The end of the academic year is here, and we’re sending you all good vibes as you finish up final projects, take final exams, and handle all of your end-of-the-semester business.
We’re really proud of how you powered through this difficult year and the way you looked out for and supported each other. That’s solid caring for the dear neighbor stuff, right there.
This will be the last In the Know for this academic year, but for those of you who aren’t graduating, we’ll be back at this for the fall semester. And for those of you who are graduating – we already know you’re going to go out there and make us proud.
What’s new and next
Finals Week food! On Tuesday, May 4, from 9:30 to 11 p.m., Hospitality Services will be hosting its first annual Nighty Knight finals event in the Dining Hall. The event is a donation from Sodexo and is free to any student with a Saint Rose ID card. You do not have to have a meal plan to stop up that night and grab some food. Due to COVID-19 precautions, everything will be grab-and-go. The menu will include wrapped breakfast sandwiches (egg and cheese/sausage, egg, and cheese), hash brown patties, French toast sticks with syrup, assorted mini muffins, assorted juice cups, mini bottles of water, Dole fruit cups, and assorted yogurts.
Finals Week Writing Center schedule: The Writing Center will be open throughout finals week until Friday, May 7. Use your Navigate app to make an appointment. Select Writing Center under locations to make an in-person appointment, and select Writing Online to make an online appointment. Evening and Sunday hours are online only.
Dining Hall news: On Friday, May 7, the Dining Hall will close at 6:30 p.m. Starbucks and Camelot Room will stay open to 7:30 p.m. Brubacher Café closes at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5. See the Yum section for the summer hospitality services schedule.
Attention seniors! Don’t forget to take the survey: We’re asking seniors to take our Saint Rose Senior Survey! Your answers will help us better understand the student experience so that we can continue to make improvements. In this survey, you will be asked to evaluate our teaching practices and overall environment and tell us your future plans. Your answers are confidential, and you do not have to respond to every question. BONUS: You will automatically get entered into a raffle for your chance to win up to $600 worth of prizes! Those who already took the survey will remain in the raffle.
Commencement speakers announced: The College will host three commencement ceremonies at the Times Union Center on May 7 and 8 – the first graduation ceremonies held in the arena since the start of the pandemic.
Commencement speeches will be delivered by three inspirational alumni who demonstrate the Saint Rose strength of spirit. Each speaker has shown a commitment to scholarship, excellence, and serving the dear neighbor through their professional and personal pursuits.
The May 7 speaker for the 2021 graduate student ceremony is Dr. Cecily Wilson-Turner, Ed.D., assistant superintendent for elementary instruction for the City School District of Albany and a 2007 Saint Rose advanced certificate program graduate. On May 8 at 10 a.m., Edson Chipalo, Ph.D. student in social work at the University of Alabama and 2017 Saint Rose graduate will address the undergraduate students in the Class of 2021. And Jermaine Brookshire Jr., Esq., Connecticut-based attorney, leader of a nonprofit organization that motivates and supports youth, and 2013 Saint Rose graduate, will deliver the keynote at the Class of 2020 ceremony.
Read more about each of the speakers here.
Commencement logistics: Graduates who are registered to attend commencement should check the commencement area of the website for some important updates. Your two guest tickets are now available online (see the commencement area of the website for the links), but you have to order them by 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 4. After that, we’ll know if we have enough seats to open up additional pairs of guest tickets for the Friday night and Saturday afternoon ceremonies. Unfortunately, due to the number of graduates registered for the 10 a.m. Saturday ceremony for the Class of 2021 undergraduate students, it’s unlikely we’ll have additional seats for that ceremony. Remember, these restrictions are due to the NYS guidelines on capacity at commencement. The Times Union Center is capped at 10% capacity for our event.
One more reminder for all commencement attendees: In order to enter the Times Union Center, graduates and their guests show a government-issued ID and one of three things at the door:
Proof of having completed the full COVID-19 vaccination series at least 14 days prior to the day of the ceremony
OR
A negative PCR COVID-19 test (conducted within 72 hours of the day of the event) or a Rapid Antigen test taken within 6 hours of the start of the event
OR
Those who have fully recovered from a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 3 months and who do not have any recent or current symptoms are not required to produce a recent negative diagnostic test result but must provide proof of illness and recovery (e.g. proof of a prior positive test result or completed order of isolation within the last 90 days).
Free testing for graduates and their guests: The College is offering free PCR testing for graduates, their guests, and College employees attending the ceremony through Quadrant Biosciences on Wednesday, May 5, from 7 a.m. until noon in the Daniel P. Nolan Gymnasium. Being tested on this date means you will have results in time to attend either the May 7 or May 8 ceremonies.
Please pre-register with your information (disregard the section about a test kit). You can walk in anytime between the hours of 7 a.m. and noon and be tested.
