COVID-19 Updates

Hello Students!

Happy New Year!  I hope you had a wonderful holiday spending time with friends and family!

As you are likely aware, a spike in cases of the COVID virus is present throughout Indiana and in the Wabash Valley.  The Omicron variant is highly contagious, but much less severe in symptoms or duration especially for vaccinated individuals. Therefore, the COVID-19 Taskforce is monitoring closely and working to make a plan that is not overly burdensome to employees, students, and the institution. We feel confident that we can open and hold classes as scheduled for the Spring semester by reimplementing a few protocols. 

Protocols

The taskforce feels it is prudent to protect our classroom and working environments by putting a few protocols back in place for returning to work and class for the time being.

• Everyone will be required to wear a mask when in public spaces and classrooms until further notice. 
• Wash your hands frequently and sanitize spaces and classroom desks. 
• Get vaccinated or a booster shot (if applicable).  Vaccines remain the best measure to protect yourself from getting the virus or and can lessen the severity or duration if acquired.  They also slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. 
• Monitor your symptoms and exposure. Do not go to class or work if sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID.  Report to Campus Life if you have tested positive or have been directly exposed. While everyone may exhibit symptoms differently, the more common symptoms of the Omicron variant are similar to a cold and include
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • Dry cough
• Visit the SMWC Health Clinic or a healthcare provider if you are ill.  Testing supplies are available in the SMWC Health Clinic for individuals who are presenting symptoms of COVID or flu. 
• Consider getting tested for COVID-19 even if asymptomatic.  Testing is available at a variety of sites in Vigo County and other surrounding areas. 

Vaccines and Booster Shots

We sincerely believe that together we can keep our community safe and healthy by following the above outlined precautions.  Additionally, we strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated and boosted (if needed) to give you the highest level of protection from becoming seriously ill.  Vaccines and booster shots are readily available to anyone aged 5 and older. Visit https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/ to find locations or schedule a vaccine or booster appointment.  The SMWC Health Clinic is offering vaccines and booster shots by appointment and will be holding additional days and locations.  Watch your email for specific communications from the clinic.

COVID-19 Testing

SMWC Leadership investigated testing on campus to return to class and work as well as surveillance testing for the month of January.  Several factors were taken into consideration as the decision was made to not require testing for the return to campus with the exception of student athletes.  We reviewed guidance from IDOH, CDC and consulted other colleges and universities.  Those factors include the timeliness of results from PCR tests (2-4 days), the low availability of rapid tests for all students and employees, and only sampling one point in time.  We feel confident that if individuals do their part, we have the tools to mitigate any spread and prevent an outbreak on campus.

COVID-19 Testing is available in several places around the Terre Haute community, however, testing volumes are high.  You may need to look around a bit for the best place for appointment times or be prepared to wait in a line. Again, this is voluntary.  If you are ill or symptomatic, contact a health care provider to get tested.

• Vigo County Fairgrounds:  Open M-F 8:00- 4:00 PM (closed from 12-1 PM). No appointment.  Results by 5:00 PM next day.  https://gravitydiagnostics.com/covid-19-testing-drive-thru-locations/

• Behind Regional Hospital:  501 E SAINT ANTHONY DR.  Open M-F with appointment.  https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/covid-19-testing-information/
• CVS and Walgreens locations.  Click on link to find locations and appointment times.

Guidelines for Exposure or Illness

SMWC will follow the most current CDC guidelines regarding exposure and illness from the virus.  Contact your supervisor or Human Resources to report illness or exposure.

Illness

• People with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter. 

Exposure

• For people who are exposed and unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days.
• People who are fully vaccinated do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms. However, fully vaccinated people should get tested 5-7 days after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.

Federal Vaccine Mandate

At this time, SMWC continues to allow vaccines to be voluntary while waiting for guidance around the federal government’s vaccine mandate.  Should the federal mandate be upheld, we will do our part to follow the law.  This will mean required weekly COVID testing of any unvaccinated employees, including student workers. We are developing a plan that would be rolled out for tracking the testing of unvaccinated employees/student workers.  We will continue to watch this closely but wanted to remind everyone of this possibility. 

As we have from the start, we will continue to monitor the situation and modify our plans as needed to keep our campus safe and open.

I look forward to seeing everyone back on campus for a great start to 2022!

Dr. Clark

Janet R. Clark, Ph.D.

