Dear Students and Colleagues -
Even as we experience the excitement of the start of a new year, we are reminded that we are not immune to the realities of COVID-19. This week we’ve received two reported cases of positive tests of students. One student has not been on campus yet this semester; the other has been on campus in recent days. In each case, people in our community have been notified as directed by public health officials. In other words, if you had contact with the students, you would have been notified already. Both students report feeling fine at this time.
Two very important issues here: first, in each case, the students did the right thing in getting tested as prescribed. Second, they reported their test results to the Dean of Students office, so we can properly contact trace to notify those potentially affected. These will not be the last positive tests; let’s emulate their example and do the right thing by following the direction of our public health professionals. You may recall I shared that we had an employee test positive earlier in the summer. That person is healthy and back at work.
Faculty and staff are wrapping up August Seminar days this week. More than 250 faculty and staff colleagues – both socially-distanced in Anderson Auditorium and joining remotely – heard updates from me, from the Dismantling Racism Task Force, from the Academic Task Force, and others. There are some questions we weren’t able to cover during the President’s Address portion of the Opening Session. I will respond to those in a separate email to faculty and staff.
Special congratulations to Dr. Tim Kuhman, Associate Professor in our Biological Sciences Department, who today was named the James R. Underkofler Award recipient for 2019-2020. That award recognizes outstanding achievement in undergraduate teaching. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Kuhman. These are great days for all of us to kick-off the Year of Community together –and to get ready to welcome students back to classes. Tim’s work, and recognition today, is a great reminder of why we are all here!
Students – we are still accepting applications to serve as a Student Classroom Assistant this semester. These paid positions assist faculty with managing some aspects of classes during this, well, different kind of semester. Please take a look at the details, and apply if it looks right for you. It’s a great way to contribute to our learning community.
As resident students, RAs, and others make their way back to campus, I’m asking all of us to make a commitment to our community, and to each other, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You’ll see this simple form when you log-in to Edgewood Express later this evening:
In order to do everything we can to keep all of our community as safe as possible, the Edgewood College community will adhere to a number of safety protocols during the 2020-2021 Academic Year as a way of minimizing risk of the spread of COVID-19. These protocols are based on guidelines provided by Public Health Madison Dane County.
As a member of this Community, I will…
- Wash my hands properly and regularly.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes.
- Comply with posted Public Health Madison Dane County requirements.
- Wear a mask covering my nose and mouth while in indoor spaces.
- Maintain social distancing.
- Assist in the use of disinfectant wipes to clean shared public workspaces prior to use.
- Take reasonable precautions to avoid contracting COVID-19 both on- and off-campus.
- Avoid public places and minimize interpersonal contacts if I have been exposed or have any symptoms of any illness.
- Report any potential exposure or symptoms to the College and follow any instructions to seek medical care or to quarantine.
- Agree to be tested for COVID-19, as prescribed by health care professionals. Agree to be cooperative and flexible as we work together to support one another and give our community the best balance of learning and safety.
This pledge makes a statement about the role each of us plays in the health, safety, and vitality of this community. I hope you will join me in making this simple, but I hope meaningful, commitment. What we all do today and tomorrow will have an impact on our entire community. Students – if you have any questions about this request, please contact deanofstudents@edgewood.edu. Faculty, please reach out to Academic Affairs if you have questions. Staff, please be in touch with your supervisor if you have questions.
It is exciting to be getting the fall semester started – even with the challenges we face – because I know each and every one of you belongs here. Let us show each other, and the rest of the world, what the Year of Community looks like at Edgewood College.
Be well!
Cor ad cor loquitur.
– Andrew P. Manion, Ph.D., President
Eagle Athletics