Dear Campus Community,
Seven weeks down, seven more to go. It’s October on this beautiful campus and we couldn’t be more proud of our community. The resiliency we have witnessed in our students, faculty and staff has been unequaled. Today marks the halfway point, and our collective spirit is going to be tested as we head toward November 20. We all must continue to care for ourselves and each other, be kind to and patient with one another, and seek assistance and support when needed.
Following are some important updates.
Random asymptomatic testing
Random asymptomatic testing started this past Tuesday and the process went smoothly. The medical team moved students through very efficiently. Thank you to the students who were selected for your help in making this successful. The process will continue on Tuesdays and Fridays for the remainder of the semester. All students, including graduate students and commuters, must check their emails on Mondays and Thursdays to learn if they have been selected for testing. The aggregate test results will be reported on the COVID Dashboard each Monday.
Family visitors
As a reminder, parents and families of on-campus students are welcome to visit as outlined in our Campus Visitors policy. We encourage campus visits to occur in outdoor spaces. Family members are not permitted in the residence halls, apartments, academic buildings, or other campus facilities, but may access the Barnes & Noble Bookstore and Starbucks. We ask that while on campus, parents and families follow campus health and safety protocols, including wearing face coverings and physical distancing.
PAC now also open on Saturdays
Starting this weekend, the PAC will be open to students on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. See the PAC website for updates on hours.
Flu shots
As part of the Paladin Promise, all members of the Furman community are expected to get the flu shot, absent any vaccination concerns. The flu vaccine is even more important this year because flu symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19. Symptomatic individuals must be tested for both because of this similarity.
Students may go to the Earle Student Health Center on Mondays, 1-4 p.m., to get a flu shot. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. There is no cost. There will also be flu shot tents on Thursday, October 8, by the Duke Library from 1-4 p.m. and Tuesday, October 13, by the Dining Hall’s lower entrance from 12-3 p.m.
For employees and their domestic partners, Furman is providing free flu shots at Desantis Pavilion next to the Younts Conference Center on Tuesday, October 6, 1-5 p.m., and Thursday, October 8, 8 a.m.-12 noon. No appointments are needed. Consent forms will be available on site. Please contact Human Resources for more details.
Duke Library plaza
Per the campus communication sent earlier today, the construction of the Joseph Vaughn Plaza will begin next week. You may still enter the Duke Library through the front door, but access to the plaza in front of the library will be limited until the project is completed. The plaza furniture will be relocated to a tent nearby, and that space will include wireless access and be available for gathering, studying and eating. For other study locations on campus, refer to Building Hours & Study Spaces. For more information on the project, see this story.
Blood drive
Heller Service Corps and PHOKUS are sponsoring a blood drive on Tuesday, October 6, from 2-6 p.m. at the Younts Conference Center, Room 120. All donors will be entered for a drawing for one of five $1,000 Amazon e-gift cards.
Remote learners
The purpose of providing a remote-learning option is to allow students who have concerns about their health and safety a way to continue their academic coursework and other academic-related experiences at their homes. Consequently, students who chose the remote-learning option should not be on campus for any reason during the fall semester.
Student support
As mid-term exams and class projects are due, stress levels tend to increase. Students, please don’t hesitate to seek assistance from the Counseling Center, Center for Academic Success, Office of Spiritual Life, Earle Student Health Center, and Student Life.
Please continue to follow the Paladin Promise, complete your daily LiveSafe health survey, get your flu shot, and check the Furman Focused website and your email for regular updates.
Be well, minimize those close contacts, and have a safe weekend.
Sincerely,
Ken Peterson, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Connie Carson, Vice President for Student Life
Co-Chairs, Fall Planning Steering Committee