University of Redlands
Show All

Message from the Dean

January 18, 2022

To:  CAS Undergraduate Students and Families
From: University Dean of Student Affairs Donna Eddleman
Subject:  Message from the Dean

I hope the second week of the semester is going well for each of you. Admittedly, things are a bit out of sorts as we navigate the pandemic, but it is so nice to have more students returning to campus.

Thank you again for your continuing efforts to comply with campus testing protocols, as well as these enhanced precautions announced on January 4th:

  • Only enrolled students or University personnel are permitted inside residential communities.
  • Student organizations will pause indoor meetings/gatherings. 
  • Indoor social gatherings of more than four people are not permitted (this applies to gatherings that occur on and off campus). 
  • Large outdoor gatherings are only permitted if attendees maintain physical distance throughout the event.  
  • If any student organization wishes to host outdoor in-person gatherings, those must be approved by Student Involvement and Success, at least 72 hours in advance, and must include physical distancing of attendees throughout the event.  

As the University’s COVID-19 dashboard suggests, positive cases among the CAS undergraduate student population are the highest we have seen since the pandemic began. Fortunately, many of the positive cases are the result of pre-arrival testing, which has helped prevent on-campus exposure.  Our risk management is only as good as your compliance, so to all who have tested, reported and complied, thank you!

As we continue to press forward, we hope to see, and the science suggests, a decline in positive cases in the next couple of weeks; however, we are not there yet so please continue to be cautious, compliant, and careful:

If you are exempt from vaccination:  complete the daily health assessment, and upload proof of a negative test weekly.

If you haven’t already, be sure to complete and submit a post-arrival test result using the “Report Testing” tile on the Redlands App.

If you are not boosted, and you have not yet submitted proof of a negative test this week, you must do so to meet the current weekly testing requirement.

If you receive a positive test result, or display COVID-19 like symptoms, submit a COVID-19 Reporting Form follow the guidance provided once you submit the report, and be patient as you await follow-up from a Case Manager as they and many others have been working days, evenings and weekends to manage the demands COVID-19 has created (Our list of “other duties as assigned” has grown exponentially!)

If you spend time with others in close proximity, indoors or out, wear a mask; preferably KN95 or N95, or double-up when using cloth or disposable products.

If you have concerns about the conduct of those around you, with an assumption of good will, share your concerns with them and ask that they comply with what is expected. If you remain concerned, talk with a member of the residence life staff, or report your concern here.

If you have not already done so, learn more about ordering free at-home COVID-19 tests, available to every household in the country at: COVIDtests.gov. While those who live on campus may not be eligible for these tests (we expect the county site to continue distributing them as their supply allows), all U.S. households are, so please take a look and share broadly with others.  Also, students are reporting that Amazon’s two-to-three-week delivery timeline for at-home test kits has been as short as three days, which was my experience as well.

With lots of sunshine and seventy-degree weather in the forecast, for both your physical and emotional health, please make it a point to spend as much time outside as possible.

Speaking of emotional health, if you have not already, please download the TimelyCare app to access a FREE telehealth platform available to all Redlands students, and learn more about available counseling support here.

And, for those of you anxious to use the Fitness Center, as promised it will open tomorrow, limited capacity and masks required the entire time you are in the facility. To manage demand, Fitness Center Reservations are required. Enjoy!

I hope week two is good to you. Watch for information about uploading booster documentation. I hope to share it with you before the week ends.

Be safe. Be well. And as Ken Grcich says: “Be positive – unless you’re a COVID test.”

 

Donna M. Eddleman

University Dean of Student Affairs