March 17, 2020
An Update from Ursuline College President Sister Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD
With the second half of the semester beginning by remote instruction tomorrow, today’s message starts with some reminders about everyone’s personal health and safety, on campus or off. You know the essential good-health practices—social distancing, handwashing, protecting from sneezes, coughs, body fluids—but these are additional guidelines to help keep everyone safe.
For all students, faculty and staff: if you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider.
If you have been in direct contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19, you must self-quarantine for 14 days, even if you are not exhibiting symptoms, and call your health care provider.
If you have traveled recently to a Level 3 country, you must self-quarantine for 14 days, even if you are not exhibiting symptoms.
For faculty and staff: You are required to stay home if you are feeling ill – cough, sneezing, fever, etc. We understand that it is also seasonal allergy time and your symptoms might not be COVID-19 related. However, out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health of everyone in our community, unless you have been tested for COVID-19 and found not to have it, do not come to campus if you have any symptoms.
If you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or are quarantining yourself, please email Kelli Knaus. You may be required to provide additional information such as symptoms, where you’ve traveled recently, when the last time was that you were on campus, etc.
Finally, please proceed with caution when working closely with your colleagues; respect everyone’s space (social distancing), and please don’t be offended if a colleague suggests you distance yourself or asks you to leave campus if you are ill.
Thank you for understanding as we continue to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of our campus community.
And now, today’s updates:
- The library hours are being adjusted for the remainder of the week and will be reflected on the library’s website. Please check there often for updates, and follow the library’s Facebook and Twitter feeds for even more helpful information.
- Residence halls are planned to close tomorrow, Wednesday 18 March 2020, by 7 pm. Director of Residence Life Gina DeMart-Kraus and Associate Dean of Student Affairs Amy Lechko are working with students individually for needed arrangements. They are also making accommodations for students to pick up their belongings through 12 pm on Friday 20 March. After that time the residence halls will be locked and cleaned.
- The Fitness Center will also be closed at 12 pm on Friday 20 March. Like the residence halls, areas in the Sister Diana Stano Athletic Center will be locked and cleaned.
- All Athletics-related activities are suspended for the rest of the semester. We send our loudest “Go Arrows!” cheer to all our athletes, and coaches, and staff.
- All public campus events are canceled through the end of the semester, e.g., speakers, Admission visits, research symposium, etc. No new public campus events may be added until further notice.
- In line with yesterday’s announcement that online instruction will continue for the rest of the semester, the work-from-home policy is also extended to the end of the semester (May 15). Although there is a need for daily coverage within departments, it is highly recommended that employees come to campus only one day per week. Please work with your supervisor/VP to develop schedules with the overarching goal of providing seamless services to our students, all of whom are still under instruction.
Students, you begin the second half of your semester in a virtual world tomorrow. With your perseverance and the assistance of your faculty, advisors, and staff, you will have new accomplishments to mark the rest of your academic year. Watch for a short video message at 12:00 noon tomorrow for some words of encouragement and advice.
Stay healthy, keep praying.
