On Friday, the CDC updated its steps for prevention based on COVID-19 community level. Williamson county falls into the “low level” that suggests that individuals who live in this county should “stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines” and “get tested if you have symptoms.”

As we have for the entire pandemic, Southwestern will continue to follow CDC recommendations. In response to their new guidelines, as of today, students, faculty, and staff will only be required to wear masks in classrooms, labs, or other instructional settings. Masks will no longer be required in other areas of campus (residence halls, student life spaces, the gym, outdoors, etc.).

Masks are still the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. It is your choice to continue wearing a mask on campus. KN95 masks are available free of charge at the following locations:

• Cullen Building: President’s Office, Business Office, Dean’s Office
• Fondren–Jones Science Center: The Atrium (lobby)
• Smith Library Center
• McCombs Campus Center: The Commons and Student Life Offices
• Prothro Center: Center for Career & Professional Development and Health Center
• Robertson Center

If you have further questions about the new guidelines, students can contact Shelley Story, storys@southwestern.edu, faculty can contact Alisa Gaunder, gaundera@southwestern.edu, and staff can contact Elma Benavides, benavide@southwestern.edu.

This Week’s Event Highlights

Mosaic is collaborating with the Office of Health Education, the Debby Ellis Writing Center, and Peer Mentors to host a Midterm Study Spree Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Bishops Lounge. This three-hour event is designed to help you stay focused and study with support from expert student educators. I’m excited for some rodeo-themed fun at the Southwestern Hoedown this Friday, complete with a petting zoo, line dancing lessons, carnival food, a photo booth, and country music! Plus, our spring sports have kicked off their seasons. Find out where and when you can cheer on your Pirates on the athletics schedule.

SUnity Day

It was so great to get together on SUnity day. The food was delicious (thank you Sodexo), the conversations with local experts and alumni were great, and I loved seeing faculty, staff, and students compete in the first community volleyball game. Congrats to the students for taking home the trophy this year!

Also, a giant thanks to the following members of the SUnity Day Committee. The months you spent organizing the event paid off. The day was a wonderful success!

• Alisa Gaunder, Dean of the Faculty
• Ben Belz, Assistant Director of Integrative Learning
• Sarah Brackmann, Senior Director of Integrative and Community-Engaged Learning
• Reggie Byron, Professor of Sociology
• Julie Cowley, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
• Lisa Dela Cruz, Assistant Vice President of Student Life
• Anna Franklin ’22
• Dinah Ritchie, Strategic Marketing Manager
• Becky Rodriguez, Associate Director of Alumni Relations
• Max Taub, Professor of Biology
• Derek Timourian, Associate Dean of Student Life
• Rachel Thompson ’23

If you missed the event or just want to relive the day, check out some highlights.