The following message was sent from President Martin to the campus community on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.
As communicated to campus yesterday, the University is experiencing a strong rise in reported cases of COVID-19 among our student population. As of this message, we are aware of 107 confirmed student cases, 20 of whom are isolating in Ross Hall. We expect these numbers to rise in the coming days as more test results are received. In recognition of the situation, to include where we are in the semester, we are taking steps to stop further spread of COVID-19 on campus with the explicit goal of protecting in-person commencement exercises.
Classes and final exams. Faculty are empowered to choose whether the remainder of classes and finals are in-person or online. Faculty are also empowered to require masks and/or distancing in the classroom for the remainder of the spring term and exam week.
All Drake University extracurricular and co-curricular events will either be postponed, moved online, modified, or canceled as decided by event organizers. Some of the events immediately impacted by this decision include the cancellation of today’s Provost’s Social and the postponement of the Faculty Honors Luncheon and the Senior Wine and Cheese celebration. Additionally, tonight’s Student Senate Inauguration and tomorrow’s Adams Leadership Awards ceremony will be moved online. Further information will be forthcoming from the organizers of all the events impacted by these changes.
Remote work. Managers should consider allowing staff to work remotely for the next two weeks where practicable. Individual departments and managers will determine and communicate changes regarding remote work based on departmental needs.
Masks are strongly recommended when in shared indoor campus spaces. Well-fitting, N95/KN95 masks remain the best protection against transmission. KN95 masks are available to students, faculty, and staff and can be picked up in the Student Life Center in Olmsted (one per person, while supplies last).
With everyone’s help and compliance with the above, we can stem the current spread of COVID-19 on campus and preserve an in-person commencement experience for our graduating seniors. Thank you for your continued commitment to the health and safety of our campus community.
— Marty Martin, President