Provost /Vice President for Academic Affairs

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

In September, after observing a spike in positive cases, the COVID taskforce asked everyone to again wear masks indoors. The Taskforce has continued to monitor the infection rate among the SMWC community and surrounding Vigo County, and we are pleased to announce that we are moving to mask optional with professor choice in classrooms on campus.  We are also suspending the use of the CampusClear app for daily reporting.

COVID-19 Policy Update – Mask Optional

• Beginning today, November 5, the SMWC COVID-19 Taskforce is removing the mask mandate and making masks optional. 
• Professors have a choice as to whether they will continue to require masks in classrooms or specific instructional settings. 
• Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to continue wearing masks.
• Use of the CampusClear app is suspended. 
• Individuals must still report if they have been notified of exposure and are expected to quarantine or if they test positive for the virus. Students must report to Campus Life and employees must report to Human Resources.

Vaccines

Vaccines are strongly encouraged as the best way for individuals to stay protected against contracting COVID-19 or becoming seriously ill even if testing positive for the Delta variant. Research shows that increasing vaccine rates across the community is the best way to slow and even stop the pandemic proportion of COVID infections. The SMWC Health Service Clinic is administering COVID-19 vaccines by appointment (812-535-5200).

Thank you!

Once again, our community responded appropriately and adjusted when needed.  The number of positive cases and quarantine situations has been very low for more than two weeks, and the Wabash Valley community and state continue to improve.  The Taskforce is grateful for everyone’s cooperation and continued efforts to get vaccinated and stay healthy, and we want to acknowledge this improvement with a break in wearing masks and be consistent with the surrounding communities that we are undoubtedly mixing with.  Please continue to be respectful to your neighbors or peers who may choose to continue to mask up for a variety of reasons.

The Taskforce will continue to assess and monitor the health of our community and may adjust the protocols when needed. 

Janet Clark, Ph.D., provost

The following information and policy updates are the result of guidance from the SMWC COVID-19 Taskforce and is intended to help SMWC continue to provide a safe and healthy environment as we continue in-person instruction during the current surge impacting our county, state and nation.

COVID-19 Policy Update – Mask up!

Beginning today, September 1, the SMWC COVID-19 Taskforce is recommending that masks be worn indoors in public settings by everyone regardless of vaccination status. 

Beginning Tuesday, September 7, masks will be required indoors in public settings by everyone. These protocols are being added in response to the following factors:

• Low vaccination rate among the student population,
• Lack of adherence to the current masking policy for unvaccinated individuals,
• Increase in number of positive cases in Vigo and surrounding counties where many employees and commuter students reside,
• Increase in exposure and positive cases among students, especially athletic teams, and exposure among employees,
• And, finally, caution following the long Labor Day weekend, which will undoubtedly expose more people to individuals outside our community

Masks will be required in classrooms and in the dining hall while waiting in line, and should be removed only when seated and eating.  Takeaway containers will be available.

Students and employees are still encouraged to have class normally and plan social activities with the use of masks, distancing or by meeting outdoors. Virtual meetings are suggested to minimize large gatherings in small spaces.  The latest guidance from the CDC indicates that most transmission occurs in close contact (less than 3 feet) for a duration of 15 minutes or longer. Keeping that in mind, activities may be planned safely and continue across campus.

Daily Reporting Policy – CampusClear

Beginning Tuesday, September 7, students and employees will be required to check in daily (including weekends, vacation or holidays) with CampusClear. Supervisors will be asked to check with their employees.  Instructors will be checking in class. Campus Life staff will be doing spot checks in public spaces throughout campus, especially in the dining hall. 

The use of the CampusClear app to report your symptoms, positive results or exposure daily is very important for our community as it is the best way for the College to track the current status of students and employees, allowing us to be nimble in responding to any change in our population’s health.

Policy Violations

Mask and Campus Clear violations will be tracked by supervisors and Campus Life. Individuals will be given verbal warnings first, followed by written warnings and may be sent home from work or suspended from class if the protocols continued to be ignored. 

Vaccines

Vaccines are strongly encouraged as the best way for individuals to stay protected against contracting COVID-19 or becoming seriously ill even if testing positive for the Delta variant. Research shows that increasing vaccine rates across the community is the best way to slow and even stop the pandemic proportion of COVID infections. The SMWC Health Service Clinic is administering COVID-19 vaccines every Wednesday by appointment (812-535-5200).

