University Communication to Students
Distributed: November 24, 2020
Posted: November 25, 2020
Dear Students,
Recognizing that Thursday is the Thanksgiving Holiday, and due to recent State mandates, I am sending this week’s communication early. Important information for this week:
Please accept our deepest gratitude for what you have done this semester. To date, we have had few confirmed COVID-19 cases and that is entirely due to your efforts. You as students have embraced a difficult semester through a commitment to the common good. Cases have remained low and originated through essential actions – athletic competition, work, time with important people, and going about your day. In short, you have this semester defined what it means to regard the health and safety of others as paramount. For this, the Carlow faculty and staff are grateful this holiday season!
Yesterday the Governor’s office issued new guidance due to increasing COVID-19 cases that have put the state’s ICU beds near capacity. First, all elements issued in last week’s orders will be enforced. Read the full text. To maintain safety and reduce risk of spread, all personnel are mandated to work remotely unless it is impossible to do that work. In response, the University will be shifting office personnel to entirely remote access as you return to classes after the Thanksgiving Break. Essential personnel such as Campus Police, dining services, housekeeping, residence life and some student services staff will remain present.
All classes, with the exception of essential clinicals and labs, will meet virtually after Thanksgiving. However, to be clear, the University is not closed, and all offices are responsive. You can find most student service offices and the best means of contact on the “Videos and Resources” page on our website. Commuter students are considered similar to employees; therefore, you are expected to engage remotely unless impossible. However, for students needing access to the computer labs and other similar services, access to campus is permitted.
Textbook Rentals must be returned directly to the bookstore either during hours of operation or by using the UPS label provided under textbooks on our website carlow.bncollege.com. Check the website for our hours of operation. These may change on a weekly basis due to the holidays. Do not put rental returns in any receptacle outside of the building and do not leave them at the doors of the bookstore. Without the information you provided at the time of renting the textbooks, we are unable to check in the books under your account and you will be charged the replacement fees.
Counseling and Health Services remain available as we move into the toughest part of the semester. The hours are:
Health Services – Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.;
Counseling Services – Monday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, students can email healthandcounselingservices@live.carlow.edu with their full name and contact information to request a phone call to schedule or can call 412-578-6474 (leave a message if no one is available to take their call).
Medical and mental health emergencies should be directed to Campus Police at 412-578-6007 if on-campus, 911 if off-campus, or Resolve Crisis Services (Allegheny County) 1-888-796-8226.
CDC Revises Thanksgiving Recommendations
In response to rising positive cases of COVID-19, the CDC revised recommendations state that all individuals should interact with caution among people who do not live with them. College students are encouraged to be regarded, and regard themselves, as guests and unknowingly potential spreaders of the virus. Thus, if traveling home, the CDC recommends you always continue to wear a mask, properly social distance, wash your hands frequently, and clean surfaces before and after use. Before you transition to home, please review full details here.
Have a wonderful rest of the week. Stay safe and well.
Sincerely,
Timothy P. Phillips, Ph.D.
Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students