A weekly update from Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley with community health information, important resources and announcements of any changes to protocols.
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
Key information in this week’s Community Health Update:
- Monkeypox case in Alamance County
- HealthEU website launched
- Make time for community traditions
- TimelyCare virtual medical and mental health resources for students
- Community health status update
Monkeypox case in Alamance County
On Friday, August 19, the Alamance County Health Department announced the diagnosis of the first case of monkeypox in Alamance County. Members of the Elon University community are encouraged to visit the Elon monkeypox webpage for updated information about the virus, including symptoms, testing, treatment, and prevention steps.
HealthEU website launched
Last week the university launched the HealthEU initiative with an easy-to-remember website URL: www.elon.edu/HealthEU. The site includes information and resources organized by the six dimensions of wellness: community, emotional, financial, physical, purpose, and social. The site also features a calendar of health-related events/activities and comprehensive lists of resources and services organized specifically for students and for faculty and staff.
Make time for community traditions
The undergraduate class schedule on main campus includes two breaks each week, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:40-10:30 a.m.
- Each Tuesday is a time for College Coffee – an opportunity to gather with students, faculty, and staff on Phi Beta Kappa Commons, enjoy coffee and refreshments, connect with friends and colleagues, and visit information tables from campus organizations and programs.
- The class break on Thursday is for Numen Lumen – a time for reflection and inspiration, featuring musical performances and a reflection from members of the university community. This year’s theme is “Me: In My Own Words,” encouraging the stories of our shared humanity.
Meetings and events are strongly discouraged during the Tuesday/Thursday breaks in the class schedule and all Elon students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to take a break for these moments of community and reflection.
TimelyCare virtual medical and mental health resources
All students have access to TimelyCare, which was received positively by Elon students during last year’s pilot and has been expanded for the current academic year. Services available include:
- Medical: 24/7, on-demand or scheduled access to a medical provider that can treat a wide range of common illnesses like cold and flu, sinus infection, allergies and more
- TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand access to a mental health professional to talk about anything at any time
- Scheduled Counseling: scheduled options to speak to a licensed counselor – evening and weekend appointments available
- Health Coaching: access to a nutritional specialist to help with healthier lifestyle behaviors related to sleep issues, weight management, and more
- Group Sessions: weekly guided meditation and yoga group sessions, plus specialized discussions throughout the year.
- Psychiatry: access to no-cost psychiatry services (available by referral only; contact Counseling Services at 336-278-7280 for more information)
TimelyCare is available to students when classes are in session and during breaks, from anywhere in the United States, and without any additional cost or fees. Visit the TimelyCare website to log-in or download the TimelyCare app.
Community health status update
Each Tuesday afternoon by 4 p.m. the university COVID-19 webpage is updated with information about the status of COVID-19 case reporting and on-campus testing. The site also includes the link to the latest information about the CDC COVID-19 community levels, which are currently at medium in Alamance County and high in Guilford County.
The next Community Health Update is scheduled for next Wednesday, August 31, by 10:45 a.m.
—
Jon Dooley, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Life