Need a break from studying? Take a walk down to nearby Washington Park to check out the tulips – it’s pic-taking heaven. And if you don’t have a selfie with the Moses statue did you even go here? The CDPHP bike-sharing stations are also out, and there are some near campus, so you can even ride on through. It’s only $2.50 an hour for students and you can find a hub at Ontario and Madison or on Madison by The Point.
Reminders
Swipes running low? Having trouble affording food? Everyone needs help sometimes, and the College has support if you’re experiencing food insecurity. Our new Emergency Meal Bag program allows any member of our Saint Rose community to make an online request for a bag – and specify food preferences – and pick bags up at the Interfaith Sanctuary. Each bag contains enough food for three meals each – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pick-up times are Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Emergency meal bags will be available at the Lima Security Desk.
In addition, for students not already on a meal plan, the Annie Sheeley Meal Swipe Program provides three meals a week for four weeks in our Dining Hall. (Students are able to re-apply.) The program is named in honor of Annie Sheeley, a longtime worker in our Dining Hall, who passed away earlier this year. See the College’s website for other sources of help.
Deadline to take Healthy Minds Study is May 7. Be sure to participate for a chance to win prizes! We know you take a lot of surveys, but it’s because we want to be able to serve you better. The Healthy Minds Study (HMS) is a national online survey assessing student mental health and service utilization on college campuses. The confidential information provided from this study reflects students’ day-to-day experiences on campus and provides insight into both your struggles and successes. This knowledge will be used to inform policy, practice, programs and services on campus, thus bettering student life. All students will be receiving emails with information on how to participate in this study, including access to the link for the survey! The survey will be available to students through May 7.
But wait! There’s an incentive: Participating in this study will make you eligible for one of four $10 Starbucks gift cards donated by Sodexo. After completing the survey, students also will be entered into a national sweepstakes for one of 10 $100 prizes and one of two $500 prizes.
Academics
Consider summer courses at Saint Rose: If you’re falling behind or want to get ahead, consider picking up a summer course or two at Saint Rose. Most offerings are online, and there’s a discount on summer undergraduate courses. You can see what’s being offered and read about why you may want to take a summer course on the website.
Check out the undergrad final exam schedule: The final exam schedule for undergraduate courses is out, and it starts Friday, April 30. Your exams are scheduled based on when your class typically meets. (If you have a fully online class, please consult with your professor about exams.)
Online course registration is open! Students are allowed to add/drop classes on their own for each term up until the specific add/drop deadlines for each term. Please see the Academic Calendar on our website for those dates.
Woohoo!
Service and Appreciation Award winners: On Saturday, the College held its annual Service and Appreciation Awards event, which recognizes students and employees who exemplify the College’s mission. You can watch a virtual presentation of the awards and see the winners here.
Celebrating our grads! Check out the graduate galleries for the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 on our website to see where our recent graduates are headed and what they say their favorite Saint Rose memories are.
Honors Convocation: This year Honors Convocation, which recognizes students who have demonstrated distinguished academic achievement, was celebrated through live virtual ceremonies for each of our four schools. The recordings of the events and a list of the honorees will be posted in the coming weeks.
Wellness
In-person (socially distanced) outdoor yoga: Free outdoor yoga classes take place Mondays at 7 p.m. outside the Interfaith Sanctuary. Just bring a mask and a mat! Be sure to pre-register for yoga at this link.
Show love, vax up! As noted in the weekly COVID-19 update by Mark Parisi, director of counseling and health services, we’re encouraging all students to get the vaccine. If you are looking for an appointment, check out this site, which lists nearby locations. Just remember, be sure you’re going to be available for both doses of the vaccine (scheduled weeks apart) at that location.
Keep in mind the following:
- If you are 16 years of age or older, you are able to be vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine, so be sure to check which vaccine the site is providing.
- If you are 18 years of age or older, you can receive the Moderna.
- The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are a two-dose vaccine and you will be required to return to the same vaccination center within the timeframe specified by that center to receive the second dose.
- Out-of-state students are able to be vaccinated in New York. They just have to show their college ID to show they are students here. Just be mindful of the time necessary between the two doses for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and plan accordingly so you are able to receive both doses before leaving New York for home or are able to return for it.
Things that make you go yum
Grab some food during the Nighty Knight finals event in the Dining Hall: On Tuesday, May 4, from 9:30 to 11 p.m., Hospitality Services will be hosting its first annual Nighty Knight finals event in the Dining Hall. The event is a donation from Sodexo and is free to any student with a Saint Rose ID card. You do not have to have a meal plan to stop up that night and grab some food. Due to COVID-19 precautions, everything will be grab and go. The menu will include: Wrapped breakfast sandwiches – egg and cheese/sausage, egg, and cheese, hash brown patties, French toast sticks with syrup, assorted mini muffins, assorted juice cups, mini bottles of water, dole fruit cups, and assorted yogurt.
Want to speak to a dietician? You have one at your disposal through Hospitality Services. Email Donna Duffy at Donna.Duffy@sodexo.com with your questions.
