Campus update for Oct. 16, 2020

Oct. 16, 2020

Vigilance is needed now more than ever

Since the campus briefing earlier this week, we have seen an increase in the number of positive cases among students and employees.

This is not alarming and does not warrant an increase in the overall alert level. We continue to be at Level 2: Moderate Alert.

Given what we’ve observed on other campuses, this experience is to be expected. However, the increase in cases makes it clear that this weekend and the coming week will be pivotal in our effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Your help is needed.

It’s more important than ever to be aware, and to focus on our guidelines.

→ Report your symptoms: If you feel ill with COVID-19 symptoms, timely, immediate reporting is critical. Call Public Safety at 309-794-7711 to report your symptoms. 

→ Wear masks properly and maintain physical distance. When traveling in vehicles, it’s important to wear a mask if you aren’t traveling alone. 

→ Keep your group small. While group gatherings can be no larger than 10 people, if you are socializing with many different small groups, you can have daily contact with far more than 10 people. Even in small groups, the more people you socialize with and dine with, the more likely you are to be at risk for COVID-19 exposure or transmission. Please don’t have a dozen small groups — have one small group.  

→ Stay on campus as much as possible. 

→ If you don’t live on campus, please stay home as much as possible. There has been a slight increase in positivity rates in both Scott and Rock Island counties. 

On a positive note, keep up the good work in classrooms. Contact tracing shows that transmission is not occurring from being in in-person classes. 

Based on our moderate alert, at this time, we will continue to hold college-sponsored student events, but with increased vigilance. Event planners will continue to enforce strict guidelines in alignment with CDC guidelines. If guidelines are not met, such as physical distancing, masking and appropriate group gathering sizes, events will be suspended or canceled. 

Snapshot of new data 

This week we have 10 new confirmed positive cases among students (all now in quarantine), four employees who are quarantining due to positive cases, and eight students and three employees waiting on test results.

The COVID-19 dashboard will be updated on Monday. 

Let's be social on social

There's plenty to talk about on social media, not least of all the election that is less than three weeks away.

Now is a good time to think about how we interact online. Our campus community aims for a higher standard than we sometimes see in social media generally. 

Think before you post. Be civil. Be truthful. → Social media guidelines to promote positive experiences

What is truth? Symposium Day is tomorrow!

Log in to Moodle and choose your sessions, beginning at 10 a.m. Hear from scholars, thinkers, authors, alumni and fellow students. Is what sense DO triangles exist? Can truth really be "sticky"?

Today's updates: 

• In the latest Obscast, "Pandemic challenges live theater," Olivia Smith examines theater’s metamorphosis because of COVID-19. Guests include Will Sikich, Observer Arts & Culture editor; Noah Hill, Outside the Box; and Chase Fahy, Heywire.

• Our 26th annual Hispanic Film Festival kicks off Oct. 28. Films are on Wednesdays through Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. in Hanson Hall Room 304. 

• Education majors: Applications are open for the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois teacher preparation program that includes financial aid and a lot more.

Today: College Republicans 6 p.m., "Avengers End Game" 8 p.m.

Saturday: Symposium Day 10 a.m., Oktoberfest 1 p.m., A Political Debate... With a Civil Discourse Twist 5:30 p.m.

Celebrate National Transfer Student Week

We will celebrate National Transfer Student Week Oct. 19-23. Come by the Transfer Table at Brew by the Slough between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and show your support for Augie transfer students. There will be drawings to win a free drink from the Brew!

Follow Augustana on social all week as we feature current transfer students, plus alumni, faculty and staff who were transfer students. Facebook ♦ Twitter♦ Instagram

▶️ Can you explain Augie in 30 seconds?

We're looking for student stories to feature in our latest recruitment campaign for the Class of 2025. Submit a 30-second video about your peak Augustana experience or the mentor who has shaped your education.

Our favorites will be contacted to tell their stories in an upcoming recruitment video.

→ Submit your story video