2020-21 Statements

Extended Holiday Closure

October 16, 2020

Tags Public Statements

Dear Colleagues,

I want to thank all of you for the extraordinary work you have done to reopen Hamilton in August and to keep the College operating safely and effectively this fall.

Together we have reimagined nearly every facet of our work and reconfigured almost every physical space on campus. On top of all your other responsibilities, many of you have volunteered to serve as contact tracers, assisted with the testing center, or pitched in to troubleshoot unexpected needs. Every office and department has risen to the occasion, and our students are grateful to all of you for giving them the opportunity to continue their education in person.

Thanksgiving and students’ departure from campus are less than six weeks away, so I wanted to share some news that may help with your end of the semester planning. As an expression of Hamilton’s gratitude for your work this year, and to provide a little extra time to recharge before we gear up for the spring semester, I am extending the holiday closure period to add six days of paid time off.

Under the revised schedule, the College will be closed on Friday, Dec. 18, and will reopen on Monday morning, Jan. 4. Hamilton will also be closed on Friday, Jan. 8, and Friday, Jan. 15. During these closure periods, the College will observe its closure pay policy.

I know that some departments will need to complete seasonal work during this time, and divisional vice presidents will speak with you about how to manage that. Students will return on a staggered arrival schedule from Jan. 26-29, and spring semester classes will begin on Monday, Feb. 1.

Thank you, again, for your wonderful support of our students and our College.

David