Safer Campus Task Force Updates 

Stetson’s proactive mitigation efforts, and focus on the health and safety of our students and employees has helped make our classrooms as safe as possible.

COVID-19 Reporting Over Winter Break 
Stetson community members are reminded to report test results through www2.stetson.edu/reportit if you are COVID-19 positive, symptomatic or exposed, particularly in the 14 days after you leave campus. This helps protect the health of your fellow Hatters. In addition, reporting positive results over break helps us to better care for your needs if you have an exposure in the spring semester and to exempt you (with documentation) from Gateway Testing. Also, we are still here to help you navigate testing and healthcare recommendations even if you are no longer in DeLand.

Stetson Moves to Tier 2 for Winter Break
In support of Stetson’s small group of remaining residential students and due to the decrease in active COVID-19 cases, Stetson will return to Tier 2 at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 25. This change will allow students to have one Stetson, non-overnight guest in their room. Please keep in mind that additional movement up and down in the Tiers is always possible based on trends and results. As always, please report COVID-19 cases, exposures and symptoms to www2.stetson.edu/reportit immediately. 

Housing Options 
Isolation housing options for residential students, including meal delivery, will continue as needed throughout the winter break with no extra fees. Residential students needing to stay late or through the winter break for any reason, including isolation, should submit the Late Stay & Winter Break Housing Application 2020 as soon as possible. See specific travel and quarantine guidance here.  

Dining Options 
Stetson Dining locations will remain closed through the winter break from Nov. 26 through Jan. 5, when we welcome students back on campus. You can visit our website at dineoncampus.com/stetson for updates and more information. For dining-related questions, please contact Candra Reid at [email protected]. 

Gateway Testing Volunteers Needed 
The SCTF Screening and Testing Subgroup is looking for volunteers to assist with Gateway Testing, testing compliance, and spring on-going testing. These volunteers will help with the check-in process, record results, and communicate next steps to participants. There are protective measures in place to safeguard volunteers including physically barriers, protective equipment (gloves, mask), and a process that does not involve contact or the exchange of materials. The most important responsibility for volunteers is to be friendly and help individuals navigate the sometimes-overwhelming testing process. Please sign-up at Volunteer Sign-Up. 

Winter Break Testing 
On-Campus Asymptomatic Testing: Through our partnership with AdventHealth and CentraCare, Stetson will be offering winter break testing dates, Tuesday, Dec. 8, and Tuesday, Dec. 15, in partnership with the DeLand Wellness Center.  Rapid antigen nasal or throat swab testing for students and employees will take place 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Hollis Center Rinker Field House. Click the registration links below to sign up for a winter break COVID-19 testing time slot.  

• Dec. 8 – registration  
• Dec. 15 – registration  

Other Testing Options 
On-Campus Symptomatic Testing: Stetson Health Service offers rapid antigen COVID-19 nasal swab testing for symptomatic and exposed students and employees. Appointments must be scheduled and there will be a $35 visit charge for this testing. If the rapid antigen test is positive, the individual will receive a PCR test charged through insurance or referred to an off-campus option for those without insurance. 

Off-Campus Testing: Stetson University students can get free rapid antigen testing at any CentraCare location. You must bring printouts of the two forms, found at the link below, when you visit the CentraCare location. You can make an appointment online – select the option for COVID-19 Testing. Results will be shared with Stetson Health Service and the Dean of Students Office to help provide support for COVID positive students.

• Find CentraCare Locations 
• Get the Required Forms 

Remember, if you receive a negative COVID-19 test result but have had direct exposure, you will still need to isolate. 

Don’t Forget to Register for Spring 2021 Gateway Testing 
Registration is now open for required Spring 2021 Gateway Testing in partnership with DeLand Wellness Center. Appointments are available Jan. 9-13, 2021, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the Rinker Field House, Hollis Center. Links for scheduling your appointment are available below. Each link is specific to a date.  

Gateway Testing Appointment Links 
Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021 
Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 *Residence Halls open Jan. 10 
Monday, Jan. 11, 2021 
Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021 
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021 

How do I change my Gateway Testing day or time? 
If you need to reschedule your COVID-19 testing day or time, please complete the testing change request form. 

How will participation in Gateway Testing be verified?  
Students and Employees will be issued personalized green vinyl reusable wristbands upon completion of Gateway Testing for COVID-19. These wristbands must be worn at all times on campus until Jan. 29. Participants will also receive a daily email to their Stetson email account, verifying their completion of this requirement. These emails can be shown as an emergency backup to access on-campus facilities or services for special circumstances. Emails should not be used as the primary verification for this requirement. 

