Dear Students,
With all the attention on vaccination, it can seem like the pandemic is almost over. We’re getting there, but we’re not there yet. Please read this important message.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website states: “We’re still learning how effective the vaccines are against variants of the virus that causes COVID-19,” and “how well COVID-19 vaccines keep people from spreading the disease.” Even though CDC may have loosened some restrictions for vaccinated people, for these reasons, all mitigation protocols, including social distancing, mask wearing, testing, and quarantine protocols will remain in effect for all CC students living on campus and locally off campus, even if they are vaccinated. In consultation with the El Paso County Health Department and the epidemiologists at Crown & Company, CC’s Scientific Advisory Group will determine when it is safe to loosen protocols at CC. Our campus is currently seeing one new COVID-19 positive result each day among on-campus and local off-campus students. This is not the time to take risks.
The new, more contagious, and potentially more deadly coronavirus variants have arrived in Colorado, and we want to protect our community from them. In the college setting (congregate housing, off-campus students living with multiple roommates), the new variants may spread quickly. Very few CC students are eligible to be vaccinated at this time, and we have a responsibility to protect those who are waiting their turn for the vaccine. However, there is reason to be optimistic: The vaccine supply is rapidly increasing, and in the near future, the vaccines will be available to everyone.
By getting vaccinated when it is your turn, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19. Getting vaccinated before you’re eligible crosses an ethical line. In addition, getting vaccinated early doesn't mean that you may gather: CC's restrictions on gatherings apply to students living on campus and locally off campus, even if they are vaccinated.
If you do want to gather in small groups outdoors, you can use seating areas including Benji’s patio at Worner Campus Center and Tutt Library patios, as well as more patio furniture set up in spots across campus to allow students more spaces for safe, outdoor socialization and studying. New seating areas include the north veranda of Armstrong Hall and the Tutt Library courtyard.
Llamapalooza
Llamapalooza, CC’s music and art festival, has long been a highlight of Spring Semester. This year, the Llama Committee plans to “host” five national acts in various capacities who will be performing, leading workshops, guiding meditations, and leading other activities virtually via Zoom. They are also working with student artists to display public art both on the CC campus as well as virtually. This year’s festival is spread across three Saturdays to combat Zoom fatigue and provide a richer slate of social weekend events on May 1, May 8, and May 15.
We’ve heard from you and know that you miss the in-person free food events we used to hold frequently on campus. Several offices, including Campus Activities, continue to plan free food events for students, including “Free Stuff on Fridays,” which often has food, gift cards, and pop-ups of the Picnic Basket (Bon Appetit’s food truck). And, we’ve continued our tradition of Midnight Breakfasts in a to-go version. Seniors told us how much they loved grabbing to-go food kits to celebrate Bagels and Brew together on Zoom and we’ll do the same for Muffins and Mimosas coming up next month.
In order for us to move ahead with in-person instruction and to celebrate Commencement in person with our graduating seniors, we must continue to follow our protocols and risk-mitigation measures. Please, please continue to take risk-mitigation seriously.
Thank you for doing your part to ensure the safety and well-being of our whole community!
Sincerely,
Rochelle Dickey
Acting Dean of Students/Acting Vice President for Student Life
Andrea Bruder
Associate Professor of Mathematics/Associate Dean of the Faculty/COVID-19 Response Team
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