Campus Life

We are currently conducting a multi-faceted educational campaign to increase awareness across the college community of flu symptoms, preventive measures and recommended treatment.

More than a year ago, we installed wall-mounted hand sanitizers in every campus building. We are currently placing disposable hand sanitizer bottles on all dining hall tables, library tables and classrooms. Clorox wipes will be available for keyboards and mice in computer labs.

We have provided additional training to Dining Services and Physical Facilities staff about extra measures to be taken in cleaning and maintaining campus buildings.

We are training our staff in residence halls and Greek housing on how to help prevent the spread of flu, how to recognize symptoms, and how to report and respond to cases of flu-like symptoms.

As usual, we will make seasonal flu vaccinations available on-campus, administered by the Health Department, for a nominal fee in early-mid October. Because the H1N1 vaccine is expected to be in short supply, pregnant students and those age 18 or under with a chronic health condition will be our top priority to receive the two-dose series of H1N1 vaccines in a physician’s office or at the health department.

Current medical opinion indicates that other roommates have most likely been exposed to the virus by the time symptoms begin to appear in an affected roommate; however, we will provide temporary relocation options for students when necessary. Recent trends also indicate the illness lasts 2-4 days in most cases.

C-SC students demonstrating flu-like symptoms must notify a student life staff member of their condition – residence hall staff, Greek house staff, or central office staff – in order to receive campus accommodations (housing, dining, class attendance, etc.). The Director of Counseling & Wellness will maintain a log of all cases reported.

Local students will be encouraged to go home for the duration of their illness.

Students, faculty and staff with flu-like symptoms will be asked not to attend class or work until 24 hours after their fever subsides (without the assistance of ibuprofen/acetaminophen).

Faculty will be flexible with application of course attendance policies for those students who report their symptoms through the proper campus channels. A doctor’s note for missed classes will not be required because the CDC does not encourage students to visit a physician unless an underlying chronic illness is worsened by flu-like symptoms.

Temporary campus housing will be available for residential students on a case-by-case basis. A sanitary linen service will be provided for those students.

Sick meals will be available for and delivered to residential students who report their flu-like symptoms. Meals typically include soup, crackers, jello/pudding, fruit, juice and water.

Surgical masks will be available to minimize the spread of germs for ill students who are unable to avoid close contact with others.

Communication between faculty/staff and ill students will be conducted through e-mail and telephone to minimize the possibility of spreading germs; however, residence hall staff will check on students in person when necessary.

Assistance will be provided for those students needing medical attention and/or medication although most medical advice regarding H1N1 flu is to stay home and treat with over-the-counter options.

In the event of a widespread campus outbreak of flu-like symptoms, the college has a thorough pandemic plan from which to operate. Should we need to close the college, the senior leadership team will collaborate to do so in a systemic and organized fashion keeping all constituents informed through our website and e-mail communications. All students unable to leave campus will be taken care of – housing and meal service will be maintained in a modified format.

Please check back to www.culver.edu/flu for updates and more information or contact Student Life at studentlife@culver.edu or 573-288-6472.