The College is continuing to actively monitor the situation and follow guidelines from public health officials including the CDC. Please continue to check your email and the college website for updates.
We care about our college community and want to keep you informed. Below are some tips to consider and information about upcoming events.
Family Weekend
Family Weekend scheduled for April 25th and 26th is canceled. This includes all associated events. Campus Life and other departments will still recognize students and distribute awards to students later in the semester.
Finally Fridays, PIE with Kalista and Prayer and Pastries
These events will all continue as planned. Watch your email and social media for specific details.
Open Gym Times
The Main Gym in the Knoerle Center will be open Monday – Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. You need to check in with an athletic staff member before using the gym. We encourage you to practice social distancing while using the gym.
Orientation Leader Hiring
Orientation Leader hiring is being pushed back to March 30th. Applications will be due March 30th. Virtual interviews will be conducted on April 2nd and 3rd.
Student Senate Spring Elections
Student Senate is postponing spring elections till fall 2020. All current positions will remain until elections are held in the early fall 2020 semester. Only those who already applied will be on the ballot, no new applicants will be accepted. Student Senate will be in communication closer to that time.
What is Social Distancing?
Social distancing is a public health safety intervention used to reduce the likelihood of transmitting communicable diseases. Social distancing involves minimizing exposure to infected individuals by avoiding large public gathering venues, adhering to spacing requirements in the workplace and following proper personal hygiene practices.
Strategies for Effective Social Distancing
The following strategies may be useful in conducting social distancing:
- Adhere to public health hygienic recommendations by washing your hands after touching commonly used items or coming into contact with someone who is sick.
- Proper handwashing involves scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth and avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Practice proper coughing or sneezing etiquette.
- Properly dispose of anything that comes in contact with your mouth such as tissues or plastic eating utensils.
- Avoid contact with individuals displaying symptoms of illness.
- If working in close proximity to other individuals, attempt to keep a distance of approximately six feet from the nearest person while working.
- Avoid congregating in large public venues such as theaters or sporting events.
Your physical well-being matters:
- Try limiting excessive exposure to television and the media. Instead, rent a new book from the library, purchase a new book from the store or even download one to your digital reader.
- Your body reacts to stress in different ways. If your shoulders are feeling more tight, take time to focus on stretching. Roll your shoulders up and back. Go for a walk outside. Take long, deep breaths to help calm nerves. Try focusing more on healthy foods like fruits and vegetables and stay hydrated.
Stress can impact your emotional well-being. Stay informed:
- Misinformation on social media and in the news can trigger lots of anxious feelings and stress. Talk with your local health provider if you are concerned.
It’s okay to ask for help:
- If stress or being in distress is impacting your normal routine, reach out to the campus counselor or campus minister.
Sleep habits:
- Make sure you disconnect from the news and social media prior to heading to bed. Helpful apps such as Headspace and Calm provide excellent meditations that can help you sleep better.
Practicing gratitude:
- As hard as it may be sometimes during times of stress, jot down 5 things you are grateful for in this moment. Realizing the positives in life can help ease anxieties.