Dear Southwestern community,
As we mark the final days of in-person instruction for the semester, our thoughts turn to our upcoming holiday break. I am thankful for your diligence and commitment to our University. We have been able to accomplish our goal of providing safe, in-person instruction for the fall semester because you have made the necessary adjustments and found new ways to teach and learn. Most admirably, you have faced the pandemic uncertainty with good humor and grace.
When I arrived at Southwestern at the beginning of July, medical and public health experts were predicting another COVID-19 wave in late fall. Based on this scientific forecasting, we created an academic calendar to ensure in-person instruction and campus residency would end before the Thanksgiving holiday. This approach seems especially prescient in light of the current increase in COVID-19 positivity rates across the country.
After weeks of a nearly zero positivity rate, we have seen an uptick in the number of positive COVID-19 tests among students. Currently, Texas has a 12.6%
1 rate and the nation has a 10%
2 rate. The World Health Organization has said that the positivity rate should remain at 5% or lower for at least 14 days in countries that have conducted extensive testing. Although we do not want to see a single positive test, the reality is our positivity rate remained in check because the University took the threat of COVID-19 seriously and all of you took the needed precautions. As a reminder, you can access Southwestern’s COVID-19 data on our
Dashboard.
If you feel you need to finish the semester remotely, you must notify Dave Seiler, director of academic success, at
seilerd@southwestern.edu and, if applicable, University Housing at
reslife@southwestern.edu. I urge anyone who feels anxious or in need of support to reach out to our mental health counselors.
I encourage you to complete the following steps as you begin to wrap up the fall semester:
- Register for classes for the spring semester. Registration is now open, so review your options and make sure you are enrolled in the classes you need.
- If you live on campus, you should have already signed up for a checkout day. If you still do not have a move-out date, please contact reslife@southwestern.edu.
- Pack up the belongings you want to take with you (you can leave the remainder behind in your room) and clean your residence as instructed by University Housing. Don’t forget to officially check out for the fall semester by filling out the Checkout Completion Form.
- Take a COVID-19 test prior to leaving for the semester. It is important to do all you can to prevent the spread of the virus even when you are off campus. This is especially true if you plan to spend Thanksgiving with friends and family.
This semester at Southwestern has certainly been memorable! While it may not have been the fall we expected, I am so glad of what we have accomplished together. I look forward to seeing you back on campus in January!
Sincerely,
