Dear Campus Community,
There’s nothing better than spring weather on this beautiful campus. We have so enjoyed seeing more student activity. We’ve had another successful week both on campus and in the Greenville community, but we will continue operating in the Yellow: Enhanced Precautions phase next week.
What is it going to take to get to that elusive Purple Phase? The metrics required to move us to the Purple Phase are intentionally narrow because we don’t want to do anything that unintentionally moves us backward. The two-week prevalence rate and the positivity rate in Greenville must continue to decrease. The main operational change in Purple is allowing more engagement with the local community, both on and off campus, so we must move carefully. We are continuing to move toward the Purple Phase, so hang in there with us.
Please carefully read the following updates.
COVID Dashboard
We completed surveillance testing for 420 on-campus students this week, resulting in 3 asymptomatic positives (.74% positivity rate). In addition, there were 6 positive cases reported by the Earle Student Health Center. The Furman Focused Dashboard and Campus Operational Phases were updated yesterday.
Surveillance testing
We will reduce our COVID surveillance monitoring next week, testing 20% of the student pool, split between Monday and Wednesday. Selected students will receive instructions the day prior to testing. We will not conduct surveillance testing for employees next week.
Tip of the week: Allergy symptoms may be COVID
The Earle Student Health Center reports that students testing positive for COVID the past two weeks have symptoms that resemble seasonal allergies (e.g., nasal congestion, runny nose, slight cough, and body aches). Students experiencing these symptoms should not wait to contact the ESHC for an appointment. Please don’t assume you have allergies. Employees should contact their health care provider.
Students with symptoms of COVID-19, or those who have recently had close contact with a symptomatic person, should remain in their residence and contact the health professionals at the Earle Student Health Center for additional guidance (864-522-2000, monitored 24 hours daily). The ESHC will administer testing on site with no out-of-pocket expense to symptomatic students or close contacts. Please do not go off campus to get tested on your own because it slows our ability to contact trace and quarantine/isolate students, thereby increasing risk for spread.
Duke Library extended hours
Effective March 9, the Duke Library will remain open until midnight Tuesday through Thursday. The library staff will monitor utilization to decide whether these extended hours will continue for the remainder of the semester. Library hours are available here.
No classes next Wednesday
There are no classes scheduled for Wednesday, March 10. This day was designed for students to take a mental break. Sleep in. Take a walk around the lake. Socialize with friends (small groups, masking, and distancing, of course). Go for a swim at the PAC. Read a book for pleasure.
So students can sleep late, the Dining Hall hours for next Wednesday are as follows:
- Breakfast, 9 a.m.—11 a.m.
- Lunch, 11 a.m.—2 p.m.
- Dinner, 5 p.m.—9 p.m.
The Snatch-a-Snack Truck will be on the move again in the residential areas next Wednesday starting at 9 p.m. Surprise theme.
Student organization activities and events
Student clubs and organizations are encouraged to plan in-person activities and events, both outdoors and indoors. The Yellow Phase guidance still applies, but we are pleased to see the creative proposals being submitted. Keep them coming. Refer to the Event Planning Policies and Guidelines for assistance.
Phase 1b vaccinations for employees
This week Governor McMaster announced that Phase 1b of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan will begin on Monday, March 8. For the state’s definition of Phase 1b, and ways to make an appointment, see this message. Student employees (e.g., resident assistants, PAC workers, library workers, etc.) may also determine for themselves whether they qualify as a frontline worker.
Face coverings reminder
Residence Life student staff are reporting that students are getting a little too comfortable in the residence halls with not wearing face coverings properly (e.g., over the nose) or at all. Residential students, please remain vigilant. Face coverings are required indoors, including stairwells, bathrooms, and common lounges and kitchens (even when alone in these spaces).
May X and Summer courses
Furman will be offering students an exciting lineup of both May X and Summer courses. May X courses will be held from Wednesday, May 12, through Wednesday, June 2. Summer courses are offered in two sessions, with Summer I courses held from Monday, June 7, through Friday, July 9, and Summer II courses held from Monday, July 12, through Thursday, August 12.
May X courses will be offered in a variety of modalities while summer courses will be online-only. For additional information on dates, costs, and housing, see these frequently asked questions.
Commencement celebrations
In-person Commencement exercises for the class of 2020 and the class of 2021 are set to take place in May. The ceremony for the class of 2020 will take place on Saturday, May 15, at 1 p.m., and the class of 2021 celebration is on Saturday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m.
While attendance will be limited to graduates and invited guests, faculty and staff, we are pleased to share that we plan to safely recognize this milestone at an in-person ceremony. Details are available on this site.
Joseph Vaughn statue unveiling
The Joseph Vaughn statue unveiling will be held Friday, April 16, at 1 p.m., in front of the Duke Library on the new Joseph Vaughn Plaza. A program is planned that will include speakers from Furman’s community and Vaughn’s family. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to gather, with masks on and physically distanced, for the celebration. See this announcement for more information.
Faculty and staff town hall
The COVID Response Steering Committee is planning a Faculty and Staff Town Hall for Thursday, March 25, at 10 a.m. Additional details and reminders will be sent in the coming weeks. To participate, please register here. Registrations are limited to 500; the town hall will be recorded and posted online for those who may not be able to attend. You may also submit in advance any questions you have by using this form. We will also take questions during the town hall through the webinar chat function.
Students, remember that you can reach out to your peers on the student advisory group to ask questions and send them suggestions to share with the steering committee.
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.
Have a fun, safe weekend!
Sincerely,
Ken Peterson, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Connie Carson, Vice President for Student Life
Co-Chairs, COVID Response Steering Committee