Campus update for March 18, 2020

March 18, 2020

Dear students,

Yes, it's only Wednesday and it's too quiet on campus. Your professors miss you. We all miss the hum of daily life and chatting in the hallways and on the Quad. 

In other words, we're thinking of you. Feel free to reach out with comments, questions or suggestions to covid19info@augustana.edu. Let's support each other! How are you coping?

Here's what's new:

• A decision about on-campus instruction will be made by Friday.

• Housing selection for 2020-21 was scheduled for early April but now is planned for May. Also, April deadlines for updated requests for medical accommodations and housing applications will be pushed back.

If you have a medical accommodation for housing, it will be honored for next year. You only need to request an accommodation if your medical needs have changed. Housing applications are available. We will share more information by the end of the month.

• Campus Cupboard will be open today from noon-1:30 p.m. to provide individually bagged care packages for students still on campus who need to supplement their meal plans.

If you are unable to come during this scheduled time, please contact Farrah Roberts to make alternative arrangements. The Cupboard is on the third floor of Olin.

• Augie Choice applications are temporarily on hold. Any requests already submitted will be honored but no new applications will be accepted at this time.

• Career Development has temporarily halted in-person services. Please schedule a digital appointment.

• Counseling Services has added a new feature — The Shrink Space — for students who want to seek therapy in the community. This online referral service helps students connect directly with off-campus providers.

Sign up for free and choose Augustana College as your school. You can directly communicate with therapists and select which best fits your needs. 

Stay in touch, a message from Chaplain Richard Priggie

Re-reading or re-watching a few of our culture's most encouraging stories may be a good strategy for remaining centered and hopeful during these anxious times.

The late Fred Rogers, a.k.a. Mister Rogers, has been the subject of a recent biopic called "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," starring Tom Hanks, and a documentary, "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" Find a way to stream one or both of these movies if you need a dose of clear-eyed hope.

For instance, Mister Rogers says, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"

Binge-watching CNN or PBS may be informative, but Mister Rogers' Neighborhood may be more helpful than the evening news in keeping our spirits up.

Look for the helpers in these days.
  
Pastor Richard W. Priggie
309-794-7478