The University of Olivet CARES: Student Town Hall Scheduled for Dec. 18 and Other Important Information

This week’s communication addresses the following topics:

1. Student Town Hall – Dec. 18, 2 p.m.
2. Ask a Question
3. Top 10
4. Who to Contact During the Holiday Break
5. Holiday Break Reminders
6. Quote of the Week

Student Town Hall, Friday, Dec. 18, 2 p.m.
The OC CARES Pandemic Response Team is hosting a Zoom student-only Town Hall on Friday, Dec. 18 from 2-3 p.m. Registration is not required. The link to participate has been emailed to you directly. A second Town Hall will be held Jan. 15 at 2 p.m.
Spring semester is likely to have its challenges, however, we are here to help you navigate the obstacles and help you succeed. The Town Hall is meant to address student questions and concerns. No faculty, staff or administrators (other than members of the Pandemic Response Team) will attend the Town Hall. We hope this encourages you to participate and feel empowered to ask questions or share constructive comments.
The Town Hall will be moderated by Ryan Shockey, chief pandemic response officer and athletic director. The following topics will be covered:

• Return to campus protocols (Ryan Shockey)
• Student experience (Dr. Amy Radford-Popp, Ph.D., dean of student engagement)
• Academics (Dr. Karen Chaney, Ph.D., dean of faculty)
• Student Services, including financial aid (Libby Jean, director of student services)
• Housekeeping and campus facilities (Larry Colvin, director of facilities)

While the Town Halls are optional, we encourage attendance so that you have an opportunity to ask questions and are made aware of any OC CARES Pandemic Response Plan changes that may impact your spring semester.
Have a Question You’d Like Answered During the Town Hall?
We want the student Town Hall to be informative and helpful to you. What question(s) do you have about your return to campus in January, student activities or athletics, classes or student resources? What about the OC CARES Student Pledge, OC CARES Pandemic Response Plan or anything in general that you need clarified? Submit your question by 5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 16 and we will do our best to answer it for you. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions during the Town Hall.
Top 10 Reasons to Return to Campus in January

1. Independence and learning to live on your own — it prepares you for life after college when you get a job away from home.
2. A safe, beautiful and welcoming campus — no distractions that will take your focus off of why you decided to go to college in the first place, to get a degree.
3. Access to the internet, computer labs with all necessary software, and printers — and IT help is included!
4. Access to labs and studios and other resources needed to excel in your classes.
5. Camaraderie among like-minded friends who will encourage you, make you laugh and keep you company.
6. Caring faculty and staff who will mentor you and treat you like family.
7. Three meals a day — and you don’t have to do the cooking or wash the dishes!
8. Daily structure to keep you focused, organized and on track to graduate.
9. Private and relaxing study spaces — you don’t have to share the kitchen table with a younger sibling when you’re trying to write a paper.
10. Opportunity to live and feel like a real college student.

The University of Olivet is Here for You
The University of Olivet remains open for business even though students are on break. The following departments can be reached by phone or email if you have any questions or concerns during the winter break. Note that, with the exception of Campus Safety, the College will be closed Dec. 22 through Jan. 3.
Campus Safety (24/7)
269-749-7911
safety@uolivet.edu
Housing
269-749-7607
studentengagement@uolivet.edu
ITS Help
269-749-7666
ITSHelp@uolivet.edu
Mental Health and Wellness Center
269-749-6678
counseling@uolivet.edu
Office of Student Engagement
269-749-7607
studentengagement@uolivet.edu
Office of Student Services
(Financial Aid, Registration)
269-749-7645
sas@uolivet.edu
The Success Center (Academic Support and Accommodations)
269-749-7437
studentsuccess@uolivet.edu
If you have academic-related questions, please contact your academic advisor for assistance. Advisor contact information can be found on my.olivetcollege.edu under the Student Tab – Registration and Academic Advising. If your advisor is not listed, please call or email the Office of Student Services.
Holiday Break Reminders
The holiday break is typically a time to reconnect with family and friends. This holiday season, please consider how your actions can impact the health and safety of your friends and family at home, as well as your OC family when you return to campus in January. Keep the following safety measures in mind when visiting with family and friends:

1. Continue to complete your daily health check using the OC CARES ClearPass, even over the holiday break. This is an easy and important way for you to monitor your health before returning to campus in January.
2. Wear a mask in public settings, including public and mass transportation, at events and gatherings, and anywhere you will be around people outside of your household.
3. Avoid close contact by staying at least six feet apart (about two arm lengths) from anyone who is not from your household.
4. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
5. Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
6. Avoid touching your face mask, eyes, nose and mouth.

If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it — then I can achieve it.
— Muhammad Ali