COVID Update: Counseling available, return from Spring Break testing
We recognize the unique challenges and widespread impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on students in the OU community. Understandably, there is diversity of comfort as the pandemic and related policies shift.
We are here to help.
The Oglethorpe Counseling Center remains committed to providing mental health and wellness services to support OU students’ emotional and psychological well-being. To schedule an initial consultation, visit the Counseling Center website. Another resource available to OU students is Virtual Care. You can learn more at health.oglethorpe.edu/virtualcare. As an Oglethorpe student, you have free, 24/7, unlimited access to doctors, therapists, and on-demand crisis counseling through the Virtual Care Group’s telehealth options.
For employees, Oglethorpe’s Employee Assistance Program is available to everyone 24/7/365. Toaccess call 1-800-538-3543.The program includes3 free in-person or online appointments with a licensed, professional counselor as well as unlimited access 24/7 to an approved Cigna “coach” for phone conversations. Additional Cigna resources for all employees (plan and non-plan participants) can be found at CignaResilience.com. All participants in Cigna health plans can access counseling services based on specific needs.
Reminder: Return from Spring Break Testing
All students who are not up to date on their vaccines, or have a medical or religious exemption, must submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their return to campus (either returning to the residence halls or first day of class, whichever is first). Note: The CDC has updated its vaccine guidance with the following terms:
- Up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.
- Fully vaccinated means a person has received their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.
Students are responsible for obtaining their own COVID-19 test. Both PCR and antigen tests, which include at-home tests, will be accepted. Tests are available from the sources below, and students can order masks and a limited number of tests from Oglethorpe here.
Students should submit COVID-19 test results here: COVID-19 test submission form for students
Employees with medical or religious exemptions and those who have not yet updated their vaccine status in Paycom must continue to comply with ongoing weekly testing.
How to get a COVID-19 test
According to the CDC, every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 2 sets of 4 free at-home tests. It takes 7-12 days for kits to be shipped. Learn more >>
COVID-19 testing is also available through many sources, including private physician offices and pharmacies (where there may be a charge) and county departments of public health (where they are generally free). Find a COVID-19 testing site near you.
If you have challenges accessing a COVID-19 test, please reach out to [email protected].
I’ve tested positive for COVID-19. What do I do?
Students, faculty, and staff testing positive for COVID-19 must report their case – regardless of their vaccination status.
- Students testing positive for COVID-19 must report their case to [email protected].
- Employees testing positive for COVID-19 must report their case to Sandy Butler, HR Director.
Please refer to this helpful infographic for information about quarantine and isolation.
Mask-optional and other current Handbook policies
Based on the low level of community spread and over 90% compliance with the university’s vaccine policy, Oglethorpe shifted to a mask optional policy on March 4. In keeping with our core value of belonging, we ask everyone to respect individual decisions about wearing a mask.
Campus community members are expected to continue to follow the policies in the COVID-19 Handbook, while practicing other public health recommendations, including distancing and hand-washing, to promote the health and well-being of our campus community.
Are you feeling sick or have you been exposed to COVID-19? Please wear a mask and stay home. Avoid putting the rest of the campus community at risk.
Next on-campus vaccine and booster clinic – Thurs., April 14
Oglethorpe University is offering the following on-campus free, walk-up vaccination and booster clinics:
- Thursday, April 14 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. – TLCC Trustee Room
- Friday, May 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – TLCC Trustee Room
If you have questions about the clinics, please contact [email protected].