We can do this!

The SMWC COVID-19 Taskforce asks that we each follow the increased protocols for the next few weeks, so that our community may be safe through the current surge and continue operations in-person and face to face classes.

The Taskforce will continue to monitor the health of our community and may adjust the protocols when we see the surge of infections decline, and if we see the documented vaccine rate dramatically increase across campus. We will reassess over the course of the next few weeks and communicate updates as they become available.

Janet Clark, Ph.D., provost

Dear Students

We are excited to welcome you back to campus for the 21-22 academic year! The COVID-19 Taskforce continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and the information regarding the variants. Although there is still much to learn about the new Delta variant, what we do know is that receiving a vaccine may help you avoid being seriously ill or hospitalized due to COVID.  As such, we are strongly encouraging all students, faculty, and staff to consider being immunized. Together, we create a safe and welcoming environment for our students and our campus community.

Currently, our policy remains that vaccinated individuals do not need to wear a mask on campus. Individuals who are not vaccinated or do not have a positive antibodies test are required to wear a mask throughout campus. 

In adherence to our policy, you are asked to share the documentation of either your COVID-19 vaccine or antibodies test by Monday, August 16 in the following manner:

• Submit vaccination documentation (your vaccine card) to the SMWC Health Clinic
  • during First Monday in LeFer Ballroom
  • visiting in-person at the clinic during normal hours
  • via email at vax@smwc.edu
• Submit a valid antibodies test result
  • during First Monday in LeFer Ballroom
  • visiting in-person at the clinic during normal hours
  • via email at vax@smwc.edu

If you choose not to be immunized or prefer not to provide documentation, then, for your own safety, you will be required to continue to wear a mask while on campus in public spaces including classrooms and athletic practices, and in meetings where social distancing is not available.

College leadership will be monitoring the list of students who have disclosed and will be aware of the status of all students in an effort to ensure we are protecting the health and safety of the community. The number of vaccinated employees and students within the community will affect how we operate this fall. The taskforce will continue to work to ensure that we operate as successfully as we did last year with in-person classes, activities, and events on campus ensuring that there will be no major outbreaks among our campus population of students or employees.

Other efforts to help mitigate the spread of the virus within the SMWC community include the continuation of protocols such as frequent cleaning of surfaces and classrooms, cleaning supplies available in classrooms and public spaces, distancing of three feet in classrooms, and the use of the daily health screening app, #CampusClear. 

Beginning on Monday, August 16, every student and employee will be expected to monitor and report their status before attending class or work each day. Information on how to load the CampusClear app will be sent in a separate email communication.

The SMWC Health Services Clinic at Rooney Center can perform the antibodies test, and the COVID-19 vaccine is readily available at many locations, including local drug stores.  The SMWC Health Clinic is gearing up to provide a vaccine clinic and more information will be forthcoming. COVID-19 testing is available at most local pharmacies and rapid testing is also available at the SMWC Clinic.  Campus students will not be charged for an office visit to receive this service.  Fall Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 8:00-4:00 pm.  Appointments are preferred but not required.  Additional information about the Health Services Clinic can be found on the SMWC website.

The COVID-19 Taskforce thanks you for your cooperation in doing your part to minimize the risk of becoming seriously ill or spreading the virus within our community.

Janet R. Clark, Ph.D.

Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

The COVID-19 Taskforce is pleased to announce the opportunity for SMWC students, faculty and staff to receive the vaccine on campus before the end of the term. The Indiana Department of Health is partnering with local colleges and universities, and SMWC will open its own clinic in the Oakley Student Center in the basement of Le Fer Hall. The College will be receiving the Pfizer two-dose vaccines and will make them available to students to receive both doses before the end of finals.

The first dose will be administered to students, as well as faculty and staff on April 7-9, noon to 6 p.m. in the Oakley Student Center (OSC). Individuals will need to wait 21 days before receiving the second dose. The second dose will be available April 28-30, noon to 6 p.m. in the Oakley Student Center. An appointment for the second does will be made during the time you receive the first shot.

For the College to plan properly and receive the appropriate number of vaccines, all individuals are asked to complete the very short vaccine survey indicating your interest in receiving the shot. If you indicate yes, then you will be prompted to sign up for an appointment. If you indicate no, then you will exit the survey. I recognize that students are on break and the campus is approaching the Easter weekend, but please take a moment to complete the survey as soon as possible.

