Campus Bulletin: Current Students, Faculty and Staff, Parents, ObieSafe

ObieSafe Weekly: March 16, 2021

March 16, 2021 2:15 PM

Office of Communications

Go the distance to keep our community safe; meet the testing center staff v2

Obie Safe Weekly: Caring for Our Community. (The squirrel mascot is wearing a mask.)

Coronavirus Testing Results
March 9–15
New Tests 690
New Positives 0
% Positive 0.00%
The data reported here reflect Oberlin’s testing protocol only. Cumulative totals and information on testing procedures are available at the ObieSafe website.
Watch Carmen Ambar's video.

Obies, let's go the distance

The distance we’ve traveled together has been “flat-out miraculous,” says President Carmen Twillie Ambar. As we head into the home stretch, we should be prepared to go the distance—and that means not letting our guard down. Although Oberlin’s test numbers have been outstanding, other institutions across the country have seen an increase in cases this semester, and the more contagious variant of COVID-19 has appeared on several campuses. Watch Ambar's message

Oberlin's mascot squirrel extends his arms fully to either side.
Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones '97

How do we go the distance?

As Yeobie demonstrates, we need to stay 6 feet apart, wear our masks, and adhere to the travel policy. Looking for things to do during the long weekend? Watch the campus digest this week for a list of virtual events.

It's been a year

Transcription follows.
Created for ObieSafe by Boston-based artist Beth Wolfensberger Singer P’19.
Transcription

It's been one year since campus closed

Hmm. How to mark that?

  • The traditional one-year anniversary gift (for weddings) is paper. So making an origami squirrel might be fitting. (A squirrel made of paper holds a sign that says, "1 year. Damn."
  • Birthday cake is a marker of year milestones. (A decorated cake with a candle and the word "Yikes" written in frosting.) Doesn't quite seem right here.
  • In school life, we often get a report card or something. (An index card with typed grades. Persistence: A. Effort: A+. Creativity: A. Attendance: C for complicated; also B for "But we did it.") Hardly the ticket this time.
  • Maybe just a greeting card. (Front of card: You did a whole year of pandemic. Inside: Not that you had much choice. But keep doing what you're doing. Calmer seas ahead!) Extra long card for an extra long year.

Behind the mask: Meet the testing center staff

Shirley, with a Cleveland Browns logo behind her.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Shirley Ritenour

The nursing and professional staff in Oberlin’s COVID-19 testing center play a primary role in monitoring the health of the campus. This series offers a peek behind the mask of these frontline workers. Learn more about Shirley Ritenour, a licensed practical nurse.

Spring semester campus life

A masked student walks past the art museum.
Photo credit: Jonathan Clark '25

This campus photo tour begins with Art Rental and includes includes a 6:15 a.m. workout with the football team and President Carmen Twillie Ambar, followed by a stop at the Science Center, and a walk to Warner Concert Hall for a livestreamed master class with the Arts and Sciences Orchestra and the Verona Quartet. View the photo story.

Have you scheduled your COVID-19 test for March and April?

Double check that you have scheduled your March and April COVID-19 test to ensure you are following all ObieSafe guidelines! Schedule early so you ensure your testing spot for the month.

Here's how to check your appointments:

  1. Log in to OberView.
  2. Select the "COVID-19 Test Appointment Scheduling" task.
  3. Click your name in the upper right corner.
  4. Select 'Appointments' from the dropdown menu.
  5. Review your upcoming appointments—you can reschedule or cancel as needed from here, too.

If you do no have a scheduled March or April appointment, here is how you make one:

  1. Log in to OberView.
  2. Select the "COVID-19 Test Appointment Scheduling" task
  3. Click "Book Appointment."
  4. Select a date and time for March.
  5. Click "Finalize Appointment."
  6. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 for April.

You MUST test once in March and once in April to remain in compliance with ObieSafe guidelines and the Community Agreement.

Get in touch with the ObieSafe team

Have something to share in a future issue of ObieSafe Weekly? Email obiesafe@oberlin.edu with story ideas or information you’d like to have considered for publication.

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ObieSafe Weekly provides the news, information—and the occasional smile—we all need to navigate the pandemic and help our community thrive. Find the tools you need in your inbox every Tuesday at noon.