Return to Fall 2020: Weekly Update, Aug. 28
August 28, 2020
President Mike Maxey sent the following message to students, faculty, staff and parents on Friday, giving an update on students in isolation and on what those in the campus community can do to help:
Hello Maroons!
I plan to send regular updates this semester with a focus on how we are managing, testing and treating COVID-19 at Roanoke College. We have been on campus, with close to 800 students, for almost two weeks now. As you know from my letter earlier this week, we have pushed back the arrival of the next wave of students in order to track and care for those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are being treated now.
You will find a case report on our website roanoke.edu/covid19 where we will relay Roanoke College COVID-19 cases on a weekly basis. Currently, we have 23 students and two staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19. Those who have tested positive are, thankfully, doing okay and are isolated away from others. Some are experiencing more severe symptoms than others and the symptoms are best described as flu-like. All students who have tested positive are in contact with our Student Health Services team.
I have heard from so many of you. I understand there are a lot of questions and, of course, some of you are fearful. Here is what I know: Overall, we are a community whose members care for one another, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be moments along the way where reminders about the importance of following the rules are needed. Everyone — all of us, all community members and family members — can help ensure that the commitments made by students and signed on in the Crush COVID-19 Pledge upon arrival are upheld.
There are students who are facing disciplinary actions because of their behavior on campus over the past two weeks. When the stakes are as high as they are now, thoughtless or even careless behavior by individuals can lead to considerable consequences for all of us. Please keep your friends, professors, and staff members in mind when you act.
When the stakes are as high as they are now, thoughtless or even careless behavior by individuals can lead to considerable consequences for all of us. Please keep your friends, professors, and staff members in mind when you act.
President Mike Maxey
Respect and accountability have to be at the center of everything we do. If we don’t follow the rules for health together, we won’t be able to be here. There is a real threat of reaching institutional capacity for managing the number of sick students on campus. You can help us avoid the institutional capacity.
We also need to understand who is sick, so students please continue to fill out the Daily Health Assessments you receive, which are found at Covid.Roanoke.edu. If you answer yes to one of the three questions, this triggers a notice to Student Health Services and they will follow up with you. Know the potential symptoms of COVID-19 (such as a fever, cough, chest pain or difficulty breathing) and if you have any of these symptoms, remain in your room and contact Roanoke College Health Services at 540-375-2286. This is a moment where we all need to be candid and open if we experience symptoms. In this environment, it is better to be overly precautious if you feel ill. It is also important for all of us never to stigmatize anyone who has COVID-19.
We are constantly updating our resources with information, so please continue to visit roanoke.edu/returntoroanoke for answers to questions you may have. Additional questions may also be sent to questions@roanoke.edu.
Students, please do your part — mask up, keep your distance, don’t go to or throw parties. Our plan for reopening is comprehensive — and relies on everyone to follow the rules.
It’s up to all of us. Be well, Maroons!
President Mike Maxey
P.S.
Last week I was speaking to a group of students. We talked about how feeling anxious and depressed about COVID-19 is a common experience. I know these are very stressful times. Sandy McGhee and the team in Health Services are also here for emotional support. Wes Brusseau, Associate Director of Student Health & Counseling, is available at brusseau@roanoke.edu. And, there are virtual counseling groups or sessions you can participate in including Let’s Talk and TAO, a self-help tool for mental health for all Maroons. Please take care of each other and yourselves.