Campus Operations Updates, Social Distancing in the Classroom, University Testing Services, and more!
Spring 2021 News for Students
Important Message to Students from Vice President Wilson “I have always tried to be honest and up front with you, and I must level with you – it appears that some in the student community have decreased your diligence in adhering to good public health practices. Though we are hopeful to have this pandemic in the rearview very soon, we are not there, yet, and it is as important now as ever to continue the basic daily actions that keep each other safe: masking up, washing hands, staying more than 6 feet apart, avoiding larger gatherings, and general social distancing.
We are in this together, and our success relies on one another. Primarily, we are trying to keep you, and the University and Athens communities, safe. Secondarily, we very much desire to provide an on-campus learning environment that enables you to enjoy your friends and UGA and pursue your studies successfully. I understand that we are genuinely fatigued and are ready to simply be with our friends and enjoy UGA the way we know it is meant to be, but in the spirit of moderation we have to keep that in balance. You cannot allow one afternoon’s or night’s opportunity to socialize to take away from future opportunities this semester.
To be clear, all of the requirements and health practices designed to keep each other and our community safe are still very much in place, and you are expected to continue following these guidelines throughout this semester.”
Health & Wellness Reports of COVID-19 at UGA Decrease Again Reports of positive cases of COVID-19 among faculty, staff and students at the University of Georgia continued to decline last week, falling nearly 30 percent from the previous week. In addition, the positivity rate for surveillance testing dropped as well.
A total of 2,407 tests were administered at the Legion Field surveillance site and in pop-up locations that included high-traffic areas on campus. Of those tested, 60 yielded positive results for a positivity rate of 2.49 percent. Update on Vaccine Survey and Distribution Last week, nearly two-thirds of our faculty and staff and more than half of our students filled out the survey we sent to assess interest in being vaccinated against COVID-19. The vast majority of the respondents—77 percent—indicated that they want to receive the vaccine from the University Health Center, while another 6 percent reported that they have already been vaccinated or plan to be vaccinated elsewhere. This strong interest in receiving the vaccine is very encouraging.
To date, we have been able to administer first doses of the vaccine to more than 1,500 members of our campus community, in keeping with the phased approach established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH). With every person we vaccinate, our community becomes stronger. Surveillance Testing Continues at Legion Field Free asymptomatic-only testing is available for all UGA community members at Legion Field. You may schedule an appointment or walk in Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The Legion Field site testing schedule will follow the University of Georgia calendar for closure.
***Participants will receive “Be Our Guest” coupons, courtesy of the President’s Venture Fund. Remember to Check your Symptoms Before Coming to Campus Free Access to Daily Mental Wellness Support As a member of the UGA community, you have free access to mental wellness support whenever and wherever you are. The goal of TAO, Therapy Assistance Online, is to provide online and mobile tools to help you conquer the day-to-day struggles of general stressors like anxiety and depression, or specific troubles like relationships and addiction. TAO Includes interactive sessions, mindfulness exercises and practice tools all aimed at helping you achieve your goals. Click here for more information and how to access this free resource tool.
Learning on Campus Find a Zoom Zone Need a spot to log in to your online class while on campus? Consider using one of the Zoom Zones at the Main Library or the Miller Learning Center. The Main Library’s fourth floor study room is perfect for engaging in classes because it’s a place where talking isn’t frowned upon. At the MLC, the east side of the second and third floors (near the stadium) are designated as Zoom Zones. Headphones are encouraged, but feel free to speak up and engage in your online class in those study spots.
Living on Campus Commit to Staying Safe, Bulldogs! Remember to practice social distancing and mask up when inside any UGA dining location. Tables and chairs have been arranged for social distancing and should not be moved. Additional general seating areas are available across campus with some outdoor seating locations equipped with heaters for the colder temperatures.
Social distancing and face coverings are also required when on any UGA bus or waiting at the bus stop. Need an alternative bus or route? Live track the bus on the UGA app to familiarize yourself with campus route options. Welcome UGA Welcome UGA is a campus-wide effort, led by the Department of Student Transitions to ensure that you have many opportunities to engage and find a sense of home as you start the semester. Visit welcome.uga.edu or search social media for #WelcomeUGA. Involvement Month Speaking of getting involved, instead of a single Involvement Fair this semester, the Department of Engagement, Leadership, and Service is presenting an entire Involvement Month! Smaller events throughout the month will allow you to engage in person and virtually to meet other students and learn about more than 750 student organizations!
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