January 22, 2021

Dear Campus Community,

Week one of the spring semester is in the books! Whether you were one of the 1,764 students who moved into campus housing, 104 commuters, 230 students who delayed their return and plan to arrive soon, or the 144 students who are fully remote this term, we thank you, and our faculty and staff, for your diligence and patience.

Because of our students’ commitment to testing and submitting their pre-arrival test results, we are able to return to in-person instruction on Monday, while continuing to operate in the Orange: High Precautions phase, and practicing low-to-no-contact measures as further described below.

Student and employee testing and results 

Based on data provided by students returning to campus, 103 students tested positive between Thanksgiving break and the start of the spring semester, with 20 of those students testing positive immediately prior to the start of the term (January 11-18). We realize how challenging it was for many students and families to comply with this testing requirement, so we are extremely grateful. These efforts prevented the number of asymptomatic positive cases on campus from more than doubling

This first week, we completed mandatory testing for 1,591 on-campus students. There were 13 asymptomatic positives from these tests (0.82% positivity rate), with 3 tests pending. Positive tests from this past week and associated close contacts have resulted in 57 students being placed into isolation or quarantine, a 12% utilization of designated on-campus quarantine space.

Employees were also tested on January 21. These results, when they become fully available, and all of our COVID data may be found on the Furman Focused Dashboard

All students will receive instructions on Monday for testing again next Tuesday or Wednesday.  Employees will be tested again next Thursday and will receive instructions on Tuesday.

Next week’s Campus Operational Phase

The Campus Operational Phase remains Orange, or High Precautions, which means we will continue the low-to-no contact restrictions next week. However, because of the relatively low on-campus infection rates this week and because of the precautions taken in the classroom, Furman will move to in-person instruction starting on Monday, January 25.

If on-campus infection rates remain low after next week’s surveillance testing, the plan is to allow more in-person, on-campus activity.

For next week, dining will remain to-go only and the PAC will be closed. Academic buildings will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Students should continue to maintain their current pods (4 or fewer total individuals with no crossover), follow distancing and masking protocols at all times, and refrain from visiting high-risk, off-campus venues where distancing and masking may not be rigorously followed (e.g., restaurants, bars, etc.). This is critically important.

Please be aware that professors teaching FurmanFlex courses may continue to teach remotely next week if they wish. Students also have the option to attend FurmanFlex courses remotely.

Whether on campus or off, there are many ways for students to connect and stay fit (mentally and physically). See this week’s edition of DINformation for upcoming opportunities.

Delayed students returning this weekend

Students returning this weekend must provide a documented negative COVID test to the Earle Student Health Center prior to their arrival to campus. These students should delay their return to campus until they have submitted their documented negative test to the Earle Student Health Center. Any test administered earlier than this five-day window will be outdated and no longer meaningful to our precautionary efforts to keep our campus community safe and healthy as we start the spring semester.

Students who may want to extend their delayed return beyond this weekend must update their Housing Self-Service Portal and email academic.deans@furman.edu. These students may make arrangements for getting their textbooks by contacting Barnes & Noble at 864-294-2164 or sm8005@bncollege.com.

Please continue to follow the Paladin Promise, complete your daily LiveSafe health survey, and check the Furman Focused website and your email for regular updates.

Thank you for your flexibility. We truly appreciate your continued adherence to the Paladin Promise and your commitment to a spring semester that is safe and rewarding for all members of the Furman Community. Have a safe and healthy weekend!

Sincerely,

Ken Peterson, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Connie Carson, Vice President for Student Life

Co-Chairs, Fall Planning Steering Committee