What happens if I need a replacement wristband?   
Replacement wristbands can be obtained at on-campus Wellness Stations. Gateway Testing participation will be verified and a limited number of replacement bands will be available for each individual. The daytime Wellness Station is on the lower level of the Rinker Welcome Center and operates Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Public Safety is the after-hours Wellness Station location.  

For questions or concerns regarding Spring 2021 Gateway Testing, please contact the Screening and Testing Subgroup at [email protected], or visit the FAQ page, COVID-19 Testing category. 

Latest COVID-19 Test Results 
Asymptomatic On-Campus Testing  

• Nov. 24 – 43 rapid antigen tests of student-athletes and Athletics staff, 0 positive, 0% rate 
• Nov. 22 – 17 rapid antigen tests of student-athletes and Athletics staff, 0 positive, 0% rate 
• Nov. 20 – 256 rapid antigen tests, 2 positive, 0.78% 
• Nov. 19 – 31 tests of student-athletes and Athletics staff, 0 positive, 0% rate 
• Nov. 11 – 69 tests of student-athletes and Athletics staff, 2 positive, 2.9% rate 
• Nov. 10 – 188 PCR tests, 3 positive, 1.6% rate 
• Nov. 9 – 79 tests of student-athletes and Athletics staff, 2 positive, 2.53% rate 
• Nov. 4 – 246 rapid antigen tests, 1 positive, 0.41% rate 
• Nov. 2 – 75 tests of student-athletes and Athletics staff, 5 positive, 6.67% rate 
• Oct. 28 – 210 PCR tests, 8 positive, 3.81% rate 
• Oct. 26 – 121 tests of student-athletes and Athletics staff, 3 positive, 2.48% rate 

Keep in Touch  
Although the semester will end soon, you can keep in touch with what is happening on campus related to COVID-19 through these Safer Campus Task Force Weekly Updates. We will continue to send updates to the Stetson community until the university closes on Dec. 21 for the winter break. Find updates in your email and on the Safer Stetson website under Latest Updates.

Thanksgiving Travel Plans and Mindfulness Reminder 
Stetson students, staff and faculty who are returning to campus after the Thanksgiving holiday are asked to be extremely mindful of their personal travel plans. With more than 1 million new COVID-19 cases reported in the United States in just the last seven days, the CDC has released special guidance for Thanksgiving. Per the CDC, travel increases your chance of contracting and spreading COVID-19 and the Thanksgiving holiday presents its own risk. Every time a member of our community leaves campus and returns, they bring with them new germs and exposures. Stetson will follow current isolation/quarantine requirements per the CDC, DOH and Florida executive orders. This request for travel mindfulness is in addition to those mandates. 

If you must travel: 

• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol). 
• Wear a face covering to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings.  
• Avoid close contact with others by staying at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from anyone who is not from your household. 
• Do not travel if you are sick or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days. 
• Do not travel with someone who is sick. 
• Avoid contact with anyone who is knowingly sick. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. 
• Research your destination before traveling. 
  • If traveling domestically, check state, territorial, tribal and local public health websites for information before you travel. Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear face coverings, requiring those who recently traveled to isolate for up to 14 days, and requiring a negative COVID-19 test within a specific time period before entering the state. Others strictly prohibit a positive person from traveling into the state. 
  • If you are traveling internationally, review the destination’s Office of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Health or the U.S. Department of State website for details about entry requirements and restrictions for arriving travelers, such as mandatory testing or quarantine. Additionally, review CDC’s COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination. 
• Some types of travel and activities can put you at higher risk for exposure to COVID-19. If you participated in higher risk activities or think that you may have been exposed before or during your trip, take extra precautions (in addition to those listed above) to protect others for 14 days after you arrive at your destination and return to Stetson.  

Remember, decisions we all make right now could impact Thanksgiving travel plans. Keep in mind that if you have to isolate now, your isolation will extend into Thanksgiving, meaning you may not be able to travel to visit your family or friends. Florida Department of Health guidance states that individuals driving alone to reach a destination may do so if they are fever free and without major respiratory symptoms. Contact with others during this travel must be avoided and a facial covering worn. Travel by airplane is strongly discouraged. 

Upcoming President’s Weekly Webinars 
President’s Update: Spring Term Planning and Updates
Thursday, Dec. 10, 4-5 p.m.  

Join President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, for a discussion on planning and updates for Spring Term. This is open to the Stetson community. Panelists will be announced at a date closer to the event.   
Register here.  

President’s Update: Welcome Back
Thursday, Jan. 7, 4-5 p.m.   

Join President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, for a Welcome Back Webinar. Expect any final updates for the Stetson community, students, faculty and staff, for the upcoming semester. Panelists will be announced at a date closer to the event. Register here.