BUCSAFE Update from the President

What an amazing whirlwind of a week! With Bucs young and old connecting through camping, kickball, parade, tailgating, and watching our BUCS WIN, our campus was the liveliest it has been since before the pandemic. I’ve heard so many comments about how it was the “best Homecoming ever,” and I agree. I look forward to more of that in the coming months as we bid COVID bye-bye.

We’re still on the march to reach 70% Community Immunity, which will help us return to normal even faster. This means every Buc who uploads a proof of vaccination or recent recovery from COVID-19 gets us closer to that mask-burning party I’ve been dreaming of for a year! Every upload counts toward the 70% goal. 

This week, I am happy to announce a few of our winners from the Community Immunity Challenge! I’ll announce the scholarship winner next week. These Bucs shared why they chose to get vaccinated:  

Our next drawing is November 8. Upload your proof of vaccination  here to be eligible for the next drawing where we’ll give away another $2,000 scholarship, two $200 Amazon gift cards, and a $500 Amazon gift card to students.  

Our Numbers

Here are our numbers as of October 20, 2021: 

• TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN ISOLATION: 21
  Of these 21 students, 2 are being housed on campus,  and 19 are isolating off campus. 
• TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN QUARANTINE: 23
  Of these 23 students, 2 are being housed on campus,  and 21 are quarantining off campus.  
• TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN ISOLATION: 4
• TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN QUARANTINE: 7

ISOLATION is reserved for actively symptomatic or known positive cases, and QUARANTINE is reserved for those who have been identified as a close contact of someone who is positive or who has symptoms. People in QUARANTINE are NOT ill – we are simply watching them to ensure they do not become symptomatic. LEARN MORE

Community Immunity Status

As of October 20, 2021:

• Students: 31.1%
• Faculty and Staff: 66%
• TOTAL: 35.7%

Our goal is to reach 70% community immunity on campus, which includes proof of vaccination and/or evidence of natural immunity among those who have recently been infected with COVID-19. Natural immunity includes those who have had a positive COVID test July 1, 2021 or later. 

Health Resources

The University Pandemic Task Force has pulled together a vast amount of research and has provided a helpful page chock full of resources. In an age where we get most of our news from social media, I encourage you all to breeze through the page for some very interesting and informative news. Our team of experts did the hard work—all you have to do is click and read. 

Next week is our third Shoot Your Shot COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic. If you are seeking a first, second, or booster dose, head over to the Brewer Center gym on October 28. Vaccines are available for those aged 12 and older.  

SCDHEC and MAKO Medical continues to offer convenient and FREE PCR testing under the white tent in the football stadium parking lot.  The opportunity is available  from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. every weekday.    
   
Please  continue to reach out to Dr. Laurel  Glover  if you’re experiencing symptoms, have been exposed to the virus, or otherwise find it necessary to pursue testing. Do NOT go to class or to work if you feel sick.  Take care of yourself and others by staying home.   

Event and Meeting Guidelines

In planning any event  on or off  campus, employees and students must submit  their proposal at least two weeks prior via  the  Event  Form.  Please do not email your event to the task force. It is important to submit via the application link in order to receive a timely response.  

• Visitors may not attend events at CSU,  with the exception of the Office of Enrollment and outdoor sporting events.
• Lightsey Chapel’s maximum capacity for chapel and other events is set to 375 (25% of seating).
• All campus meetings are highly recommended to be conducted virtually for now.  For any meetings that must be conducted in person,  please host outdoors. 

Stay #BUCSAFE

I hope and pray each of you reading this are encouraged and optimistic about the future. I sure am! It is a joy to watch our students grow on their pathway to purpose. And an honor to work alongside the faculty and staff who make it all possible. We’ve come through deep waters of a pandemic together and are surely closer to shore because of your diligence and faithfulness. 

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him…Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:12,17 (ESV) 

As always, Bucs, let’s spread the Word, not the virus.  

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