ObieSafe Weekly: September 8, 2020
September 8, 2020 12:00 PM
Office of Communications
Honoring the Community Agreement; COVID conversations
| Tests Administered | 3,187 |
|---|---|
| Positive Tests | 9 |
| % Positive | 0.28% |
Visit the ObieSafe website for more information about testing.
Important message from the Dean of Students: Honoring the Community Agreement
Obies, we want you to stay on campus for the entire semester. Please work with us to make that possible, because having to ask you to leave campus for failure to adhere to the Community Agreement is a sad and disappointing outcome for all involved—students, families, friends, faculty, administrators. But out of our shared commitment to community health, we have asked students to leave, and will continue to do so. We cannot afford to be lax in this moment if we are to succeed in our shared goals.
Read the full message from Vice President and Dean of Students Meredith Raimondo.
Do’s and don’ts of dining
Your safety in the dining halls is of utmost importance. But we need your help in maintaining a safe atmosphere in Campus Dining Services. Please keep the following points in mind.
Do:
- Use assigned entry areas
- Follow the arrows inside
- Maintain physical distancing
- Arrive with a purpose
- Review menus in advance
- Arrive at off-peak times
- Use the hand sanitizers provided
Don’t:
- Assume that any door is the correct way in
- Go against the flow of guest traffic
- Gather in crowds
- Wander aimlessly in the dining halls
- Take too much time deciding on the menu upon arrival
- Assume that peak dining times will be less crowded
- Forget your face mask
COVID Conversations
Fourth years Sophia Garcia, Jenna Snowden, Stephan Ciulla, and Eliza Braverman discuss what it’s like to be living on campus and having nuanced, peer-to-peer conversations during the pandemic.
Ways to access counseling services
Oberlin College’s Counseling Center is here to support the Oberlin community while we all adjust to COVID-19. The Counseling Center is open and eager to support you. We are providing all services through secure remote video (Zoom) to any registered student on-campus or residing in Ohio. Students out of state can receive consultation to help them access care in the community where they are currently residing. Due to state licensure laws, telemental health appointments can only be provided to students who are physically located in the state of Ohio.
To make a counseling or psychiatry appointment, please call (440) 775-8470. If you are experiencing a crisis, daily crisis appointments will be provided at 11 a.m.
We will also be offering Let’s Talk, a service that provides brief, drop-in consultations on Tuesdays and Fridays at 1:30-2:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
For help dealing with stress, please visit our website to explore MindSpa, our virtual relaxation refuge that has relaxation resources and coping strategies for you. You will also find the Mental Health Guide for People of Color along with other helpful information for managing mental health and wellness. The Counseling Center will also be offering two structured group experiences, Anxiety Toolbox, and RIO (Recognition, Insight, and Openness). Please see our website for updates.
For urgent needs after hours: Please call (855) 256-7160 to access immediate assistance from a licensed counselor. Other resources include:
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National Suicide Prevention Hotline | 800-273-8255
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Crisis Texting Line | Text HOME to 741741
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Lorain County Mental Health Line | 800-888-6161
If you are currently not registered or residing out of the state of Ohio, here are some resources to help you identify mental health care in your area:
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Psychology Today: Users are able to narrow down mental health providers by numerous areas, including who takes specific insurances, gender, location, specialty areas, etc.
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Better Help: An online resource for counseling that is both convenient and affordable
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Talkspace: Another online resource for counseling
Here are additional mental health resources related to COVID-19:
- Center for Disease Control’s Mental Health Resources for Coping with COVID-19
- National Alliance for Mental Health’s COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide
SHARE advisors are easily accessible
The SHARE program promotes student success by offering a forum for faculty, staff, and students to share concerns. SHARE advisors are here to answer questions and provide support throughout the semester. If you find yourself needing support around the academic or social aspects of college, or have questions about resources, fill out the online SHARE form and schedule an appointment. All members of the Oberlin community, including students, faculty, staff and parents, can complete the form to refer a student to SHARE.
Students can meet one-on-one with a SHARE advisor by scheduling an appointment online or by calling the Office of the Dean of Students at (440) 775-8462 any time during business hours. SHARE appointments are available daily via phone or Zoom to students on campus or engaged in remote learning. Any situation or concern requiring an immediate response should be directed to Campus Safety at (440) 775-8444. We look forward to connecting with you!
Questions we’ve been asked
Q. Can I leave campus?
A. Based on the college’s temporary travel policy, students are not permitted to leave the greater Cleveland area if they are enrolled on campus. If you need to apply for an exception, please complete this application at the earliest possible time. This policy is important to ensure that our campus stays safe.
Tip of the Week
Stay active with YeoFit. A mix of virtual and in-person classes are underway!
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.
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 at noon every Tuesday.