On Jan. 22, Furman Focused released its weekly update, informing students of the results of the campus-wide testing and administration’s plans going forward.
The Jan 22. update reported that widespread testing identified 13 asymptomatic positive cases, which effectively put 57 students into quarantine. Since the email hit student inboxes, updates on Furman Focused’s website and The Paladin’s own tracker report that there are now 17 students and 10 employees who have tested positive, which means roughly 12% of campus isolation space is filled. All students and employees on campus will be tested again this week, students on Jan. 26-27 and professors on Jan. 28.
Following the results of last week’s testing, the administration decided to remain in the Orange: High Precautions operational phase for at least the next week. While the University has extended the low-to-no-contact order for this week (Jan. 25 – Jan. 31), it has approved in-person classes. Students and professors still have the option to remain online for classes this week.
Several students shared their reactions to the approval of in-person classes. Junior Gracie Bartel says she is encouraged by the shift to in-person classes. She explained, “I am so excited to be in-person because I know that I learn better and feel more engaged.” Bartel also talked about the importance of interacting with peers and faculty face-to-face. Others, however, are tired of the strict rules in the orange phase that limit their interactions with friends. “I feel bored and isolated,” said sophomore Olivia Pulliam after the announcement was made.
Some students have also pointed out the hypocrisy of the administration allowing students to congregate in classes while still asserting that they should limit their interactions to their pods. Junior Lindsey Cottle expressed her discontent by highlighting a lack of logic. She explained, “I understand the sentiment–students can be closely monitored in class, but a classroom is really no different than the PAC or the DH.” Cottle wonders why, if we can be trusted to attend in-person classes responsibly, that trust does not extend to eating, exercising, and hanging out with friends.
Despite in-person classes being in full swing, Furman continues to encourage students to remain in pods of four or fewer students, avoid high-risk settings off-campus and follow mask and social distancing guidelines. It is still the administration’s hope that if students adhere to guidelines, campus can move into the yellow or purple operational phase soon. Students should anticipate more updates regarding campus operational phases in the next weekly Furman Focused email.
