Finals Week and Winter Break
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Dec. 11, 2020
Greetings!
“The only constant in life is change.”
Those words, first said by the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who lived more than 2,500 years ago, are as relevant as ever today.
One thing we have learned from 2020 is that we can’t predict or control the seismic events happening in our world. But we can listen and learn. We can make sound decisions. And we can change as circumstances warrant.
This semester was full of change. I am sincerely grateful for the faculty and staff on campus who have been working through this challenging time to provide the necessary conditions where learning can begin — from dining and cleaning to classroom preparation and quarantining processes. I am grateful for students, faculty and staff who have done a mind-blowing job of having a heart for others and protecting each other from COVID-19 — following safety protocols, wearing masks and practicing physical distancing.
Each and every one of us have adapted and reimagined our community during this pandemic because we want the best for each other. Thanks to good preparation and the support of the campus community, we have succeeded. Thank you for your ongoing conscientious behavior.
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
With only finals left in our semester, we have learned important lessons and managed through — something we considered unthinkable in the spring semester when the virus first appeared. There is much to hope for in the days ahead. As I write, there are more than 170 COVID-19 vaccines in development across the world. In addition, two COVID-19 vaccines have demonstrated 90% or more efficacy in clinical trials. Some will begin being delivered to healthcare workers and those living in care facilities before the end of the month.
WINTER BREAK
With just days left in the semester, I encourage you to stay the course and continue to make good decisions. While we all anxiously look forward to the day of an inoculated campus, for now we truly must take the extra precautions both on campus and off.
As you prepare to leave campus for winter break, please consider these recommendations from the American College Health Association. If you haven’t done so already, now is a good time to:
- Get an influenza vaccination.
- Review the regulations governing travel to your winter break destination.
- Continue to minimize risk of exposure and infection before you leave campus after your finals next week. Should you feel ill before you leave, please continue to contact Charlie Strey, dean of students, at 641-628-5621, so you may isolate or quarantine as warranted.
DAY OF TRAVEL ADVICE
Remember that when people travel, the virus travels.
- Consider reducing the number of stops on your trip. Take a direct flight if possible, and if driving, pack food/snacks for the trip home.
- Delay travel if sick. Anyone feeling ill, recently diagnosed with COVID-19 (within 10 days) should self-isolate and delay travel. Individual situations can be discussed with Charlie Strey, dean of students, at 641-628-5621, so that accommodations can be determined.
- Take safety precautions while traveling. Continue wearing a face covering and stay at least 6 feet away from other people.
- Carry and use hand sanitizer and use it frequently.
- The least risky option of travel is private transportation by yourself or your family members. If in a car with others outside your household, wear a mask and sit in the back seat if someone else is driving. If weather conditions permit, open the windows.
ARRIVAL AT HOME ADVICE
- The most cautious approach upon arrival home is to quarantine for the first 14 days after arrival. This includes eating meals in a private space or outdoors with family at least 6 feet apart.
RETURNING TO CAMPUS IN JANUARY
As we prepare for your return in January for the spring semester, your continued support of mitigation efforts remains as important as ever. The data from the past several months indicates that in most cases, people are catching the virus off campus in social settings and then bringing it to campus.
To prevent a viral blizzard on campus in January, we urge you to:
- Quarantine to the best of your ability for 14 days prior to returning to campus.
- Limit your circle of contacts while on break as much as possible.
- Get tested for COVID-19 if possible before returning.
- Remain at home if you test positive for COVID-19, have symptoms or have been exposed. Contact Charlie Strey, dean of students, at 641-628-5621, so remote learning arrangements may be made.
- Arrive on campus healthy.
- Be aware that the no-visit policy will be enacted in the residence halls for at least the first two weeks of the semester. Current case counts will determine when that policy can be lifted.
Study hard this weekend and do your best on your finals next week. I wish you and your family a healthy and happy holiday season, even though it will likely look somewhat different this year.
We look forward to seeing you next semester!
Mark