All individuals need to respond so we can ensure we are reaching the whole community. Remember, you must sign up for an appointment since the vaccines are temperature sensitive and must be thawed out only if being used. 

SMWC encourages all individuals who are able to do their part to help end the pandemic. Our ability to return to pre-COVID-19 activities and operations through the summer and next fall is dependent on the number of individuals who choose to be vaccinated. Please do your part and take the shot! If you have questions or concerns about the vaccine, we encourage you to read more about the vaccines and ask members of the taskforce, Human Resources or your healthcare provider.

Please fill out the vaccine survey as soon as possible to indicate your preference to participate and if yes, register for an appointment.

Vaccines will be administered by trained healthcare providers who are registered with the state of Indiana. However, volunteers are also needed to help register, record data, and observe vaccinated individuals. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the April 7-9 Volunteer Form or the April 28-30 Volunteer Form. Shifts are from noon to 3 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Students, employees, alumni and parents are invited to help out!

SMWC Vaccine Clinic

• Wednesday-Friday, April 7-9
• Noon to 6 p.m.
• Oakley Student Center, Le Fer Hall
• You must make an appointment!

• Second Dose: April 28-30
• Noon to 6 p.m.
• Oakley Student Center, Le Fer Hall
• Appointment for second dose will be made when first shot is received.

Thank you for continuing to make the health and safety of our communities a priority and continuing to follow our COVID-19 protocols (masking, distancing, sanitizing/washing your hands) and considering the vaccine. We applaud you for doing your part!

Janet Clark
Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

Dear campus community,

As we have moved into the middle of the semester, we are watching our COVID numbers go down and our vaccinated individuals go up! We thank you for your continued cooperation in masking, distancing and meeting virtually or in small groups. All these activities are helping us reduce the virus spread. As the days get longer and warmer, please remember to keep following these steps to ensure we can keep everyone healthy and in class through the end of the semester.

Spring Events

We are pleased that some spring events will be taking place in person on campus this Spring under guidance and approval from the Vigo County Health Department. Ring Day is scheduled for March 20 by invitation only. Details regarding Ring Day can be found on Woodsnet. Commencement Ceremonies will be held on May 8 with a limited number of tickets per family. Home athletic events are currently scheduled for softball and women’s soccer. All SMWC protocols will be in place.

Also, as a reminder, Campus classes are not in session March 29-April 5 for Spring/Easter Break. Classes resume on Tuesday, April 6. Please travel safely and be aware of your health and surroundings. We ask that you monitor your health closely for upon returning to campus.

COVID-19 Testing

As a reminder, individuals have a variety of options to obtain COVID-19 testing in Vigo County. The SMWC Health Services Clinic is open and will see symptomatic patients who can also get a COVID test if needed. Individuals who need a test for the end of quarantine, to travel or are asymptotic can also utilize the Lucid Laboratory Services located in the lower level of Rooney Library. They will be operating until March 31. Various locations within Terre Haute are also available with convenient turnaround times such as the Indiana Department of Health, local pharmacies such as CVS and Union Health Convenient Care. If you need a test for SMWC purposes, the taskforce prefers that a PCR test versus a rapid test.​

COVID-19 Vaccines

The taskforce encourages all members of the SMWC community to receive a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available for your age group or demographic. Go to https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/ to sign up for appointments or find locations. If you have questions about the vaccines available, the taskforce recommends asking your healthcare provider or finding more information from the CDC.

COVID-19 Antibody Testing

Covid-19 antibody testing is available at the SMWC Health Clinic. The cost for antibody testing is approximately $50 and will be billed to you health insurance. Test results are available within 24-48 hours.​​​​​​

CampusClear App

It is important that everyone checks in on the #CampusClear app daily – all 7 days of the week! You will notice that some of the choices have changed, including the addition of “vaccinated.” Please take a few moments to review the selections, choose accordingly and pay attention to the instructions regarding any next steps once you have submitted your selection. It is still very important for us to track the data within the SMWC community and follow up with individuals who are sick or exposed.

Your daily efforts in following these protocols is so appreciated! Together, we will be able to support in-person operations and face-to-face classes throughout the remainder of the semester!

Thank you,

Janet R. Clark, Ph.D.
Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs