Despite all the challenges we are facing right now—a highly transmissible variant of the coronavirus, record-setting positivity rates, continued masking and other precautions—we are ready to start the spring term.
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I understand the excitement of returning to campus has been tempered by the arrival of omicron. Like you, I am struggling with a mix of emotions, including concern, frustration, and impatience. Students, you have been through so much, and this year there have been moments of near-normalcy: attending fall classes in the classroom as they have been held for the past 181 years; going to our choir concert last semester, the first in two years, where emotions ran high; listening to fantastic capstone presentations about sustainability; and watching our athletic teams play on the field alongside parents and friends.
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Because of your commitment to our proven health and safety protocols and our nearly 90% University cumulative vaccination rate, our campus remains one of the safest places you can be right now.
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In-Person and Virtual Instruction
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As you are aware, instruction will vary through January 21, with some classes online and others in person. We will continue to monitor the situation with the faculty on our health and safety committee and send regular updates. Our staff, especially our facilities, custodial, and housekeeping staff, are doing their utmost to keep our campus safe. Let’s be sure to thank them for all they do on our behalf!
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We will be testing all students, faculty, and staff on Wednesday, January 19, to monitor the spread of the coronavirus. Testing will occur in the Walzel Court in the Robertson Center from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. In order to keep wait times to a minimum, we are asking students to arrive in the below time blocks based on their last name:
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12:00–1:00 p.m.: A–C
1:00–2:00 p.m.: D–H
2:00–3:00 p.m.: I–M
3:00–4:00 p.m.: N–Sh
4:00–5:00 p.m.: Si–Z
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If you have a conflict with your time slot, you may come anytime between noon and 5:00 p.m.
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Also, if you do not already have a personal QR code with Community Labs, please register for one online and have it ready to scan when you test. This will help the lines move more quickly.
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Finally, we recognize that no one wants to stand in line for an extended period of time, so we will provide updates on wait times via Instagram. Please remember to wear your mask and practice physical distancing while you wait.
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Weekly testing for members of the community who are not fully vaccinated begins this Wednesday, January 12. Testing will be offered from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Robertson Center. This follows President Biden’s requirement that all businesses with 100 or more employees must ensure all unvaccinated workers, including student workers, are tested weekly and wear a mask.
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If you prefer to test off-campus, Curative, in front of the Georgetown Public Library, provides free testing (currently a seven-day wait). Your test result must be sent to covidtesting@southwestern.edu by 2:00 p.m. on Friday of each week. Only PCR tests are accepted. Visit the Health Center to find other off-campus testing locations. Please note, off-campus testing availability is hard to find right now, so make sure you have an appointment before opting out of testing on campus.
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With the new CDC guidelines for quarantine distinguishing between boosted and unboosted/unvaccinated individuals, we are requiring all students to submit their booster shot records to covidtesting@southwestern.edu. A photo of your COVID-19 vaccination record card is sufficient.
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SU’s Updated Quarantine and Isolation Policy
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Vaccination remains the best protection against serious illness and hospitalization. We strongly encourage all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated, including a booster shot. We will hold a vaccine clinic on campus on January 21 for first, second, and booster doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. More details to come.
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What Nose, Mouth, and Chin?
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With the high transmissibility of the omicron variant, face masks continue to be the most important tool. We miss seeing your nose, mouth, and chin—but right now you must keep those parts covered. KN95 or N95 masks offer the best protection.
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Spring rush is happening on campus, our athletes are back in the pool and on the court, our fine arts students are gearing up for more exciting performances this spring, and our student organizations are already having meetings and hosting events.
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Southwestern’s Dream Week, sponsored by the Office of Diversity Education, the Diversity Enrichment Committee, the Coalition for Diversity and Social Justice, Race and Ethnicity Studies, Feminist Studies, the McMichael Fund, Student Activities, Student Life, and the Latina History Project, kicks off next Monday, January 17. See the full list of events on our website.
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My weekly walks are also back beginning January 24. Meet me every Monday at 7:30 a.m. at my house for walking, talking, and, as always, baked goods!
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Laura Skandera Trombley President
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