Campus update: What we need to do now

Jan. 12, 2022

What the dashboard is telling us

While 100 COVID-19 cases were reported on campus last week (including employees and students), testing and contact tracing have allowed us to continue to responsibly co-exist with COVID-19.

One hundred cases is the most we have ever seen, which mirrors what is happening in Illinois and around the country.

This means it is more important than ever to get that booster shot and wear a good mask correctly.

→ Boosters are available at Augustana Convenient Care and local pharmacies. If you have had a booster, register that vaccination with the college.

→ We distributed almost 7,400 high quality N95 masks this week. You can still get one at the Dean of Students office in Founders Hall or Office of Student Life, Gerber Center.

If you are using a surgical mask, the "knot and tuck" method can be used to make it fit better. Thanks to Dr. Dara Wegman-Geedey for the tip.

What to do if you test positive

Students in a J-term class, here are the steps to take:

1. Contact Public Safety, 309-794-7711, and isolate yourself.

2. Communicate with your instructor to see if alternative arrangements to in-person instruction can be made to allow you to remain in class while you are in isolation. 

3. If alternative arrangements are not an option, contact the Dean of Students and request a medical withdrawal from the class.

Employees should contact Human Resources, 309-794-7352. Staff also should contact their direct supervisors and faculty should contact Academic Affairs. 

More info to come: Keep an eye out for an email tomorrow about COVID-related changes for spring semester. Also, college leaders will hold a campus briefing at noon Friday via Zoom.

New health app: Starting Monday, we will begin using a new app to replace Campus Clear. At this time the app is for students only. You will need to download the "Augustana College Health App" by Schoolinfo in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Log in with your Augustana email and password and report your health to receive a daily check mark. This will be required for you to enter the Gerber dining room or PepsiCo.

If you are fully vaccinated, you will only need to log in once. After your vaccination status is verified, you'll receive a permanent check mark for the semester. If you need help, contact Laura Terronez or Farrah Roberts.

TimelyCare: Remember, you have free virtual medical and mental health support 24/7 via TimelyCare. You also have immediate mental health support through TalkNow.

King celebration Monday features prison outreach

Our annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., event will highlight projects that give incarcerated people the chance to change their lives through education.

You are invited to the panel discussion by the Bard Prison Initiative and the Augustana Prison Education Program. The virtual panel will begin 10:30 a.m.

The panelists also will speak again at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom for the campus and Quad Cities communities.

• See the complete list of related events.

Today's updates:

• The Learning Commons is hiring student tutors. The Reading/Writing Center is looking for peer tutors. And Admissions needs some student workers.

• If you might study abroad this summer or next year, look into the Freistat Center Study Abroad Grants for students.

• The Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center has a Nordic Book Club and a Genealogy Club. It offers craft lessons and will teach you to speak Swedish! Get the center's newsletter to keep up with all that's going on.

• Campus Cupboard will be open in Sorensen 302 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 18 and Jan. 25.

 QuadCities.com critics, looking back at regional theatre in 2022, called our Mississippi Bend Players' performance of "Red" the best play of the year, and Shelley Cooper, assistant professor of theatre, best actress for "Mary & Ethel: How I Learned To Sing." 

 Augie students with IRS training are offering free income tax preparation through United Way and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

In case you need more drama: 'Medea'

A translation of Euripides' play "Medea" for contemporary audiences is the first performance of 2022 on campus. The Greek tragedy is directed by senior Rebecca Casad.

Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13, 14 and 15, and at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 16 in Brunner.

You must provide proof of full vaccination (proof of boosters not required) or written evidence from a medical professional of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of the performance. All audience members must be masked.