Campus briefing Jan. 8: President Steve Bahls and Dean of Students Wes Brooks discuss measures that students need to take when they return for J-term, and Dr. Cheryl True '90 gives an update about infection rates locally.
Guidelines continue for J-term
COVID-19 guidelines that were observed in the fall will remain in place. Augustana will be following the mitigation efforts aligned with Tier 3 in Illinois.
• Keep wearing a mask and continue to practice physical distancing of at least 6 feet.
• Do not go inside restaurants or bars in Illinois or Iowa.
• PepsiCo Recreation Center and the Westerlin Activity Center limit the number of people inside at any one time to 25.
• College-sponsored and personal social events should not have more than 10 people in attendance at any one time.
• Those who have off-campus jobs should ensure their employers are adhering to all COVID-19 protocols.
• Off-campus travel should be limited to visiting immediate family, essential errands, and employment.
Reminders from the Augustana Strong Task Force:
→ Keep your friend group small. While group gatherings can be no larger than 10 people, if you are socializing with many different small groups, you can have contact with more than 10 people.
→ Use the CampusClear health screening app. All students, faculty and staff are required to use health screening daily.
→ In addition to seeking medical advice, if you have COVID symptoms, or test positive for COVID-19, or learn that you have been exposed to someone who tested positive, contact Augustana Public Safety immediately. Call 309-794-7711.
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The college is operating under the COVID-19 mitigation plans of the Augustana Strong Task Force.
The college will operate under one of four alert levels:
Level 1 Low Alert/New Normal
Level 2 Moderate Alert
Level 3 High Alert
Level 4 Very High Alert
Movement between these alert levels will be guided by the a number of factors, including the positivity rate on campus and in Rock Island County. Currently, the college is operating at Level 3. (See Augustana College COVID Alert Levels)
Augustana's COVID-19 Testing Dashboard will be updated every week, resuming in January 2021.
COVID Handbook and Informational Guide
The COVID Ready Response Handbook and Informational Guide contains detailed information about living on campus, COVID testing, student activities, and more.
Face coverings: Policy and expectations
Make a virtual appointment
Virtual appointments now are available at many campus offices. When possible, students and families should use this service instead of going into offices in person.
Academics
Spring break will not be held. The start of spring semester also will be delayed one week and will begin on Feb. 10, 2021.
The last day of “First Seven Week Courses” is March 25
The first day of “Second Seven Week Courses” is March 26
No classes will be held on Good Friday, April 2, or on Easter Monday, April 5.
The Celebration of Learning, Thursday, May 6, will be held as usual, and likely will be a virtual event this year. Regular classes will not be held on May 6.
Residential Life and Dining Services
Information from Residential Life
Information for visitors
• Masks are required in all common areas of campus.
• All visitors and employees are required to participate in a daily screening. Visit the Office of Public Safety in Sorensen Hall for an in-person screening, unless otherwise directed.
• Outside visitors will not be allowed in residence halls.
Notification
The college will not automatically send a campus notice if a student or employee is diagnosed with COVID-19.
Augustana will provide information as required by legal and health authorities, and will work closely with the Rock Island County Health Department.