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Office of the President

SLOW THE SPREAD Directives: Extended to Monday

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February 18, 2021

Dear Members of the ÄÌÌÇÖ±²¥ Community,

We are almost two weeks into the Slow the Spread directive, and I am pleased to report that your efforts appear to be working. Our numbers are down considerably from the high of early February, as noted in the most recent Community First update and on the daily COVID-19 dashboard.

Thank you to everyone who has been putting Community First and following the guidelines. It’s clearly having an impact, and I am extremely grateful for your efforts.

The Slow the Spread directives will remain in effect until Monday, Feb. 22, I have extended the deadline past Friday as I think it’s important that we have another low-key and quiet weekend before the guidelines are lifted.

Although restrictions will ease on Monday—assuming our numbers remain low—we cannot let down our guard or fall into bad habits as we move forward with this semester. The restrictions regarding the number of guests in residence halls will continue for the foreseeable future, and we need greater compliance with the health and safety guidelines for dining halls and study spaces.

As a reminder, there are ways to dine safely indoors, including:

  • Only removing your mask when actively eating or drinking
  • Only sitting in designated areas
  • Not moving tables or chairs 
  • Not having more than the specified number of individuals seated at or gathered around tables
  • Not eating in classrooms—no exceptions

I have received numerous reports about these specific guidelines not being followed. I am hopeful that this reminder, along with an increased staff presence, will alleviate these issues. However, if these behaviors continue, I will have no choice but to remove the tables and chairs and/or possibly close some of the dining locations and classroom study spaces.

I know I continue to ask a great deal of all of you, and this entire situation has not been easy for anyone—mentally or physically. Please know we are doing everything within our power to allow you to stay on campus, which I know means so much to so many of you. I continue to pray that better and more normal days are ahead—we just have to get there.

Thank you for everything—I remain in awe of your resilience and grace in the face of these current challenges. V’s up. Masks on. Community First.

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Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA
President