MILWAUKEE — Marquette University says some Schroeder Hall residents have decided to leave campus and quarantine at home, after the university began enforcing a two-week quarantine at the dorm to stem the tide of rising coronavirus cases.
In a letter to students and parents Tuesday, Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Xavier Cole, said that he apologizes the university had to make the quick decision to quarantine, but that it is a proactive step by the university and the Milwaukee Health Department to address the cluster of cases at the dorm.
"Marquette’s position is that it is better to quickly isolate students who test positive and quarantine those who have been potentially exposed to contain the cluster and decrease further spread on campus, which could jeopardize our ability to continue to provide an in-person experience for you this fall," Cole wrote.
As TMJ4 reported, Marquette University ordered all students of Schroeder Hall to quarantine for 14 days, effective at 10 p.m. Monday.
About 373 students live in Schroeder Hall, and about 3 percent of them have tested positive. The quarantine ends at 10 p.m. Sept. 28, 2020.
Students at the dorm are also being required to get tested for the coronavirus this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at a temporary testing site outside of Schroeder Hall.
Cole said on Tuesday that even though some students have decided to return home, "staying where you are is the safest course of action."
For those who did decide to leave campus, students must prove they tested negative within three days before returning to campus. You must also notify your hall director that you are leaving by sending an email to alexander.brandt@marquette.edu.
"We know that quarantining is difficult and overwhelming, so we are committed to ensuring you receive the comprehensive physical, emotional and spiritual care you need during quarantine. The university is coordinating pastoral care, as well as academic, technology and mental health resources for Schroeder Hall residents in quarantine. Please see below for specifics and take advantage of these offerings," Cole wrote.
The university offered the following details Tuesday:
· Pastoral care: Marquette University Campus Ministry and Affiliated Ministries are here for students of all faiths and backgrounds and to support Schroeder Hall Minister Megan Heeder and Jesuit-in-residence Rev. Jose Miguel Jaramillo, S.J., who are available for pastoral care. All Campus Ministers are available for support virtually and programs have been adjusted for virtual attendance. Also remember that Mass is available via live stream. See the full virtual Mass schedule online.. For more, students can subscribe to the Campus Ministry newsletter or write to Campus Ministry.
· Technology assistance: If you need a computer or hotspot while in quarantine, please complete this tech assistance survey and Information Technology Services will contact you.
· Academic support services: Virtual free tutoring is available. Students can sign up for tutoring by following the instructions on the Tutoring website. Any questions should be directed to tutoring@marquette.edu. In addition, Schroeder students can email academicsupport@marquette.edu for academic coaching. Peer educators (current Marquette students who are trained to assist other students in study skills) are also available to Schroeder Hall students, email academicsupport@marquette.edu to learn more.
· Peer writing support: The Ott Memorial Writing Center’s staff of peer writing tutors can provide individualized feedback and brainstorming assistance; all appointments are virtual. Schedule a 30- or 60-minute appointment at marquette.edu/writingcenter.
· Counseling Center mental health services: Counseling Center staff recognize this is a tough time to manage the anxieties and stress associated with this pandemic, while also balancing the roles of being a student, a partner, an employee and a family member. For those in quarantine and isolation, there are likely added stressors. The following Counseling Center services are being provided virtually. Please contact the Counseling Center at (414) 288-7172 to access any of these services:
o Telebehavioral health appointments over phone or video: Every new client starts with a phone screening to collaboratively determine a student’s needs and connect the student to the best resources.
o Urgent requests for counselor contact (same day) can be accessed by calling the front desk between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
o After hours mental health emergencysupport (nights and weekends) can be accessed by calling MUPD at (414) 288-6800 and requesting to speak with the on-call Counseling Center counselor.
o Group workshops are being offered several times a week to address coping strategies and self care; students can sign up for them by talking with their counselor or calling the front desk at (414) 288-7172.
o Small group processing virtual spaces for students in quarantine or isolation to get support from other students and a Counseling Center staff member.
Additional updates and reminders:
Testing for all Schroeder residents begins Wednesday: All Schroeder Hall residents quarantining on campus (who have not been tested for COVID-19 this week) will be required by the Milwaukee Health Department to be tested this week.COVID-19 tests will be conducted by the Marquette University Medical Clinic in coordination with the Milwaukee Health Department this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at a temporary testing site just outside the west entrance of Schroeder Hall.
· Residents will be notified of their testing time by Residence Life staff.
· Testing will be conducted by floor.
· Residents who have had a positive test in the past 90 days will not be re-tested.
· Residents who test positive will be directed to isolate in a university-identified isolation space.
· Violation of isolation or quarantine directives will result in university sanctions via the student conduct process and / or placed under an order by the Milwaukee Health Department.
Outdoor activity: During quarantine, the Milwaukee Health Department has approved that residents can participate in supervised outdoor time each day. Physical distancing and mask wearing will be enforced. We are working out details, and resident assistants will provide additional information regarding what time of day this option will be available.
Complete COVID Cheq daily: While you are in quarantine at Schroeder Hall, you are still expected to complete COVID Cheq each day. If you develop symptoms during quarantine, you should call the Medical Clinic at (414) 288-7184. Students in quarantine will be able to utilize the Schroeder Hall dining facility for grab-and-go meals three times per day.
Contact instructors regarding alternative assignments: Each of you should reach out to your instructors to discuss alternative assignments. All college offices have been informed of students who are quarantined in Schroeder Hall and should be reaching out to departments and instructors.
Additional answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the university’s COVID-19 website.
