This FAQ list was updated on August 11, 2022.
If you
have questions after reviewing the information presented here, please
email aboutcovid19@hendrix.edu.
What options are available to help isolated
students keep up with their classes?
Instructors have been asked to work with any
students missing class the way they normally would with any student who is ill
and could not attend. Instructors have a “toolkit” of options for working with
students who are absent, and the most appropriate tools will vary depending on
the nature of the course.
To
ensure the College provides good options for students who are following COVID protocols,
instructors may use one or more of
these options in a way that makes sense for the teaching approach and learning
goals of their course:
- Providing
notes, slides, make-up work, photos of work written on a board in class,
etc.
- Encouraging
the use of peer tutoring; for example, asking students in the class to
help their classmate by sharing their notes.
- Assisting
students during office hours to help them get ready to return to
class.
- Making
changes to the syllabus that add flexibility to make recovery from
consecutive absences more doable for students.
- If
an instructor’s classroom equipment and instructional methods for the
class allow, they may provide the option to have the student join the
class via Microsoft Teams. This approach will only be
used if it makes sense for a particular class. Instructors may also choose
to record class/lectures for students to watch non-synchronously.
What should I do if I miss class due to COVID-19?
Contact your instructor to report your absence and discuss any important course-related information such as missed assignments and exams. Refer to the “Testing & Isolation Guidance” page to determine when you can expect to return to class. If your instructor requires documentation, you may request a letter from the COVID Response Team when you report your positive case and upload your test result.
Are face coverings required on
campus?
Masks are optional in all campus buildings. The Campus COVID Steering Committee asks that all community members continue to support classmates and colleagues who elect to wear masks on campus. We will continue to monitor public health guidance and the presence and effect of COVID-19 variants in Arkansas. If conditions worsen once again, the College may revert to requiring all members of the community to wear CDC-recommendation-compliant masks (N95 or KN95) indoors.
How will the College decide if masks are optional or required?
Multiple sources of information are considered by the COVID Response Team regarding mask policies including the CDC, ADH, campus conditions, state and local ordinances, and trusted health and education partners. The COVID Response Team regularly monitors public health data and recommendations and considers all available information when determining campus policies. It is important to note that federal public health recommendations are aimed at the general population and there are characteristics of the Hendrix community that are significantly different from the population at large. For example, our community is vaccinated at a higher rate than the general public. This level of vaccination makes community members less likely to be infected than the general population, and far less likely to experience severe disease.
Can I isolate or quarantine in campus housing?
Yes, students who live on campus may isolate or quarantine in campus housing. To do so safely, you should avoid close contact with others as much as possible including wearing a well-fitting mask around others [an N95 mask or comparable mask is recommended], asking others to help with food delivery and choosing to-go options from campus dining, not having visitors in your room, washing your hands more frequently, and using communal showers or bathrooms at less busy times. If you or your roommate have concerns about isolating in campus housing, contact Residence Life for assistance. If you need assistance with meals or other supplies such as masks, talk to your RA.
Whom do I contact if I need to request health-related accommodations?
Students who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 may contact Julie Brown, Director of Academic Success, at brownj@hendrix.edu to discuss academic accommodations for health and safety concerns; staff members who are at high risk or have family who are high risk may contact Vicki Lynn in Human Resources at lynn@hendrix.edu to discuss work accommodations for health and safety concerns; and faculty may contact Vicki Lynn and/or Terri Bonebright (bonebright@hendrix.edu).
Where can students get vaccinated? Is there
a cost for vaccination?
Students
may obtain vaccinations at a provider of their choice. The Hendrix Medical Clinic is among the
sites providing COVID-19 vaccinations (Pfizer and Moderna).
Call 501-852-1366 to schedule an appointment. Vaccines were paid for
with taxpayer dollars and are provided to all people living in the
United States at no cost. Most health insurance plans cover the full
cost of the administration of the vaccine. If someone is
uninsured, vaccine providers may seek reimbursement from the federal
government.
Hendrix
will provide vaccination opportunities for any students who want the
vaccine and have been unable to receive it, including international
students.
Will official College travel be allowed?
Students,
faculty, and staff will be allowed to travel on official College business (including for Odyssey projects). Special COVID approval for domestic travel is not required, but we do ask travelers to follow any destination COVID protocols and to regularly monitor for COVID symptoms.
Those who are traveling should follow COVID-19 safety policies as if on campus unless stricter guidelines are required by the program site. The College no longer requires special COVID-19 approval for international travel. Please register your College-sponsored travel (domestic or international) by completing the Hendrix College Travel Management Form at least 30 days before you depart. The travel policy for U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Levels still applies. Anyone traveling to a Level 2 or 3 country should also complete the College’s supplemental liability forms. Travel to Level 4 countries will be strictly off limits (unless at a Level 4 only due to COVID-19).
What can I do to protect myself from severe illness?
The best way to prevent severe illness from COVID-19 is vaccination and staying up to date on your vaccination (including receiving all recommended boosters when eligible).
What treatment options are currently available for COVID-19?
Various COVID treatments are available depending on one’s age, health status, and symptoms. Currently the federal government is covering the cost of these medications for those who meet the qualifications. Ask your health care provider about your options.
Preventing infection.
Evusheld is a monoclonal antibody that is given prior to exposure to the virus. It is available for people with moderate to severe immunodeficiency or those who for some reason cannot take the COVID vaccines. Protection lasts up to six months. This drug is not available to someone who is already symptomatic and is given by injection.
Treating mild to moderate disease.
Paxlovid and Lagevrio (mulnupiravir) are oral medications that have been shown effective at preventing mild/moderate disease from progressing to severe disease. They are available for individuals with increased likelihood of developing severe disease due to age, immunodeficiency, or certain other medical problems. To be effective, either drug must be started within five days of the onset of symptoms. Trials have shown Paxlovid to be more effective for most patients, but Lagevrio may be appropriate for others under specific circumstances.
Remdesivir is an injected drug that helps people recover more quickly but has little if any effect on the development of severe disease. It is given by injections (over the course of three days) which must begin within seven days of the onset of symptoms.
Bebtelovimab is a monoclonal antibody therapy for immunocompromised patients that is effective at preventing progression to severe disease. It is given by infusion at a medical center.