Do you have concerns or feedback about the food or dining experience? Contact General Manager Lori Holmes at Lori.Holmes@sodexo.com.
Hours
On Friday, May 7, the Dining Hall will close at 6:30 p.m. Starbucks and Camelot Room will stay open to 7:30 p.m. Brubacher Café closes at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5.
Dining Hall
Week of May 2:
Monday through Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Then closed through August 1.
Camelot Room
Week of May 2:
Monday through Thursday: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
May 10 through August 1:
Monday through Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Starbucks Café
Week of May 2:
Monday through Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
From May 10 through August 1:
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Lally Café (Retail)
Closed for Spring Semester
Brubacher Café
Week of May 2:
Monday through Tuesday:
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.
Wednesday:
7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, May 6, until August 1: Closed
Student life and things to do
Calendar
Please note that all listed times are Eastern Standard Time (EST).
MONDAY, MAY 3
Join Rose Record Label artist Stella and the Reptilians and LILY for a live virtual concert via The Linda, WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio
8 p.m., purchase tickets online for $10
Stella and the Reptilians lead singer Lily Morgan is a singer/songwriter from Chester, New York. Lily started Stella and the Reptilians after having a brief solo career. The band’s atmospheric alt indie vibe has captivated everyone who listens. Lily’s unofficial releases include a mix of spacious synth sounds highlighting her upper register and the high sweet tones in her voice. She uses a variety of lyrics in her songwriting that incorporate lots of imagery that make you experience her songs with her.
Free outdoor yoga!
7 p.m., outside the Interfaith Sanctuary (sign up in advance for yoga at this link)
In-person, socially distanced outdoor yoga starts again this week. Just bring a mask and a mat!
TUESDAY, MAY 4
Grab some food during the Nighty Knight finals event
Tuesday, May 4, from 9:30 to 11 p.m., Dining Hall
Hospitality Services will be hosting its first annual Nighty Knight finals event in the Dining Hall. The event is a donation from Sodexo and is free to any student with a Saint Rose ID card. You do not have to have a meal plan to stop up that night and grab some food. Due to COVID-19 precautions, everything will be grab and go. The menu will include: Wrapped breakfast sandwiches – egg and cheese/sausage, egg, and cheese, hash brown patties, French toast sticks with syrup, assorted mini muffins, assorted juice cups, mini bottles of water, dole fruit cups, and assorted yogurt.
Hours
Health Services
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For any non-urgent medical issue, students can call 518.454.5244 or email healthservices@strose.edu for assistance, and their cases will be triaged by the LPN or nurse practitioners. Based on the presenting concerns, the triage outcome may lead to a telehealth or in-person appointment with the nurse practitioner.
The last day the Health Center will be open for student appointments is May 7.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Please call the center at 518.454.5200 or email them at counseling@strose.edu to speak with a counselor over the phone or through a Zoom session.
Neil Hellman Library
Walk-in access for those with a valid Saint Rose ID from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The library has raised its capacity from 15 to 20, and visitors will still be limited to the first floor. Safety protocols and capacity limits remain in place.
Visitors on Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. are required to sign-up in advance for a slot. Check out the library website for details.
The Writing Center
Learn about the Writing Center’s services on its webpage
Use your Navigate app to make an appointment. Select Writing Center under locations to make an in-person appointment, and select Writing Online to make an online appointment. Evening and Sunday hours are online only.
Monday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Note: the Writing Center will be open throughout finals week until Friday, May 7.
Tutoring Center
Schedule an appointment for tutoring through Navigate.
Find hours on the Tutoring Center’s webpage.
Fitness Center
Slots are available in 45-minute increments by advance sign-up online. Masks are required.
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
See the Fitness Center area of the website for summer hours.
Career Services
Career Services meets with undergraduate and graduate students via individual appointments. Make an appointment using the Navigate app.
Mailroom
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon
Package Pickup
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon
The USPS outgoing mail deadline is 9:30 a.m. USPS Mail received after 9:30 a.m. will be posted the next business day.
Reach the Mailroom at mail_room@strose.eduor 518.458.5443
Print Center
Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Reach them at printing@strose.eduor 518.337.4820
Check out their services on the Print Center and Mailroom webpage.
Points of contact
If you have a question about the residence halls, contact: reslife@strose.edu.
If you have a question about health services, contact: healthservices@strose.edu.
If you have questions about dining, contact: dining@strose.edu.
If you have questions about academics, contact provostoffice@strose.edu.
If you have questions about your path to graduation or course scheduling, contact advisement@strose.edu.
If you have questions about student life, contact studentdevelopment@strose.edu.
If you have questions about cleaning protocol or facilities, contact gossg@strose.edu.
If you’re having computer trouble, contact helpdesk@strose.edu.
If you have a concern about your bill, contact bursar@strose.edu.
If you want to talk about financial aid concerns, contact finaid@strose.edu.
Don’t know where to turn? Email solutions@strose.edu.
