Updates on Holiday Travel and Off-Campus Educational Programs
Nov. 11, 2020
Safer Campus Task Force Updates
Off-Campus Educational Programs
An important part of Stetson’s overall educational experience is student participation in experiential learning activities (e.g., internships, externships, field experiences, practicums, clinicals) at off-campus sites. For Spring 2021, in all cases where it is possible, these experiences should either be completed virtually or take place on campus. Special consideration will be given to students enrolled in off-campus educational programs needed to fulfill major, minor, graduation and/or licensure requirements. For these situations, students will be allowed to participate in an off-campus program if the learning objectives of the program cannot be met through alternative means and the program cannot be postponed to a future semester. Find more information on the Safer Stetson website.
Reminder: DeLand Campus Now in Tier 1
Due to an increase in cases on campus and in Volusia County, Stetson University has moved back to Tier 1. This move went into effect Nov. 3 with some exceptions. For the rest of the term, we ask the Stetson community to abide by on-campus safety guidelines and remain vigilant about necessary precautions while off campus, including avoiding indoor parties without masks, social events, and bars and restaurants.
Because of this tier change, the School of Music will now only allow registered students and approved faculty to attend scheduled junior and senior degree recitals. The maximum attendance for these events is 25 with proper spacing. No off-campus unregistered guests may attend while Stetson remains in Tier 1.
For the full list of changes, read Tier 1 Limitations and Exceptions. If you have any questions about the tiers changes, please contact us at [email protected].
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. Per the CDC, travel increases your chance of contracting and spreading COVID-19. Every time members of our community leave 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 two 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 in the next week or so, your isolation probably 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.
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.
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 Fieldhouse, Hollis Center. Links for scheduling your appointment are available below. Each link is specific to a date. Faculty and staff are encouraged to sign up for Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, since most residential students will not arrive until Jan. 10, 2021, when residence halls open.Non-exempt employees should record their testing time as work time for the week (please record 0.5 hours for the time if coming for testing on the weekend).
If you feel you shouldn’t or can’t be tested, you do have options. Please fill out the Exemption Request Form. For questions or concerns, please reach out to the Screening and Testing Subgroup at [email protected], or visit the FAQ page, COVID-19 Testing category.
Gateway Testing Appointment Links
Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 *Residence Halls open Jan. 10
COVID-19 On-Campus Testing Options
Asymptomatic Testing: Through our partnership with AdventHealth and CentraCare,Stetson will be offering free rapid antigen COVID-19 testing on Friday, Nov. 20. Testing will take place 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Rinker Field House in the Hollis Center and is available to students and employees. This testing is not mandatory, but highly encouraged for the safety and well-being of the entire Stetson Community. Sign up here for your appointment!
Symptomatic Testing: Stetson Health Service offers rapid antigen COVID-19 nasal swab testing for symptomatic 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.
COVID-19 Off-Campus Testing Options
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.
Remember, if you receive a negative COVID-19 test result but have had direct exposure, you will still need to isolate.
Latest COVID-19 Test Results
Asymptomatic On-Campus Testing:
- 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
- Oct. 20 – 176 rapid antigen tests, 1 positive, 0.57% rate
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.
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.
