Special Saturday edition of the Daily Deac

All, wanted to send a special edition of the Daily Deac today to clarify a few points.

First – all undergraduate students – even those who are living off campus in NON University-sponsored housing – need to come to the LJVM Coliseum at move-in. For those living in University-sponsored housing, this is where the check in process begins per their move-in appointment. For those in non-University sponsored housing (those who have rented houses or apartments on their own, or Deacon Station), they still need to go to the LJVM to pick up their COVID kit (which includes a thermometer and two masks). Students in non-University sponsored housing do not need an appointment to go to the LJVM to pick up their kit; they can go August 17-19 or 21-24 between 9 am and 5 pm. (As a reminder, the move-in appointments are there for on-campus and U-sponsored housing students to control population density in each building).

Rock on to these awesome students who made this video about the importance of wearing masks! I love this!! It’s really touching to see all the reasons our students are committed to wearing masks – they are really thinking about how their behavior impacts the people they care about. So proud of them.

There was something left off of our move-in details and logistics page, and I want to draw your attention to it. We have a section with recommendations on packing and a COVID bag or kit; I’ve mentioned this a couple of times before, but this has a little more detail.

As you finalize your packing, please remember that we strongly encourage students to bring only what they need. We want students to make their room feel like home, making it as personal and comfortable as possible. That said, students should carefully consider what is truly necessary for their rooms. Custodial staff do not clean students’ rooms; students are responsible for keeping their rooms clean. The less clutter in your room, the easier it will be to clean. In addition, in the event that campus would have to close because of COVID-19, it will be easier for students if they do not have an excessive amount of items to pack up and take home.

During the current public health emergency, we also have some specific suggestions for students related to emergency supplies.

Students should plan to bring with them any supplies they might need in case they become ill (with anything, not just COVID). Students might want to consider making an illness kit that would include supplies such as: extra hand sanitizer, cloth face masks, thermometer, cleaning supplies, small first aid kit (Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, over-the-counter pain medicine, over-the-counter cold medicine), feminine hygiene products (if needed), and a good supply of prescribed medications that are taken regularly. In addition to this kit, you might also want to include a supply of replenishing drinks such as Gatorade and food that you could eat in the room without a lot of preparation (soup, crackers, granola bars, etc.). Having these items on hand in your room will reduce the need for you to interact with the community should you become ill. 

Finally, students are encouraged to consider preparing a COVID bag. The premise here is to have a pre-prepared bag of necessities in your closet or under your bed that would include things you’d need if you have to go into quarantine or isolation.  Please note that you will need to take all items to isolation/quarantine in one trip, so pack with that in mind. This bag and your packing list might include items such as:

• • Clothes
    • Enough clothing for at least one week, including loungewear and/or pajamas and underclothes. (You will be staying alone and not able to have visitors, so no one will see what you are wearing).
  • Medical or personal care items
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Cloth face masks
    • Disinfecting wipes
    • A small first aid kit (Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, over-the-counter pain medicine/fever reducer, over-the-counter cold medicine, cough drops, etc.)
    • A good supply of prescribed medications that are taken regularly
    • Feminine hygiene products
    • Box of tissues
    • Shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
    • Contact lens solution and case and/or eyeglasses
  • Food items
    • Replenishing drinks such as Gatorade
    • Food that you could eat without a lot of preparation (crackers, granola bars, snacks, etc.)
    • Meals will be delivered by Dining Services to residents in University sponsored quarantine/isolation. 
  • Info you may need to access
    • Address book/list of important people’s phone numbers and emails addresses
    • A list of your health issues and allergies (food and medicine)
    • A copy of your insurance card (front and back)
  • Technology items
    • Cell phone and charger
    • Laptop and power cord
    • Gaming system
  • Comfort items
    • Bedding and linens will be available from the hotel, but students may want to consider bringing a favorite pillow or other important items. 
  • Your favorite stuffed animal, throw blanket, etc.
  • Distractions: books or magazines, coloring book, deck of cards, etc.

Having these items ready to go (should you need it) will make your transition to isolation/quarantine quicker and less stressful. 

Also, want to point out that there are some necessary changes in the residence halls due to public health guidance. You can see those in the Public Health Addendum to the Guide for Community Living.

Thank you for your continued faith and patience. We are working hard every day to be ready to welcome your Deacs! Wishing you all safe travels here!

— by Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. (’92, MA ’94)