Update regarding COVID-19 from President Houston Davis to students, faculty, and staff
Welcome back to campus and the spring 2021 semester! I look forward to seeing many of you on campus and via Zoom in the coming days as we settle into the semester and work toward completing the 2020-21 academic year.
A few weeks ago, I shared our Student Guide to Returning to Campus to help you and your families understand important changes we have made in order to make the 2020-21 academic year a successful, safe experience for the entire campus community. If you have not yet reviewed it, please take the time to read that informative guide, which is linked here. In addition to the guide, I have a few more important updates I would like to share below.
COVID-19 TESTING
I want to remind students and employees to continue performing daily COVID-19 self checks. Before you leave your residence each day, remember to do a self check for the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.4 or greater in the last two days;
- A cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell; or
- Have had contact with a person known to be infected with COVID-19 in the previous 14 days.
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms or other health concerns, the UCA Student Health Clinic (SHC) is here to help. The SHC has two PCR-based Abbott ID NOW machines that provide COVID-19 test results in around 15 minutes for individuals who are symptomatic. The university also offers a PCR-based test for individuals who are not symptomatic but would like to get tested. All tests administered by the SHC are at no cost to students, faculty, or staff. For assistance or appointments, call the SHC at (501) 450-3136, email covid19@uca.edu, or visit the SHC website. If you need assistance after-hours or on weekends, reach out to our partner, Conway Regional Medical Center, at (501) 506-CRHS (2747).
Dr. Randy Pastor, UCA Medical Director, has developed a protocol outlining the steps students should take if they need to get tested, or if they receive a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. That protocol may be viewed at uca.edu/coronavirus/students, under “Testing, Tracing, Isolating.” UCA remains prepared to house students who are required to quarantine or isolate and need to remain on campus.
I have said this before, but it cannot be said too many times: stay home if you are feeling ill or have come in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. You will not be penalized for taking necessary health precautions. If you are sick, do not attend class or go to work.
COVID-19 MITIGATION PROTOCOL
As previously announced, face coverings will continue to be required for everyone in all enclosed spaces and outside when individuals cannot maintain six feet of physical distance. This is the most important step we can all take to help ensure our campus remains safe and we are able to continue with our on-campus instruction and activities. While you are free to wear your own face covering, UCA will provide all students with a UCA-branded covering (neck gaiter) that has been modified to meet CDC standards. Neck gaiters are available in the Office of Student Life, Student Center 207, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
SPECIAL EVENTS POLICY
Finally, I want to remind you about our university policy regarding events. If you are a member of a Registered Student Organization (RSO) hoping to host an event, you must register that event at least two weeks in advance on CubConnect and include a COVID-19 safety plan. Individuals and/or student groups who host or attend gatherings that do not follow COVID-19 policies will be held accountable for their unsafe actions. Details about how to register a student event and get it approved can be found on the RSO Resources and Information tab at uca.edu/rso/resources.
In the coming weeks, continue paying attention to our COVID-19 website and your university email for regular updates and current information. I am so happy that each and every one of you have chosen to be a part of our Bear family, and I look forward to seeing you on campus in the coming weeks.