November 18 update from Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley

Throughout the fall semester, Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley is providing regular email update messages to keep students and parents informed about the efforts related to COVID-19.

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Current status

  • Elon’s current COVID-19 alert level is “Level 3 – High Alert.”
  • Since the November 11 email update, Elon has received reports of 31 positive cases of COVID-19 among students and employees. This is down from 46 during the previous 7-day period and 184 the week prior.
  • As of yesterday afternoon, there were an estimated 37 active cases, down from 60 last week at this time and 213 the week prior.
  • Yesterday we reported a total of 139 students in quarantine or isolation, down from 289 last week at this time and 571 the week prior.

End of the semester testing and travel

On-campus pre-departure testing continues to be available through this Friday. Read more here about the antigen and PCR testing available (based on travel destination and state requirements). Click here to schedule an appointment.

Individuals with a positive test result, confirmed by a positive PCR test, will be required by the Health Department to isolate for up to 14 days. Close contacts of those with a positive test will also be required by the Health Department to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. Students who will be in isolation or quarantine after November 24 will receive additional information directly from Student Care and Outreach, including how to access resources over the holiday break.

Additional information and recommendations for travel at the end of the semester is available on the Elon Ready & Resilient website here.

  • Maintain vigilance with physical distancing prior to your departure
  • Avoid the use of public transportation, if possible
  • Plan ahead for any requirements of your home state or final destination

University residence halls (not apartments) will close on Wednesday, November 25, at 10 a.m. If you need to stay in your residence hall past that date, you must submit a formal request for break housing. Information is available on the Residence Life website here, and all requests are due no later than this Friday, November 20.

What to do if you feel ill and revised schedule for Student Health Services

If you feel ill or experience COVID-19 symptoms, avoid all contact with others. Stay at home and in your room. Do not go to class, work, dining halls, etc. Guidance for students, faculty and staff on what to do if you feel ill is on the Ready and Resilient website.

Over the next two weeks, Student Health Services will be open as follows:

  • Today through Sunday, Nov. 22: Regular hours
  • Monday-Tuesday, Nov. 23-24: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov 25 – Sunday, Nov. 29: Closed

Hours for the Winter Break will be shared with the university community next Monday, November 23, in an upcoming email message about Winter Break hours for campus services. Check the Student Health Services website for recommendations for off-campus care when Student Health is closed.

Sources of information

For more information about COVID-19 and the university response, visit the Elon Ready and Resilient website; the COVID-19 dashboard, which includes links to federal, state, and regional data sources; and the Today at Elon news and information website.

Chaplain’s reflection

University Chaplain Jan Fuller offers a weekly reflection to help us in our search for meaning during this challenging time. This week’s reflection, “We Need More Light” can be found here on the Truitt Center blog.

The next weekly COVID-19 update will be sent to all students, faculty and staff at 10:45 a.m. next Wednesday, November 25, unless an earlier message is warranted.

Dr. Jon Dooley

Vice President for Student Life