Students,
In May, President Carter announced our intention to return to campus this fall setting into motion an inclusive and extensive process to prepare our classes, our campuses and, most importantly, our people, for a return to on campus activities. These plans have culminated in important changes designed to support the health and wellness of our community as we continue to find ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic. Doane has developed an operational guide where you can find information about our fall operations and how we’re working to support our community during COVID-19.
Below you will find important information regarding our operations as you return to campus this week. Some of these changes are new and you may have questions. Don’t hesitate to ask our outstanding faculty and staff for support as we make the transition to campus during COVID-19. We are all in this together and we’re excited to have you on campus!
Academic Modality
Academic Affairs leadership and faculty have prepared classes to be taught in a range of modalities this fall. Modality decisions for specific courses take into account the ability for physical distancing, the capacity of classroom spaces and the ability for classes to operate in various environments. All classes are being designed with the flexibility to adapt to current environmental health conditions within 24 hours.
Mental Health
Doane Student Health and Wellness recognizes the additional stress and anxiety students are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Counseling Center staff will be offering telehealth counseling sessions Monday-Friday by appointment this fall. A campus counselor will be on campus daily to manage any urgent mental health concerns. Counseling staff includes two full-time counselors, Kristal Flaming and Myron Parsley, as well as two Master of Counseling interns, Raegan Batholomew and Emma Stewart. To make an appointment with a campus counselor, email our counseling center staff directly by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]. Referrals for counseling can also be made via email or scheduling through Nurse Kelly Jirovec ([email protected], 402-826-8265).
Screening App
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to download the #CampusClear app to support COVID-19 symptom surveillance. Community members will be prompted to complete daily symptom tracking using their smartphones or by visiting the #CampusClear website. Screening questions are designed to identify symptoms or known exposures to COVID-19 and support Doane’s effort to track cases.
Click here for more information on using the #CampusClear app on your smartphone this fall.
Masking Guidance UPDATE
Doane University has adopted a universal face masking policy for all students, faculty, staff and visitors, effective August 10, 2020. All campus community members will be required to wear a face covering when inside Doane campus buildings, and are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in campus outdoor spaces whenever physical distancing from other individuals by six feet is not possible. Appropriate face coverings must completely cover the nose and mouth. Face coverings are meant to be worn in conjunction with appropriate physical distancing of six feet, discouragement of face touching and proper hand hygiene.
Visit Together as Tigers to review the entire policy including examples and exemptions.
On-Campus Activities
Campus events have been reimagined to support engaging community building while also promoting the health and wellness of our community. In-person events must meet directed health measures for capacity and conform to restrictions based on Doane’s current risk analysis. Groups are encouraged to limit large events and plan to make arrangements for smaller events that are better equipped for physical distancing. Groups are encouraged to plan events for outdoors space as weather permits. More information will be provided by the Office of Campus Life.
Building Access
During the initial return to campus, faculty, staff and students will be asked to use keyless entry for most campus buildings with exceptions made to one set of doors to Padour Walker and the Perry Campus Center. You will be required to carry your Doane ID to access most buildings on campus.
Cleaning Protocols
All public areas will be cleaned and disinfected by the Custodial Services team multiple times per day during periods of use (including weekends if public areas are used). Because of COVID-19, the predominant amount of custodial time will be focused on disinfecting high-touch surfaces manually or by machine spray in all entrances, hallways, elevators, restrooms, classrooms, central office areas, and common spaces such as lounges, dining spaces, athletic facilities, and the library. There will be hand sanitizer stations set up in building entrances and other key areas throughout campus and the existing wall dispensers are still in place. Classrooms and meeting spaces will have cleaning supplies available so occupants can clean surfaces before and after use. A few masks will be available in classrooms in case someone forgets.
Physical Distancing and Workflow
Plexiglass barriers have been installed in a number of locations across campus to add a layer of protection for employees, students, and visitors. Signage has been placed throughout campus to guide traffic flow and encourage physical distancing including floor decals and arrows to direct one-way traffic throughout buildings and stairwells as well as signage to designate change to some doors as entry-only or exit-only. There will be additional signage to remind everyone of physical distancing, hand washing, maximum room occupancy, and masking requirements. These visual reminders, along with masks, are meant to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases.
Dining Services
The dining hall will begin offering service on August 13th with altered services as we transition back to campus. Dining services will be offered as a grab and go option for the first two weeks of classes and provide both hot and cold options for students. In person dining with physical distancing will be phased in after the first two weeks if Doane’s risk dial allows based on current conditions on campus. The Tiger Den will resume operations as part of the phased transition after the first two weeks of classes. The Lakeside Coffee Shop will be open for normal hours of operation. Physical distancing and masking should be practiced when utilizing Lakeside along with the other dining services.
All dietary accommodations for dining services will be provided regardless of food service options. Students should reach out to Anita Harkins at [email protected] to submit an ADA dietary accommodation.
Tigers Together Community
Commitment and Student Waiver
Every Tiger plays a vital role in keeping the Doane Community safe. To return this fall, we ask that you sign the Tigers Together Community Commitment, pledging to protect and respect the rights of all individuals on our campus. Additionally, students should complete the COVID-19 Student Release and Waiver which is being sent separately.
Student athletes who have completed the COVID-19 waiver do not need to submit again.
In the coming days and weeks you will continue to receive important updates and information from various offices on campus. Please keep an eye on your email as we share important communication.
We’re excited to have you back on campus!
Sincerely,
Jake Elswick
Vice President of Enrollment and Student Experience