March 16 update from Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley

Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley is providing regular email update messages to keep students and parents informed about the efforts for a healthy Spring Semester.

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Summary of updates in this message

  • Status updates
  • New mask policy
  • Spring Break campus safety and services
  • Reporting positive tests during Spring Break
  • Testing resources after Spring Break

Status updates

The university dashboard is updated on the Healthy Elon website each weekday morning.

New campus mask policy now in effect

On Monday, March 14, Elon adopted its new indoor mask optional policy for most campus spaces. This change is in line with guidance from the CDC and North Carolina health officials. Elon endorses the rights of everyone to make their own personal choices about wearing masks, although masks are still required in designated campus health care spaces and for those with COVID-like symptoms. All members of the campus community should become familiar with the full details of the university’s new mask policy.

Everyone should continue to carry a mask with them on campus and keep in mind that each individual has different experiences, family and medical situations, and concerns as we navigate this process. We ask the campus community to be respectful and honor requests to wear a mask and assist others on campus to protect themselves. If you are asked to wear a mask, the easiest thing to do is support the person making the request. Elon understands and is compassionate to the fact that this disease impacts every individual differently. Human Resources and Student Care and Outreach are ready to meet with members of the campus community to determine how to be helpful during this transition.

Spring Break campus safety and services

Spring break for undergraduate students and many graduate programs is this week and Friday, March 18, has been designated a spring break holiday for employees. Most campus services have reduced hours or availability this week, until classes resume Monday, March 21. Visit Today at Elon for detailed information about campus safety and services during Spring Break.

Reporting positive tests during Spring Break

Should students test positive during Spring Break, report positive test results from an off-campus testing facility or an approved over-the-counter/at-home test to Student Care & Outreach by emailing quarantine-support@elon.edu. Student Care & Outreach, Residence Life, and Student Health Services will coordinate contact tracing, care, housing, and health precautions.

Testing resources after Spring Break

Students, faculty, and staff are welcome and encouraged to test upon returning to campus after Spring Break and throughout the semester.

Additional information

Detailed information is always available on the Healthy Elon website, which provides important health and wellness information for students and employees, including what to do if you feel ill, test positive, or have close contact with a positive case. The site also offers responses to frequently asked questions about academics, vaccination, and employee information, as well as answers to questions related to the latest mask optional policy and other campus protocols. Human Resources is also available to provide assistance as employees navigate COVID policy changes. Please call 336-278-5560 to reach an HR representative or email hr@elon.edu.

The next email update will be sent Wednesday, March 23, at 10:45 a.m., unless an additional message is warranted before then.

Dr. Jon Dooley

Vice President for Student Life