Dear Carls,
As we wrap up the seventh week of the term, we’re thinking of the 86 students and their families who call Texas home. While power has been restored in most areas, water systems and many homes have been damaged. The College will continue to provide support for those impacted students.
I write to share our most recent campus COVID-19 data, as well as some updates and reminders on Spring Break and Spring Term housing, and pandemic relief funding. Please contact my office or use the Submit a Question form on the COVID-19 website if you have questions about any of this information.
COVID-19 Data
Last week, Carleton administered 656 tests for COVID-19 and recorded three new cases of the virus within our on-campus community. As a result, among the College’s threshold measures, our 14-day infection rate remained at 0.18%, our surveillance testing positivity rate moved to 0.16%, and the average number of close contacts per case dropped to 0. While our on-campus infection rate is very low, the campus action level remains at Level 2: Medium because the surrounding area continues to be of concern, especially as variants spread.
Consistent with our experience in the fall, the instances of infection on our campus have come through social interactions taking place off campus with people who are not members of our community. Detailed data for the week of Sunday, Feb. 7, through Saturday, Feb. 13, is available on the dashboard.
Spring Break Housing Reminder
All international students are approved to stay on campus over Spring Break due to potential travel complications. If you are not an international student and would like to stay on campus over break, please complete the Housing Request Form to request approval. Break housing will cost $35 per day to cover housing and meals. Financial assistance is available for those in need.
Spring Term Housing Update
Residential Life is working as quickly as possible to get Room Draw numbers out to those of you who indicated an interest in being on campus for Spring Term. Rest assured that we do have enough space to accommodate every student who requested housing. If this is your first term on campus this academic year, please sign and submit the Covenant and upload proof of your flu vaccination to the MySHAC portal. Questions about this process should be directed to the Dean of Students Office.
Pandemic Relief Funding
As I shared with you last week, Carleton will be distributing emergency grants to eligible students from federal funds made available to the College through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act. Distributions will begin on Thursday, Feb. 25. These emergency grants are not loans; they do not need to be paid back, and they are not considered taxable income. If you qualify for this grant, you will receive an email directly.
I hope to see you on the Bald Spot this afternoon for bumper cars. In the meantime, stay warm and safe.
Dean Livingston