Dear CC Community,

As part of our commitment to provide transparent and timely communication regarding numbers of COVID-19 cases and exposure, we are providing the following information to students, faculty, staff, and parents.

Yesterday we reported that a student tested positive for COVID-19, a day after arriving on campus. That student is now in isolation, which is the standard protocol for any student who tests positive for COVID-19.

Unfortunately, today we learned that the enhanced social distancing protocols – which we expect of all students as they await their test results – were not followed. As a result, multiple people in Loomis Hall were exposed to this student, and Loomis Hall is now under quarantine for 14 days to mitigate further risk. Our 155 Loomis Hall residents have been notified to stay in their rooms except to use the restroom (while wearing masks). All traffic into and out of Loomis is restricted.

We have been following our established protocols. We have been testing all students on campus, conducting ongoing random testing, and observing risk-mitigation procedures. We are also following the advice of our partner, El Paso County Public Health. None of these collective efforts can succeed if we don’t follow public-health guidelines.

A number of faculty, students, staff, and community partners have been working hard to put procedures in place so our students can have an on-campus experience at CC, but these protocols will only work if we are all committed to following them. Please read the Colorado College Community Commitment and support it by adding your signature. Anyone who does not observe this commitment puts everyone’s experience and safety at risk.

While Loomis residents are under quarantine, we want to ensure they have the support they need. Meals are being delivered, and our contact tracing team, with additional support from the Residential Experience Team, is providing check-ins with students. Loomis Hall will be deep cleaned. See more on isolation and quarantine and the support provided to students.

For students in quarantine, please contact the Student Opportunities & Advising Hub for information on how this may affect your Block 1 class. We anticipate you will still be able to take your Block 1 class, but your participation may look different.  As our current New Student Orientation (NSO) is already a virtual format, we’re glad that you will still be able to fully participate in NSO.

Students assigned to Loomis Hall who have not yet arrived on campus will be reassigned to a different residence hall. These students will be contacted by phone this evening with their new residence hall assignment.

We have many on-campus resources to support students, including six free counseling sessions with the Counseling Center. Virtual appointments may be scheduled by calling (719) 389-6093. See additional support resources for students. Please take advantage of these resources if you feel you need them. Staff in the Student Life Division will also be checking in on our quarantined students. We are here for you.

Students, if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, contact the Student Health Center, (719) 389-6384, for a consultation on the need for testing or treatment, and report any symptoms of COVID-19 to cbuckley@coloradocollege.edu. For students living on campus, this notification will initiate the process of meal delivery and daily check-ins from the contact tracing team. Faculty and staff who are experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and also report to cbuckley@coloradocollege.edu.

Students, you MUST continue to follow enhanced social- distancing protocols as you await test results, and follow regular risk-mitigation protocols at all times after that. Our efforts will work only if everyone on campus follows these protocols; it’s up to each of us.

If you have additional questions, please contact cbuckley@coloradocollege.edu.

We know this is a stressful time. We appreciate your concern, cooperation, and care.

Sincerely,
 
Rochelle T. Dickey
Acting Dean of Students/Acting Vice President for Student Life

Brian Young
Vice President and Chair of the Prevention Work Team