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This information is archived as of July 23, 2021, and is saved here for reference. See latest health information.
Feb. 11, 2021
At Central College, we always have a heart for others.
As Valentine’s Day approaches this weekend, that sentiment is more important than ever. And, we literally have a heart for you … tomorrow, in the form of a cookie.
We’ll be sharing cookies with students, faculty and staff at three different locations between classes Friday, Feb. 12, while supplies last. Please stop by one of the following locations to enjoy. We’ll be distributing the treats 15 minutes before and after classes:
- Outside the Global Café at Geisler Library.
- Next to the front desk at A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex.
- Next to Fred’s in Maytag Student Center.
THANK YOU
Once again, with a grateful heart, I thank you for your safe return to campus in January. I continue to be impressed with your efforts to navigate the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we did during the fall semester, we will continue to work together to make this semester both an incredible and a safe experience for everyone.
With the news of vaccination rollouts and virus mutations, I anticipate it will require more vigilance than ever. We must not let our guard down. New variants of the virus are emerging. Last week, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported that the new variant of the virus first detected in the United Kingdom has been confirmed in Iowa. This variant appears to spread more easily than the more common version of COVID-19. Other strains found in South Africa and Brazil are equally worrisome.
Scientists are confident the same preventative measures we have been using for the past year also work with mutations to the virus. Thank you in advance for your continued focus on having a heart for others by wearing a mask, washing your hands regularly, maintaining a six-foot distance whenever possible and reporting any symptoms that might require isolation and quarantine. These practices have served us well so we may learn in person, and I have no doubt they will continue to do so.
MASK UPDATE
Late last week, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds indicated that the state will no longer require masks or physical distancing in public settings. Because Central is a residential college, we do not plan to change our existing requirements for masks and physical distancing. We continue to require you to wear masks in indoor public spaces as well as outdoors when six-foot physical distances cannot be maintained. These practices have helped us be successful staying together in community. If we make any changes, we will notify you immediately. In the meantime, please continue to wear masks and practice physical distancing.
SYMPTOM REPORTER
As you know, we made modifications for your convenience to help with reporting of COVID-19 symptoms or exposure. You may email covid19@central.edu, call 541-628-5530 or visit central.edu/covidintakeform.
SEMESTER FUN
CAB, student groups and the student development team have lots of great things planned on campus for the semester. This month is National Black History Month, and many great events have been organized to celebrate the occasion.
We’ve also adjusted athletics competition schedules and, thanks to your ongoing cooperation, have moved to a more open guest policy in residential buildings. We’re also in regular communication with Marion County Public Health officials to determine how the college may support distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to the county and the campus communities in the days and months ahead.
Interested in being a student leader? Student development is accepting applications until March 1 for several paid positions.
TAKE CARE
In addition to your physical health and safety, another pressing concern for me is the mental health of all of our students. Attending college is demanding. Add the pandemic to the mix and it gets even more challenging.
Just know it’s OK to feel whatever you are feeling. Talk to your friends, family members and mentors for support. I also encourage you to take advantage of one or both of the free resources Central offers for support:
- TAO (Therapy Assistance Online) is a free resource where you may access wellness tools for relaxation, sleep, stress management and more.
- Appointments also are available at no charge with Central’s counseling services. To schedule an appointment, email toolr@central.edu, call 641-628-5656 or sign up using this form.
There are 63 days left in this semester. We absolutely see glimmers of hope that life will return in the fall to something that feels a bit more like normal.
Best,
Mark