April 2, 2020
Dear Students,
We are experiencing unprecedented circumstances as a campus community in our efforts to manage the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). There is no doubt that this is a difficult time. Many of us have never experienced this kind of disruption, and we know that you may be feeling stress and anxiety. We all share concern for the health and well-being of our families, loved ones, and our broader communities. But we’re in this together, we are resilient, and we will get through this!
Your health and safety continue to be our top priorities. As the spread escalates, it is extremely important that all students —whether living on campus or off campus — strictly adhere to university and local health directives to avoid virus transmission.
These directions must be followed by everyone for the health and safety of our community. Students who do not comply may face disciplinary action from the university. It is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct to engage in behavior that “unreasonably endangers the mental or physical health” of others. It also is a violation to fail to comply with the direction of university officials.
So please consider the health of others and follow the guidance of national, local, and university officials.
- If you’re not feeling well call the University Health Center at 402-472-5000 and press 1 on the menu to arrange a tele-health appointment.
Do not wait to reach out.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. If you are experiencing these symptoms you should self-quarantine and call the University Health Center or your health care provider before visiting. - If recent travels took you to a location where you were at risk of exposure to the coronavirus because of high levels of community spread, it is imperative that you follow the guidance of national and local health experts: You MUST self-quarantine for at least fourteen (14) days and monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19.
- Once you are in self-quarantine you will need to stay in your room, apartment or house until a healthcare provider confirms you are no longer at risk of infecting others. To the extent that you can, remain in your room and limit your use of shared spaces with any roommates or family members. While this may be difficult or frustrating, please don’t go for a walk outdoors, or even down the hall if you are in a shared living environment.
The City of Lincoln and Lancaster County have imposed directed health measures that prohibit gatherings of more than ten (10) people in a single space. You should follow this directive (or more stringent local guidelines if you are not in Lincoln). Failure to follow self-quarantine and self-distancing protocols may result in violation of the UNL Student Code of Conduct.
Continue to wash your hands, clean surfaces regularly, self-isolate when you are ill, and quarantine if you think you've been exposed.
Additionally, we recommend keeping all of your academic supplies gathered in one place so that you can quickly relocate should quarantine become necessary. These items should include your textbooks, computer and other devices, chargers, notebooks, etc.
We understand that these are difficult circumstances, but it is imperative that we all do our part to “flatten the curve” and keep our community safe. Failure to comply puts all of us at risk.
Please take these measures now to help everyone stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Laurie Bellows
Interim Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Professor of Practice, Educational Psychology