The results are in and the result of the snapshot we took last Wednesday of everyone on campus was a cumulative campus positivity rate of 8%. Your continued efforts to keep our campus safe are greatly appreciated. You can see detailed results from Wednesday’s test below.

• Students
• Positive: 78
• Total Tested: 969
• Positivity Rate: 8.05%
• Faculty
• Positive: 2
• Total Tested: 110
• Positivity Rate: 1.8%
• Staff
• Positive: 26
• Total Tested: 235
• Positivity Rate: 11.1%

Quarantine and Isolation Policy

For the students who tested positive on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, and were asymptomatic, the University allowed you to return to class on Tuesday, January 25. If you had symptoms, then the return date was based upon the start of symptoms. For any questions about the process please contact the Health Center. 

Masks

Our long-standing order of KN95 masks has finally arrived! Masks are available for pick up in the President's Office located on the first floor of the Cullen Building while supplies last. The Dean’s Office also is providing surgical masks. While wearing the appropriate mask is very important, double masking is a layer of additional protection.

Yet more masks

An additional 400 million N95 masks from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have started arriving at pharmacies and community health centers across the U.S. Up to three free masks are available for every person.

Testing Update

Today is the final day the University will require weekly testing of unvaccinated individuals. 

February 2 and February 9, the University will randomly test a number of faculty, staff, and students. Thanks to our Sodexo partner — everyone who participates in the testing will receive a coupon for an extra-large, freshly-baked cookie from the Cove. Please keep in mind, if you are symptomatic and would like a test our Health Center is ready to assist and test you. 

Open Conversation with Student Life

Student Life will be hosting an open conversation for all students this Thursday at 5.00 p.m. Staff from Student Life are looking forward to engaging in conversation and answering questions or concerns you may have about student life at Southwestern. You can register for the event online.

Booster Vaccine Records

Please submit your booster shot records to covidtesting@southwestern.edu. A photo of your COVID-19 vaccination record card is sufficient. Per CDC guidelines, if you have received your booster shot and are exposed, you do not have to quarantine. Make sure you let the Health Center know your status so you can continue going to class and other events. 

A Special Shout Out . . .

To our amazing colleagues in the Health Center for their prodigious efforts to keep our positivity rates low and our campus safe. 

Jason Bonick, Director of Counseling and Health Center
Connie Hicks, Administrative and Medical Assistant
Jennifer Spiller, Family Nurse Practitioner and Health Services Manager
Stacy Leeber, Registered Nurse
Rachel McNally, Psychologist and Assistant Director of Counseling and Health Center
Geneva Walker, Counselor
Ashley Genty, Counselor
Purna Bajekal, Psychologist
Santiago Rocha, Health Educator  

Happenings on Campus

On Friday, the Sarofim School of Fine Arts is pleased to present another Musicale featuring our talented vocal and instrumental music students. Later that night, join Student Activities for an outdoor movie night with DIY s’mores and The Parent Trap. You’ll also be entered to win a waterproof speaker and two tickets to Top Notch Axe Throwing by attending! Finally, don’t miss the final men’s and women’s swimming and diving meet of the season this Saturday! 

You can keep up with all of Southwestern’s many events via our calendar.