come. Dr. Neenah Estrella-Luna, an educator, researcher, advocate, and consultant focusing on issues related to social justice, social relations, and democratic governance, delivered a talk to help us gain context about the recent events in our nation and offer guidance on how to move forward while maintaining our status as an inclusive community at Saint Rose. Read the recap of the talk here.
Also, we outlined some resources and upcoming programming to address the times we’re in:
• A video from our Center for Counseling and Psychological Services on responding to events surrounding the inauguration and managing our mental health through these times can be found on this page on our website, which also includes additional resources for navigating difficult discussions.
• On Wednesday, January 20, at 3:30 p.m., the Office of Spiritual Life is hosting a virtual multi-faith gathering for the campus community called “Standing on Solid Ground: Prayers for Healing and Hope.” The program aims to help participants find hope and stability as we make our way through times of uncertainty and change. We will also remember those who have been impacted by the pandemic in any way with prayers of healing, strength, and wholeness. Access the meeting via Zoom by entering the code: 951 3426 4547 (Passcode: 012021).
• The Thelma P. Lally School of Education will host a series of virtual panels for educators and education students (as well as the general public) to address these times. The first panel, on February 4, will focus on the U.S. Constitution and classroom conversations and will provide developmentally appropriate activities for working with students in grades four through 12. A panel on supporting student mental health will follow on February 11. Details and links will be provided soon.
• The School of Arts and Humanities is also organizing a panel on civil society and the Constitution, and you should look for more information on that in the coming weeks.
• Plans are also in the works for student programming on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The first program of the semester, kicking off January 28, will be a series helping student leaders view their ability to make an impact through the lens of holistic and inclusive leadership. Students will be provided with information on how to attend.
Things that make you go yum
We’re excited for you to check out the d-hall in your return to campus, as well as changes to the Camelot Room and Brubacher Cafe now that the new hospitality services vendor, Sodexo, is in the house. They wanted to make you aware of some important safety procedures and share how to keep up with what’s for dinner (or lunch or breakfast or anytime):
Your safety is our top priority. We closely monitor COVID-19 guidelines directed by Centers for Disease Control and government officials to make sure we are bringing you the most up-to-date information as we continue to navigate through the pandemic. Our teams have worked diligently to implement robust policies and procedures aimed at keeping our students and staff safe. To look at everything we are doing, please review the topics below.
Dining
• The dining gall will operate with reduced seating based on county guidelines and offer takeout
• Self-service stations will now be operated by an employee
• Disinfecting time frames and increased social distancing are a priority for our team
• Masks must be worn when entering the location and students must sanitize their hands upon entry
• If you are feeling ill, please reach out to Health Services.
• Quarantined students, please contact Student Development for meal inquiries
Technology
• Download the “Bite” app on your smartphone to view our daily menus, specials, hours of operation and get ready for the launch of mobile ordering
• Text SAINTROSEEATS to 82257 for dining updates, promos, and giveaways
• Follow us @SaintRoseEats on Instagram
Retail Dining
• Order in advance technology is being developed to increase the speed of service as well as aid in social distancing. We anticipate an early February launch
• Seating will be limited to follow county guidelines
• Masks must be worn when entering the location and visitors must sanitize their hands upon entry
Health and Safety
• Masks and gloves are worn by all employees
• Face coverings required for customers in all dining establishments
• All high-touch surfaces cleaned and sanitized multiple times throughout the day
• Plexiglas has been installed by registers and food pick up areas
• Enhancements to staff training to ensure a safe dining environment
• Hand sanitizing stations will be available in multiple locations
Meal plan info
• You can reload additional dollars as “Golden Knight Kash” online.
• Special events and promotions included throughout the semester
• Dining Dollars from your meal plan may be redeemed at all dining locations on campus
• Our campus dietitian is available for dietary questions and concerns at Donna.Duffy@sodexo.com
Additional Information
• Employees recently exposed or exhibiting symptoms not permitted to work
• All staff to self-assess health daily prior to arriving at work
• Floor signage in all dining locations encourage social distancing and traffic flow
• Any questions or concerns, please email our general manager at Lori.Holmes@sodexo.com
• Catering requests should be done virtually please email our catering manager at Sarah.Dorrer@sodexo.com
Hours
January 18 to January 31:
Main Dining Room
Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Camelot
Monday through Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 7 p.m. –9 p.m.
Starbucks Café
Monday through Thursday: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to noon
Lally Café
Closed for spring semester
Brubacher Café
Closed until February 1
February 1: Normal spring hours begin at all locations
Main Dining Room
Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Camelot
Monday through Thursday: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Starbucks Café
Monday through Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to noon
Lally Café (Retail)
Closed for spring semester
Brubacher Café
Monday through Thursday:
7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday:
7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Things to do
Activities for students living on campus: Students who live on campus and have moved in for the remote period of instruction should connect with their Resident Assistants on social opportunities. Activities are planned for students with social distancing and safety in mind.
“Standing on Solid Ground: Prayers for Healing and Hope”: On Wednesday, January 20, at 3:30 p.m., the Office of Spiritual Life is hosting a virtual multi-faith gathering for the campus community called “Standing on Solid Ground: Prayers for Healing and Hope.” The program aims to help participants find hope and stability as we make our way through times of uncertainty and change. We will also remember those who have been impacted by the pandemic in any way with prayers of healing, strength, and wholeness. Access the meeting via Zoom by entering the code: 951 3426 4547 (Passcode: 012021).
College Mass: Sunday, January 24, will be a virtual gathering at 6:30 p.m. with Ken Scott as our guest homilist. Connect on Zoom using this link or use Meeting ID: 996 4244 6825. College Mass will return to nearby St. Vincent’s Church welcoming Fr. Scott for Mass on January 31 at 6:30 p.m.
Book discussion: “When Bad Things Happen to Good People”: An ongoing Friday discussion of “When Bad Things Happen to Good People” kicks off January 29 at 2 p.m. Use this Zoom link for the book discussion or enter Meeting ID: 996 2081 1204.
New Year Retreat: Start the new year by taking a little time to reflect on your gifts and how you might want to use them to find your purpose and create your best life. This virtual retreat is open to people from all spiritual backgrounds. Join in on Sunday, January 24, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. by accessing the retreat using this Zoom link (or typing in Meeting ID: 923 5553 8540), and bring something to write with, something to write on, something to scribble/doodle or draw on, and something with colors – crayons, colored pencils, or markers. Also, don’t forget a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, because personal growth is better with a hot beverage.
