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President Maxey’s Weekly Update Sept. 25

September 25, 2020

student in a hammock

Dear Maroons -

I’m writing my weekly update with a quick recommendation for you all —  try to get outside and enjoy the outdoors! For those of us on campus, fall in Salem, Virginia is beautiful. When today’s rain clears, our weekend weather looks good, so please try to take advantage of our surroundings when you can. 

We can learn a lot from nature and deep breaths. Spending time away from screens can help reduce stress. I certainly find that to be true and want to pass along that reminder. Every day I take long walks all around the area; these walks help me immensely. I encourage you to find similar ways to de-stress. It’s wonderful to see students playing spikeball and frisbee on the Back Quad. Spending time with each other outside is a great way to connect safely. We are setting up outdoor games, hammocks and small seating groupings for casual fun and you will see many planned activities all semester.  

Here are a few ways to make memories and embrace the outdoors this weekend: 

  • Tomorrow (Saturday) on the Colket Patio, a fan favorite — Build-A-Bear — will be here at 5 p.m.
  • On Saturday on the Back Quad near Alumni Gym, there will be several things to do  including big yard games from Res Life, OA activities including a slackline, cornhole and a visit from the Blue Cow Creamery truck.
  • Also tomorrow, at 7 p.m. on the Back Quad, BSA, SGA, CAB and Pi Lambda Phi are hosting a memorial movie night in remembrance of the late actor Chadwick Boseman.
  • Now is the time to take advantage of what Outdoor Adventures has to offer. There’s gear you can rent and ideas for safe excursions.

Our website has a live weather cam — check it out and consider bringing your books and a blanket to the Quad on sunny days for a study session when you can.

It’s wonderful to see students playing spikeball and frisbee on the Back Quad. Spending time with each other outside is a great way to connect safely.

President Michael Maxey

Regarding COVID-19

Today, September 25, there are 13 active COVID-19 cases at Roanoke College. We continue to test students, faculty and staff, and will do so throughout the semester as needed. The Student Health Center will be doing testing next week, no appointment is needed.

  • Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
  • Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

I know students must leave campus for different reasons, including off-campus internships or jobs. Please make sure you are taking the same important preventative measures off campus that are necessary when you are here on campus: wear a mask; keep 6 feet between yourself and others whenever possible; use hand sanitizer or wash your hands frequently; and avoid ALL parties and large gatherings.

Remember, if you have COVID-19 symptoms or if you are worried about your health for any reason, please reach out to Student Health and Counseling Services at (540) 375-2286. 

As always, you may visit roanoke.edu/returntoroanoke for answers to questions you may have. You will find a dashboard on our website, roanoke.edu/covid19, where we report Roanoke College COVID-19 cases on a weekly basis. Questions may also be sent to questions@roanoke.edu or you may leave us a voicemail with your question by calling 540-375-2244.

Be well Maroons,

President Mike Maxey